Piedmont - This nicely refurbished farmhouse offers bed and breakfast accommodation just 4km from the mediaeval town of Alba. You can relax in the garden or savour great local wines including Barolo, Barbaresco and Asti.
Cà'd Gnese is in a peaceful position just a few kilometres from Alba, yet deep in the countryside of the Langhe area. A lovingly cared-for family environment makes a great base for a relaxing holiday, and the ideal starting point for good walks and visits along the great wine and truffle routes.
[Local map] [Region map]
The rooms of the hotel have recently been renovated with both taste and originality. Now you can enjoy every modern comfort in an elegant and romantic atmosphere: each room has its own bathroom, satellite TV, a terrace and a third bed. For short stays the price is EURO €70 per night.
The hotel has good access for guests with disabilities, a bar,
a reading room, room service, fax and email facilities and a safe. There
is
a swimming pool, gardens and good parking. Please note that credit cards
are not accepted and smoking is not allowed on the premises. There is babysitting
available, bicycles for exploring the lovely countryside, and a barbecue
area.
This of course is great wine country, and your hosts will be happy to organise visits and tastings at the many nearby wineries and cellars. They can organise restaurant bookings too - with Alba the home of the white truffle, gourmet food comes high on the list in Piedmont.
The mild Mediterranean climate, good soils and slopes rising up from the sea 30 miles distant, all combine to produce good vintages; the area is home to both the Italian sparkling wine industry (centred on Asti) and to fine reds such as Barolo (the full-bodied 'king of Italian red wines').
The lush rolling hills of Monferrato and Langhe are covered with vineyards and orchards, and in between lie pretty little mediaeval hilltop towns, as well as fascinating old cities such as Asti and Alba. Asti dates back to Roman times, with its flavour today being predominantly mediaeval. This core is fringed by fine 18th and 19th century palaces, and the town has some lovely gardens, good museums, and shady streets. DOC status has been awarded to no fewer than 11 different types of wine; and the numerous enotecas of Asti cater for those wishing to buy the local vintages.
The other major town is Alba. Another ancient city, the Celtic population of Alba were making wine here three and a half millennia ago. The Celtic language survives in the roots of many of the Piedmontese place names, though the Celts themselves were displaced by the advancing Romans. Alba itself is a lovely little city, with a centre of red-brick mediaeval towers, and later Baroque and Renaissance palaces.
And being so close to the French border (Piedmont is tucked just inside north-west Italy) France flavours not just the rich local cuisine of butter, cream and truffles, but the language too. The local dialect is an old French Patois, and there is much in common with southern French architecture, language and culture.
Very popular with northern Italians, who love its mix of mountains
and lush countryside, great food and wine, and relaxing atmosphere, Piedmont
is relatively undiscovered by outsiders. Discover it for yourself - click
below to find out more about this wonderful vacation in Italy.
