Don’t let the end of the summer get you down: traveling to the gorgeous region of Langhe will surely lift your spirit, as you will discover one of Northern Italy’s most becoming and stunning countrysides.
This hilly area, located along the provinces of Asti and Cuneo in Piedmont, has recently been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and rightly so: the gently rolling hills, its castles and monasteries, its lush vegetation and famous wines and produce make it a perfect retreat for a fall getaway.
The “Strada romantica” (Romantic Road) is possibly one of the best driving tours of the whole country and offers endless occasions to enjoy the beautiful panoramas, historical buildings and decadent white truffle lunch and dinners. The road stretches from Vezza d’Alba to Camerana and, along the 80 mile trail, there are 11 panorama points perfect to take in all the beauty, quiet and peace of the surroundings. While driving down the Strada Romantica make sure you stop in Neive, a small town part of the “Borghi più belli d’Italia” (Italy’s most beautiful villages).
Its medieval buildings, red rooftops and narrow cobblestone alleys are picture perfect, as are the Clock Tower and the baroque church of the Arciconfraternita di San Michele. Further down the road Benevello features a gorgeous castle, built around the year 1100, and breathtaking views of the vineyards that surround the village.
Wine, in the Langhe, is everywhere: as you make your way around the region you will recognize the names of famous vintages such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Nebbiolo, Arneis and Moscato: the opportunities to taste them are endless, as are the wine producers in the area. For a tailored, all-day wine tasting tour check out www.travellanghe.com, the tours are in English and can be customzed to your liking.
Food, too, is a very enjoyable aspect of a vacation in the Langhe: the region is famous for its white truffles, which can be found in the area around Alba. Each year, from the middle of October to the end of November, the Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco attracts thousands of enthusiasts: this year its 84th edition will feature cultural, gastronomic, folk and sports events from October 11th to November 16th, including the world famous Alba Truffle show -hosted by nationally and internationally renowned chefs- and the Truffle Auction, where the biggest truffles are up for sale for astronomical prices.
If truffles aren’t your thing, there’s much more to savor in the Langhe region, a destination appreciated by foodies for its rich and flavorful cuisine: fall is the ideal time of the year to indulge in local specialties, as most of them are hearty, comforting dishes.
The ravioli del plin, very tiny handmade pasta stuffed with meat, are a Piedmont favorite, as is the brasato, braised beef slowly simmered in red wine -usually Barolo- until tender and then served with polenta. For a wonderful dining experience in an unforgettable setting book a table at the Michelin-starred Ristorante al Castello in Grinzane Cavour (www. castellodigrinzane.it), where tradition meets sophistication. For a more “down to earth” dinner stop by family-run Osteria della Torre in Cherasco, famous for its traditional dishes and for its snails, a local favorite www.osterialatorre-cherasco.it.
There are plenty of accommodation options in the area, from luxury boutique hotels to Mom and Pop Bed & Breakfasts, but nothing is quite as unique as the Eco Lodge Langhe (http://www.ecolodgelanghe.it/).
These quaint tree houses are entirely made of natural, eco-freindly materials, all energy is produced by each lodge through photovoltaic devices and they are all perched about 10 feet from the ground in the beautiful woods just outside the historical town of Cherasco. Each lodge also features a terrace to enjoy the views and the sounds of nature, and natural wood furnishings including a wooden bathtub to unwind after a long day of exploring the area.
The best way to explore the Langhe region is by car, as most attractions are located in its beautiful countryside: take exit Asti Est on the A21 Torino-Piacenza or exit Alba on the A33 Asti-Cuneo. Otherwise trains connect the region to Turin, Genoa and Milan on a daily basis, while the closest airports are Milano Malpensa and The Aeroporto Internazionale di Torino Caselle.
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