Visiting the Barolo Villages
A Journey Through Wine and History
Exploring the Barolo villages will immerse you in some of Italy’s finest wines and the enchanting world of terraced vineyards, medieval castles, and tiny hilltop towns.
Despite its global reputation, Barolo remains a small wine district nestled in the Langhe hills south of the truffle capital Alba in the Cuneo province of Piedmont,
Barolo: A Small but Mighty Wine District
Barolo, located in the Cuneo province of Piedmont, may only produce around 10 million bottles of wine per year, but its influence in the wine world is significant. The region is small, and so are the villages that dot the hills. Most of these villages have fewer than 1,000 inhabitants. Many of the houses have been repurposed as tourist accommodations, hotels, restaurants, and enoteche (wine shops). Still, these tiny villages offer plenty of charm, making them a pleasure to explore. You can sample the diverse wines and take in the stunning Barolo landscapes, whether by hiking, biking, or driving.
In Diano d’Alba there’s a hill with a perfect view of the town and the Barolo area.
Diano d’Alba: Where Wine and Views Meet
Begin your journey in Diano d’Alba, a village that grows more than just Nebbiolo grapes. Although not a full-fledged Barolo village, Diano d’Alba boasts a population of 3,500, making it the largest town in the area. Sitting at an altitude of 496 meters, it also offers the best panoramic views to the west. Head to the small park above the church, where you can admire the red and yellow houses, the Serralunga Valley, and even catch a glimpse of the snow-capped Monte Viso. It’s said that Monte Viso inspired both the logo of Paramount Pictures and the shape of Toblerone chocolate. The climb to the top of the park is steep, but the view is well worth it, offering a perfect spot to reflect on the beauty of winemaking.
A sinister looking castle looms over Serralunga d’Alba.
Serralunga d’Alba: Medieval Castles and Wine Shops
Next, drive 8 km south to Serralunga d’Alba, a village home to just 500 residents. Though small, it boasts a major attraction: the imposing Castello di Serralunga. Built by the Falletti family in 1340, this military fortress exudes a sinister charm. The castle is part of the Castelli Doc itinerary, and guided tours offer a deeper insight into its history. Apart from the castle, Serralunga’s wine shops and surrounding vineyards make it a must-visit spot.
Castiglione Falletto looks like a cute Lego village from a distance
Castiglione Falletto: History and Stunning Castles
After Serralunga, take a 15-minute drive to Castiglione Falletto, just 1-2 km away as the crow flies. Although slightly larger than Serralunga, this village holds significant historical importance. In 1601, Henry IV of France and Carlo Emanuele of Savoy signed the Treaty of Lyon here, ending a territorial war between France, Spain, and Savoy.
From afar, the castle’s towers might resemble a grain silo, but up close, you’ll see its medieval structure, built in 1225, complete with embrasures.
Monforte d’Alba with the neo-gothic church in the background.
Monforte d’Alba: A Village Rich in Wine and History
Seven kilometers south of Castiglione lies Monforte d’Alba, a larger Barolo village with 2,000 inhabitants. Here, you’ll find a wider selection of restaurants and wine bars, along with an ancient castle dating back to 1028. Monforte also features a museum dedicated to Paolo Domenico Martina, a local Risorgimento hero. The village’s neo-Gothic church and chapels add to the charm, making it an ideal stop for wine lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
If you visit Novello in the autumn you’ll find scarecrows on every corner.
Novello: Where Wine Meets Creativity
A 15-minute drive from Monforte will bring you to Novello, a quaint village half the size of Monforte. Though there are fewer wine bars here, Novello offers a unique experience with its annual harvest competition. Locals compete to create life-like scarecrows, which you’ll encounter on nearly every corner. The village’s neo-Gothic castle, built in 1880, now serves as a 3-star hotel, adding another reason to visit this peaceful town
The Barolo wine museum offers entertainment for the entire family.
Barolo: The Heart of the Wine Region
No visit to the Barolo district would be complete without stopping in Barolo, the village that gave the wine its name. Barolo, just 5 km north of Novello, has 750 inhabitants and attracts a steady stream of tourists eager to taste its world-famous wines. The village offers several attractions, including WiMu, a wine museum housed in a thousand-year-old castle. Don’t miss the charming corkscrew museum and the many cafes, restaurants, and wine bars. Unlike the other hilltop villages, Barolo sits halfway down a valley, giving it a distinct charm.
View from La Morra pointing out the other Barolo villages.
La Morra: The Highest of the Barolo Villages
From Barolo, follow 6 km of winding roads to La Morra, the highest village in the Barolo area, with an elevation of 513 meters. Once you reach the top and arrive at Piazza Castello, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of the entire Barolo district. For those interested in hiking or truffle hunting, the La Morra tourist office provides maps and helps arrange visits to local wine producers or organize truffle hunts.
Today the historic Grinzane Cavour castle is home to a Michelin-starred restaurant.
Grinzane Cavour: A Historic Castle to End the Day
Finally, head 9 km from La Morra to Grinzane Cavour, a village steeped in Italian history. Grinzane’s castle once belonged to Italy’s first prime minister, Count Camillo Benso di Cavour. From 1830, he lived here and began his political career by serving as mayor for 19 years. Today, the castle houses a museum and enoteca, and its Michelin-starred restaurant in the medieval halls offers the perfect way to end your day exploring the Barolo villages.
This blog post was last updated in October 2024
We just love Italy. So picturesque – love the idea of all these little areas with fabulous wine bars! :) We were loving the wine when we were there last week. Turkish wines are supposedly the next big thing but for now, we’re still in love the Italian tipples. :)
Julia
I’m glad to hear you had a fabulous trip. With a Raki loving populace, Turkish wines have a lot of catching up to do, compared to Italy where wine is ingrained in the national dna.