Roero Wine Travel Guide (Piedmont, Italy)

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 stu

ing 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 stu

ing 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 To

ato: 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.