The Langhe are the wine hills of southern Piedmont, a landscape of vine-covered ridges, hazelnut groves and small villages crowned with medieval towers, and they are some of the most beautiful countryside in northern Italy. The area is listed by UNESCO as a wine-growing cultural landscape, and it is the home of Barolo and Barbaresco, two red wines made from the Nebbiolo grape that rank among the great wines of the world. Turin is the natural starting point for a visit, because the hills lie roughly an hour or so to the south-east and a guided day trip removes the main practical problem of wine country: nobody has to drive after a tasting. A tour from Turin collects you in the city, drives you into the hills, and takes you to a cellar or two where a producer explains how the wines are grown, aged and blended, and pours them with local food. You see the vineyards from the road and from the winery terrace, walk through a village if time allows, and learn why this corner of Italy produces such serious wines and such good food.
How it works
The tour leaves from Turin and returns the same day, so it needs most of a day and a little planning. Transport, a guide or driver and the winery tastings are the core of the programme, and the details of the stops depend on the operator and the season.
The route usually includes a cellar visit, a tasting of several wines and a taste of local food, such as cheese, cured meats or a Piedmontese dish. Check the description when you book to see which villages and wineries are included, and whether lunch is part of the day.
What you taste
Barolo and Barbaresco are the headline wines. Both are powerful, structured reds that reward time in the glass, and a producer will usually explain the difference between the two areas, the role of the soil and the ageing in large barrels. Many tastings also include lighter local reds such as Dolcetto and Barbera, and white wines such as Arneis, which are easier to enjoy on a warm day. You do not need to be an expert, and guides are used to beginners.
When to go
The vineyards are lovely from spring to autumn. Late spring brings fresh green slopes, summer is warm and bright, and autumn is the most atmospheric season, with golden vines, harvest activity and the truffle season in the nearby town of Alba. Winter is quieter and can be foggy, but the cellars are cosy and the wines taste just as good. Hilltop villages can be hazy in the morning and clear in the afternoon, so be flexible.
Making the most of it
Wear comfortable shoes for cobbled villages and uneven cellar floors, bring a light layer because cellars are cool, and eat breakfast before you leave. If you plan to buy bottles, ask the operator about shipping or about how to carry them on a flight. Combine the day with a Turin food walk before or after, and consider a quiet evening, since a day of tastings is long. Get tickets early for weekends and in autumn, when this is one of the most popular excursions from the city.
What to expect
The experience
A guided day trip from Turin into the Langhe hills with transport, a visit to a winery and a tasting of Barolo, Barbaresco and other local wines with food.
Best time
Late spring for fresh green vines or autumn for harvest colour and the truffle season, with winter being quieter.
How long
Most of a day, including the drive each way.
Tips
Wear comfortable shoes, bring a layer for cool cellars, eat breakfast and ask about shipping if you plan to buy bottles.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Wine lovers, couples and food-focused travellers who want the Piedmont countryside without driving.
- Families
- Better for adults and teenagers. Younger children may find a full day of cellars long.
- Couples
- A scenic, unhurried day among hilltop villages, and a gift of a trip for wine lovers.
- Pair with
- A food walk or vermouth tasting in Turin on another day, and a quiet evening after the tastings.
- Time needed
- A full day.
Good questions
What are the Langhe known for?+
The Langhe are the wine hills of southern Piedmont, listed by UNESCO as a wine-growing landscape. They are the home of Barolo and Barbaresco and of the white truffle town of Alba.
How far are the Langhe from Turin?+
Roughly an hour or so by road to the south-east, depending on the village. A guided tour handles the driving.
Do I need wine knowledge for a Barolo tasting?+
No. Producers and guides explain the grapes and the ageing, and they are used to first-time tasters.
What is the best season for the Langhe?+
Late spring and autumn are the most popular. Autumn brings golden vines, the harvest and truffle season, while winter is quieter and can be foggy.
Can I buy wine to take home?+
Usually yes, and many cellars sell direct. Ask the operator about shipping, or about carrying bottles on a flight.
