Roccavignale is an agricultural commune in the upper valley of the Bormida, whose name derives from "Rocca Vineale" — a reference to the abundance of vineyards that once covered the surrounding hillsides. The village has a long feudal history: it belonged first to the Del Carretto marchesi, then from the 14th century to the marchesi del Monferrato, before passing as an imperial fief to the Kingdom of Savoy in 1714.
The trapezoidal castle, with sturdy walls and four square towers at the corners, defended the Val Zemola, through which the road from Savona to Ceva once passed. Important engagements took place here in 1744 and 1796, when Napoleon's troops burned the village below the castle. The parish church of Sant'Eugenio dates from 1660. In the hamlet of Strada, an ancient dialect exclusive to the local inhabitants is still spoken.