Piemont

the discovery of gradualness

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Those who visit Piedmont travel for sheer enjoyment. Driving through the land of truffles and Barolo is a joy for the driver and not just a treat for the palate. The road is like a roller-coaster, up mountain sides and down into valleys, bravely climbing hills and shooting back down again. There are vineyards as far as the eye can see, and castles and fortresses towering in isolation into the distance. And, best of all - you won't see any coaches or floods of tourists in Piedmont.

Route profile

Country: Italy
Distance: 220 km
Absolute Driving time : 5 h
Recommended tour duration: 1 Day
Best touring season: Apr. - Oct.

Route course

Mombaruzzo - Barbaresco - Cherasco - Grinzane Cavour - Monforte d‘Alba - Acqui Terme - Mombaruzzo

Route character

Track
exhilarating 0 relaxing
Landscape
wild 2 picturesque
Destinations
intellectual 3 pleasurable

Comments:
All BMW routes are available exclusively to BMW ConnectedDrive contract customers for import to vehicles via BMW Online. Select a BMW route of your choice in your vehicle and discover some of the most beautiful areas of Europe, conveniently guided to your destination by your BMW navigation system.

Destinations

  • La Villa Hotel

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Hotels

    Breakfast on the terrace with a view across the endless vineyards of Montferrat. The scent of jasmine fills the air. The summer nights are long and warm. La Villa is a privately run country hotel in a 17th century Italyn palazzo. The sunshine-yellow villa was refurbished in 2005. Antique furniture, heavy fabrics and elegant wrought iron work retain their original charm and enchantment. 14 classically modern bedrooms and suites offer a captivatingly romantic view above roses and vines.

    Address:
    La Villa Hotel, Via Torino 7, 14046 Mombaruzzo (AT), Italy
    Contact:
    Chris und Nicola Norton, proprietors
    Tel.: +39–0141–793 890 Fax: +39–0141–793 890
    E-Mail: info@lavillahotel.net
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round.
    Good to know:
    As a unique highlight, the enthusiastic hosts Chris and Nicola Norton offer truffle hunting trips with hunters and dogs during the truffle season (from end of September).
    Further information:
    www.lavillahotel.net

  • Vinothèrapie Spa Caudalíe in the Hotel San Maurizio

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Health & spa

    Vines as far as the eye can see. The Caudalíe Vinothèrapie opened in 2003, high above the Muscat vineyards of Santo Stefano. Between the centuries-old stone walls of a former monastery, a team of professional doctors and therapists are completely devoted to beauty, revitalisation and relaxation. They capture the power of both grapes and wine in an enchantingly mysterious setting. The active ingredients in the pipes, vines and leaves have a rejuvenating effect, and smooth and define the skin.

    Address:
    Vinothèrapie Caudalíe im Hotel San Maurizio, Località San Maurizio 39, 12058 Santo Stefano Belbo (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Simona Ferrio, Spa Director
    Tel.: +39–0141–844 028 Fax: +39–0141–844 028
    E-Mail: vino@caudalie.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; booking essential.
    Good to know:
    31 bedrooms and suites retain the enchantment of antiquity in the historic mews and monks' cells in this former 16th century monastery.
    Further information:
    www.caudalie.com und www.relaissanmaurizio.it

  • Ristorante La Contea

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Food & drink

    La Contea is a tiny restaurant. In the rooms of the Baroque Conti Cocito palace, the atmosphere is of a family restaurant, almost retro-chic, romantic. Between sunshine-yellow walls and with its opulent lights and richly ornamented ceilings, La Contea takes us on a culinary journey through the traditional cuisine of the Langhe region. Simple rural dishes are re-interpreted and shine with elegance and creativity. Only seasonal products from the nearby fields and farms are used in the kitchen.

    Address:
    Ristorante La Contea, Piazza Cocito 8, 12052 Neive (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Antonio Verro, proprietors
    Tel.: +39–0173–67126 Fax: +39–0173–67126
    E-Mail: lacontea@la-contea.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; booking essential.
    Good to know:
    The enoteca nestles between the castle walls and the idyllic Conti Cocito square. Here, visitors can enjoy home-made wine and piedmontese specialities.
    Further information:
    www.la-contea.it

  • Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy Vineyard

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Vineyards

    Traditionally, grape growers sold their entire harvest and famous wine producers then made the wine from the grapes. In 1973, Alberto di Grésy decided to transform his own grapes into wine. He grows nebbiolo grapes on 11 ha of land, which he then uses to make Barbaresco Martinenga, one of the best wines of its type. Ruby red in colour, it has a fragrance of sweet tobacco, leather and spices. There are wine tastings on the terrace in the summer with a beautiful view of the undulating vineyards.

