For weekend getaways or vacations, Piedmont Italy is the perfect destination.
Nestled in the shadows of the Alps and teeming with natural beauty, delectable cuisine, and a rich history steeped in wine-making tradition – this Italian region offers something for everyone! In this travel guide you will find all of our must-see picks as well as an array of activities to enjoy during your stay in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
Let’s get ready for your amazing trip to Piedmont, Italy!
Piedmont Italy map
Where is Piedmont, Italy?
Nestled in the majestic Alps, the Piemontese province is a diverse region of rolling hills and sprawling farmland. It’s one of Italy’s premier locations, blessed with an abundance of fertile soils that make it ideal for both winemaking and agriculture.
The magnitude and grandeur of this area are further emphasized by its connection to the mighty Po basin – Italy’s largest river.
Boasting 4.5 million inhabitants, Piedmont is one of the wealthiest regions in Italy. With fertile agriculture and thriving industry as longstanding staples, it’s hardly surprising that tourism is now burgeoning there too; Turin – its capital city – serves as a veritable hub for Italian industry with Fiat being based there. Yet what really sets Piedmont apart from other areas of Italy is its undeniable prowess when it comes to producing wines: 46,000 hectares are used to cultivate some truly magnificent varieties such as Barolo wine country, Moscato d’Asti and Barbaresco among others!
How to get to Piedmont region?
Close to France and Switzerland, the Piedmont region is very easily accessible both by plane and train.
- By plane: there is one international airport in Piedmont, that is the one of Turin: Torino Caselle International Airport, but yo might not have an extensive choice of departures. For more broader choice, you can consider landing in one of the three international airports of Milan, to then take at train to Piedmont main cities.
- By train: not very far away from the French Riviera and the city of Nice, you can reach Piedmont’s main city like Turin by train or car, but the trip will take about 6 hours. For shorter and direct trips, the best option is to land in Milan. Count about a 1h train trip to Turin. Then, once in Turin, you’ll also be able to travel by train to Asti and Alba.
If you wish to travel by car once on site, learn more about car rentals services.
Itinerary idea: discovering most beautiful villages in Piedmont
As one of the best things to do in Piedmont, Winalist offers you a getaway for a few days in the magnificent villages of Piedmont.
Departure from Alba, the Truffle Capital city
Our journey begins southeast of Turin at the city of Alba, in the province of Cuneo. This small medieval town in Piedmont is the historic heart of the Langhe wine region.
But it is above all the recognized capital of the white truffle. The Alba fair (Fiera del tarfuffo blanco) has become the world reference market for the purchase of local truffles. It is sometimes even called the “White Diamond”.
But Alba is not just about gastronomy. The unmissable places and monuments to visit during a stay in Alba are:
- La Fondazione Ferrero: a museum founded by the Ferrero family, the famous creators of Nutella and Ferrero Rocher;
- the Palazzo Comunale and the Bishop’s Palace;
- San Lorenzo Cathedral and its dome;
- Saint John the Baptist Church.
Heading to La Morra
Let’s now head south-west towards La Morra, a small town in the middle of hills and vineyards. It is an unmissable event for lovers of Italian gastronomy, as the typical restaurants give pride of place to the products of their region.
But above all, La Morra offers us one of the most beautiful panoramas in the region. Once in Piazza Castello, the view is breathtaking. The entire Langhe region, its vineyards and its plains as far as the eye can see, open up before us.
For a well-deserved break, we recommend the “SeptVins” tasting on the terrace of Agricola Marone with a breathtaking view of Barolo. As its name suggests, you can discover 7 wines from the region served with antipasti and typical Italian dishes.
Visit of the Ceretto estate
To learn even more about the oenological richness of Piedmont region, visit the Ceretto estate. The secret of Ceretto’s success in Piedmont is due to the exceptional soil and climate of the Langhe, as well as the passion and wisdom of the owners to transmit so much quality in the wine.
Riccardo Ceretto began producing his wine in the 1930s. His sons Bruno and Marcello made their father’s vision a reality by purchasing vineyards in the most famous areas of Barolo and Barbaresco. In the three estates of the winery – Monsordo Bernardina in Alba, Bricco Rocche in Castiglione Falletto and Bricco Asili in Barbaresco – Ceretto produces the great Barolo and Barbaresco wines, the flagships of its production, as well as other labels such as the Langhe Arneis Blangé white and Moscato.
