LEARN MORE ABOUT PIEMONTE!
Piemonte translates literally as 'Foot of the Mountains'. Its a wonderful world of truffles, hazelnuts, chocolate and the King and Queen of wines, Barolo and Barbaresco. Surrounded by snow covered alpine ranges, the vineyard covered rolling hills of the Langhe call to all those with an adventurous spirit.
The Piemonte Region
Maps of Piemonte
Piemonte is the second largest region in all of Italy and is boarded by the Swiss Alps to the North, the French Alps to the West and the Ligurian coastal region to the South. Milan's Lombardy region is to the East. Located west of Venice, it is a nice 3-5hr train ride north of Florence and Rome. Lago Maggiore and Lago d’Orta are jewels in the region offering picturesque lakeside villages along their shores and incredible scenery.
Turin (Torino)​​
The largest city in Piemonte is Turin or Torino to the Italians. The history of Turin goes back as far as Roman times and many Roman Ruins can still be seen as you walk through this regal city. Historically it continued to be a major European political center. From 1563, it was the capital of the Duchy of Savoy, then of the Kingdom of Sardinia ruled by the House of Savoy, and from 1861 to 1865, the first capital of the Kingdom of Italy. It is now is major industrial hub and home to much of the Italian automotive industry.
The city boasts a vibrant cultural scene, renowned for its many art galleries, restaurants, churches, palaces, and opera houses. Turin's architecture features a blend of Baroque, Neoclassical, Art Nouveau styles, with many buildings constructed between the 16th and 18th centuries. Numerous Residences of the Royal House of Savoy are still in existence today with many that are open for tours, one of which is the Royal Palace located in the historical center of Turin.
In addition, the city is home to several important museums. One is the Museo Egizio or Egyptian Museum and another is the Mole Antonelliana, the city's architectural symbol, which in turn hosts the National Museum of Cinema. There is also the Museo Nazionale dell'Automobile di Torino (National Automobile Museum) which has part of its collection the first Italian cars, a Bernardi from 1896 and a Fiat from 1899, a Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost from 1914, and racing cars by Ferrari and Alfa Romeo.
Cities of Piemonte
Alba​​
Alba is prominent city within the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato serving as the capital of the Langhe Wine Region. With origins that predate the Roman Empire, it's a wonderful city to explore. It's attractions include medieval towers, streets and palaces. There are also several monuments of particular interest that you will come across as you explore including an 11th century cathedral. Alba is renowned for the White Truffle and hosts the world famous International White Truffle Festival every Fall. Our tour makes it a point to attend this festival where you can meet the Truffle producers up close and experience everything Truffle - even ice cream!
Bra
Bra is the origin of the Slow Food movement and home to world's first University of Gastronomic Sciences, situated in the nearby village of Pollenzo. Established by Carlo Petrini in Italy in 1986, Slow Food is an organization dedicated to promoting local food and traditional cooking and has since expanded worldwide. It advocates for an alternative to fast food and strives to preserve traditional and regional cuisine. It also encourages farming of plants, seeds, and livestock unique to the local ecosystem.
Bra is also host to the Bra Cheese Festival, the world’s largest event in the world dedicated to raw milk cheese. A highlight of one of our tours and organized by Slow Food International and Citta di Bra, with the support of Regione Piemonte, this bi-annual celebration of cheese and dairy products will occur in September 2025 and won't return until 2027.
La Morra
La Morra is a stunning Piemonte medieval village. It sits up on a hilltop overlooking a patchwork of vineyards offering magnificent views and boasts a rich history. We typically stop in this lovely little town to wander about for a little while and enjoy the scenery. A gentle walk up to Piazza Castello is where you'll enjoy magnificent view out across the hills of the Langhe and the mountains beyond. It’s truly Amazing!
We also visit a historic mill that uses some of the original methods to produce artisanal flours straight from the farmers grains. Buy some cookies, flour or any other of their amazing products to take home!
Barolo And Barbaresco
Barolo and Barbaresco are home to the King and Queen of wine!! We'll visit both of these very quaint little medieval towns in between our several wine tasting events. Enjoy a leisurely stroll through the timeless streets of both towns. In Barolo, visit the castle and tour a wine museum. In Barbaresco, climb a medieval tower for spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. We'll explore the winding roads of this wonderful vineyard covered region stopping at some of it's fabulous wineries along the way.
Cherasco
Cherasco was founded in 1243! Part of the province of Cuneo it is about two hours south of Milan and 30 minutes south of Turin. It is of historical importance as it was the location where Victor Amadeus III of Sardinia and Napoleon Bonaparte signed the the Armistice of Cherasco on April 28 1796. It boasts a medieval castle built in 1348 and a small city square where the locals gather for cafe and aperitivos. It also has many wonderful family run restaurants for your dinning pleasure. A 17th century Monastery turned hotel is where you'll call home for several nights if you join us on tour.
Stresa and Lago Maggiore
Lago Maggiore is the second largest lake in Italy and is situated in the north west end of the country. Its about an hour and a half drive from Milan and about 2 hrs from the Langhe wine region. It straddles Piemonte on the west and Lombardy on the east and even stretches into Switzerland. Some the main attractions are its Borromean Islands, with their stunning palaces and ornamental gardens. Luxury villas and opulent Art Nouveau hotels line the elegant lakeside, which is ideal for a tranquil stroll.
