If you like Italian wine, the wineries in Piedmont likely need no introduction. With a world-renowned wine culture, Piedmont is one of our Italy travel clients’ favorite destinations.
The area is renowned for its diverse wine production and the stunning scenery, including the Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero hills, which comprise a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area of Italy boasts some of the world’s most famous vineyards and wines celebrated internationally for their quality, history, and uniqueness.
As an Italy travel planner with over 12 years of experience living in Italy and over 10 years of experience planning Italy-specific trips, I have sent my fair share of travelers to this region.
I consistently get asked where to go to taste the best wines in Italy, and almost always suggest Piemonte. So, if this destination is on your list, too, we have compiled some information on Piemonte wine. In this article, I will help you explore the history of winemaking in the area and five wineries to visit on your next trip.
All About Piedmont, Italy
The Piedmont wine region is one of Italy’s top wine-producing areas, recognized for its diversity in both wine styles and grape varieties. Stretching across approximately 25,000 hectares, the region offers an impressive range of wines, from robust reds to light whites and sparkling varieties.
Piemonte Italy is a region that lies at the foot of the Alps, and the location highly influences its climate and soil. The combined mountainous terrain and rolling hills are ideal for grape cultivation. The region’s diverse microclimates, rich soil types, and proximity to those famous mountains create a unique terroir that brings out the distinctive character in each wine.
Piedmont’s DOC and DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) designations, the highest levels of quality control in Italian wine, ensure that the wines produced here meet rigorous standards of excellence.
Three major wine regions in Piedmont stand out for their historical significance, wine production, and landscape: Langhe, Monferrato, and Roero. These areas are home to Piedmont’s iconic wines, and you’ll want to visit them on your trip.
History of Winemaking in Piedmont
The history of winemaking in Piedmont stretches back over two millennia. The region’s winemaking roots trace back to the ancient Romans, who planted vineyards in the fertile lands at the base of the Alps.
However, it wasn’t until the Middle Ages that winemaking in the region began to take on a more recognizable shape. During this time, monks in monasteries played a key role in refining winemaking techniques and expanding the region’s viticulture.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, Piedmont had gained significant wine recognition. During this period, the famous Barolo wine was first created, largely credited to the efforts of the noble family of the Marquis of Barolo. The family’s commitment to quality winemaking helped cement the reputation of Piedmont wines as some of the best in Italy.
Throughout the 20th century, Piedmont’s winemaking industry has evolved significantly. The region saw significant recovery following the world wars, and new techniques and technologies were introduced. By the latter half of the 20th century, Piedmont was firmly established as one of the leading wine regions in the world, producing 59 appellations.
Today, these wineries are more than just places where wine is produced; they are cultural hubs, offering educational tours, tastings, and events that help raise awareness of Piedmont’s outstanding wines on the global stage.
Traditional Winemaking Practices
Many winemakers in Piedmont continue to employ time-honored methods, relying on hand-harvesting, minimal intervention, and aging wines in large oak barrels – techniques that help preserve the authenticity and character of each wine.
In the case of Barolo and Barbaresco, two of the most famous wines from Piedmont, traditional aging in large oak barrels or “botti” has been a hallmark of the region’s winemaking philosophy for centuries.
Another traditional method Piedmont uses is “passito,” which involves drying grapes before fermentation to concentrate flavors, particularly for certain dessert wines. Unlike other areas of Italy, Piedmont is still highly grounded in traditional practices.
Traditional practices are so ingrained in Piedmont that our instructor told us Piemonte deserves its own class when I was studying for my WSET II wine certification in Italy.
Modern Innovations
While wineries in Piedmont use traditional methods, many vineyards have also embraced modern winemaking innovations.
One of the most fascinating chapters in Piedmont’s modern winemaking story is the “Barolo Boys,” a group of young winemakers in the 1980s and 1990s who challenged traditional methods to produce a new style of Barolo. These innovative vintners focused on shorter maceration times, small French oak barrels, and a fruitier, more approachable style of wine. The movement was so influential that it inspired the documentary Barolo Boys: The Story of a Revolution, a must-watch for anyone interested in how Piedmont’s wines evolved during this period.
Today, some wineries are adopting precision viticulture, which uses drones and sensors to monitor soil health, grape ripeness, and climate factors. This allows winemakers to tailor their production methods to each vineyard, ensuring the highest quality wine possible.