Last stop in Barolo, the glowing land
The municipality of Barolo, of the same name as Barolo wine, is made up of ancient streets that give it a special charm. But above all, Barolo is surrounded by imposing plots of vines which give the Denomination of Controlled and Guaranteed Origin (DOCG) Barolo. It is also called the “King of wines, and wine of Kings”.
Explore all the richness of Piedmont with Winalist
Take the Italian Wine Route with us!
On Winalist, you will find a selection of varied oenological experiences that will fit perfectly with your stay and the route you have chosen to take:
- Visits and tastings;
- Walks;
- Guided tours;
- Meal;
- Stays with accommodation;
5 visits to must see places in Piedmont
If you have planned to explore Piedmont, here is a selection of 5 places not to be missed during your stay in Italy.
1. Piedmont capital city: Turin
Turin is the capital city of Piedmont, as well as its most populous city, with 900,000 inhabitants. It is considered one of the industrial capitals of the country, but it has much more to offer. Torino also has a whole history to discover and classic architecture just waiting to be admired.
To see in Turin:
- Piazza Castello and its Palazzo Reale;
- the Mole Antonelliana;
- Palazzo Madama;
- the Royal Palace.
Find accommodations in Turin if you wish to settle there for a few days.
2. The Grand Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park
Located in the Alps, the Grand Bosco di Salbertrand Natural Park is the perfect place to find yourself alone in the world, surrounded by nature. This nationally renowned park has around twenty animal species and more than 500 different plant species.
3. Venaria Palace
This former residence of the Royal family of Savoy is now accessible to the public for guided tours. It is one of the largest palaces in the world, particularly known for its large checkered hall.
4. Lake Maggiore
Switzerland and Italy share this huge lake, which is also a natural border between Piedmont and Lombardy. You can admire splendid views of the hills of Piedmont, or enjoy a boat cruise, and even a swim on sunny days.
5. The city of Asti
In the vineyards of Piedmont lies the medieval town of Asti, most well-know for its famous sparkling wines (Asti Spumante) as for the Palio, a traditional horse race.
Good to know: In the province of Asti, some inhabitants still speak a particular Piedmontese dialect. For example, the use of the article “ou” (pronounced “u”) instead of the Piedmontese “El” in front of certain nouns.
Enjoy your amazing trip to Piedmont, Italy!
FAQ & Useful resources
When is the best time to visit Piedmont?
The best time to go to Piedmont is from late April to late October. At the end of April for the Vinum Alba wine festival, then in early September for the Festival delle sagre d’Asti, and from the beginning of October for the Alba International White Truffle Festival.
Which places provide the best wineries in Piedmont for couples?
These are the best places for couples seeking vineyards in Piedmont:
– Azienda Agricola Fratelli Aimasso
– Abellonio – Cascina Piccaluga
– Azienda Agricola Baldi di Burio (Baldi Pierfranco)
– Cantina Mauro Sebaste
– Cantina Francesco Borgogno
What are the main gastronomic attractions of the region?
Piedmont is truly a region for foodies, its cuisine is renowned and some of its specialties include veal tartare, veal tonnato, with tuna, anchovy and caper mayonnaise and agnelotti del plin (a mixture of meats rabbit, pork and beef). The province is also known for its famous hazelnuts, its chocolate, its ceps, the white truffle of Alba as well as many cheeses including the Robiola di Roccaverano, the Castelmagno, the gorgonzola of Novara and the Bra.
What are the points of interest close to the vineyards?
The city of Turin is interesting to visit for its superb Baroque buildings, its gourmet restaurants and its magnificent viewpoints over the Po River and the snow-capped peaks of the Alps. Not to mention the ritual of the aperitivo in Piazza San Carlo, which competes well with that of Milan.
Why is Piedmont a perfect region to take a wine trip?
Located in northern Italy, at the foot of the Alps, between France and Switzerland, Piedmont is one of the most prestigious wine regions in the world. It is recognized among other things for its great Barolo and its exceptional gastronomy, flavored with porcini mushrooms and white Alba truffles.
The landscapes are breathtaking, especially when you cross the hills between Barolo and La Morra with the eternal snows of the Alps in the background.