From the Langhe to the Roero

Monforte d'Alba is a small, lesser-known but no less charming medieval village in the Barolo Langa, so much so that it has earned a place among the most beautiful villages in our country.
It is along our route today, we take advantage of a walk through the steep, narrow alleys to the square of the Old Church.
We park at the entrance to the village and continue on foot. There is also a small parking lot near the cathedral, where you can park and walk a bit through the village to the next place.

There is nothing left of what was the Castle, but we can admire the Tower of this beautiful building.
Monforte sits atop a hill from which we can enjoy a privileged view of the surrounding hills covered with vineyards. The best season is autumn, when the vines are dotted with red and yellow.

At the foot of the tower is the Amphitheater, which has become an Auditorium dedicated to the pianist Horszowki.
Take 10 minutes to admire the landscape over the vineyards and the monumental structures in the background: the 18th-century noble palace of the Scarampi family and the Baroque oratory of Santa Elisabetta.

Let's get on board! Pardon, on the bench, and enjoy a new landscape.
Blue bench, then red, we are at the lilac bench! (It is next to the giant coloured pencils).
We reach it by car and it offers a view of the Borgo di Monteforte.

Barolo is produced here, and these producers have chosen not to use chemicals in their vineyards.
Although it is early to have a glass of wine, the view of the vineyards is not to be missed.
To book a tasting, contact the winery through their website.Tastings are at 10:00 a.m., 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. and last 1 to 2 1/2 hours.

I hope you enjoyed the tasting, it certainly opened your stomach! If in doubt, given the tasting, the advice is to leave the car here, take advantage of a walk to the center to reach the Càtari tavern.
So let's go and try some Piedmontese specialties: "la Monfortina," a veal carpaccio (raw meat) that is served as an appetizer; Tajarin butter and black truffle; and the Ravioli al plin cannot be missed.
All accompanied by a good glass of wine.
The place takes its name from the heresy of the Cathars, a Christian population that lived in 1020
BUSINESS HOURS: Monday and Tuesday closed Other days: 12:30 to 2 p.m. and 7:30 to 10 p.m.
For more info, click here

We pick up the car after a nice digestive walk through the vineyards and set off again for the Castle of Serralunga d'Alba.

The Castle is magnificent and towers over the hillside of this small Borgo, all surrounded by vineyards: get ready to visit it and admire the landscape that surrounds it.
Opening hours can be found here
The castle is open on Thursday afternoons from 2:30 to 6:30 pm (last visit 5:30 pm). Open Friday through Monday and all holidays, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm to 6:30 pm (last visit 5:30 pm).
Reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and holidays (by 6 p.m. the day before the visit).

Surely a lot of thoughts will have formed: let's develop them into a 12-step literary walk. Each one will invite us to sit on a bench (in case you haven't had enough yet) and, depending on the theme, reflect on three literary quotes.
These include that of silence, listening and contemplation, but also of momentum, optimism and instinct with which the itinerary closes.
The forest is always open. Here find more info

This loop circuit is suggested especially in autumn or spring. With snow it is certainly atmospheric, but the roads are not passable.
It is a circuit through 18 municipalities, including medieval villages, vineyards and hills that you can start a little from wherever you prefer without risking missing any.
These are lands that invite rest. The landscapes are unforgettable.
There is good food and drink here, too.

We make time to visit this curious, wine-related museum that collects specimens of corkscrews of different shapes, colors and eras. It is tiny but worth the visit. It closes at 6:30 pm.
Here find the hours
CLOSED ON THURSDAYS All other days, open from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

A snack after all this walking is really needed.
The winery, whose construction dates back to the 1700s, offers wine tasting but there is also a truffle farm.
Another cue to buy tipi products to take home for yourself, or for the people you love.
BUSINESS HOURS: Closed Sundays. Other days, open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Here is the link to request more information

We dine overlooking gentle slopes: the vineyards are at our feet, the sun sets over the hills.
The family that owns the Inn produces Barolo Cannubi.
The culinary proposal is traditional Langhe and tied to the season.
The restaurant is closed Sunday evening and all day Wednesday.
Reservations are necessary: make them from here

An environment surrounded by greenery, with the fully renovated rooms overlooking the vineyards: the pleasure of the old blending with modernity.
It will be an unforgettable stay.