Le château de Barolo dans la région des Langhe, Piémont italien

PRIVATE ESCAPE 3 NIGHTS / 4 DAYS

Weekend in the Langhe

Nebbiolo, truffles and hilltop villages

In Piedmont, a far cry from the dolce vita spirit of Southern Italy, the Langhe region stretches as far as the eye can see with its gentle hills, vineyards, and quaint medieval villages where time appears to stand still. This area is a paradise for gastronomy and wine enthusiasts, as well as curious travelers seeking well-preserved medieval towns, castles, museums, and the protected landscapes of Roero-Monferrato.

For wine connoisseurs, the Langhe's "tenute" or vineyard estates produce seven different DOCG wines, which are among the finest PDOs in Italy. Similar to Tuscany, Piedmont's vineyards are recognized on the Unesco World Heritage list. In the cellars of Roero and others, each bottle of Barolo, Asti, Alba Nebbiolo, and Barbaresco offers an exceptional experience for the palate.

Food enthusiasts will relish the exquisite white truffle from the Langhe, harvested in the Monferrato Forest, a magnet for food-lovers worldwide. This small town is the epicenter of the very rare tuber magnatum Pico and hosts its own international truffle fair annually from October to November. Specialists flock to Italy from across the globe to partake in this renowned event.

In the countryside around Turin, hazelnut trees stretch across the horizon. These local nuts, known as Tonda Gentile delle Langhe (literally: the round and soft of the Langhe), boast a unique flavor and are a key ingredient in the delightful gianduiotto and other specialty chocolates crafted by Turin's esteemed chocolatiers.

La Morra and its medieval church, a Hiddenist journey in the Langhe, Piedmont

The Martini sign, a symbol of Turin located under the arcades of Piazza San Carlo, a Hiddenist journey in Piedmont

It makes perfect sense that the Slow Food movement was born in this favored region of Italy. Founded by Piedmont native Carlo Petrini, this initiative encourages a diet of "good, clean and fair" food, countering the rise of fast-food with products that respect the land, biodiversity, and local traditions. This eco-conscious approach to gastronomy began and has its headquarters in Bra, a town near Alba.

To top it all, the beautiful landscapes and medieval villages, churches and castles of the Langhe region make it a dream cultural destination. Taking a stroll in the narrow alleys of Asti, Alba and Neive is quite magical, with their architectural charm leaving a lasting impression.

Isn’t it a dream to combine gastronomy, lifestyle and visits of medieval cities and castles into a single journey? Especially when the curator of this itinerary through the Langhe hills is no else than two Michelin-starred Chef Michelangelo Mammoliti!

"All I see are hills, and in my eyes, close and far, they fill the ground and the sky with the precise lines of their flanks. But mine are harsh and strewn with vineyards, growing despite all on burnt land." - Cesare Pavese

Village typique des Langhe avec ses magasins de vins, un voyage Hiddenist dans le Piémont

Hiddenist itinerary map in the Langhe, Piedmont

Michelangelo Mammoliti’s Langhe

The two Michelin-starred Chef invites you to explore "his" Langhe. Born in this exceptional land, Michelangelo Mammoliti learned early on the significance of seasonal rhythms and the richness of local ingredients. Because he loves his land and knows every village, vineyard and producer, he exclusively unveils his favorite secret spots, the very places that inspire his delicate cooking infused with nature and childhood memories.

Dinner at La Rei Natura, the two-star restaurant of Chef Mammoliti in the Langhe region

La Rei Natura experience

Vineyards as far as the eye can see, with the Alps as their backdrop. La Rei Natura by Michelangelo Mammoliti, the two Michelin-starred Chef’s restaurant in the Piedmont is a masterpiece of light and order. No frills or bling: all that matters is what’s on the plate, and the breathtaking view of the Langhe hills. The brigade is young, highly skilled and joyful. Start with an aperitivo in the vestibule before moving to the main dining room to savor the acclaimed cuisine of culinary virtuoso Michelangelo. An unforgettable highlight of your trip.

Juliana Angotti, founder of Hiddenist, visits the WiMu in Barolo, Piedmont

Truffle hunting

A highlight of your trip to the Langhe, the land of truffles, is going on a treasure hunt with a "trifulau" and their dog. These dogs have an extraordinary sense of smell and can detect these prized mushrooms from miles away. Contrary to popular belief, dogs are preferred over pigs because pigs tend to eat precious truffles! Sold for up to $7000 per kilogram at Alba’s annual truffle fair, they are precious indeed!

Wine tastings of Nebbiolo and Boscareto in a Piedmont vineyard

Family-owned Nebbiolo

In La Morra, at the heart of the Barolo region, the Dogliani family acquired the Beni di Batasiolo estate in the 1950s. Their meticulous winemaking process includes handpicking grapes, macerating with peels, and aging in French or Slovenian oak casks - just a few of the secrets behind their exceptional wines. Here, you'll have the chance to taste some of their finest nectars: Dolcetto, Barbera, Nebbiolo, Cerequio, and of course, Boscareto.

Grinzane Cavour Castle

Grinzane Cavour Castle is quite impressive at first glance, with its medieval architecture and rectangular layout. However, it's from its elevated promenade that a stunning view unfolds. The picturesque Barolo hills spread out on the horizon around this 13th-century castle, once home of Count Camillo Benso di Cavour, a key figure in Italy’s unification alongside Garibaldi. A delight for the eyes and the mind!

Piedmont is the region where the Slow Food movement was born in the 1980s

The art of Slow Food

At the crossroads of the peaceful landscapes of the Langhe and the industrial quarters of Turin, a gastronomic movement was born. Founded in 1986 by Carlo Petrini, the Slow Food movement aims to rediscover life’s simple pleasures by promoting a "good, clean and fair" diet. Forty years later, this movement remains strong in Italy and has spread to over 160 countries, fighting against junk food and promoting a healthy art-de-vivre.

Tasting Beppino Occelli cheeses in Bra, a gourmet journey through Piedmont

Exceptional cheeses

In Bra, savor the renowned butter and cheeses "Tuma dla Paja" and "Escarun" from Beppino Occelli. For over 40 years, this master cheesemaker has crafted exquisite Italian cheeses that capture the essence of the Alps, the Cuneo province, and the Langhe prairies. Beppino's products are bestsellers in gourmet stores worldwide, and their dedication to sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture makes these cheeses even more exceptional.

Lunch at the top of Torre di Barbaresco, a Hiddenist experience in the Langhe, Piedmont

Wine tasting of Barolo wines during your Hiddenist journey in Piedmont

A day to discover Turin during our Hiddenist journey in Piedmont

Turin's Merenda Reale

At the end of your weekend in Piedmont, indulge in the tradition of "Merenda Reale" - the royal snack - inherited from the court of the Dukes of Savoy during the rich Baroque era. The historic cafes of Turin skillfully prepare the iconic "bicerin", a hot drink layered with coffee, chocolate, and cream. This sweet delight is served alongside an assortment of biscuits such as paste di meliga (cornmeal biscuits), torcetti (small cookies), savoiardi (ladyfingers),
and chivasso (hazelnut meringues)...

La Rei Natura experience