Nowadays, these modern techniques are often combined with the region’s traditional practices to create wines that balance innovation and heritage. The winemakers frequently cultivate their vineyards using organic and biodynamic principles to help improve quality and adapt to changing climate conditions.
Five Wineries in Piedmont To Visit On Your First Trip
Now that you understand what makes this area special, let’s look at five of Piedmont’s most famous and popular wineries, with a glimpse into the rich traditions and wine varieties that make this region a must-visit for wine enthusiasts.
Marchesi di Barolo
As we mentioned above, Marchesi di Barolo is one of Piedmont’s oldest and most prestigious wineries, dating back to the early 19th century. Located in Barolo, it is one of the leading producers of Barolo wine, a red wine made from the famous Nebbiolo grape. This winery has a fascinating history linked to the Marchesi Falletti, the noble family who helped elevate Barolo wine’s reputation globally.
Location and Production
The estate is in the heart of the Langhe hills, renowned for its perfect climate for Nebbiolo grape cultivation. Marchesi di Barolo still produces various types of Barolo, including traditional, modern, and aged versions. Their wines are made with the utmost care and respect for tradition and focus on sustainable farming practices.
Pros and Cons
It’s the original Barolo wine house but can be expensive and hectic.
Wine Types
Marchesi di Barolo is most famous for its Barolo wines, but it also produces Barbaresco, Barbera d’Alba, and Dolcetto.
Marchesi di Barolo, Via Roma, 1, 12060 Barolo CN, Italy
Gaja Winery
Founded by Giovanni Gaja in 1859, Gaja Winery is one of the most renowned and respected names in the Piedmont wine scene. The winery is located in the village of Barbaresco, within the Langhe region. Known for pushing boundaries in winemaking, Gaja pioneered modern, high-quality wines that still respect tradition.
Location and Production
Gaja owns vineyards in some of the most prestigious crus in Barbaresco and Barolo. They focus on producing wines with a heavy emphasis on the Nebbiolo grape. They are also known for experimenting with international varieties such as Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon, resulting in a unique fusion of traditional and innovative.
Gaja is most famous for its Barbaresco wines, especially the single-vineyard “Sorì San Lorenzo.” It also produces Barbaresco Riserva, Langhe Rosso, and other wines. Gaja wines are known for their complexity, elegance, and aging potential.
Pros and Cons
The wines are outstanding, but many carry a hefty price tag. Also, it is very difficult to book a tasting at Gaja, but we can help with that if you’re interested!
Gaja, Via Torino, 5, 12050 Barbaresco CN, Italy
Castello di Neive
The Castello di Neive, located in the village of Neive in the Langhe hills, has a long history dating back to the 12th century. The castle, which has been in the hands of various noble families over the centuries, is now home to this winery that produces some of the finest Barbaresco wines in the region. The winery focuses on using traditional winemaking methods while incorporating modern technologies to improve the quality of its wines.
Location and Production
Castello di Neive’s vineyards are in one of the best areas for growing Nebbiolo grapes, so it’s no surprise that Nebbiolo is the base for most of their wines. Castello di Neive is best known for its Barbaresco wines; however, it also produces Barbera d’Alba and Moscato d’Asti.
Pros and Cons
The tour is exciting, with historic artifacts like a carriage and a visit to the 300+ year-old cellar. However, it books up fast, so make reservations in advance.
Castello di Neive, Corso Romano Scagliola, 205, 12052 Neive CN, Italy
Pio Cesare Winery
Pio Cesare Winery has symbolized the Piedmont wine industry since 1881. It was founded by Pio Cesare, a visionary who sought to create wines representing the best of Barolo and Barbaresco. Today, the winery remains family-owned and operated, continuing its legacy of producing exceptional wines.
Location and Production
Pio Cesare is located in the heart of Alba, surrounded by the iconic vineyards of Barbaresco and Barolo. It produces wines using traditional methods, and its Barolo and Barbaresco wines are highly acclaimed for their elegance and structure. Pio Cesare is particularly known for its Barolo and Barbaresco wines, but it also produces outstanding Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto, and Langhe Nebbiolo varieties.
Pros and Cons
Their cellar is in the center of Alba, a quaint small town. However, people looking to experience rolling hills may be disappointed that their tour is in the center of a small town.
