Piedmont: amongst picturesque hills and ancestral rituals

Autumn in the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero unfolds like an Impressionist masterpiece: an endless mosaic of rows of vines that gradually fade from bright yellow to ochre, eventually reaching the deepest and most intense shades of red. In this corner of Piedmont, with its scent of fine wines and bountiful soil, October is the liveliest month of the year, a whirlwind of events that transforms every hill into a stage. Running until 6 December is the region’s flagship event: the 96th edition of the Alba White Truffle International Fair. This year, the heart of the event beats strongly to the rhythm of ‘authentic relationships’, uniting people, nature, community and landscape in one great embrace. The programme is packed to the brim and has something to satisfy every palate. For lovers of historical re-enactments, on 17 and 18 October, the Baccanale dei Borghi di Alba transports visitors straight back to the Middle Ages, with taverns, traditional games and entertainment, before rounding off in style on Sunday 25 October with the Festival della Bandiera. To experience the very essence of these hills, La Morra is the ideal destination. On Serradenari Hill, at an altitude of 500 metres, stands the Antica Dimora Dosio, a discreet and peaceful luxury retreat overlooking the Alps and Mount Monviso. Here, guests can enjoy trekking through the vineyards, outdoor yoga, rejuvenating massages and, of course, unforgettable truffle-hunting experiences. Guided wine tastings in the cellar round off the experience, pairing the great reds of the Langhe with whites such as Riesling and Sauvignon.