Barolo & the Vineyards of the Langhe: A Wine Lover’s Day Out by Train

Rolling hills striped with vines, medieval hill towns, and one of the world’s most celebrated red wines: welcome to the Langhe, home of Barolo. This UNESCO World Heritage landscape is perfect for a day trip ( or better still an overnight stay ) from Turin or Milan, combining wine, history, and culture.

Vineyards of La Morra

Barolo isn’t just about wine tasting. The region offers castle views, truffle-scented cuisine, and some of Italy’s most beautiful countryside. Autumn, during harvest and truffle season, is particularly special.

Barolo wine has roots in the 19th century, when it was refined into a structured red worthy of kings. The area’s medieval villages — Barolo, La Morra, and Serralunga d’Alba — reflect centuries of farming and noble rivalries.

What to Expect

• Small hill towns surrounded by vineyards.

• Winery tours and tastings (book ahead).

• Panoramic views of the rolling Langhe hills.

• Regional cuisine paired with Barolo and Barbaresco wines.

5 Things to Do and See

1. Visit the WiMu Wine Museum inside Barolo Castle.

2. Stroll La Morra’s Belvedere viewpoint for sweeping vineyard views.

3. Explore Serralunga d’Alba’s medieval fortress.

4. Taste wines at a local producer — many offer guided tours.

5. Wander Alba’s cobbled streets if you’re visiting in October/November during truffle fair season.

Food Culture

The Langhe’s cuisine is rich, earthy, and seasonal. Hazelnuts, white truffles, tajarin pasta, and slow-cooked meats are staples, always paired with the region’s wines.

Where to Eat

• Piazza Duomo, Alba – Three Michelin-starred restaurant where chef Enrico Crippa transforms Langhe ingredients into art. Try the seasonal truffle tasting menu.

• Osteria dell’Arco, Alba – Slow Food osteria with classics like tajarin pasta and brasato al Barolo (beef braised in wine).

• La Cantina Comunale, Barolo – A welcoming enoteca with tastings and simple plates; great introduction to dozens of producers.

  
  

Where to Stay

• Relais San Maurizio (Santo Stefano Belbo) – A former monastery turned luxury retreat with spa and vineyard views.

• Hotel Calissano (Alba) – Comfortable and central, ideal for exploring Alba on foot.

Off the Beaten Track

Walk one of the Langhe vineyard trails between villages like Barolo and Monforte d’Alba — well-marked paths lead through vines and hazelnut groves.

How to Get There by Train

Take a regional train from Turin to Alba (around 1h 20m), or from Milan to Alba (around 2h 30m, usually via Turin). From Alba, local buses or taxis connect to Barolo and nearby villages.

The descent to Barolo by foot