A Weekend in the Langhe Hills: A slow journey through vineyards, truffles, and charming villages

With its neighbours Roero and Monferrato, the Langhe region have been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. Ancient castles, tiny villages framed by endless rows of vines, and rolling hills that produce some of Italy’s finest wines shape this generous land, home to truffles, hazelnuts, and the Slow Food movement. Every season has its charm, and all it takes is following the scent of a fine Barolo to find yourself exactly where you need to be.

What can you see during a weekend in the Langhe hills? Where to eat and stay overnight? This guide gives you all the advice you need to organise a perfect Italian "wine" escape.

We’ll travel from La Morra to Barolo, passing through Monforte d’Alba, Alba, Barbaresco, Neive, Grinzane Cavour, Diano d’Alba, and Serralunga d’Alba. Get ready to hit the road!

Even just a weekend can be enough to explore the Langhe region at a relaxed pace and soak in its spectacular landscapes ranging from the meticulously ordered vineyard-covered hills to the snow-capped Alpine peaks on the horizon. In between, it’s all adorable villages to wander through, bottles to uncork, and restaurants where loosening your belt is all part of the experience.

When’s the best time to spend a weekend in the Langhe hills? Anytime you like. While it’s true that autumn is the season most adored by true connoisseurs, with the Truffle Fair in full swing and the vineyards turning the same deep red as the wines they produce, you’ll never be disappointed by what this region has to offer—no matter when you come. 

To help you make the most of your Langhe getaway, we’ve put together a simple itinerary perfect for first-timers, including must-see spots and the best places to eat and stay. Everything you need to know is right here.

La Morra is one of the first villages on a classic Langhe itinerary from Turin.

From Piazza Martiri, stroll through the town up to Piazza Castello, a natural balcony on the hills and nearby Castiglione Falletto and Serralunga d'Alba. While there, you'll have a preview of what's to come over the next 48 hours (give or take). You'll spend them exploring, toasting, and uncovering some unusual places.

One of those spots, a small, flashy chapel tucked among the vines, is just outside the town. In the '90s, artists Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett transformed this unconsecrated church into the colourful Cappella del Barolo, one of the most intriguing sights one can encounter during a weekend in the Langhe hills. The road to get there may be closed to traffic, but you can reach it with a short walk on Strada Fontanazza.

Keep going and head to Monforte d'Alba, a lovely Langhe town that's part of the "Most Beautiful Villages in Italy" network. Be sure to visit the old medieval district, La Saracca, and the Horszowski Auditorium, which hosts a famous jazz festival every summer.

Time to figure out where to eat and stay for the night. Felicin is a local legend in Monforte. For 100 years, it's been the go-to spot for warm hospitality and top-tier Piedmontese cuisine. Nonno Felicin and nonna Dina opened the restaurant back in 1927.

Four generations later, their family is still at the helm, serving up incredible food made with love and locally sourced ingredients, along with niche wines you won't easily find elsewhere. Beyond the historic ristorante, Felicin is also a 4-star albergo diffuso (scattered hotel) perfect for experiencing the real village vibe from the inside. If you want to feel like a local, ask them for a tour of the area or let them take you to the best wine cellars.

After a night like that, the alarm clock will hit different, and you'll be eager to kick off your next day exploring Le Langhe.

Alba is a must-visit for food and wine lovers, especially during the International White Truffle Fair, held between October and December.

That said, one of the best times to explore the "capital" of Le Langhe, no matter the season, is on a Saturday morning. It's when this elegant and laid-back town hosts Piedmont's most colourful and vibrant market.

Alba gave the world a great modern food icon: Nutella. That said, the hazelnut spreads at the stalls between Piazza Urbano Prunotto and Piazza Savona are so divine you might never go back to store-bought jars again.

Spend the morning cheerfully weaving through gourmet shopping and stopping at key landmarks: the house of partisan and writer Beppe Fenoglio, Palazzo Comunale, the Cathedral of San Lorenzo, and the quaint Chiesa di San Domenico and Chiesa della Maddalena, just to name a few.

By lunchtime, take shelter in Alba’s cosy wine bars and restaurants, nestled beneath towers and rooftops as red as the Barolo that flows so freely here. Let the delicate truffle shavings on your plate of tajarin work their magic, then set off for your next stop.

