Decanter travel guide: Langhe, Piedmont, Italy

Carla Capalbo finds the moody landscape of rolling vineyards a picturesque backdrop to the Barolo, truffles, pasta and other regional delights on offer here. Read her Langhe travel guide, first published in Decanter's September 2011 issue.

Langhe: Where to stay, shop, eat and relax

From corkscrews to castles and bountiful Piedmontese hospitality, see Decanter’s recommendations for the best hotels, restaurants, shops and sights in Langhe.

Hotels and Restaurants

Hotel Palazzo Lovera

Explore the Roero area and Cuneo from a family-run hotel situated in a historic palazzo in the heart of this vibrant market town. palazzolovera.com

Hotel Cantine Ascheri

Located in Bra, above Ascheri’s handsome winery, this modern designer hotel makes a comfortable base for touring wine country, and includes its own delicious Osteria Murivecchi. Wine tastings are held in the spectacular cellars below. ascherihotel.it

Palas Cerequio

Immerse yourself in Barolo vineyards at the luxurious country house spa opened by notable Langhe producer Michele Chiarlo. Sample many of the area’s best wines here while enjoying the comfortably designed suites. Opens early September 2011. palascerequio.com

Hotel Restaurant Barolo

Stay in the centre of Barolo village, with great views over the vineyards, and try the handmade noodles in the restaurant. hotelbarolo.it

Enoteca di Canale

This fabulous wine shop sells all the area’s wines, and houses star chef Davide Palluda’s modernist restaurant. davidepalluda.it

Osteria Boccondivino

Bra is the operational centre of Slow Food and this is its in-house restaurant, open to all for great local dishes and atmosphere. boccondivinoslow.it

Piazza Duomo

Top chef Enrico Crippa cooks creatively at this stylish two Michelin-starred restaurant overlooking Alba’s Duomo. Or eat downstairs, at his more relaxed, affordable bistro, La Piola. piazzaduomoalba.it

Shops and sights

Agenzia di Pollenzo

The House of Savoy’s magnificent royal estate has recently been completely restored and now houses Slow Food’s Gastronomic Sciences university, Wine Bank, Hotel dell’Agenzia and the elegant Guido restaurant. This UNESCO World Patrimony site is a one-stop must for all the gastronomic senses. agenziadipollenzo.com

Castle of Serralunga d’Alba

Spectacular views of the Langhe from atop this high 14th-century medieval castle. For the sure of foot only. www.castellilanghe roero.it/welcome_eng.lasso

Corkscrew Museum

This unique corkscrew collection housed in central Barolo is fun to visit and gives an overview of how wine drinking customs have changed over the centuries. museodeicavatappi.it

Nougat

Visit Davide Barbero’s oldfashioned candy factory in central Asti, making nougat from Langhe hazelnuts – Italy’s finest. barberodavide.it

For more information about tourism and wine roads in the area, visit: langheroero.it

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