As of 31 January 2024 it has a population of 10,022 Canelli is located on a bend of the river Belbo in the Alto Monferrato (High Monferrat), close to the border with the Langhe.

In 1613 Canelli broke the siege laid by Carlo I, later the Duke of Mantua, as part of a war of succession with the Duchy of Monferrato.

The town's defenses were manned by soldiers from the Duchy of Savoy, actively supported by the citizens: Carlo's troops were unable to break through them.

Extending 13 kilometres (8 mi) under the town, the cellars of Canelli are a candidate for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

The town is undoubtedly one of the wine capitals of the world, being home to such historic wineries as Gancia, Bosca, Contratto, Coppo and many others.

The flood of 1994 was a disaster for the local economy: the mud and water that rushed into the cellars caused millions of Euros of fermenting wine to be lost.