Hilly stretches as far as the eye can see, on which ancient villages and castles are perched, a succession of gentle slopes planted with vines the rows of which make geometric shapes: this is the magnificent scenery of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato, which has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Langhe area is stunningly beautiful. You could easily spend a whole day just driving around amid the rolling hills and immaculate vineyards. On your way, you will see small villages on hillsides and several castles in the area. Drive leisurely up and down the curving roads in the Langhe area around Barolo and discover breathtaking scenery, small village churches, and medieval castles. You will also find lots of tasty food at Barolo’s many restaurants and lively wine bars in the area.
Compared to Langhe, Roero is slightly less well known. Yet this territory to the north of Alba and to the left of the River Tanaro, north-west of the province of Cuneo, has maintained a virgin, wild atmosphere. The the hills are covered in forests and vineyards and the landscape is notable for the mass of cliffs, gullies, rocky walls and vertical drops which contrast with the lushness of the vegetation. To explore these unique areas and immerse yourself in the landscape, the best thing to do is take the Grande Sentiero del Roero, either on foot or on a mountain bike, 35 km in total, with plenty of climbs and descents.
Monferrato is a unique region whose countryside is accented with soft, rolling hills, rich-soiled plains, divided by rivers and forests, set before the majestic backdrop of the Alps. Practically untouched by mass tourism, Monferrato is a place of traditions, of home-baked flavors, of delicious Italian cooking, culture and festivals.
BAROLO
Barolo is a picturesque town with lots of great restaurants and amazing wineries nearby. It’s a perfect area for a romantic getaway. Leisurely driving along the rolling hills of Barolo is a great way to enjoy nature, far from the bustle of the city. If you love peace and quiet, come to this stunning Langhe countryside in Piedmont!
WINE TASTING:
Barolo is famous for its locally produced wine of the same name, Barolo. The wine is made from Nebbiolo grape and is considered one of Italy’s greatest wines. If you visit Barolo, make sure to tour some local wineries and taste local wine.
Most wineries in Piedmont are small or medium size and are usually family owned. Many wineries don’t have large tasting rooms. It’s best to make a wine tasting appointment before arriving at the winery.
Many small wineries don’t even charge you a tasting fee, however, it is expected that you buy a couple of bottles of wine.
Here the list of the winery you can book in advance:
- Antiche Cantine Marchesi Di Barolo
- Azienda Agricola Conterno Giacomo Monfortino
- Azienda Agricola Damilano
- Azienda Agricola Virna
- Azienda Agricola Fratelli Serio & Battista Borgogno
- Azienda Agricola Brezza Giacomo e Figli
- Azienda Agricola Bric Cenciurio
- Azienda Agricola Cabutto Tenuta La Volta
- Azienda Agricola G.D. Vajra
- Azienda Agricola Giacomo Grimaldi
- Cascina Boschetti Gomba
- Famiglia Anselma Barolo
- Francesco Rinaldi e Figli
SERRALUNGA D’ALBA: FONTANAFREDDA
The Fontanafredda Winery lies on an estate first purchased in 1858 by the King of Italy, Vittorio Emanuele II, as a gift for his favourite mistress, Rosa Vercellana. Winegrowing first began on the estate in 1878 as it is located in an ideal location in the beautiful Langhe area of Piemonte, famous for its picturesque rolling hills and for producing some of Italy’s most famous gastronomical treasures, including; white truffle, a variety cheeses and especially wine.
Fontanafredda vineyards cover a total of about 100 hectares, with grape varieties which include mainly Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato; the typical varieties of the Langhe. These grape varieties are used to make a variety of famous Piemonte wines including Barolo, Barbaresco, Gavi and Asti. Fontanafredda is actually one of the world’s largest private producers of Barolo wines, producing 780,000 bottles each year, accounting for 6% of the total production.
Official website here.
ALBA
Alba is the capital of the Langhe area (as well as the capital of truffles). The old town is largely features buildings from the Middle Ages and has a circular form: we recommend taking a walk among the picturesque towers and fortified houses until you come across the great churches: Alba Cathedral and above all San Domenico, one of the most beautiful Romanic-Gothic monuments in Northern Italy. After, you really have to try the “tartufo bianco“, or white truffle, an Italian gastronomic gem and the true star on the local scene which has made Alba famous all over the world. The Roman Emperor Nero called it the “food of the gods”, while the composer Rossini preferred to honor it as “Mozart’s Mushroom” (still a divine being of course, just of the musical variety).
There’s a real science to truffle hunting. The most precious and expensive are white, and the best time to collect them is from the beginning of October through to December. But if you want to find a few without making too much effort (you’ll have to have a full wallet mind you), then come to the Italian Truffle Festival at Alba, which takes place every weekend in October. It is not to be missed, particularly as the prices are a little lower at this time.
A secondary but far from unimportant virtue of the truffle is that in lives symbiotically with the hazelnut tree. In fact, Alba is the land of the acclaimed Gentile hazelnut tree, which is legendary for being transformed into gianduia chocolate cream, nougat, hazelnut cake, characteristic delicious but funny-looking sweets and the “baci di dama” (hazelnut cookies): all mouth-watering specialties that you can find in the town’s cake shops. On certain days you will also notice a pleasing aroma of chocolate emerging form these places to fill the air all around.
LA MORRA
La Morra, built in the Barolo production area, is 13 km far from Alba, and includes the villages of Annunziata, Berri, Rivalta and Santa Maria. It’s a place of relax and holidays, thanks to its beautiful position on the top of a hill.
On the main square it’s possible to see the baroque church of saint Martin and the Fraternity of San Rocco; in a corner, a littel triangular garden has taken the place of the ancient cemetery, in front of the Town Hall. Nearby, in the Communal Cellar, it’s possible to taste and buy wine. A littel far away, in piazza Castello, it’s possible to see one of the best views over the Langhe.
In the Annunziata village it’s possible to see the former benedictine abbey of san Martino di Mercenasco, where today the Ratti Wine Museum has its seat. From here start the WinePaths and the “Mangialonga”.
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