Piedmont, nestled in the northwest of Italy, is a region renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and world-class gastronomy. With the Alps forming a dramatic backdrop, its rolling hills are home to vineyards that produce some of Italy’s finest wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco. The region is also celebrated for its truffles, particularly the highly prized white truffle of Alba. Piedmont’s cities, such as Turin, offer a blend of royal elegance and modern culture, while its charming towns are steeped in history and tradition.
In this guide, we showcase the very best Piedmont has to offer, from luxury accommodations to exclusive culinary experiences. Whether you're exploring its UNESCO-listed vineyards or indulging in the region’s famed cuisine, this guide will ensure your journey is filled with unforgettable moments. Easily accessible from Monaco, Piedmont is the perfect destination for a luxurious getaway just a few hours away by car.
Where to stay?
Eco-Luxury at Casa di Langa
Nestled amidst the serene Langhe hills, Casa di Langa represents the pinnacle of eco-luxury. Open since spring 2021, this 5-star resort offers a blend of sophisticated design and environmental consciousness, all set against the stunning backdrop of Alta Langa. The resort is the brainchild of Kyle J. Krause, an American entrepreneur whose vision integrates luxury with a commitment to corporate social responsibility (CSR). This dedication has earned Casa di Langa several prestigious accolades, including the International Prize for Sustainable Architecture, Best Hotel of the Year Europe by Preferred Hotels & Resorts, and Robb Report’s Best of the Best 2022 for “Best Experience Travel.”
Architectural Harmony and Luxurious Accommodations
Casa di Langa’s architecture beautifully reflects traditional Piedmontese farmhouses, incorporating local materials like brick, stone, and timber. Designed by Milan’s GaS Studio and Parisotto + Formenton Architetti, the resort merges sustainable practices with timeless elegance. Guests are welcomed by a spacious central courtyard that offers panoramic views of the vineyards and hazelnut groves.
The resort features 39 rooms and suites, each offering a luxurious and immersive experience. The accommodations include Deluxe Rooms with expansive countryside views, Junior Suites with separate living areas, and Prestige Suites with private terraces for ultimate opulence. All rooms are furnished with iconic Italian brands and equipped with Midsummer Milano mattresses, crafted from natural materials to ensure a restful stay.
Relax and Unwind at the Pool
A highlight of Casa di Langa is its stunning swimming pool, set against the backdrop of the Langhe hills. The pool area is designed to be a tranquil oasis, featuring ample space for relaxation and panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. Adjacent to the pool, the Pool Bar offers a chic, contemporary space where guests can enjoy refreshing cocktails and light bites. The bar’s design complements the resort’s eco-friendly ethos, providing a perfect spot for unwinding while savoring locally-inspired beverages and snacks.
Culinary Delights and Wellness Experiences
Casa di Langa’s Fàula Ristorante, led by Chef Daniel Zeilinga, serves a gourmet menu that celebrates local ingredients, often sourced from the resort’s organic vegetable garden. The Lelòse Spa offers a range of treatments using natural products from the Comfort Zone® brand, known for its sustainable approach to beauty and wellness.
Explore Alta Langa
For those seeking adventure, Casa di Langa offers curated experiences including truffle hunting with expert guides, cooking classes, and wine tastings that showcase the region’s renowned vineyards. Art enthusiasts can appreciate the resort’s curated collection of Italian and American artworks displayed throughout the property.
Commitment to Sustainability
Casa di Langa’s dedication to sustainability is evident in its operations, including its zero CO2 emissions goal and the use of 100% water from onsite wells for irrigation. The resort’s eco-friendly practices extend to its energy systems, waste management, and materials, including recyclable terracotta and local stone.
Casa di Langa is not just a place to stay but a destination that harmoniously combines luxury, sustainability, and local charm, making it a standout choice for travelers seeking an authentic and responsible getaway.
Address: Località Talloria 1, 12050 Cerretto Langhe CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 520520
The Best Wine Experience
Ceretto Winery: A Legacy of Terroir and Tradition
Established in the 1930s, Ceretto Winery began with Riccardo Ceretto, who initially sourced grapes to create wine without owning any vineyards. However, a transformative shift occurred when his sons, Bruno and Marcello, joined the family business, bringing forth a new understanding of the land's significance. In a region still grappling with the memories of post-war poverty, highlighted in Beppe Fenoglio's novel La Malora, Riccardo hesitated to invest in land, a decision that would later shape their family's future.
