A di-wine tale with hazelnuts

There's more to it than wine! Between the Langa and Astigiano areas you will be able to discover not only fine wines, but also food and wine and literature, as you climb the highest hills, amidst nature and small villages where time seems to have stood still.

A tour in the heart of the Langa and Astigiano areas that touches the passion of two-wheel lovers along winding roads, often also on ridges, to indulge in the scenic views alternating between wine and hazelnuts, the fruits of these hills, and which were so well described by two great 20th century writers, Cesare Pavese and Beppe Fenoglio.

Before the bike enthusiasts leave Alba, we recommend a visit to the Beppe Fenoglio Study Centre. From the capital of the Langhe, you can zigzag along the Belbo river and climb high up towards the Alta Langa, passing through the small villages of Cossano Belbo, Rocchetta Belbo and Cravanzana, which are dotted with hazelnut groves. A stop at one of the many farms is a must to be able to enjoy a sweet break full of flavour!

The route climbs further up towards Feisoglio, Niella Belbo and Mombarcaro (from which you can see the Ligurian Sea on a clear day, hopefully) and after a series of bends you reach Camerana and Monesiglio where the journey into the Middle Ages begins. Get off the bike and take a stroll through the stone streets of the villages of Prunetto, Levice, Bergolo, Cortemilia, Roccaverano (a taste of its Robiola cheese is a must at lunchtime!), Mombaldone and Monastero Bormida.

Next, the route goes back again through the Langa wine-growing areas, set in the UNESCO World Heritage vineyards: Canelli, Bubbio, Cassinasco, Santo Stefano Belbo (hometown of Cesare Pavese: the Foundation organizes guided tours of Pavese's places), Coazzolo, Castagnole delle Lanze.

Finally, we make a stop in Barbaresco (from whose tower you can watch the sun go down beyond the hills): a name that is a DOCG guarantee!!

Roberto Croci