1. From Langhe with love

Indisputably gourmet terrain, the Langhe, Roero and Arneis areas in southern Piedmont are divinely picturesque, a maze of serenely placed vineyards and ancient castles, villages perched on a hill and art treasures.  Recognised as a UNESCO heritage, this is where famous Piedmontese wines are produced, but it is also dotted with lovely hamlets: panoramic La Morra offers a bird’s eye view onto the Liguria Alps and the Asti plains.

Medieval Neive is a pretty surprise, while Cherasco, founded by the Romans, features a quaint river amid a bucolic setting. Above all, however, this area captures for its delicious food: the white truffle of Alba is world-renowned, while Barolo rice, tajarin pasta, ravioli del plin, bollito meat and sweet, chocolaty bonet are a treat for the senses in a whirlwind of passion and taste that elevates any trip to an exclusive one.   

3. Paint the sky with stars – star gazing across lower Piedmont

Finding out what lies beyond our gaze has always fascinated mankind, many efforts being made to study and examine the planets and stars that make up the cosmos. When living in a city, light pollution may make the search more complicated, and very often heading to isolated hills may not be enough. This is why astronomical observatories lend a hand in this magic hunt for the unknown. Considered as gathering places for erudite souls, they are also an eye-opener – in more ways than one! – onto the realm of star gazing for inexperienced folks. Pick an organised tour at the Observatory in Cerreto d’Asti, used by scholars of the University of Turin, or spend a day at the Astrobioparco Oasis in Felizzano, where a park, a pond, games for children and an observatory lead the way to star knowledge. When in Odalengo Piccolo, head for the observatory within the wood of Valcerrina, seat of the “Skies of Monferrato” astrophile group, for exciting discoveries of the celestial sphere.  

5. The hottest trend: Biodynamic and organic wines

The undisputable need to respect nature is stronger than ever, many growers of all types of products wanting to lend a hand in our attempt to care for our fragile earth. This applies to wine production, as well, and several excellent vintages have appeared on the market in the past few years. There may be some confusion as to what sets these two categories apart, the general idea of respecting the rules of natures being shared by both. Organic wines are produced with organically-grown grapes, without using any gmo or chemical products and the sulphite content is reduced with a maximum of 100 mg/l for red wines and 150 mg/l for white wines. Biodynamic wines go one step further and are the outcome of biodynamic agriculture, respecting the lunar phases, avoiding mechanical instruments and further reducing sulphites with a maximum of 70mg/ for red wines and 90 for white wines. Now it’s time to taste these remarkable wines. Visit La Raia - 180 hectars of biodinamic farmland & vineyards