One of my favorite day trips! Drive over the hills south of the Borgo towards charming villages like Gottasecca, with beautiful stops along the way, such as Murazzano and Mombarcaro – the highest village in the Alta Langa. Enjoy lunch in or near Alba and continue your route via Barolo for a wine tasting, a museum visit, and Italian gelato. Via Castino and Cortemilia, you'll return to the Borgo in a relaxed manner.

 

An added bonus: along the way, you can easily do your grocery shopping at a local butcher or supermarket. In the evening, a relaxing dinner awaits you at the outdoor kitchen or by the pool – a glass of wine, the perfect ending!

 

Mombarcaro

Mombarcaro is a small village in the province of Cuneo and, at 896 meters, is known as the highest village in the Langhe region. On clear days, you can see both the Alps and the Ligurian Sea from the terrace – a unique experience. In the village, you'll find a cozy bar, perfect for an espresso stop.

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Murazzano

Murazzano is also definitely worth a detour. The village is known for its traditional cheese production; a visit to a cheese farm is a wonderful culinary experience. You'll also find several excellent restaurants in the town center.

Barolo

Barolo is called "king of wines and wine of kings" for good reason. Whether you're a connoisseur or not, this is a wine you simply must try. Barolo is made exclusively from the Nebbiolo grape and is aged for at least three years, including a year and a half in oak. Due to the robust tannins, it's wise to let the wine breathe well in advance. The village of Barolo was recently added to the I Borghi più belli d’Italia list – a recognition of the most beautiful villages in Italy.

Recommended:

• WiMu – Museo del Vino

• In the impressive Castello Falletti, you'll discover the wine museum, located on the site where the first Barolo wines were ever produced. Museo dei Cavatappi

• A surprising museum with a unique collection of corkscrews.

Bra

The global Slow Food movement originated in Bra. Founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini, it stands for local produce, biodiversity, and pure, honest food. Visit the Slow Food headquarters or be inspired by the charming cafés and the local market.

 

Sights:

• Palazzo Mathis – elegant palace with changing exhibitions

• Santa Chiara Church – beautiful interior and remarkable frescoes

• Corso Garibaldi – the perfect street for people-watching and enjoying an espresso

 

Lunch suggestions:

• Osteria del Boccondivino – this is where the Slow Food movement began

• Osteria Murivecchi – traditional, warm, and full of regional dishes

 

Alba

Alba is the city of truffles, wine festivals, and… Ferrero! Officially, Cuneo is the capital of Piedmont, but Alba is undoubtedly the culinary and cultural capital of the Langhe region.

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Recommendations:

• International Truffle Fair (October – November): the perfect time for truffle lovers

• Alba Cathedral: dedicated to San Lorenzo and built on Roman foundations

• Alba Underground: Guided by an archaeologist, discover the remains of ancient Alba Pompeia, up to two thousand years old

Vineyards around Alba

Around Alba stretch the famous vineyards of the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This is where the Nebbiolo grapes, used for iconic wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco, grow.