At the foot of the mountains – il piede del monte – one of Italy’s most distinguished wine regions has been cultivated for centuries. Here, the cuisine mirrors the land: rustic yet refined, shaped by game, seasonal vegetables, and truffles, all in quiet dialogue with the wines. Together with the region’s history and natural beauty, Piemonte becomes a deeply sensory experience.

We begin in elegant Turin, Italy’s first capital. Set against the Alps, the city carries a certain understated grandeur – walkable, architectural, with a subtle French influence. Beneath its reputation for industry and design, one finds a city rich in culture, lined with historic cafés, refined restaurants, and Art Nouveau façades. Names such as Martini, Fiat, and Juventus are part of its identity, yet only a small part of its story.

From here, we move south into the heart of the region, settling in the dynamic town of Alba. Surrounded by the vineyards of Langhe, this becomes our base for exploring some of Northern Italy’s most celebrated villages – Barolo and La Morra among them.

What defines this landscape is its quiet confidence: exceptional wines, remarkable cuisine, artisanal traditions, and a pace that allows each element to unfold in its own time. Even for many northern European visitors, Piemonte still holds an element of surprise – not least through its emerging craft beer scene, which complements the region’s longstanding traditions.

This is a place to return to. Not only for what it offers, but for how it makes you feel while you are there.