THE SCENT OF MUST: LANGHE, MONFERRATO, ROERO: 5 DAYS

At just a little more than an hour's drive south-east from the Piedmontese capital Turin, we can find the wonderful hilly territory of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato. Known all over the world for the production of excellent wines, the Langhe region is a unique territory of its kind: an alternation of big historic Villas lost in the picturesque countryside and small villages, surrounded by hills all cultivated with vine crops that give life to the two oenological excellences of the territory: Barolo and Barbaresco.  Rumors of a "rivalry" between the two wines have reached overseas, but in reality they coexist harmoniously in this territory one beside the other and represent one of its main richness. So similar in product of origin but so different in taste and smell, the two wines are in fact produced with the same native grape variety: Nebbiolo, but the diversity of the soil despite the very small distance between the two territories combined with the winemaking choices gives the two distinct organoleptic characteristics. During this itinerary you will have the opportunity to get to know and recognize both of them as well as let yourself be inebriated by their warmth and structure. But this territory is not only wine. From the towns of Alba and Asti to the small villages of Serralunga and Monforte d'Alba, La Morra, Barbaresco, Barolo, Neive to the elegant and majestic historic residences overlooking the vineyards, this is a territory rich in art, history and culture and rich in UNESCO sites. And to return to the local products,: the enchanting Piedmont hazelnut, an IGP product with an enveloping and rich taste. It is sometimes not mentioned, dominated by the fame of oenological products of the area, but not less deserving Experience this land with the 5 senses, during this itinerary : discover the art and culture of the historic residences and villages,  get lost in the enveloping flavors and aromas that you will taste and let them get straight to your heart.

5 days/ 4 nights- 2 pax minimum

Day 1: Arrival to Monforte d'Alba

Arrival to Langhe region and check-in at the assigned hotel. Free time. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Grinzane- Canelli- Barolo- Wine Tasting and Lunch

The day will be entirely dedicated to discver the area in its cultural and enogastronomic aspect. A guide will accompany you along a route to discover some of the UNESCO sites in the area: the Castelo di Grinzane and the underground cathedrals of Canelli. Along the way through the vineyards, you will then stop in Barolo where you will have the opportunity to visit one of the historic wineries and taste the king of the Langhe: Barolo. The tour ends with a stop at a local taverna where you will enjoy a three-course menù. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Alba - Barbaresco- Wine tasting

The morning will be dedicated to a cultural tour of the city of Alba, gifted within your itinerary. Alba, is the "capital city" of Langhe. An ancient city, which reveals its charm in the suggestion of the numerous towers and houses, surviving elements of a thousand-year-old urban system. In the streets of the historic center, in addition to the dominant element of the towers, you can admire bell towers, churches, porticoes, public and private buildings that testify to the precious structure of the city. The refined shops selling typical products, the elegant boutiques, the historic cafes and the precious art exhibitions testify to its cosmopolitan aspiration in a characteristic and traditional setting. Your guide will take you on a journey of about 2 hours to discover all this. Lunch on your own. In the afternoon your journey through the oenology of the area continues and you will get to know the other regional excellence: Barbaresco. You will visit the town of Barbaresco and a historic winery where you will be able to learn about the characteristics of this wine and taste it.  You will have the opportunity to finally understand the great differences between the two top wines of the region. Evening and dinner on your own. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 4:Asti- Wine tasting- Lunch

The discovery of the territory and its products continues in Monferrato region. A full-day excursion in which you will discover Asti and the Asti area accompanied by a guide who will first lead you through the streets of the center of Asti illustrating the history of this town and its points of interest and then continue the tour to discover the symbolic wine of Monferrato: Barbera. Originally a "poor" wine in contrast to the “wealth” of its colleagues Barolo and Barbaresco, it was produced by local farmers in their domestic vineyards and the locals used to drink it in the local bars at a reasonable and not expensive price during their everyday life. Today, Barbera has also claimed its primacy among the excellent wines of the area. During the tour there will be a stop at a winery with a visit and tasting of Barbera. Here, too, the tour includes a three-course lunch in a local tavern. Free evening. Overnight at the hotel.

Day 5: Alta Langa- Nut factory visit and tasting- Departure

On this last day, before carving out some free time to discover the villages of the area on our own, you will have the opportunity to get to know another of the excellent products of the area, very often overshadowed by the fame of local oenology: the Piedmontese IGP hazelnut. You will visit an artisanal company in Alta Langa, from the hazelnut grove to the production of delicious desserts to understand the secrets of such an intense and persistent taste. At the end of the visit you will be pleased by a tasting of hazelnut and derived products. Free time. Departure.

HOTEL ACCOMODATION

- Monforte d'Alba: Hotel Villa Beccaris or similar