    Address:
    Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy, Martinenga, 12050 Barbaresco (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Alberto di Grésy, wine producer
    Tel.: +39–0173–635212 Fax: +39–0173–635212
    E-Mail: wine@marchesidigresy.com
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; Mon. - Fri. from 09:00 - 17:30 hrs; closed in the 2nd and 3rd weeks of August.
    Good to know:
    When making your reservation, ask for Marco Dotta. The wine producer is happy to talk at length about his work.
    Further information:
    www.marchesidigresy.com

  • Ristorante Guido Pollenzo

    66 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Food & drink

    Wine used to mature in bottles in the cellars of the former monastery. Today, the starred restaurant Guido Pollenzo is located here. A modern restaurant in an ancient setting, it is also jointly operated by two of the region's most respected gastronomic families: the Alciatis and the Mongellis. One family is known for its superb meat preparation skills, and the others are famous fish experts. This can only be surpassed by probably what is the best selection of wines in the region.

    Address:
    Ristorante Guido Pollenzo, Via Fossano 19, 12060 Pollenza (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Andrea Alciati, proprietor
    Tel.: +39–0172–458422 Fax: +39–0172–458422
    E-Mail: info@guidoristorante.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    January - September: Tue. - Sat. in the evening; October - December, Tue. - Sat. also open at lunchtime.
    Good to know:
    The best wines from more than 300 wine producers from all over Italy are stored in the Banca del Vino right next door - a homage to Italyn wine! Tastings by appointment.
    Further information:
    www.guidoristorante.it

  • Associazione Sportiva Golf Club Cherasco

    72 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Golf courses

    The golf club is idyllically located between the hills and vineyards below the ancient city of Cherasco, where the River Tanaro and the River Stura meet. It has been integrated into the natural landscape over two levels. 18 fairways run alongside the rivers. Pines, oaks and maples line the terrain. Narrow fairways and differences in height call for a very precise game. For those who prefer to enjoy the sporting activity from afar, there is a large swimming pool in the midst of a landscaped park.

    Address:
    Associazione Sportiva Golf Club Cherasco, Via Fraschetta 8, 12062 Cherasco (Cn), Italy
    Contact:
    Corrado Graglia, director
    Tel.: +39–0172–489772 Fax: +39–0172–489772
    E-Mail: info@golfcherasco.com
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    EAn 18-hole course open year-round, Wed. - Mon.; reception open from 08:00 - 18:00 hrs; starting times from 08:00 - 18:00 hrs; closed Tuesdays.
    Course:
    An 18-hole course (par 72).
    Handicap:
    An 18-hole course (par 72).
    Greenfee:
    An 18-hole course (par 72).
    Golf Pro:
    Giuseppe Cardone, David Carvallo
    Good to know:
    Championships are often held at the weekends, so it is essential to check opening times and possible starting times beforehand.
    Further information:
    www.golfcherasco.com

  • Elio Altare vineyard

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Vineyards

    As a young man, Elio Altare travelled to Burgundy, France, impressed by the quality and handling of the wines there. Back home, he completely transformed his own wine production, replacing the oxen that had worked the fields until 1971 with modern cellar technology and new visions. He drastically pruned the vines, completely gave up using herbicides, and grapes are sorted rigorously during harvesting. The Italyn journal Gambero Rosso named him "Wine producer of the year" in 2005.

    Address:
    Elio Altare, Frazione Annunziata 51, 12064 La Morra (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Silvia Altare
    Tel.: +39–0173–50835 Fax: +39–0173–50835
    E-Mail: elioaltare@elioaltare.com
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; Mon. - Sun. by appointment.
    Good to know:
    Regular customers often bring back a good bottle of wine that they've brought back from their travels and swap it for one of the house wines - the warehouse of wines from all over the world now contains over 300 bottles.
    Further information:
    www.elioaltare.com

  • Enoteca Regionale Piedmontese Cavour - Wine & Delicacies

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Local manufacturers

    The Enoteca opened in 1967. It was the first in the region. Piedmontese wines, regional delicacies and the famous truffles are served between the centuries-old walls and bright glass mosaics. The impressive castle nestles around a historic 12th century tower. Top international chefs meet here each year in November for the famous auction of the white Alba truffle. In 2007, the most expensive truffle was sold to Hong Kong for € 143,000.

