Have you ever dreamed of getting lost in gentle hills covered in vineyards, savoring some of the world’s best wines? Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage site just an hour from Turin, awaits you with a unique sensory experience, amidst castles, hilltop villages, works of art, and amazing food.
Discover with us the 10 unmissable experiences in this land of excellence: from the majestic “king of wines,” Barolo, to the precious white truffle of Alba, from the medieval villages perched on the hills to the panoramic walks among the rows of vines. Visit historic castles such as the one in Serralunga d’Alba and Grinzane Cavour, be surprised by the colorful chapel of Sol LeWitt in La Morra, and experience the thrill of the “hunt” for truffles with expert truffle hunters and their faithful dogs.
Every corner of the Langhe tells a story of tradition, passion, and quality that has made this land famous throughout the world. But now get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Piedmontese food and wine!
Here are the 10 best things to do in the Langhe!
1- Up and Down the Hills
The Langhe is a unique territory in the world, with its characteristic hilly landscape marked by the cultivation of grapes, recently inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
The most unspoiled area, and not to be missed, is definitely the one where Barolo is cultivated, between the municipalities of Grinzane Cavour, Serralunga d’Alba, Monforte d’Alba, Barolo, La Morra and Verduno.
The hills of the Langhe are the ideal place for relaxing walks, with a panoramic view of the vineyards and hilly landscapes. There are many marked walks with signposted routes, including the Sentiero delle Vigne (Vineyard Path) that crosses Barolo.
2- Barolo and Wimu, the Wine Museum
During a visit to the Langhe, a stop in the town that gives its name to the most famous Piedmontese wine, one of the most prized in the world, is a must. In this small town, surrounded by hills combed by rows of vines, you will find an international atmosphere: it is easy to hear German, French, or American being spoken.
In the castle of Barolo you will find the Wimu, an interactive wine museum, designed by Francois Confino, who curated the scenographic installations of the Museums of Cinema and Automobile in Turin. The museum offers an emotional and interactive journey through four floors and 25 rooms, exploring the history and culture of wine, particularly Barolo.
After the visit, you can taste various qualities of Barolo in the wine shop below: you will be provided with an electronic card with the credit you want and you can serve yourself.
3- The Castle of Serralunga d’Alba
During the Middle Ages, the Langhe was dotted with castles and towers which, on the top of the hills, allowed control of the territory and sighting of enemy threats. The castle of Serralunga is characterized by its vertical development (it is 35 meters high), a unique example of a “donjon” castle in Italy. From the top, you can admire a fantastic 360° panorama of the Bassa and Alta Langa.
4- The Castle of Grinzane Cavour
Another castle that deserves a visit, even if less picturesque, is the imposing fortress of Grinzane. Here lived Count Camillo Benso who, towards the middle of the nineteenth century with the Marchioness Juliette Colbert (in the castle of Barolo) and the French oenologist Oudart, “invented” the Barolo, applying to the Nebbiolo the production techniques used for the great French wines. Here every year, in early November, the World Truffle Auction is held, which attracts enthusiasts from all over the world.
5- Tasting and Visiting the Cellars
Here you are spoiled for choice. In the Langhe, on every hill, you will find one or more wine producers. There are many wineries open to the public where you can taste the wines and discover the wine production process. Some are family-run, others historical and immense.
How can you not taste at least one of the most famous and appreciated in the world, such as Barolo, the “king of Piedmontese wines”, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo or Dolcetto?
In the photo are the spectacular Ceretto wineries, with the characteristic transparent Acino (grape).
6- Climbing the Narrow Streets of Monforte d’Alba at Sunset
Monforte is a village perched on a hill, with roads so steep that in winter they risk being impassable.
In the village it is still possible to notice some evidence of the tragic history: here lived an early community of Cathars who around the year 1000 were deported to Milan and burned at the stake. At the top of the village you will find a curious natural amphitheater, the Horszowski Amphitheater, an open-air auditorium that hosts concerts and cultural events, such as the famous festival “Monfortinjazz“, thanks to its exceptional acoustics and the natural scenery that surrounds it.
At the top of Monforte you can enjoy a splendid view of the Langhe and Monviso.
7- La Morra and the “Colored Chapel”
A visit to the beautiful village of La Morra, from which you can admire the view of the Bassa Langa, and the small colored Cappella del Barolo (Barolo Chapel), the work of Sol LeWitt, immersed in the vineyards, is a must.
8- A tour of the historic center of Alba
Alba is the sweetest town in the Langhe, in Piedmont, or perhaps in the world, Ferrero is based here… Here you can taste the renowned typical products of the area, the truffle above all, in one of the many restaurants (for gourmets it also hosts a 3-Michelin-star restaurant, Piazza Duomo by chef Enrico Crippa). Do not miss a walk in the rich historical center among medieval streets, churches and towers.
9- Truffle Hunting
The Langhe area is known for the production of white truffles. It is possible to participate in excursions with an expert truffle hunter and his dog, and learn how to find these treasures of nature.
10 – Discovering the Excellent Products of the Territory
The Langhe area is famous for its traditional cuisine and local specialties, which are a perfect example of the gastronomic richness of Piedmont. Among the most iconic dishes are the egg tajarin, a type of fresh pasta often served with Alba white truffle, the bollito misto, a classic of Piedmontese cuisine accompanied by sauces such as mustard, and the brasato al Barolo, a robust dish that combines beef with Barolo wine.
You can’t miss the Bagna cauda, a hot sauce made with garlic, anchovies and oil, ideal for accompanying vegetables and meats or raw meat all’Albese. Without forgetting the desserts, such as the hazelnut cake, which uses the quality of the Tonda Gentile delle Langhe hazelnut. And then, of course, there is the Alba white truffle, a precious ingredient that enriches many local dishes.
Piedmontese cuisine, in general, is characterized by a strong tradition of meat-based dishes, both raw and cooked, such as carne all’albese and veal with tuna sauce, and a wide variety of fresh homemade pasta, such as ravioli del plin. Desserts are another specialty, with bonet, a chocolate and amaretti pudding, and stuffed peaches, a summer classic.
In the Langhe, there are many taverns and restaurants where you can taste these delicacies, from the most traditional versions to the most innovative and refined, such as those offered by starred restaurants. This makes the area a paradise for lovers of good food and wine, with the possibility of pairing local dishes with prestigious wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco.