Relais Casa Clara - Roero - Langhe, Piemonte

We recently discussed the exceptionally beautiful and lesser-known wine region of the Langhe in Italy and how it is actually the home of beloved wines such as Barolo as well as some of the most picturesque landscapes in the entire country. For those who are thinking about finding a vacation rental in Piedmont and who are wine-lovers, foodies, simply lovers of pretty surroundings, or all of the above, then a visit to the Langhe during your holiday in Italy is definitely a must. There are endless little family-run wineries to visit, larger enterprises that run like clockwork, pretty little villages, countless bars and restaurants serving delicious local specialities paired with incredible vintages, some charming hiking routes among the rolling hills and vineyards, and much more besides to enjoy and explore during your time in the area but there are also some little surprises, some little whimsical gems to stumble upon. Among these, the brightly-coloured, so-called Barolo Chapel, or Cappella delle Brunate, is a particular highlight. Like something from a pop art image or a child’s drawing come to life, it is a magic little wonder to make time to visit amidst your strolling, sipping, and sampling in the region.

Italy is home to several regions and endless destinations that boast the most incredible scenery and delicious culinary delights that are born in picturesque and fertile landscapes. In particular, one of the most beautiful areas to visit if you want to fill your eyes and stomach with lovely delights has to be Piedmont. Positioned in the north-western corner of Italy, near the border with both Switzerland and France, this is a region that is overlooked by majestic Alpine peaks and is composed of rolling green hills, dense forests, endless and carefully manicured vineyards, pretty medieval towns, elegant cities, and lots and lots of amazing local culinary specialities. Just find a vacation rental in Piedmont and spend a glorious holiday in Italy eating well in the most picturesque of settings. Head to Cuneo for their rum-flavoured chocolates, discover Asti and Alba and their famous truffles, visit the town of Bra in which the Slow Food movement was born and indulge in it yourself, and be sure to pencil in some time to visit the Langhe Hills...

Langhe is the hilly part of Piedmont, the almost too pretty to be real area that you see pictured in guides and articles and postcards from the region most often. It is also one of the most wonderful gastronomic destinations in all of Italy and is where Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, and Nebbiolo wines were all born, where delicious cheeses can be procured at every turn, and where yet more delicious truffles can be scavenged and devoured. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014 due to its cultural landscapes and traditions in winemaking that date back centuries, this is one of the foodie destinations par excellence in Italy and, yet, for many international travellers considering their next vacation in Italy, it is a name that is not all that familiar. Despite this, we would argue that anyone serious about culinary travels in Italy should find a villa in Piedmont and plan a trip to the Langhe area to sample the cornucopia of wonders that await there. 

When one thinks of the culinary scene in Italy, they tend to picture hearty pasta dishes, perfect pizza, rich glasses of wine and even richer cups of coffee but the country has also produced some of the best-loved desserts in the world that foodies – especially those with a bit of a sweet tooth – should make a point to try. Nothing can compare to the authentic version of a dish made in the country from which it comes but it is also true that everything just tastes sweeter when you are on holidays! Often cited as a traditional dish from Piedmont, you should certainly make a point to try the beloved panna cotta dessert if you have found a vacation rental in Piedmont but you’re sure to also find delicious examples all over the place if you are planning a holiday in Italy!