    Address:
    Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour, Via Castello 5, 12060 Grinzane Cavour (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Daniela Viberti, Vice President
    Tel.: +39–0173–262159 Fax: +39–0173–262159
    E-Mail: info@castellogrinzane.com
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; April - October: Wed. - Mon. from 09:30 - 19:00 hrs; November - March open until 18:00 hrs; closed on Tuesdays and in January.
    Good to know:
    The ethnographic museum in the castle provides insights into the fragrant world of the truffle.
    Further information:
    www.castellogrinzane.com

  • Tenuta Montanello Vineyard

    100 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Vineyards

    This vineyard in the heart of the Barolo region lies on the crest of the hill, in the heart of the silent landscape. Vines as far as the eye can see. The idyllic estate has been owned by the Racca family (now in its fifth generation) since 1864. nebbiolo, barbera, dolcetto, langhe freisa and merlot grapes ripen on the 11 ha of vineyards around the estate. The family makes its wines using traditional methods, creating rich, ruby-red wines with a fragrance of violets, vanilla and roses.

    Address:
    Tenuta Montanello, Via Alba-Monforte 40, 12060 Castiglione Falletto (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Alberto Racca, proprietor
    Tel.: +39–0173–62949 Fax: +39–0173–62949
    E-Mail: info@tenutamontanello.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round by appointment.
    Good to know:
    The family produces their own grappa, in addition to wine.
    Further information:
    www.tenutamontanello.it

  • Antica Dispensa Bricco Bastia - Specialities & Delicacies

    108 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Local manufacturers

    All products are home-produced. Ferruccio Ribrezzo's idea for the Antica Dispensa stems from his deep rooted passion for Italy and its way of life. Together with his wife Nadia and son Alberto, he now offers the best of the many culinary delights that the region has to offer: biscuits, sauces, chilli, liver, chutneys and much more. In the little yellow farmhouse known as La Monfortina, with its pretty blue windows, pasta is made using traditional methods.

    Address:
    Antica Dispensa Bricco Bastia, Via Bava Beccaris 3, 12065 Monteforte d‘Alba (CN), Italy
    Contact:
    Alberto Ribrezzo, proprietor
    Tel.: +39–0173–787120 Fax: +39–0173–787120
    E-Mail: briccobastia@anticadispensa.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; Mon. - Sat. by appointment.
    Good to know:
    Surrounded by roses in full bloom and carefully maintained gardens, the magnificent pink villa alone is worth a visit.
    Further information:
    www.anticadispensa.it

  • Town of Acqui Terme

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Sightseeing

    The town is famous for its healing thermal springs. In ancient times, healers, doctors and scientists valued the soothing effects of the mud from the depths of the lake. Today, the remains of ancient aqueducts in the river valley and centuries-old mosaic floors in the historic swimming pools bear witness to the past of the town, which is centred on its thermal springs. The hot, sulphurous water bubbles up at 75°C in a classical pump room in the heart of the town on the Piazza Bollente square.

    Address:
    Acqui Terme, Piazza Italy, 15011 Acqui Terme (AL), Italy
    Parking:
    Parking available in the Piazza Italy.
    Good to know:
    Cosmetics containing healing ingredients from the thermal spring water can be bought in a small shop on the Piazza Italy.
    Further information:
    www.termediacqui.it

  • Giraudi Cioccolato Artignale Chocolate Manufactory

    0 km

    Countries: Italy
    Category: Local manufacturers

    It all began with the opening of a mill and bakery back in 1907. Giacomo Boidi was entrusted with the craft at a very early age. His uncles were chocolate makers and confectioners. In the 1960s, he concentrated increasingly on producing his "sweet gold". Today, he constantly surprises with imaginative chocolate creations, creating daring yet delicious combinations. Chocolates are filled with olive oil, balsamic vinegar and gorgonzola; the sweet gold comes in shapes of keys, locks and horseshoes.

    Address:
    Giraudi Cioccolato Artignale, Via Giraudi 16, loc. Micarella, 15073 Castellazzo Bormida (AL), Italy
    Contact:
    Giacomo Boidi
    Tel.: +39–0131–278472 Fax: +39–0131–278472
    E-Mail: info@giraudi.it
    Parking:
    Parking available right next to the building.
    Opening hours:
    Open year-round; Mon. - Sat. from 07:30 - 12:30 and 14:30 –19:00 hrs; June - August: closed Saturday evening.
    Good to know:
    It is possible to tour the chocolate production area and sample the products by appointment.
    Further information:
    www.giraudi.it