|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Alba Country Inn For Wine Lovers - Green Vacations - Romantic Lodgings |
 |
|
|
|
You can search the world, but you'll find few regions (including the Chianti) which have dedicated their landscape as thoroughly to vineyards as Le Langhe. In central Piedmont, halfway between Turin and Milan, just an hour from Malpensa Airport and the Ligurian seacoast, this tiny region is little more than an endless series of gently rolling hills blanketed with a lush multi-colored patchwork of vigne. Savvy winelovers come here annually to spend leisurely days roaming from one cantina to the next, visiting the ancient wine museums and sampling the world-class products of these tiny plots: Barolo, Barbera, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Moscato d'Asti and more. You'd be very surprised to learn how many of the world's most renowned vintages are made with grapes grown almost entirely in Le Langhe: French champagne is only one of them.
Even if you are not a wine connoisseur, this region has plenty to offer. To begin with, it is the global headquarters of the prized white truffle, which grows abundantly (if highly clandestinely!) under the local oak trees. In October and November each town has its festival, generally culminating in free tastings of delicacies and a spectacular auction of the world's most expensive food. The entire regional cuisine, based on a fanciful use of fresh vegetables, high-quality meats and delicate sauces, is often considered to be Italy's finest. You can sample it in dozens of restaurants - from the simplest local hangout to renowned (and expensive) culinary luminaries - scattered throughout the countryside or in the charming medieval towns that invariably hover at the foot of a forboding castle. Many of these castles can be visited, by the way, and offer a fascinating glimpse into the life of feudal northern Italy.
If you are lucky enough to plan for a more extended stay, we suggest you include a day in Turin. Known abroad mostly as the home of the mysterious Shroud, it is a pleasant provincial capital that still displays the grandeur of its stint as home to the Savoys, Italy's only royal dynasty.You can visit several beautiful palazzi as well as the best Egyptian museum outside of Egypt and one of Europe's most stunning municipal parks. Or zip down the autostrada to Genoa and Portofino for a day at the seaside and some authentic pesto alla genovese. Slightly over an hour away are the foothills of the Alps, studded with more vineyards and a host of little towns whose inhabitants offer a warm welcome to the rare tourist smart enough to venture this far. Finally, to add some glamorous international flair to your week, tool over to Monte Carlo for a try at the baccarat table. It's just two hours away.
The most famous town in Le Langhe is Alba. Just 10km away, down a charming road that makes its way through the vineyards, is this refined country inn. Occupying a 200-year-old building with dramatic stone walls, soft terracotta floors, wood-beamed ceilings, and big picture windows that show off stunning views of the surrounding hills, the inn offers a wonderful mixture of friendly hospitality and understated flair. Each of the 27 rooms is unique, with its own colors and fabrics and accessories. Superior rooms are larger and have a special feature such as a balcony, a whirlpool tub, a sitting area with love seat or French doors onto the garden. Junior suites are still larger and have a separate sitting area. The suites offer unforgettable views. Each room is equipped with air conditioning, heating, DSL Internet access, direct-dial telephone, satellite TV, wall safe, and private bathroom with stall shower and hair dryer.
Across the courtyard from the main house is the former barn, where delicious breakfasts are served. Next door are the indoor swimming pool and sauna, which can be used year-round. Wall-to-wall glass doors make it possible to enjoy unforgettable views of the vineyards and villages while you swim. You'll want to visit those wineries during the day, and in the evening, you'll head for the picture book villages to taste the famed local cuisine. This truly is a magical land, made only more desirable by the relative lack of tourists -- for now. Hurry, before the rest of the world finds out about the gorgeous (and yummy) region of Le Langhe!
|
|
CLOSED JANUARY 1-FEBRUARY 1, 2010
For this property:
A child 0-9 years old stays free in its parents’ room. A baby crib is available free of charge by reservation only.
Please note that you need a car to stay here.
It is not possible to guarantee Internet access at any property, because the property does not generate the service, it merely provides access from a server. If the server experiences any kind of problem at all, the property regrets it cannot be responsible for any inconvenience caused by subsequent lack of service.
Lodgings Nearby
Things To Do Near This Property
Other Lodgings for Wine Lovers
Other Romantic Lodgings
Other Green Vacation Spots
In Italy Online charges no booking fees or hidden extras.
Click here for more information about our services.
Click here for details about Italian lodgings.
Here are some useful links to help you plan an even better trip to Italy:
Travel Insurance
Car Rental
City Walks & Day Trips
Museum Reservations
Folding Maps
Cell Phone Use
Guidebooks
Things You Really Ought To Do Before You Start Your Trip
More Things to See and Do in Italy
Local Pageants & Festivals
Food & Antique Markets
Buon viaggio from In Italy Online!