Everyone is talking about this Northern Italy travel destination. But, really, what is Piedmont, Italy known for?!
Piedmont’s most obvious treasure is wine. More specifically, Barolo and Barbaresco. But, the Piedmont region offers far more than just world-famous wines.
It is a gastronomic haven for food and beverage, an automobile manufacturing powerhouse, and a pretty incredible cultural and historic center for Western Europe and Italy.
La Morra, Barolo, Piedmont, Italy. Photo: ©Valerie Quintanilla.
I’m not going to lie, I tried to do one piece that top-lines the question, ‘what is Piedmont, Italy known for?’ But, it was near impossible.
You see, the history, traditions, and culture just have so much depth that it is better to break it down individually to show how this northern Italian region requires more than a two- or three-day visit.
So, we’ll look at some of the best – even if not well-known – draws to the Piedmont region.
Barolo and Barbaresco are the most famous wines of the Piedmont wine region. They are made of 100% nebbiolo grapes. Photo: ©Valerie Quintanilla.
What is Piedmont, Italy known for?
Let’s start with the wine.
Our overview of the Piedmont wine region includes info on production, the main winemaking areas, primary grapes, and a bit about some of the most fascinating indigenous and lesser-known varieties.
Bonus: Get some pairing tips for Piedmont wines with links to everyday recipes that are easy to make at home (even if that home is not in Barolo).
Click to read about Piedmont wine.
A look at Piedmont’s other beverages.
Piedmont is also the home of vermouth, aromatized wines. Get the background on the history and its place in Piedmont’s capital city of Turin.
The commercial distribution of vermouth originated in Turin, Italy. Photo: ©Valerie Quintanilla.
Also, let’s talk about Piedmont’s coffee culture. For a Turin day trip, you can start out with a look at the city’s historical coffee houses, filled with stories and long-standing coffee drinks. You can’t miss Bicerin.
Piedmont Food: Cheese, Hazelnuts, Chocolate, and the Alba White Truffle
Piedmont food is a masterpiece. In the Alta Langa, you have cheese and hazelnuts. All over the region, find decadent chocolate and other hazelnut-based treats. And, of course, you can’t miss the fabled Alba white truffle, which makes its appearance from mid-to-late October through January / February.
Click to read more about Piedmont food.
Dive into our series that answers the question What is Piedmont, Italy known for?
Try some of the wines, pairings, and recipes included. And, plan your own adventure to this magical Northern Italy travel destination.
Drop us a note on topics you’d like to know about visiting the Piedmont region!
About the Piedmont Guide & Writer
The Carpe Travel Piedmont region travel guide is written by Valerie Quintanilla, an American expat in Alba, Italy. Val was an original Carpe Travel contributor before packing her American life to chase her Italian dreams.
Today she runs a custom travel / tour planning business while moonlighting as a marketing consultant for wine and travel business in Europe. She has been featured in Wine Enthusiast, Food & Wine Magazine, Open Skies (Emirate Airlines inflight magazine) and more.
Valerie and her toddler il ragazzino reside in Alba, Italy in the Piedmont region, but she organizes travel and tour programs all over Italy. Stay tuned as she introduces us to more Italian wine regions!
Follow Valerie on her site Girl’s Gotta Drink, on Instagram and Facebook.
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