Piedmont
The Piedmont is famous for its wines, some of which are among the best in Italy, such as the Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, Dolcetto and Moscato d'Asti.
The local cuisine is famous throughout Italy (such as the slow-food cuisine, which originated in the town of Bra, near Alba). The region's precious white truffles have been compared to gold, due to their delicacy and high price. Langhe, Monferrato and the Roero region became Unesco World Heritage Sites in June 2014.
Langhe
Cuneo and Asti provinces south and west of the Tanaro river are famous for their wines, and white truffles. The hills of the Langhe are home to Piedmont's best vineyards. The grapes grown in this region are mainly Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera. The Nebbiolo grape is used to produce the famous Piedmontese red wines Barolo and Barbaresco. Within the Langhe are the well-known wine towns of Barolo, La Morra, Monforte, Serralunga d'Alba and Barbaresco.
Monferrato
Area running from Turin to the eastern border of Alessandria, bordered by the River Po in the north, and its junction with the Langhe in the south. Monferrato is divided into a northern and a southern part with Asti in the centre. This area is also a well-known wine region, in particular for the Barbera d'Asti, and the lesser-known wine varieties Fresia, Grignolino, Brachetto, Malavasia and Ruche di Castagnole Monferrato; It is also known for one of the region's few white wines: the Gavi. Monferrato is also famous for its white truffles found in autumn and celebrated for its local festivals every Sunday. Roero - the hills located on the western bank of the Tanaro river between Alba and Asti. The sandy soil produces light Nebbiolo wines as well as the best white variety in Piedmont: the Arneis. Furthermore, this area is also known for its honey; there is a beekeeping trail you can hike, also for peaches (visit the local markets in summer and autumn). And then there is the Eco-museum of the Roero area. The great hiking trail of Roero is a path stretching from Cisterna to Bra whose Roero area contains ancient limestone and sandstone rocks.
Places nearby
Cortemilia
small provincial town and centre of the famous hazelnut crop (Ferrero).
Roccaverano
Highest point of the Asti region and the Langhe, famous for its panoramic views of the Alps and the typical Robbiola cheese. Here you will also find Ristorante Bramante, highly recommended.
Acqui Terme
Cultural town known for its thermal baths and spas; Acqui is the gastronomic centre of the Monferrato region. This town is also home to Aad van Opstal, through whom you can rent e-bikes or participate in (culinary) bike tours.