The Ceretto family believes that wine encapsulates the essence of the Langhe region, intertwining culinary arts, history, and cultural heritage. They have tirelessly advocated for these elements, starting with wine and expanding into various successful gastronomic ventures that celebrate their region’s unique offerings.
In the early 2000s, the third generation took the reins with Alessandro, Federico, Lisa and Roberta bringing fresh insights. They faced the challenge of truly expressing the Langhe's terroir through their wines. Inspired by pioneering French vintners like Pierre Overnoy and Nicolas Joly, Alessandro, the winemaker, adopted a minimalist approach that emphasized minimal human intervention, which diverged from traditional winemaking techniques he had learned in school. Instead of following standardized recipes that produced consistent but generic wines, he sought to embrace the uniqueness of the terroir.
Ceretto’s winemaking philosophy is rooted in a profound respect for the land and sustainability. Since 2010, all vineyards have transitioned to organic farming, representing a significant shift towards practices that honor the environment and the grapes’ natural integrity.
The Ceretto family’s commitment to the Langhe region deepened in the 1960s, when Bruno and Marcello meticulously mapped and acquired the best vineyard sites, embedding themselves firmly in the local landscape. Today, they continue to uphold a shared vision within the family, empowering their team and contributors to realize their aspirations while honoring the region’s heritage.
Visitors to the winery are invited to explore the depth of Ceretto’s philosophy through various tasting experiences. The winery opens its doors daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours from October through November. Each tasting session allows guests to delve into the signature grape of the Langhe, Nebbiolo, sampling acclaimed wines such as Langhe Doc Arneis Blangè, Nebbiolo d'Alba DOC, Barbaresco Classico DOCG, and Barolo Classico DOCG.
Specialized tastings are also offered, focusing on the unique terroir expressed through different vintages of Barbaresco and Barolo. For those seeking something truly rare, the winery features exclusive labels like Barbaresco Asili and Barolo Bricco Rocche, renowned for their complexity and heritage.
To experience the essence of Langhe’s wine culture, visits must be arranged by appointment, and guests are encouraged to check availability online. The Ceretto winery is dedicated to crafting wines that not only respect the land but also embody the rich tapestry of stories, flavors, and traditions that define this remarkable region.
Address: Località S. Cassiano, 34, 12051 Alba CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 282582
Gastronomy
Discovering the Heart of Langhe: A Culinary Journey at La Piola
In the Piedmontese dialect, “piola” refers to a charming village inn, a place where locals gather to savor traditional dishes while enjoying generous pours of regional wines. This term encapsulates more than just a dining experience; it signifies a warm, communal feeling that fosters connection and enjoyment. At La Piola, guests come not only to eat but to indulge in the comforting ambiance that complements the delightful flavors on their plates.
When the Ceretto family established La Piola in 2005, they aimed to honor the authentic cuisine of the Langhe, dedicating the restaurant to being true ambassadors of a tradition that has made this region famous for its culinary excellence. La Piola embodies the essence of a quintessential Italian eatery—an inviting space nestled in the heart of a village square, designed for social gatherings and shared meals. Here, they celebrate the history and tradition of Langhe cuisine, focusing on high-quality local ingredients while adapting classic recipes to contemporary tastes.
Just outside La Piola’s doors lies the vibrant historic center of Alba, filled with bustling shops and lively chatter. Further afield, the rolling hills of the Langhe beckon, where oak forests conceal prized truffles and vineyards thrive. Chef Dennis Panzeri, who leads the kitchen, is guided by Auguste Escoffier’s philosophy: “no dish will ever be better than the worst of its ingredients.” This principle informs the restaurant's commitment to forging close relationships with local suppliers, mirroring the meticulous standards upheld by the Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo located just above.
