Discover Roero: Piedmont’s Hidden Wine Gem
Nestled in the heart of Piedmont, Italy, Roero is a wine lover’s paradise waiting to be explored. This lesser-known region offers stunning landscapes, exceptional wines, and authentic Italian experiences.
Towns and Villages
Roero’s charming towns and villages are steeped in history and culture. Some notable places to visit include:
- Canale: The unofficial capital of Roero, known for its picturesque streets and excellent restaurants
- Montà: Home to the impressive Church of Sant’Antonio Abate
- Vezza d’Alba: A hilltop village offering panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards
Wine Producers
Roero boasts numerous excellent wineries, many of which offer tours and tastings. Some standout producers include:
- Matteo Correggia: A pioneer in Roero wine production, known for high-quality Arneis and Nebbiolo
- Malvirà: Family-run winery producing elegant Roero Arneis and Roero reds
- Deltetto: Renowned for their sparkling wines and sustainable practices
Winery Tours
Many wineries offer guided tours and tastings by appointment. Book in advance to ensure availability, especially during peak season.
Accommodations
Roero offers a range of accommodations to suit various budgets and preferences:
- Agriturismo: Farm stays like Cascina Vrona in Montà offer an authentic rural experience
- Boutique Hotels: Villa Tiboldi in Canale provides luxury rooms with vineyard views
- B&Bs: Ca’ Sanmarco in Vezza d’Alba offers cozy rooms in a restored farmhouse
Dining
Roero’s culinary scene is a delight for food lovers. Local specialties include tajarin pasta, agnolotti del plin, and Roero peaches.
Recommended Restaurants
- All’Enoteca in Canale: Michelin-starred restaurant showcasing local ingredients
- Trattoria Antica Torre in Barbaresco: Traditional Piedmontese cuisine with a view
- Osteria dell’Arco in Alba: Cozy spot for authentic regional dishes
Wine Shops & Bars
Roero offers several excellent wine shops and bars for tasting and purchasing local wines:
- Enoteca Regionale del Roero in Canale: Features an extensive selection of local wines
- Vineria del Borgo in Neive: Cozy wine bar with a wide range of Roero and Piedmont wines
- La Cantinetta in Barbaresco: Intimate wine bar offering tastings and light bites
Tasting Tips
Many shops offer guided tastings. Book in advance for a more personalized experience. Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations based on your preferences.
Other Shops
While exploring Roero, visit these local shops for authentic products:
- Cascina Chicco in Canale: Farm shop selling local cheeses, cured meats, and preserves
- Tartufi Morra in Alba: Renowned truffle shop offering fresh and preserved truffles
- Pasticceria Giordano in Vezza d’Alba: Artisanal bakery famous for traditional Piedmontese sweets
Attractions
Beyond wine, Roero offers diverse attractions:
- Rocche del Roero: Dramatic cliff formations perfect for hiking and photography
- Castello di Guarene: 18th-century baroque castle with stunning gardens
- Ecomuseo delle Rocche del Roero: Museum showcasing local history and culture
Outdoor Activities
Explore the region’s natural beauty through hiking, cycling, or truffle hunting tours. Many local operators offer guided experiences.
Events
Roero hosts several wine-related events throughout the year:
- Roero Days (May): Annual event showcasing Roero wines and producers
- Fiera del Tartufo Bianco d’Alba (October-November): Renowned white truffle fair in nearby Alba
- Canale Wine Festival (September): Local wine festival featuring tastings and cultural events
Seasonal Celebrations
Many towns host harvest festivals in autumn. Check local event calendars for traditional celebrations during your visit.
Appellations
Roero’s main wine appellations include:
- Roero DOCG: For red wines made primarily from Nebbiolo grapes
- Roero Arneis DOCG: For white wines made from Arneis grapes
- Barbera d’Alba DOC: For red wines made from Barbera grapes
Understanding Labels
Look for “Roero” or “Roero Arneis” on labels to ensure you’re getting authentic local wines. “Riserva” indicates longer aging for red Roero wines.
Grape Varieties
Roero’s vineyards are home to several notable grape varieties. Arneis is the region’s signature white grape, producing fragrant, full-bodied wines.
Nebbiolo, the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco, also thrives here, creating elegant red wines. Other varieties include:
- Barbera
- Dolcetto
- Favorita (Vermentino)
Main Wine Styles
Roero DOCG produces two main styles:
- Roero Arneis: A dry white wine with floral and fruit notes
- Roero: A red wine made primarily from Nebbiolo grapes
Other popular styles include sparkling Arneis and sweet Passito wines.
Food Specialties
Roero’s cuisine pairs perfectly with its wines. Local specialties include:
- Tajarin: Thin, egg-rich pasta often served with truffles
- Vitello Tonnato: Thinly sliced veal with tuna sauce
- Bagna Cauda: A warm dip made with anchovies, garlic, and olive oil
Don’t miss the region’s renowned white truffles, harvested in autumn.
Drives & Walks
Explore Roero’s picturesque landscape through scenic drives and walks:
- Sentiero del Roero: A 34km hiking trail through vineyards and forests
- Rocche del Roero: Drive through dramatic sandstone cliffs and vineyards
For a unique experience, try truffle hunting with local guides and dogs.
Itineraries
Plan your Roero wine adventure with these suggested itineraries:
3-Day Wine Lovers’ Tour
- Day 1: Visit Cantina Matteo Correggia and explore Canale
- Day 2: Tour Malvirà winery and enjoy a cooking class
- Day 3: Hike the Sentiero del Roero, ending with a tasting at Monchiero Carbone
5-Day Roero & Beyond
- Days 1-2: Explore Roero’s wineries and towns
- Day 3: Day trip to Alba for truffle hunting
- Day 4: Visit neighboring Barbaresco
- Day 5: Relax at a wine resort spa
Getting There & Around
The nearest airport to Roero is Turin Airport (TRN), about 60 km away. From there:
- Rent a car for flexibility in exploring wineries
- Take a train to Alba, then use local buses or taxis
Tip: Book a private driver for worry-free winery hopping.
Best Time to Visit
Visit Roero in September or October for the wine harvest and truffle season. Spring offers beautiful landscapes and fewer crowds.
Avoid August, when many businesses close for holidays.
Sustainability Efforts
Roero wineries are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices:
- Organic and biodynamic viticulture
- Solar power in wineries
- Water conservation techniques
Look for the “Green Experience” certification on wine labels.
Language Tips
While English is spoken in tourist areas, learning a few Italian phrases enhances your experience:
- “Grazie” – Thank you
- “Per favore” – Please
- “Salute!” – Cheers!
- “Posso assaggiare?” – Can I taste?
Further Resources
Enhance your Roero wine journey with these resources:
- Consorzio Tutela Roero – Official consortium website
- Langhe Roero Tourism – Regional tourism information
- “Barolo and Barbaresco” by Kerin O’Keefe – Book covering Roero wines
Tip: Download wine apps like Vivino for on-the-go tasting notes and ratings.
