Route
Seven days between Turin, Alba, Asti, Serralunga d'Alba and Monforte d'Alba. You start with a food tour in Turin and then head into the Langhe for Barolo and Barbaresco tastings at family-run businesses. Optionally, you can visit the underground wine cellars of Canelli.
Rhythm
A morning truffle hunt with Lagotto dogs, an afternoon of Barolo from the barrel, a dinner of Piedmontese classics.
Highlights
A food tour in Turin with ravioli and bicerin. Tastings of Barolo and Barbaresco straight from oak barrels. Truffle hunting in the Langhe with local hunters and their dogs. And as an extra: the impressive wine cellars of Canelli, 32 metres underground.
Accommodation
You will stay in a relais or country house among the vineyards of Alba and Asti. Views of the Nebbiolo hills, a sommelier to show you the ropes, and evening tranquillity among the vines.
Profile
For lovers of Barolo, Barbaresco and white truffles, and for those who value gastronomy as much as landscape.
Day 1: Arrival in Turin
You arrive by plane in Turin or Milan and take a transfer to the hotel. If you are travelling by car, park in a nearby car park and check in. Explore the city and try one of our recommended restaurants for a cosy dinner and excellent wines.
Day 2: Food tour
Start the morning with breakfast at the hotel. Be sure to leave some room, because there are lots of delicious treats waiting for you! With a guide, you will explore the city and search for unique delicacies from the region. You will visit a local pasta producer and taste Piedmontese ravioli with a delicious glass of wine. At the market, you will discover everything about local delicacies, shaped by influences from southern Italy and North Africa, among others. When you say Turin, you say cioccolato! Taste local pralines and “bicerin”, a drink made from hot chocolate and coffee.
Extra via Caractère (only in September and October, on Saturdays and Sundays): Take an exclusive day trip to the underground cathedrals of Canelli. In the historic cellars, up to 32 metres underground, thousands of bottles of sparkling wine are still maturing using the classic method at a constant temperature of around 13 degrees Celsius.
Day 3: Alba and Asti
You check out of the city and continue to a Caractère hotel near Alba and Asti. After checking in, the hotel sommelier will introduce you to one of the most famous wines of this region, Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape. Did you know that Nebbiolo comes from the Italian word “nebbia”, which means fog?
During the harvest months, intense fog often covers the vineyards, which is why people decided to name the grape and the village after it.
Day 4: Serralunga d'Alba
You will take a transfer to Serralunga d'Alba, where you will be pampered by a local and highly regarded wine producer. Experience the rich, penetrating tannins of the Barolo wines produced on the slopes of Mount Etna. You will visit the wine cellar of this family business with three different Barolo tastings from oak barrels and bottles, followed by local cheeses and salumi.
Day 5: Truffle hunting
Today you will go truffle hunting according to centuries-old traditions. The history of truffle hunting in the Langhe region dates back to the Middle Ages and is still appreciated worldwide for the unique flavours and rarity of truffles. This excursion is accompanied by certified truffle hunters and their Lagotto dogs, an Italian breed known for its exceptional truffle hunting skills. Search for Piedmont's white and black gold and learn more about the cornerstones of refined Italian cuisine.
Day 6: Monforte d'Alba
Last but not least! On the last full day of your trip, you will visit a historic winery in Monforte d'Alba, known for producing quality wines from the Langhe region. Taste Nebbiolo, Barbera, Alta Langa (Pinot Noir and Chardonnay) and Dolcetto grapes and enjoy refined cuisine in their traditional restaurant run by star chef Pasquale Laera, who prepares authentic Piedmontese dishes in a pleasant and welcoming environment.
Day 7: Return home
You return home or extend your trip in another Italian region. You can also opt for a unique train journey on a historic train through the Langhe Monferrato region. The train journey is not available in July and August.
Frequently asked questions about wine tours in Piedmont
Do I need a hire car for this wine tour in Piedmont?
No. Transfers, wine visits and truffle hunting are included. So you don't have to drive yourself after tastings. Everything is organised so that you can focus on tasting and discovering.
When is the best time for a wine tour to Piedmont?
September and October are ideal: harvest time, truffle season and fog over the Nebbiolo vineyards. May and June are also beautiful, with green hills and mild weather.
What makes a wine tour in Piedmont different from other wine regions?
Here, everything revolves around precision and tradition. Barolo and Barbaresco come exclusively from Nebbiolo and are strictly regulated. You taste at family businesses, not in commercial showrooms. Combine that with truffle hunting and Michelin-starred cuisine, and you get a region that looks small but tastes big.
Why book with Caractère?
- Best price guarantee
- Caractère extras
- Just one phone call or email away from our enthusiastic travel experts
- Pay safely
- No extra or hidden fees
