Villa Barbera is part of a beautiful wine estate, one of four villas in a borgo set amongst vineyards in the heart of the Piedmont region, just 9km from the idyllic town of Alba.
You can take walks through the estate’s Barolo producing vineyards and hazelnut groves, reaching an altitude of 300m where you can gaze at yet more glorious landscapes of the Langhe hills. It’s no surprise that this area has recently acquired UNESCO World Heritage status. This wine estate is one of four owned by the winery, which is around a 45-minute drive away and well worth a visit for wine connoisseurs.
The nearest village with a small handful of restaurants and wineries is 2km away – if you don’t mind the hills you can walk there in under half an hour. Another village, around 5km by car, is home to further amenities such as a grocery store and pharmacy. Many of the local villages and towns also host wonderful Farmer’s markets, a great way to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables as well as regional cheeses and meats. Look out for markets in La Morra (6km), Gallo (6km), Alba (9km) and Bra (11km).
Most of the visitors to the Piedmont are drawn to the many wine-tasting opportunities – this wine region produces the largest number of DOCG wines, the best quality you can get according to Italian law. The borgo’s concierge can help arrange vineyard and winery visits for you, especially as many of the traditional wineries require appointments (with plenty of advance notice at certain times of year such as October). As well as sampling the Barolo and Barbaresco labels of the Langhe hills, also look out for many excellent wine-makers in the Roero and Monferrato wine regions.
Another great highlight of Piedmont is the food – this is where slow-cooking originated from so take your time over delicious meals whether dining in traditional osterie or upmarket Michelin starred restaurants. Some of the cuisine you are likely to see on the menu includes Piemontese beef, tajarin pasta, home-made agnolotti, hazelnut based desserts and the most famous speciality of all, white truffles from Alba. Indeed, Alba is known to be the centre of gastronomy in this area and truffle-hunting can be arranged in the autumnal months.
When not making the most of the food and wine, take time to get to know this relaxed and beautiful area. Visit medieval villages, many with historic castles, cycle through the countryside, follow walking trails through the vineyards or spend rainy days visiting museums in local towns.
For a complete change of scene, spend the day in Turin (69km), the first capital of Italy and nowadays a city that has been transformed in many ways since hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics. Admire its historic sights and riverfront setting or get a feel of its vibrant cultural scene, not to mention yet more opportunities for excellent food and wine.
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.