Panzeri, originally from Oggiono (LC), has always harbored a passion for cooking. After earning his culinary certification from the hotel school of Como Monte Olimpino, he embarked on a remarkable journey through esteemed kitchens, including stints at Gualtiero Marchesi’s L’Albereta and other prestigious venues. In 20XX, he joined Enrico Crippa’s team at La Piola as executive chef.
The restaurant emphasizes quality ingredients, starting with fresh eggs and artisanal flours that honor traditional Langhe recipes. Drawing produce from Piazza Duomo’s garden, La Piola ensures seasonal vegetables represent genuine culinary innovation.
Wine is integral to La Piola’s ethos, with the Ceretto family’s involvement enhancing the offerings. The restaurant boasts a diverse wine selection featuring over 120 producers and 360 labels, ensuring both novice and seasoned wine enthusiasts find something to pique their interest.
In essence, La Piola is a celebration of Langhe’s rich culinary narrative, inviting diners to relish the flavors and traditions that define this extraordinary region. Dining at La Piola promises a memorable journey through the heart of Piedmont, where every meal is infused with history, passion, and a genuine love for exceptional food and wine.
Address: Piazza Risorgimento, 4, 12051 Alba CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 442800
Visione: Where Fine Dining Meets the Breathtaking Langhe Hills
Perched atop the stunning hills of the Langhe, Visione welcomes guests with an unparalleled view that seamlessly blends land and sky. This elegant fine dining restaurant offers not just a meal, but an immersive experience where every detail has been meticulously crafted to create unforgettable moments throughout the day. From the moment you enter, it’s clear that Visione is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place where elegance, exceptional cuisine, and breathtaking scenery come together.
Owned by Luca Orilia, Visione sets itself apart with its refined atmosphere and attention to detail, both in the dining room and the dishes served. The restaurant’s vision is enhanced by Chef Emanuele Bellomo, who brings his expertise in marrying tradition with innovation. His cuisine stays deeply rooted in the Piedmont and Langhe traditions, while evolving through modern techniques and influences. The high quality ingredients are coming locally and from Italian distributors, with a focus on seasonal selection to ensure the freshest ingredients. Among the signature dishes are traditional favorites such as Piedmontese plin, Stuffed Rabbit, Veal Tongue, and the decadent Quail Stuffed with Foie Gras, all of which reflect the rich culinary heritage of the region. These dishes are carefully crafted to deliver a unique dining experience, one that balances the history of the region with a contemporary twist.Visione changes its menu four times a year, in line with the seasons, ensuring that the dining experience evolves just as nature does.
The wine selection at Visione is nothing short of spectacular, with a focus on the finest producers from Barbaresco and the Langhe region. The cellar features over 5,000 bottles from both local and international producers, giving diners a vast selection of wines that perfectly complement the cuisine. Visione is closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, and for one week at the end of August. It also takes a brief hiatus from January 7th to February 13th, ensuring that when it reopens, both the cuisine and the experience are refreshed and ready to impress.
Address: Strada Nicolini Basso, 34, 12050 Tre Stelle CN, Italy
Phone: +39 328 134 0218
Antinè Bistrot: Elegance and Innovation in Barbaresco
In the heart of Barbaresco, Antinè Bistrot offers a refined dining experience that marries tradition with modern flair. Situated on Via Torino near the Gaja winery, the restaurant features a youthful and enthusiastic staff committed to showcasing the vibrant flavors of the Langhe.
Chef Manuel Bouchard was born in Turin and trained at the hotel school in Pinerolo. After working at esteemed Michelin-starred restaurants such as Il Trussardi alla Scala and Villa Crespi, he settled in Barbaresco in 2014. At Antinè, he crafts modern Piedmontese cuisine with a deep respect for local ingredients and traditions.
Inspired by the picturesque Barbaresco landscape, the menu evolves with the seasons, blending classic Piedmontese dishes with innovative twists. The restaurant sources ingredients from trusted local artisans, reflecting the best of the Piedmont region. Signature offerings include Ravioli del Plin, Cotoletta alla Torinese, and the indulgent 100% Hazelnut dessert. During summer, guests can dine on a small terrace, enjoying breathtaking views of the UNESCO World Heritage scenery.
Address: Via Torino, 16, 12050 Barbaresco CN, Italy
Phone: +39 0173 635294