The Langhe: heritage of wines, truffles and culture

Introduction: Dawn, the Starting Point

The journey through the hills, castles and renowned wines of the Langhe begins in the historic city of Alba, a true heartbeat of the region. Alba is celebrated not only for its prized truffles, popularized by Giacomo Morra in the 1920s, but also for its quality wines, including Dolcetto d’Alba Doc and Nebbiolo d’Alba Doc. The town hosts internationally renowned events, such as the International Alba Truffle Festival and the Alba White Truffle World Market, not to mention the traditional Palio degli Asini, a competition between villages starring friendly donkeys.

Bra, baroque jewel

Just a few kilometers from Alba, Bra is another jewel of Baroque Piedmont, known for its accessibility and cultural events, including the Salone del Libro and summer festivals. This town is also famous for its gastronomy, with Salsiccia di Bra as the star. The central square, Piazza Caduti per la Libertà, is framed by historic buildings such as the Palazzo Mathis and the Church of St. Andrew, which testify to its historic charm.

Barolo and its wine

Barolo is the symbol of the Langhe and home to one of Italy’s most renowned wines. A visit to Barolo Castle is a must to understand the local wine-making traditions and appreciate the breathtaking views of the area.

Monforte d’Alba, medieval village

Monforte d’Alba is a lively medieval village where walking through the narrow picturesque streets is a unique experience. The Piazza Antica Chiesa represents the heart of the village, surrounded by vineyards and wineries ready for visitors to discover the excellence of local wines.

Roddino and its baptistery

Continuing to Roddino, you can immerse yourself in the local wine tradition, with specialties such as Dolcetto and Nebbiolo. The Church of Santa Margherita, with its fine baptistery, is worth a visit.

Grinzane Cavour and its castle

Grinzane Cavour is famous for its Castle, home of the Truffle Fair and Wine Museum. The castle offers fascinating views and tells the story of the wines of the Langhe.

Neive, one of the most characteristic villages

Considered one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Neive enchants with its cobblestone streets and wine-making traditions. It is one of the most characteristic places in the Langhe, where every corner tells a story.

La Morra, UNESCO heritage site

Since 2014, La Morra has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Noteworthy is the Barolo Chapel, with its bright colors and the famous “cedar of Lebanon,” located in a natural setting of extraordinary beauty.

Big Bench’s Giant Benches

An interesting project to discover are the “Big Benches,” giant benches scattered around the Langhe, created by designer Chris Bangle in 2010. These installations not only offer a unique visual experience, but are also part of a natural redevelopment initiative that promotes tourism and environmental protection.

Conclusion

The Langhe, with its heritage of wines, truffles and culture, represents one of Italy’s most fascinating regions, where every visit becomes a journey through flavors, traditions and breathtaking views. Discovering this area means connecting with its history and people, enjoying unique and unforgettable experiences.