dossier

Vineyards of Barolo Walk

VINEYARDS OF BAROLO WALK  |  WHERE YOU STAY

Relais Villa d'Amelia ****
Benevello, Days 1+8

The Relais Villa d'Amelia is a luxuriously restored 19C family villa (and a member of the 'Small Luxury Hotels of the World'), just outside the Alta Langa village of Benevello. The Villa d'Amelia has 37 rooms including three suites (one of which is located within the old chapel) decorated in a modern style with neutral paints and dark leather and beech furnishings. All rooms are ensuite and are equipped with minibar, satellite television (nice plasma screens!), air conditioning, direct dial telephone and hairdryer.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 1  Arrive at Benevello

We meet you at Cuneo train station and take you to your hotel (75 mins) in time for a swim before dinner.  The recently awarded Michelin-starred chef trained under Marco Pierre White, so you're in for quite a treat!

Day 2  Benevello to Grinzane Cavour 10km/7mi/3.5hr

After a short transfer you follow a gentle path alongside the clear waters of the Tanaro river , next to which pheasants and partridges rustle in the oak forest. Onto Roddi (the castle here used to house the University of Truffle Hounds!) and Grinzane Cavour with its wonderful megalithic castle with amazing views.  Time for a drink on the terrace at our welcoming 4**** hotel in the village center before dinner. 

Casa Pavesi ****
Grinzane Cavour, Days 2+3

Casa Pavesi is located in the heart of the hamlet of Grinzane Cavour - located just 5km/3mi away from Alba - and directly opposite the village's elegant 11C castle. The hotel is a stylishly restored town house with 12 ensuite, individually decorated rooms, which are quite large and opulent.

There are two cozy public rooms with comfy sofas as well as a small bar in the same area. There is a lovely terrace to the rear of the hotel, affording gorgeous views of the Langhe countryside.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 3  At Grinzane Cavour

Grinzane Cavour is an atmospheric wine town with wine tasting on offer in the village's imposing castle. Gastronomic capital, Alba is easily reached from here (most customers tend to taxi or bus there, then walk back); explore the cobbled crimson squares and bustling porticoed streets.

Day 4  Grinzane Cavour to Castiglione Falletto  12km/7mi/4hr

Following lush paths with hawks cruising overhead you cross the Talloria river . Then a gentle climb through holm oak to reach Serralunga d’Alba, whose 13C castle seems to surge towards the sky – you still need to cross the drawbridge to visit it. A last gentle ascent through vines takes you to the center of Castiglione Falletto and our welcoming village hotel.

Le Torri Hotel ***
Castiglione Falletto,  Days 4+5

Day 5  At Castiglione Falletto

Perhaps follow a circular route today, first visiting tiny Annunziata with its frescoed chapel (and an excellent farmhouse trattoria!). Then through sun-dappled hamlets and delicate swaying vines to reach La Morra, the “Balcony of the Langhe” - plenty of wine tasting in the bustling centre, even Julius Caesar stopped here to try some!

Day 6  Castiglione Falletto to Monforte d’Alba  8km/5mi/2hr or 11km/7mi/4hr

Descending gently to the Talloria valley, you follow the stream’s poplar-shaded path towards the ochre-hued C16 castle of Barolo, which stands guard over the village’s world-famous vineyards. Maybe visit panoramic Novello, a belvedere town built as a summer retreat for the residents of Alba, before continuing through fields ablaze with sunflowers to reach our elegant villa hotel at Monforte d’Alba.

Villa Beccaris  ****
Monforte d’Alba, Days 6+7

Hotel Villa Beccaris is a gorgeous 18C villa overlooking the beautiful town of Monforte d’Alba. The Villa has 23 rooms, which are divided into categories; Headwater guests will be allocated classic rooms. All rooms, however, are beautifully furnished in an individual, traditional style often with antique furniture but with modern touches such as air conditioning, satellite television, minibar and hairdryers.

Further details on the hotel website.

Day 7  At Monforte d’Alba

Situated in its own scented garden with views across medieval Monforte and beyond (even Mont Blanc on a clear day!), Villa Beccaris offers a tempting swimming pool and a sun-trap courtyard. However , there are plenty of walking choices if you’re feeling more energetic with way-marked paths taking in frescoed chapels and verdant countryside.

Day 8  Monforte d’Alba to Benevello  13km/8mi/5hr

A lift to lovely Serravalle Langhe, from where you join the Sentiero della Valle Tanaro. At first shaded by hazelnut, oak and poplar trees, you reach Albaretto della Torre dominated by its 13C tower . After lunch the panorama opens out with spectacular views back to Alba and the Tanaro valley as you descend gently towards Benevello. Time for one last swim before dinner . 

Day 9  Leave Benevello

WALKING DETAILS

Mainly through vineyards on earthen paths, forest trails and some asphalt sections. Walking boots are essential and poles are recommended for the ascents and descents through the vineyards which may be uneven underfoot.

For extra nights we recommend Benevello or Monforte d’Alba.