I’m sure you’ve already heard of the Langhe Piemontesi, right? That’s probably because this is one of the most beautiful parts of Piedmont and Italy in general. The demand to buy houses, mansions and exclusive properties here is extremely high because the quality of life is high too.
Living is good, with opportunities to go on long walks in the open countryside and the chance to drink some of the most excellent wines.
In 2011, during the meeting of UNESCO’S World Heritage Committee in Qatar, the Vineyard landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato were acknowledged as an integral part of UNESCO’s World Heritage. Is this enough to whet your appetite and encourage you to buy a farmhouse or a country house in the Langhe? It might be, and it could be just one of the many reasons for choosing these areas. Let’s explore them together.
Where are the Langhe? Landscapes and territory
The term Langhe covers a territory in Piedmont comprised within the provinces of Asti and Cuneo. The area consists of gently rolling hills which create landscapes that delight the eyes. And it’s incredibly easy to fall in love with the green curves that frame the Rivers Tanaro, Belbo and Bormida.
The Langhe are extensive and varied, so much so as to create different zones. Three to be precise: the Alta Langa near Liguria, the Bassa Langa set between the River Tanaro to the north and the River Belbo to the south, and the Langa Astigiana to the south of the province of Asti. The beauty and value of the traditions of these lands have done the rest and have transformed the Langhe into much more than a simple name to jot down in your diary for holidays in Piedmont.
A map might help us gain a better understanding of the Langhe area. This way we can see the itineraries in Monferrato and the various areas that make up this part of Piedmont. Perhaps you can organise a motorbike trip through the Langhe Piemontesi!
What to do in the Langhe?
Or better still, what to see and do in the Langhe. These areas are perfect for those who want to relax and eat well. Because those who choose this territory can combine their passions for good food and nature, for walking and for culture. The starting point for your holiday in the Langhe is right in the heart of the area: La Morra, Barolo, Grinzane Cavour and Serralunga.
Here you can walk among the old villages, sit at the table of an inn to enjoy cheeses, wines and the typical local produce. Then you can move on to culture: a visit to the Wine Museum in the castle of the Falletti Marquises of Barolo is an absolute must, along with the Corkscrew Museum in Barolo, which is worth taking time to admire. The culture of wine moves over to make way for history: you can’t leave the Langhe without having visited Grinzane Cavour Castle, home to the Ethnography Museum.
What else can you see in the Langhe? There’s Barolo castle which deserves your attention, the archaeological tour of underground Alba, the Abbey of l’Annunziata just a few kilometres from La Morra, Divin Maestro Church in Alba and the various itineraries of the Roero, Murazzano DOP and Barbera.
Food and wine in the Langhe
The territory acknowledged by UNESCO offers outstanding evidence of its historical tradition for food and wine. The Langhe are a place to live, taste and enjoy: this is why many people want to buy a home, a country house to renovate or a farmhouse here.
Winegrowing and the vinification processes are central to the local culture. The Langhe are rural setting where life is based on the wine culture. In actual fact, these areas are an example of farming landscape which consolidates the relationship between man and nature. In the Langhe, there is a continuity of ancient tradition focused on excellence.
Skilled operations and the constant improvement of viticulture techniques have led to the achievement of extraordinary results which are manifested in the splendour of a landscape which is unique in the world. The constant and passionate dedication of those who cultivate the vineyards applying all the farming skills handed down through the generations have made Langhe, Roero and Monferrato a territory of exceptional universal value.
This is an important challenge for Piedmont which now has the chance to shine an international spotlight on its beauty, landscapes and cultural and historical values. And of course, it has the perfect opportunity to showcase wines which have made history, such as Barbaresco, Barolo, Dolcetto di Diano d’Alba, Dolcetto di Dogliani, Nebbiolo, Dolcetto d’Alba and Barbera d’Alba.
We look forward to seeing you in the Langhe Piemontesi
The aim of this article is to offer a map, a representation of the Langhe area, perfect for varied tourism. A tourism made up of characteristic hotels, camper van or motorbike trips, walks following historical, wine and food itineraries. But there are also people here who are looking for a house, who want to a buy properties (houses, country properties to renovate, farmhouses, etc.) to spend their lives in a gentle, relaxed environment, embraced by nature.