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
