Piedmont in fall is a symphony of flavors and colors, its hills and forests turning orange and red against the quiet outline of the Alps as the season of harvest and abundance gets underway. Nebbiolo grapes are gathered to make the bold red wines of Barolo and Barbaresco; white and black truffles are unearthed from forest floors; and hazelnuts are glazed by pastry chefs to become marrons glacés. In the heart of the UNESCO-listed Langhe Hills, Alba honors its deep culinary roots, while nearby Bra is home to the Slow Food movement. Just to the east, Monferrato – Langhe’s earthier cousin – is also recognized by UNESCO, its hills dotted with villages, Romanesque chapels, and castles that speak to a noble rural past.
1 Arrive Piedmont, ItalyFor food lovers, Piedmont in northwest Italy is synonymous with wine and truffles, and the quality of both is reason enough to visit. The Slow Food movement was born here in the 1980s, and local produce can be sampled at both rural trattorias and Michelin-starred restaurants. The region is also known for its art, found at the Barolo Chapel, the remote hamlet of Borgata Lunetta, and the factories and palaces of newly vibrant Turin. The countryside, including the UNESCO-protected wine region of Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, and Lago Orta in the northeast, is ideal for hiking and biking.
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2 Piedmont – Thrill Of The HuntToday, join a seasoned truffle hunter and his sharp-nosed dogs to search for Piedmont’s most prized culinary treasure. After the hunt, dive into the flavors and history of Alba, the heart of Italy’s truffle kingdom. Here, walk streets layered with Roman history, admire Baroque facades framing the 12th-century Romanesque cathedral, and look up at the medieval towers that once earned Alba the nickname "the town of one hundred towers."
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3 Piedmont – E-Biking Through Wine CountrySet out on an e-bike ride through the wine country of Langhe and Barlo, a gently undulating region of vineyards and hazel groves. Along the way, stop at Grinzane Cavour Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and historic landmark. Farther down the path, pause for a tasting of the region’s distinctive reds at a prestigious winery.
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4 Piedmont – Celebrating Slow FoodHead to Bra for an exclusive culinary experience in the birthplace of the Slow Food movement. First, join your local host chef to select ingredients in the town market. Then, return to their family kitchen to prepare a classic regional dish while gaining insight into the Slow Food philosophy over a glass or two of the local wine.
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5 Piedmont – Wine And Cheese FarewellToday, explore the history and traditions of the Monferrato region. In Canelli, visit a historic winery to delve into its UNESCO-listed limestone cellars lined with aging bottles of Moscato d’Asti. Finally, visit a renowned affineur to uncover the secrets that make Monferrato cheeses so distinctive.
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6 Depart PiedmontMeals: