Piedmont translates as “at the foot of the mountain”, of course referring to its idyllic location tucked between the Alps and the Apennines. Brimming with expansive vineyards, gourmet food, and uninterrupted countryside bliss, this region in Italy encourages nonstop pampering of the senses. For lovers of the gourmet and countryside quiet, head to a vineyard hotel in the south, around Po River Valley, or up north on Lake Orta or Maggiore.

Where to stay at a vineyard hotel in Piedmont?

Piedmont’s lakes and the North: At the foot of the Alps

© Hotel Cortese In some of the pockets of vineyards closer to the Alps, expect stunning views and lighter tasting, more acidic wines. The northern region of Piedmont tucks you directly under the Alps, promising breathtaking views all day and night. The famous Lake Maggiore is a destination for lovers of gardens and lake-swimming. A vineyard hotel in the surrounding countryside places you on hilltops with vistas over the glistening water and majestic Alps. Lake Orta is a true hidden gem, beaming with a particular Italian charm and a calmer atmosphere, great for checking out some of the 12th-century architecture from quiet viewpoints. A spot between the two lakes allows for sampling local delicacies in wineries, while just a stone’s throw from the medieval villages that dot the shorelines. From your hotel, tour the many local vineyards, most of which are responsible for the production of Italy’s Dolcetto, Roero, and Sizzano wines, among many other delicious varieties. Home to the Slow Food Movement, an organized push toward local food and traditional cooking, expect only the finest regional dishes for every meal.

Southern Piedmont: Quiet hilltop vineyards

© Relais San Maurizio Most of the eastern side of Piedmont is lined with vineyards, from as south as Dogliani to close to Turin. For devoted fans of Italian wine or lovers of rural escapes, a stay at a vineyard hotel in southern Piedmont is a good place to begin. The most famous of the wines produced in the region are the Barolo and Barbaresco, but these varieties only account for about 3% of all production; some of the region’s other specialties include Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Moscato. The landscape itself is something out of a fairytale: the Alps hover in the north over rolling hills, lush greenery, and charming villages. In rustic rooms with wood-beam ceilings, country-style furnishing, and windows looking out over mazes of vineyards, embark on a special kind of holiday that’ll leave you feeling pampered. If you end up in the southern region, expect soft rolling hills and stunning hilltop vineyards that produce some of the region’s best wine, based on their proximity both to the sun and the Mediterranean just south. Because of the particularly fertile soil of the region, the towns of Alba, La Morra, Gavi, and Moncalvo are also home to some seriously good food: Caselmagno cheese, risotto rice, Giandujotti chocolate, and of course, Alba’s pungent white truffles.

Good to know

Getting there: Many of the local towns are connected with Turin via train from Stazione di Porta Susa within the city. You can fly into Turin Airport (TRN) from the UK on many of the budget airlines; the flight lasting only around 2 hours. For an extra-special road trip, rent a car at the airport or in Turin and drive from Turin through Piedmont to your vineyard hotel on a series of pre-plotted scenic routes.