Pick Piedmont for a perfect autumn break!

Piedmont – the perfect pick for an autumn break!

Why visit?

With blazen leaves scattering amongst the dappled shade of earth-scented truffle woods and the autumn morning sun sweeping gold across a landscape of rolling vineyards ready for harvest, the Piedmont region of Italy in autumn is nothing short of spectacular.

What's more this unique, spell-binding atmosphere offers a tempting holiday for those looking to savour an unforgettable scenic, foodie experience.

Against a backdrop of ancient castles, hilltop villages and buzzing cities, the famous UNESCO wine region of Piedmont produces a rich variety of award-winning wines, fantastic cheeses and precious white truffles, which adorn the dining tables of fine Italian, European and global restaurants alike.

To celebrate this rich culinary bounty, Piedmont plays host each year to a fantastic range of food and wine festivals. Attended by world-class chefs, sommeliers and passionate food fans from all corners of the globe, the simple question remains, why not join them?

What’s on!

September highlights for 2019

As well as the popular annual Palio in Asti, the Piedmont region boasts a host of festivals to celebrate the upcoming grape harvest, as well as the region’s best-loved wines, culinary delicacies and edible exports.

The main festivals attract large crowds and global attention, so make sure you don’t miss out! Once the Palio has thundered past, the 2^nd major event for Asti is the Festival delle Sagre Astigiane. Held on the 2^nd Sunday of September, the annual event now in its 46^th edition celebrates authentic Piedmontese cuisine, tradition and regional country customs with full gusto. The surrounding villages play a key role too, with rural re-enactments of 19^th and 20^th century life. A costumed parade of some 3,000 locals complete with farming equipment will captivate the hearts of locals and visitors, completing its journey in Piazza Campo del Palio, for the site of Italy’s largest open-air restaurant! Set up especially for the festival, the Pro Loco community of some 40 local food associations come together to serve up more than 80 delicious authentic Monferrato dishes, with many recipes faithfully passed down from generation to generation. Some 300,000 visitors are expected. If you’re looking to experience the Piedmontese legacy of this unique culinary region, it is here!

Running this year from 6^th – 15^th September, the Douja d’Oro festival takes place annually in the centre of Asti. Bringing together the best national wine, art, music, theatre and literature talent, the stars of the festival are the prestigious selection of DOC and DOCG wine-winners from the National Wine Competition (organised by the Asti Chamber of Commerce). These Douja d’Or wines go on to display the distinct ‘Premio Douja d’Or’ label, approved by the Ministry for Agriculture, Food Industry and Forestry Policies. From Asti Spumante and Moscato, to Barbera and Alta Langa Metodo Classico varieties, visitors will enjoy sampling the victorious 'vinos' alongside a daily signature evening dish, created by top chefs.

The 2^nd weekend of September also serves up more special treats for wine lovers, at the Barolo Wine Festival 2019. With events on 6^th and the main event taking place on 8^th September, the much anticipated ‘Festa di Barolo’ celebrates the superior world-famous wine produced in its spiritual birthplace of Barolo, in the Langhe region of Piedmont. Held when the region is poised for the harvest, the annual wine festival remains the key event in the calendar for this picturesque wine-producing village. The rural community comes together to celebrate, with wine tasting, stalls, mini tours, Piedmont wining and dining experiences, live music, folk songs and entertainment. Set on the shoulders of a historical festival with an environmental outlook towards protecting the future, all gastronomic tasting tableware and cutlery used is fully compostable.

Falling on Sunday 8^th September this year (and running from 10am – 12 noon each Sunday until the end of the month), the major regional Roero wine cellar in Canale opens its doors for 4 consecutive Sundays in what has become known as the annual ‘Divine Sundays’ event. Tempting locals and visitors alike to enjoy ambient wine tasting sessions, with the local white wine of Roero Arneis and the Roero reds stealing the spotlight. Visitors are also privy to interesting talks and the opportunity to learn more about the local history and current affairs relating to grape harvesting, wine production and tasting, wine cellar storage and industry news.

From the 20^th- 23^rd September, the much-loved biennial Bra Cheese festival is back! Nestled in the heart of the Piedmont region in the Slow Food capital of Bra, the 12^th edition of the festival will celebrate all things associated with quality cheese; from milk and craft to place. From a fantastic array of events including informative industry conferences and educational workshops to tempting cheese and drink-pairing tastings, guided tours and pre-bookable visits to the University of Gastronomic Sciences, there's alot to see, and taste! Visitors will also learn a host of top tips and techniques, from livestock welfare to production techniques and ageing that perfect ‘formaggio’.

For those looking to get active this autumn, Piedmont plays host on 28^th September to a 6-km walk with wine and local produce tasting experience in Corneliano d’Alba, whilst on 29^th September, the 8th edition of the Moscato wine trail will commence, with 3 runnig trails leading through woods, vineyards and dirt roads, alongside a kids fun run and 2 Nordic walking routes.

This 30^th September, the Alba wine festival returns. Fondly known as Italy’s largest open-air wine shop, the annual festival is a real must for those looking to enjoy the best Langhe, Roero and Monferrato wines.

October-November highlights for 2019

If you’re looking to stay in Piedmont this October – November, then stay in Alba. Running each weekend from 5^th October - 24^th November, the International White Truffle Fair promises 6 weeks of feasting and festivities! With the perfume of the truffles filling the air, visitors will enjoy immersing themselves in the live cooking demonstrations, truffle sensory experiences, wine tasting, food stalls and a host of adult and family-friendly events in the heart of Alba. Held on the 6^th October, a day after the grand opening of the Truffle Fair, the donkey Palio is also set to draw a crowd. Now in its 89^th edition, the world-famous Truffle Fair brings together historical folklore, customs and re-enactments, alongside exceptional gastronomy and wine, on the doorstep of the sublime UNESCO protected wine-producing hills of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.

Towards the end of October from 20^th - 27^th  the smallest city in Italy, Moncalvo (in the Monferrato region) also celebrates in style, with its own dedicated Truffle fair.

A time for celebrating the very best wine, truffles, cheeses and culinary dishes of Piedmont, autumn provides the perfect moment for you to come and visit!

Tempted by Piedmont? Discover more from the region here.

Happy travels!