Barbaresco is the perfect follow-up. Stroll through the village, then climb its medieval tower for a spectacular view over Le Langhe.

Back on solid ground, grab a glass to taste the region's finest wines: Barbaresco, Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Dolcetto. If you stroll down Via Torino, you might glimpse one of the most famous Italian wineries in the world (though visiting it is another story). 

Before heading off, step in the surprising Enoteca Regionale del Barbaresco, housed in an evocative deconsecrated church.

If time is on your side, take a detour to Neive, a hilltop gem built around a picturesque clock tower.

Your final day in Le Langhe begins in Grinzane Cavour, a charming village dominated by the majestic UNESCO-listed castle home to the prestigious  Alba White Truffle World Auction. 

Once the residence of Count Camillo Benso, a key figure in Italy's unification, this imposing fortress stands tall against a lush, green backdrop. Step inside, and you'll find yourself immersed in history, with rooms adorned with antique furniture, rare artefacts, and treasured memorabilia. Everything preserves the charm of centuries past.

Also, the castle is the seat of two important institutions, the Ethnographic Museum of Le Langhe and the Enoteca Regionale Piemontese, a space dedicated to the finest wines and gourmet products from the region.

Next, make your way to Diano d'Alba, a hilltop village boasting a fantastic panorama over the Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards.

Spend a moment to visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista before continuing to Serralunga d'Alba, a pretty town featuring one of Le Langhe's most stunning castles.

Take a passeggiata for its cobbled streets, enjoy a wine tasting at a local enoteca, or visit a historic cellar before venturing to yet another gem of the region.

Nestled among Nebbiolo vineyards, family-run wineries, and centuries-old estates, the delightful town of Barolo makes for the perfect lunch stop.

Naturally, Barolo has its own castle too! Once you've refuelled, reach the impressive fortress that houses the WiMu – Wine Museum for an immersive and interactive journey into the iconic local product. Then, get to the castle's historic cellar to visit Enoteca Regionale del Barolo and further explore the nuances of what's in your glass. 

Before you leave, don’t miss one last quirky attraction: the Corkscrew Museum, just a short walk from the castle. Showcasing an unconventional collection of historic corkscrews from around the world, it's easily one of the most unusual stops during your weekend in the Langhe hills.

Still have time? End your trip on a sweet note in Cherasco and stock up on the exquisite Baci di Cherasco, decadent chocolate bites packed with toasted hazelnuts. Now that's a proper send-off!

A convenient way to get around during a weekend in the Langhe hills is by car or moto, so schedules won't restrict you.

For a more relaxed and immersive experience, consider the bike. The rolling hills offer spectacular routes through vineyards and castles but be prepared for some steep climbs.

You can also use public transport. Take a train to Alba and then continue by bus to the main attractions. A direct railway line from Turin connects the city to Alba in about 1 hour and 10 minutes. If you're coming from Milan, you'll need to travel to Asti or Turin first, then take a connecting train to Alba.

Once in Alba, buses run to villages like Barolo, La Morra, and Monforte d'Alba, though services may be limited, especially on holidays and weekends.

If you're arriving by train or bus but still want the freedom to explore Le Langhe at your own pace, consider renting a car or booking an organized tour with transportation included.

- Plan your transport Check train and bus schedules in advance, especially on holidays and weekends, when service may be limited.

- Book ahead If you're visiting during peak season (September–November), make reservations for hotels, restaurants, and wineries in advance to avoid missing out.

- Choose the right way to get around If you're travelling by train or bus, consider renting a car to explore areas less accessible by public transport. For a slower, more scenic experience, cycling or using an e-bike is a great alternative.

- Pick the best time to visit Autumn (September–November) is the most magical time, with the harvest season, the Alba White Truffle Fair, and stunning fall colours painting the hills. But every season has its charm: spring is perfect for hikes, summer offers festivals and spa retreats, and winter is all about cosy food experiences and local traditions.

- Where to stay in Le Langhe? Monforte d'Alba, one of the most beautiful villages in the region, is an excellent base for exploring Le Langhe and living an authentic local experience. Though, no matter where you stay, you can't go wrong. Every corner of Le Langhe is a good place to stop, and driving through its vineyard-covered hills is a pleasure in itself.