Discover Langhe: Piedmont’s Wine Paradise
Langhe, nestled in Italy’s Piedmont region, is a wine lover’s dream. Rolling hills covered in vineyards produce world-class Barolo and Barbaresco wines. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a perfect blend of gastronomy, history, and stunning landscapes.
Towns and Villages
The charming towns of Langhe each have their unique character:
- Alba: Known as the “capital” of Langhe, famous for white truffles and wine
- Barolo: Home to the “King of Wines,” with its imposing castle and wine museum
- La Morra: Offers panoramic views of the entire Langhe region
- Monforte d’Alba: A picturesque hilltop town with excellent restaurants
Wine Producers
Langhe boasts some of Italy’s most prestigious wineries:
- Gaja: Renowned for revolutionary winemaking in Barbaresco
- Pio Cesare: A historic producer in Alba, offering cellar tours
- Ceretto: Known for both wines and stunning modern architecture
- Giuseppe Rinaldi: Traditional Barolo producer with limited production
Many wineries offer tours and tastings, but advance booking is essential, especially during peak seasons.
Accommodations
Langhe offers a range of accommodations to suit various preferences:
- Agriturismo: Farm stays like Cascina Rocca in Barolo offer an authentic experience
- Luxury Hotels: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa in Serralunga d’Alba provides panoramic views
- Boutique B&Bs: Casa Svizzera Agriturismo in La Morra offers a cozy, personal touch
- Wine Resorts: Palas Cerequio in La Morra combines luxury with wine experiences
Dining
Langhe’s cuisine is as renowned as its wines:
- Piazza Duomo: Three-Michelin-starred restaurant in Alba
- La Ciau del Tornavento: Panoramic views and an extensive wine cellar in Treiso
- Osteria Veglio: Traditional Piedmontese cuisine in La Morra
- Trattoria della Posta: Family-run restaurant in Monforte d’Alba
Don’t miss local specialties like tajarin pasta, vitello tonnato, and the famous Alba white truffles in autumn.
Wine Shops & Bars
Langhe offers numerous options for wine enthusiasts to explore and taste local vintages:
- Enoteca Regionale del Barolo: Located in Barolo’s castle, featuring an extensive selection of local wines
- La Vite Turchese: Wine bar in Barolo with a curated list of regional wines
- Voglia di Vino: Popular wine shop and bar in Alba, offering tastings and local specialties
- Enoteca di Canale: Charming wine bar in Canale d’Alba, known for its Roero wines
Many shops offer shipping services, allowing visitors to send their favorite discoveries home.
Other Shops
Beyond wine, Langhe is known for its specialty food products and artisanal goods:
- Tartufi Morra: Renowned truffle shop in Alba, selling fresh and preserved truffles
- Giolito Formaggi: Cheese shop in Bra, offering a wide selection of local cheeses
- Pasticceria Cignetti: Historic pastry shop in Alba, famous for its hazelnut-based sweets
- La Bottega del Vicoletto: Artisanal shop in La Morra, selling local crafts and food products
Attractions
While wine is the main draw, Langhe offers diverse attractions:
- Grinzane Cavour Castle: Medieval castle housing a wine museum and enoteca
- Alba Underground: Guided tours of Alba’s Roman and medieval underground ruins
- Chapel of Barolo: Colorful contemporary art installation in the vineyards
- Belvedere di La Morra: Panoramic viewpoint offering stunning vistas of Langhe
Many wineries also feature modern art installations, combining wine and culture.
Events
Langhe’s calendar is filled with wine-related events and cultural festivals:
- International Alba White Truffle Fair: Held in October and November, celebrating the prized tuber
- Barolo Boys Festival: Summer event featuring wine tastings, music, and local food
- Vinum: Spring wine festival in Alba showcasing Langhe, Roero, and Monferrato wines
- Collisioni Festival: Music and literature festival in Barolo, often featuring wine-related events
Book accommodations well in advance for major events, as they attract visitors from around the world.
Appellations
Langhe is home to several prestigious wine appellations:
- Barolo DOCG: Known as the “King of Wines,” made from Nebbiolo grapes
- Barbaresco DOCG: Another noble Nebbiolo-based wine, often described as more elegant than Barolo
- Roero DOCG: Produces both red (Nebbiolo) and white (Arneis) wines
- Dolcetto d’Alba DOC: Fruity, everyday red wine popular in local trattorias
Many wineries offer comparative tastings to help visitors understand the nuances between appellations.
Grape Varieties
The Langhe region is renowned for its Nebbiolo grape, the cornerstone of Barolo and Barbaresco wines. This late-ripening variety produces tannic, high-acid wines with complex aromas.
Other important red grapes include Barbera and Dolcetto. For white wines, Arneis and Moscato are prominent.
Main Wine Styles
Barolo and Barbaresco are the region’s flagship reds, known for their power, elegance, and aging potential. Both are made from 100% Nebbiolo grapes.
Barbera d’Alba offers a more approachable, fruit-forward style. Dolcetto d’Alba produces light, early-drinking reds with soft tannins.
Food Specialties
Langhe cuisine pairs perfectly with local wines. Must-try dishes include:
- Tajarin: Thin, egg-rich pasta often served with truffles
- Vitello Tonnato: Thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce
- Bagna Cauda: Warm dip made with anchovies, garlic, and olive oil
Drives & Walks
The Barolo Wine Trail offers stunning views of vineyards and medieval villages. Start in La Morra for panoramic vistas of the region.
For a challenging hike, try the Sentiero del Barolo, connecting several wine villages over 14 kilometers.
Itineraries
3-Day Wine Lover’s Tour
Day 1: Visit Barolo village, tour Marchesi di Barolo winery, and dine at La Cantinetta restaurant.
Day 2: Explore Alba’s truffle market, visit Ceretto winery, and enjoy dinner at Piazza Duomo.
Day 3: Tour Barbaresco, visit Gaja winery, and conclude with a tasting at Enoteca Regionale del Barbaresco.
Getting There & Around
The closest airports to the Langhe region are Turin (TRN) and Milan (MXP). From there, renting a car is recommended for exploring the area.
Public transportation is limited, but some bus services connect major towns. Consider hiring a local driver for wine tours to enjoy tastings responsibly.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (September-November) is ideal for wine enthusiasts, coinciding with the grape harvest and truffle season. Spring offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Avoid August, when many businesses close for summer holidays.
Sustainability Efforts
Many Langhe wineries are adopting organic and biodynamic practices. Look for certifications like Equalitas or V.I.V.A. on wine labels.
Support eco-friendly accommodations like Palas Cerequio in La Morra, which uses renewable energy sources.
Language Tips
While English is widely spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases can enhance your experience:
- Salute! – Cheers!
- Un bicchiere di vino, per favore – A glass of wine, please
- Posso assaggiare? – May I taste?
Further Resources
For in-depth wine information, consult Langhe Vini, the official consortium website.
Download the Visit Langhe app for offline maps and local recommendations.