In October 2019 I visited Piemonte with my son. He is involved in winemaking so wandering through gorgeous vineyards and stunning wineries seemed like a very good idea. We had a wonderful time so I was happy to revisit the area with my husband who also has a keen interest in wine, mainly drinking it.
We stayed in Alba, a lovely town in the heart of the Langhe, famous for Barolo, Nebbiolo, Barbaresco, Barbera and Dolcetto wine, chocolate and hazelnuts and delicious food. From Alba there is easy and close access to everything we wanted to see and taste.
The town is delightful and it is a pleasure to walk through the narrow streets lined with wonderful enotecas, delis, stylish shops, restaurants and grand buildings.
On our first evening in Alba we at at Al Dente Trattoria, in Via Elvio Pertinance, the same restaurant we went to in 2018 when we were there for the Alba Truffle Festival. It was as good as we remembered.
On our last evening we went to Ape Wine Bar in Piazza Risorgimento, which was excellent. We have decided we like the food and wine in Piemonte.
On our final morning we went to the Saturday market. It is huge! The clothing and homeware stalls run the entire length of the main street , the central piazza and another street. I found it a bit disappointing. Many Italians I talk to don’t like the cheap foreign imports coming into Italy, but these stalls were filled with just that. I can’t imagine the local shop owners are happy to have this at their doorstep every Saturday.
We found the fresh food market in a smaller piazza between the 2 streets. It was great, with lots of local produce well displayed.
We stayed at a great apartment, Il Nido, at the edge of the centre.
It was an easy walk to everything we wanted to see. It had off street parking and the charming host gave us excellent suggestions on what to see in the area. The apartment had good maps and information and was easy to drive to. We will return.
Alba is a perfect base from which to explore the Lange area of Piemonte. In my next post I will tell you about some of the lovely places we visited. We drove away with a haul of local goodies.
Here is a post I wrote on my last visit to Piemonte…Autumn in Piemonte
We had a lovely stay in Piemonte a couple of years ago with Nicholas – it was most enjoyable and we too visited many lovely wineries – on my list to go back
By: Elizabeth Valerie Litzow on May 1, 2023
at 10:51 pm
We went on to visit some lovely places and Jim managed to collect some great wine.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 2, 2023
at 5:06 am
The food looks delicious Deb. Sorry to hear that the cheap imports are making their way into the local markets. They will all end up being the same, which will be a shame.
By: Kerry & Jim on May 1, 2023
at 11:26 pm
I don’t like these markets full of cheap clothing. I would prefer to see some local designers and makers who are just starting out.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 2, 2023
at 5:07 am
It was in Alba where we enjoyed the flag throwing festival & in the evening our Host made a delicious pasta dish with shavings of truffles & that night we were invited to join the wedding reception. Agree with you it is a lovely area.
By: Camillus Davall on May 2, 2023
at 2:25 am
Alba was were I saw flag throwing for the first time and became an instant fan.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 2, 2023
at 5:07 am
Looks like a lovely town, worth visiting. Thank you Deb.
By: mulinodominillo on May 2, 2023
at 5:13 am
Alba is a pretty town with great food and wine.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 2, 2023
at 8:40 am
Little did I know that your husband and I have a shared appreciation for wine! 🙂
What a lovely area that must be.
By: Yvonne on May 2, 2023
at 8:01 am
The Langhe area of Piemonte is beautiful.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 2, 2023
at 8:41 am
When I was studying Italian in Torino in 2021, I joined a few students who traveled to Alba for the tartuffo (truffle) festival. It was great fun, bought pasta with tartufo, olive oil, cheese to bring home for friends.
By: Jack on May 2, 2023
at 5:17 pm
We have been a couple of times for the truffle festival, it is a fun time to be there.
By: Debra Kolkka on May 3, 2023
at 5:46 pm