Pio Cesare, Via Cesare Balbo, 6, 12051 Alba CN, Italy
Tenuta Fontanafredda
Founded in 1858 by the famous King of Sardinia, Vittorio Emanuele II, Tenuta Fontanafredda is one of Piedmont’s most historic wineries. The estate, with its magnificent villa, was once the king’s hunting grounds and is now one of the largest wine producers in the region.
Location and Production
Located in Serralunga d’Alba, the winery produces wines from expansive vineyards covering the prestigious Barolo area. Tenuta Fontanafredda produces various wines but is most famous for its Barolo vines. If you want to try something else, the winery also makes Barbera d’Alba, Dolcetto d’Alba, and sparkling wines like Moscato d’Asti and Alta Langa.
Pros and Cons
There are many wine-tasting options, and the possibility of dining or staying on the property in a hotel. However, the property functions like a little village, making it less of a traditional experience and, therefore, can feel commercial.
Cantine Fotanafredda,Via Alba, 15, 12050 Fontanafredda CN, Italy
Dive Deeper into Wineries In Piedmont
This list of five iconic wineries in Piedmont is just scratching the surface of this wine region. If you want to understand the area, we think it’s best experienced with a local expert. We have connections to local guides and sommeliers who can customize your wine tasting in Piedmont, so get in touch if you want to arrange that!
Know Before You Go
While Piedmont is undoubtedly a wine lover’s dream, as with any destination, some downsides might affect your experience. Here are a few things to consider when planning your visit to Piedmont:
Limited Public Transportation Options
Piedmont is a relatively rural wine region with many wineries in the hills, so public transportation options can be limited. While major cities like Turin and Alba are well-connected by trains, reaching wineries in more remote areas requires renting a car, booking private transportation, or booking a private tour with a local sommelier (which we can help you plan, FYI).
High Costs for Wine Tastings and Tours
Many wineries in Piedmont offer private tastings, tasting room experiences, and tours that can be quite expensive, especially at the most renowned estates like Gaja and Marchesi di Barolo. While the quality of the wine and the experience are exceptional, it’s important to budget accordingly, as these tastings can range from €25 to over €100 per person, depending on the exclusivity of the winery and the sampled wines.
If you’d like to taste a wide array of wines from different producers, consider visiting the “enoteche regionali,” regional wine bars where you can sample dozens of producers’ wines in one spot. For example, the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo in Barolo town and the Enoteca Regionale di Barbaresco in the heart of the small village of Barbaresco offer tastings that showcase the depth and breadth of these iconic appellations.
Limited Accommodation Options in Rural Areas
While cities like Turin, Bra, and Alba have numerous hotels, accommodations near the vineyards can be more limited, especially in the more remote parts of Piedmont. Sprawling luxury hotels, boutique hotels, and agriturismo (farm stays) are standard, but they can book up quickly during peak season (especially during the harvest months). It’s a good idea to book well in advance, as there may not be many options for last-minute bookings. If you dream of pairing your wine exploration with indulgent accommodations, check out our curated guide to luxury hotels in Piedmont.
Language Barrier
While plenty of people in Piedmont speak English, particularly in tourist areas, you may encounter a language barrier when venturing into more rural parts of the region. Many smaller wineries and restaurants might only offer services in Italian, and it’s possible that some winemakers or staff may have limited English skills.
Limited Dining Options in Remote Areas
Many wineries in Piedmont are located in the countryside, and while the food in the region is exceptional, dining options can be sparse in more isolated areas. You may need to plan ahead, especially if traveling outside major towns like Alba or Asti. Rural wineries might only offer small bites during tastings or may require reservations for full meals. It’s a good idea to check meal availability beforehand or prepare for a longer drive to nearby restaurants.
Weather Considerations
The weather in the Piedmont region can be unpredictable, especially during the winter and spring months. Winters can be cold and snowy, and certain wineries may not offer tours during this time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wineries In Piedmont
Piedmont offers some of the best wines in the world and is home to some of Italy’s most renowned wineries. With its beautiful vineyards, traditional winemaking methods, and rich history, Piedmont is an excellent destination for any wine lover (or history lover, too).
The best time to visit wineries in Piedmont is during or just after harvest, typically in late September to October. However, the spring months of April to June also offer beautiful weather and fewer crowds, making them great for vineyard tours.
The best wineries in Piedmont include renowned estates like Marchesi di Barolo, Gaja, Pio Cesare, Castello di Neive, and Tenuta Fontanafredda. Each offers a unique blend of traditional and modern winemaking practices and exceptional wine-tasting experiences.
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