5 Reasons to Visit Piedmont Now

Jav Sreaming



Piedmont, Italy, a Fodor's Go List 2015 destination, should be on every traveler’s radar. Whether you’re looking to indulge in great wine, experience culture, or just want what every traveler desires in Italy—amazing food—Piedmont can’t be missed. As excitement around this northwestern region of Italy continues to build, here are five reasons you should plan your trip now.
WINE



From Nebbiolo to Moscato, there are grape varieties for every wine drinker in Piedmont—and very good ones at that. Whether you’re an occasional wine drinker or an oenophile, the region lives up to its “grape expectations.”

With thousands of wineries in the region, it’s hard to choose which ones to visit. For great selections and incredible views at one of the largest private vineries in all of Piedmont, make sure to visit Marenco, the family-run, 200-plus-acre vineyard located on the hills of Monferrato.
ACCESSIBILITY

One of the best things about Piedmont is that it’s easy to get to. Travelers can fly directly into Turin, the largest city in Piedmont, or take the train from various points in Italy, and depending on where you’re going within the region, Milan is only an hour away by car or train.

But, the streets through the area—especially in the smaller towns—are not for the fainthearted. The narrow and windy roads are often closed due to flooding, so if you’re a nervous driver, or just want to enjoy an abundance of wine, it’s recommended you hire a driver. A Piedmont local, Sonia Speroni, offers transfers and will also plan local winery and food tours in English.
TRUFFLES



As if wine isn’t tempting enough, the region’s abundance of truffles will make any foodie salivate. The town of Alba, which hosts the internationally famous truffle fair Fiera Internazionale del Tartufo Bianco every fall, may be the most well-known area for truffles, but you can get your fix in the surrounding areas as well for a more reasonable cost.

In the town of Gavi, just eighty kilometers east of Alba, you can experience truffle hunting with a trained dog and celebrate your finds with great wine at Il Poggio di Gavi.
PICTURESQUE LANDSCAPES
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