Villa Nebbiolo is part of a wonderful borgo featuring three other villas in the heart of the Piedmont wine region, allowing you to taste some of the finest wines in Italy. The views from the grounds are stunning – it’s no wonder this area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Set amongst groves of hazelnuts and Barolo producing vineyards, you are just 9km from the exquisite town of Alba. There are some lovely walks through the vineyards across the estate and such incredible landscapes all around you. A visit to the owner’s winery (around a 45-minute drive away) is a must for wine connoisseurs – it’s one of the few in the region that also has access to older vintages.
You can walk to the local village in about 20-30 minutes, if you don’t mind the hills, or it’s just a 2km drive – here you will find a small number of restaurants and bars. Another local village, around 5km away, has a small supermarket and pharmacy and there are many other villages and towns dotted around with authentic places to eat, drink and shop. Look out for some of the lovely Farmers markets such as La Morra (6km) on a Monday morning as well as markets Alba (9km), Bra (11km) and Gallo (6km).
The borgo’s concierge service can arrange vineyard visits and wine tastings for you – most wineries request an appointment and it’s usually best to book in advance, especially during the autumn months. Piedmont produces the highest amount of DOCG (the highest quality in Italian law) wines in Italy - explore specific areas such as the Langhe (with producers of the best known Barolo and Barbaresco labels) as well as some of the lesser known wine-makers around Monferrato and Roero.
Another great draw of Piedmont is the amazing regional cuisine – examples include tajarin pasta, home-made agnolotti, Piemontese beef carpaccio and marinated veal. The world-famous white truffles from Alba are also exceptional (truffle-hunting can be arranged and is especially popular in the autumn around the time of Alba’s International White Truffle Fair). Indeed, Alba is considered the capital of gastronomy in this area and fine-food lovers will note the Michelin starred restaurants dotted around Alba and the surrounding villages.
The slow-cooking movement also originated in Piedmont – no wonder as there’s such a relaxed way of life here. Shops traditionally close early in the afternoon so why not cycle to a lovely picnic spot or hike through the glorious surrounding countryside. There are plenty of picturesque villages to explore, historic castles to discover and interesting local museums to visit.
For a complete change of scene, spend some time in the splendid city of Turin, the original capital of Italy and an often underrated yet superb place to visit. The city transformed after hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics and now visitors come to experience the great cultural scene as well as admire its museums, palaces, boulevards and grand riverside setting. Its proximity to the Alps also makes it popular with winter-sport enthusiasts.
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.