Stresa, a quaint little village on the shore of Lago Maggiore was founded in the 10th century and is renowned for its relaxed atmosphere, elegance and sophistication. Enjoy the city's tranquility with waterfront strolls, then venture further into Stresa to explore it's winding medieval streets. There are countless cafes and restaurants, many souvenir shops and plenty of artisan stores to browse. Enjoy a mid afternoon aperitivo in a rooftop bar as you take in views of this wonderous lake and surrounding Alpine ranges. Then enjoy a Pizza in the town square followed by a gelato to end a wonderful day. ​
Wines of Piemonte
Piemonte is home to one of Italy’s most acclaimed wine-growing regions - the Langhe/Roero - which has been named a Unesco World Heritage Site. Of Italy’s 20 major wine regions, it ranks sixth in highest production volume. It’s famous for high quality and produces more DOCG (Italy’s top wine classification designation) wines than any other region. Below are some of many wines you'll taste and savor while touring the varied wine region of Piemonte
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The King and Queen of wines!! Both are made from the Nebbiolo grape which is one of the oldest grape varieties from Piemonte. Both wines are strictly controlled in their methods of production, origin and aging.
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Barbera is the most planted variety in Piemonte. Its food friendly nature makes it what the locals most often drink. Great Barbera wines deliver aromas of red and black fruit espresso, smoke, and fresh anise, supported by velvety tannins and a spicy finish.
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Dolcetto is a bit of a misnomer because the word means “little sweet one.” However, it’s neither sweet nor little. Many love Dolcetto for its lower acidity and soft, fruity flavors of plums, blackberries, and raspberries.​​​​​
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The most exalted red wine variety of Piemonte is Nebbiolo. This wine is striking to experience because its delicate, pale, brick-red color and floral cherry and rose aromas are a complete contrast to its somewhat aggressive, chewy tannins (particularly in wines from Barolo)
A delightful white with harmonious, juicy flavors of peach, apple, and lemon that leads into a spicy, long, flavorful finish. The best Arneis consistently come from Roero DOCG and the surrounding Langhe DOC.
Plus many more...​​​​​​​
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Cuisines of Piemonte
A Sampling of Dishes...
Also known as Fassona, Piemontese beef is among Italy's most prized meats. It's leaner than other breeds, resulting in flavorful, tender cuts that enhance regional preparations such as carne crudo al'Albese, a carpaccio preparation; vitello tonnato, or veal with tuna sauce; and of course grilled as steaks.
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White Truffle from Alba
The world's most prized truffle, as evidenced by its ever-increasing prices. Its unmistakable aroma is best with the simplest of foods, like egg pasta noodles with butter, raw meat, and fried eggs.
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This long thin pasta has the most satisfying texture and also a rich flavor that comes from the large number of egg yolks used to make it. Tajarin is often served with a meat ragu, mushrooms, or butter and sage sauce.
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Its roots are firmly planted in the region's agricultural history. Piemonte is a land celebrated for its rice cultivation and Risotto acts as a base for chefs to really express their culinary creativity and in turn showcase local ingredients.
These tiny, meat-filled pasta originated as a means of using up leftover braised meat. They are typically stuffed with a pork, chicken, veal, or vegetable filling. And then finished in a simple butter with sage sauce or a delicious meat and wine reduction
Gorgonzola
First produced in 879 CE in Gorgonzola, a Lombardian town settled just outside of Milan, it is also produced in Piemonte. This type of blue cheese is made with cow's milk and distinguished by green or blue marbling of mold. Depending on its age, its available in two varieties. Matured for about two months, Gorgonzola Dolce is quite soft, creamy and has a mild flavor with notes of butter, sour cream, and a less pronounced lactic tang, whereas Gorgonzola Piccante is a firmer, more crumbly version and must be aged for at least three months to develop its strong, pungent flavor.
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Tomino
This cheese originated from Piemonte and is made from cow's milk. It has a compact, soft paste interior and is pale yellow in color. When fresh, it has a pleasant, milky aroma with bitter notes, and when mature, its characteristics become stronger.
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Robiola
This fatty creamy cheese is a fresh or short-aged soft paste cheese made from goat and cow's milk. Its origins can be traced back to the era of Celts who used to breed goats in the area and has a rich goaty aroma and strong, almost piquant flavor. It is typically served with fresh fruit, walnut or raisin bread, or simply some crusty sourdough bread slices. Pair it with fruity white wines.
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Castelmagno
Produced since the early 1200s, this cheese is a semi-hard blue cheese with a crumbly texture, made from cow's milk and sometimes a small addition of sheep's and goat's milk. Aged between 2 to 5 months, the subtle flavors of Castelmagno become stronger, sharper and more piquant with time. In the summertime, while the cows are on the pastures in the Alps, this delicious cheese can be found marketed as Castelmagno d'Alpeggio. It is enjoyed either as a table cheese or used in the preparation of a number of typical Piemonte pasta, rice, or gnocchi dishes.
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Plus many more....​
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Join us as we explore this spectacular region of Italy and experience all these wonderous places and delicious delicacies first hand! Our Itinerary can be found here and the dates of our available tours here!
