Experience the beautiful wine-region of Piedmont whilst staying at Villa Barbaresco, part of a borgo with three other houses and set in a wine estate with incredible vineyard views, just 9km from Alba.
You can go for walks through the glorious estate, passing vineyards, summer lavender and hazelnut groves, reaching as high as 300m in altitude. World-class wines are produced from these vines – guests can visit the owner’s winery for a tour if they wish, located around a 45-minute drive away.
There are a number of traditional restaurants and local wineries close by, including in the nearest village which is around 2km away - it’s possible to walk there in under half an hour if you don’t mind the hills. A little further by car you will find a grocery store and pharmacy just 5km away, as well as some delightful Farmer’s markets in villages and towns such as Gallo (6km), La Morra (6km), Alba (9km) and Bra (11km).
One of the main reasons visitors are attracted to this captivating region is its wine – this area produces the most DOCG (the highest quality in Italy) wines in the country. The borgo’s concierge can help arrange winery and vineyard visits – many of the excellent wineries are family-run and fairly small so appointments are usually necessary (book well in advance during the autumn harvest and Alba’s truffle fair). Look out for wineries producing not just the Barbaresco and Barolo labels from the surrounding Langhe hills but also lesser-known wines around Monferrato and Roero.
The wonderful gastronomy of this region is another great draw whether you prefer to make the most of a private chef in your villa, dine in a local osteria or book ahead to one of the Michelin starred establishments that can be found around Alba and its surrounding villages. It’s not just Alba’s white truffles that will appear on menus but also home-made tajarin or agnolotti pasta, hazelnut based dishes, marinated veal, Piemontese beef and some wonderful regional cheeses.
Take time to savour your meals – after all, this is where the slow-cooking movement originated from. Indeed, there’s a relaxed pace of life across this part of Italy – shops tend to close early afternoon, a perfect time for a hike through the vineyards with a picnic or a cycle ride through the stunning countryside. There are many medieval villages and towns to discover, museums to visit, castles to admire and outdoor activities to enjoy.
This is also a great base for spending the day in Turin, the first capital of Italy and now a great city that changed so much in preparation for the Winter Olympics in 2006. There’s a vibrant cultural scene as well as many excellent restaurants and markets, not to mention historic sights and its picturesque riverside setting.
The Region
The Piedmont region, nestled in the northwestern part of Italy, is a captivating destination that seamlessly combines natural beauty, historical charm, and culinary excellence. With its picturesque landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and diverse range of activities, Piedmont is a must-visit region that leaves an indelible impression on all who venture here.
