Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont
Latest page update: 24 January 2025
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By: Dion Protani
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The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which honours the contribution the wine regions and Grinzane Cavour Castle have made to the development of vineyards and to Italian history.
Both the Langhe and Monferrato regions offer bucolic landscapes across the provinces of Alessandria, Asti and Cuneo in Piedmont. |
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Profile
The Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy.
This site represents a remarkable cultural landscape shaped by centuries of wine-making traditions and agricultural practices. The area is famous for its vineyards, which produce some of Italy's most renowned wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
This site represents a remarkable cultural landscape shaped by centuries of wine-making traditions and agricultural practices. The area is famous for its vineyards, which produce some of Italy's most renowned wines, including Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera.
History
The wine-making traditions in the Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions date back to ancient times. The Etruscans and Romans cultivated grapes in this fertile land, and the tradition continued through the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The region's viticulture flourished under the influence of noble families who promoted wine production and improved the quality of the wines.
The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions have also been influenced by various architectural and cultural aspects, reflecting the unique interplay between man and nature in this picturesque landscape.
The Langhe-Roero and Monferrato regions have also been influenced by various architectural and cultural aspects, reflecting the unique interplay between man and nature in this picturesque landscape.
Key features
- Wine Tours and Tastings: Visitors can explore the vineyards and wineries, participate in guided wine tours, and indulge in wine tastings to savor the exceptional wines of the region.
- Wine Festivals: The area hosts numerous wine festivals and events throughout the year, offering opportunities to celebrate the local wine culture.
- Gastronomic Delights: The region's culinary heritage is equally enticing, with a variety of local dishes to complement the wines, such as truffles, cheese, and traditional Piemontese cuisine.
- Hiking and Cycling: The scenic landscape is perfect for hiking and cycling, allowing visitors to enjoy breathtaking views of the vine-covered hills.
- Historic Towns and Castles: The area is dotted with charming medieval towns, castles, and historic sites that offer a glimpse into the region's rich history.
- Truffle Hunting: Truffle hunting experiences are available, showcasing the region's reputation as a truffle paradise.
- Conservation Efforts: The UNESCO World Heritage Site status ensures the preservation and protection of this cultural landscape.
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Provinces: Alessandria, Asti, Cuneo
Region: Piedmont Number of sites: 6 Wine regions: Langhe, Monferrato Fly to: Turin Airport |
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Year: 2014
Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato
Year: 2014
Barolo
Barolo is a picturesque vineyard town nestled in the Langhe hills of Piedmont, northern Italy, renowned as the birthplace of Barolo wine, one of Italy’s most prestigious reds. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, the town offers stunning views and a tranquil atmosphere. The historic Castello Falletti di Barolo dominates the town and houses the Wine Museum (WiMu), where visitors can explore the region's winemaking heritage.
Barolo’s history is deeply intertwined with its wine, dating back to the 19th century when the Marchesi Falletti family refined its production. Today, Barolo is a destination for wine lovers, offering tastings at local wineries and a glimpse into local traditions. |
Grinzane Cavour Castle
Grinzane Cavour Castle is a historic landmark located in the Langhe region of Piedmont, near Alba. Surrounded by rolling vineyards, the castle is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a symbol of the region’s winemaking heritage. Built in the 13th century, it features a well-preserved medieval structure with towers, stone walls, and panoramic views of the countryside.
The castle is famously associated with Camillo Benso, Count of Cavour, a leading figure in Italian unification and a former owner of the estate. Today, it houses the Regional Enoteca Cavour, showcasing local wines, and a museum dedicated to the area’s history, culture, and gastronomy. |
Barbaresco
Barbaresco is a picturesque village located in the heart of the Piedmont region in northwestern Italy, nestled among the rolling hills of the Langhe wine region.
The town is renowned for producing Barbaresco wine, a prestigious red wine made from the Nebbiolo grape, known for its rich, complex flavours. Barbaresco is characterized by its charming medieval centre, with narrow streets, traditional stone buildings, and the iconic 19th-century Barbaresco Tower, offering panoramic views of the vineyards. |
Nizza Monferrato
Nizza Monferrato is a charming town located in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled in the Monferrato hills, an area famous for its rolling vineyards and scenic landscapes.
Situated approximately 40 kilometres southeast of Turin, it is known for its production of Barbera wine, a key feature of the region's agricultural economy. Historically, Nizza Monferrato was an important medieval settlement, with roots dating back to Roman times. Over the centuries, it has been influenced by various noble families and local rulers. |
Canelli
Canelli is a picturesque town in the Piedmont region of northern Italy, nestled in the rolling hills of the Langhe, an area renowned for its wine production.
Famous for its sparkling wine, particularly Asti Spumante, Canelli is home to numerous vineyards and wine cellars. The town features charming narrow streets, historical buildings, and traditional stone houses. One of its key attractions is the "Underground Cathedrals," a network of subterranean wine cellars that date back to the 18th century. Canelli’s history is deeply rooted in viticulture, and it continues to thrive. |
Monferrato
The Monferrato wine region is located in the Piedmont region of northwestern Italy, between the Po and Tanaro rivers.
Known for its picturesque vineyards and rolling hills, Monferrato is a key area in the production of fine wines, particularly Barbera, Dolcetto, and Moscato. The region's fertile soil and favorable climate contribute to the high quality of its wines, which have been produced since Roman times. The area's wine-growing history is enriched by medieval castles, ancient wine cellars, and traditional farming methods. |