Destination of the Week: Casa di Langa
Photo courtesy of Casa di Langa
This week, we spotlight Piedmont, a refined alternative to Italy’s more crowded summer destinations. Set among the UNESCO-listed hills of the Langhe, it offers a slower, cooler take on Italian travel, defined by vineyard landscapes, historic villages, and exceptional food and wine. To explore its seasonal appeal, we turn to Casa di Langa’s General Manager, Eva Codina, who shares a local perspective on experiencing Piedmont in the summer months.
While tourists descend upon the bustling streets of Rome or the crowded cliffsides of the Amalfi Coast, a quieter, calmer Italian summer unfolds in the rolling hills of Piedmont. Here, in the UNESCO-protected landscapes of the Langhe, we practice a different kind of summer, where the warm months bring slower afternoons spent exploring sprawling vineyards, visiting remote villages for a long lunch or aperitivo, and enjoying intimate tastings of some of Italy’s finest wines.
Since 2007, I’ve called this region home and welcomed guests from all over the world. Now as the GM of Casa di Langa, a five-star sustainable luxury hotel, we’re sharing a profound connection to the region’s oldest and most cherished traditions while maintaining a steadfast respect for the land. Based in the quiet hills of Piedmont, our boutique hotel is the perfect retreat for access to all that the Langhe has to offer.
The Alta Langa charm reveals itself fully during the summer months. Our high hills and lush woods offer a coolness on even the hottest days. Located between the provinces of Cuneo and Asti, it's the perfect place for those looking to immerse themselves in nature and experience the culture of quaint Italian villages.
Whether you prefer walking, trekking, mountain biking, or e-biking, our hills offer routes suitable for every experience level, winding through breathtaking vineyard views. For travelers who want to experience the terrain, the Bar to Bar Trail is an iconic 50 km route that connects two of the Langhe's most famous wine capitals: Barolo and Barbaresco.
The Moscato Trail is a more leisurely 15 km trail across the Moscato hills, perfect for walking or e-biking with views of vineyards and picturesque villages, while the Roero Trail spans 25 km along the ridges of Roero, with glimpses of the spectacular sandstone walls known as “Rocche.” Even a short walk along the Monforte d’Alba Ring, a ring route of about 10 km, offers quintessential views of the hills and vineyards of Monforte d’Alba. For those who wish to experience the thrill of a horseback ride, several local stables organize guided excursions suitable even for beginners, allowing you to explore the wildest landscapes of the Alta Langa at a relaxed pace.
A visit to the surrounding villages offer a glimpse into Piedmontese culture. Mombarcaro, the highest point in the area at 896 meters above sea level, reveals spectacular views that extend to Monviso and the sea. One of the smallest villages in Italy, Bergolo, is known for its murals and stone houses, turning the town into a walkable art gallery. For a combination of hiking and culture, the medieval castles and Romanesque churches of Prunetto and Gorzegno are an essential stop on any summer itinerary.
Of course, a summer visit is incomplete without a taste of our wine culture. Barolo and Barbaresco are just a few minutes' drive away, but the experience extends to our property. At Casa di Langa, we invite guests to expand their knowledge at our Wine Academy. Through our prestigious partner wineries, Vietti and Enrico Serafino, we provide an exclusive tasting experience of the flavors of the Langhe.
Summer in Piedmont is bursting with noteworthy festivals celebrating the region. For music lovers, June and July host the Monfortinijazz festival and Collisioni, attracting internationally renowned jazz and pop artists to our village squares. Between July and August, the region’s infamous food and wine fairs take center stage. Guests can taste their way through the best of Piedmontese cuisine at the Cortemilia Hazelnut Festival, the Canale Peach Fair, and the beloved Barolo Plin Ravioli Festival.
To escape the summer sun, Casa di Langa’s outdoor infinity pool offers breathtaking panoramic views of Alta Langa. Escape into the tranquility of the Lelòse Spa & Wellness center, complete with a jacuzzi, Finnish sauna, bucket shower, and relaxation areas. For those who wish to immerse themselves in nature, Piedmont has several refreshing gems. Lake Ginestre in Cossano Belbo is a small oasis immersed in greenery, while Lake San Benedetto Belbo, offers an uncrowded body of water, ideal for those seeking a secluded, sustainable space. For a more classic experience, the Alba Municipal Swimming Pool is an excellent alternative for families, equipped with large pools and relaxation areas. Finally, one can dip their feet in the cool waters of the Belbo river near Santo Stefano Belbo or the Tanaro river in the surroundings of Alba, always with due respect for nature.
Gastronomically, Piedmont is celebrated for its local cuisine, ranging from starred restaurants to typical trattorias, all utilizing fresh seasonal products. The season brings delights like the summer truffle, local hazelnuts, and freshly picked vegetables. The Alta Langa is world-famous for the Tonda Gentile delle Langhe Hazelnut, which can be tasted at local farms such as Papa dei Boschi in Lequio Berria or La Cascina Pavaglione in Cortemilia. At Casa di Langa, the culinary story continues at Fàula Ristorante, which means “story” in the local dialect. Here, Chef Daniel Zeilinga transforms flavors from our biodynamic garden into contemporary masterpieces. Every dish is a chapter of the Piedmontese summer, composed of the freshest farm-to-table ingredients.
Set across 42 hectares of lush vineyards, hazelnut groves, and private forests, Casa di Langa supports the beauty of the land with its sustainability practices. With its curated tastings and culinary classes, there's no shortage of ways to immerse yourself in pure Italian culture. Our tailor-made experiences design the perfect Piedmontese holiday, vespa rides, hot air balloon rides, or an end of day aperitif at the Sorì Cocktail Bar. In Piedmont, each experience is an invitation to connect with the Langhe, and a reminder that sometimes the path less traveled is the one worth taking.
