If you loved Tuscany, then try this boutique hotel in Piedmont

Perched among the rolling hillsides and vineyards of Piedmont, Casa di Langa greeted me with its terracotta farmhouse charm. Meandering through blossom-lined driveways, the views stretched endlessly over Barolo's valleys, with the snow-capped Alps teasing on the horizon. Stylish yet understated in design, this was my first delicious taste of this new, culinary-inspired boutique hotel. Ciao Italia – I have arrived.

Casa di Langa: eco-luxury boutique hotel in Piedmont

Piedmont, a lesser-travelled region, boasts beloved delicacies like black and white truffles, flavoursome hazelnuts, and sought-after red wines such as Nebbiolo, Barolo, Barbera, and Barbaresco. A visit to Casa di Langa takes you on a sensory journey through the flavours of Piedmont, from cheese and wine pairings and cooking classes in the chef’s kitchen, to truffle hunting and herbal infusions.

Here, sustainability is no gimmick, and is deeply entrenched into the hotel's DNA, evident in its restoration initiatives and commitment to hyper-local produce, including artisanal cheeses, organic meats, and biodynamic wines.

Intimate and peaceful, the 39-rooms overlook the estate’s 100 acres of sweeping forests, organic vineyards and gardens, fostering biodiversity. Cherry, walnut, ash and elm are carefully cultivated to restore the natural biodiversity, while badgers, deer and wild boars roam freely, supporting the growth of rare and lucrative white truffles beneath the poplar trees.

A romantic hideaway in Italy, perfect for couples

Stepping inside, rooms exude tasteful design and expert craftsmanship, with Scandinavian muted, earthy tones and natural materials. Each room and suite is complete with a private terrace, showcasing panoramic views of the vineyards, hazelnut groves or the valleys. Bathrooms feature marble sinks, stylish dark panelling and showers cascading from the high ceilings. Let’s not forget the finishing touches, from yoga mats tucked away in the wardrobe to the homemade chocolates on arrival. By morning, I would sling back the curtains and step out onto the terrace with a coffee in hand, soaking up the valley views and morning rays.

The hotel's central courtyard felt as though I’d stepped into the foothills of the Himalayas in Bhutan or Nepal - a blend of red brick tiles and wooden slats above domed archways. In fact, the architecture had been carefully designed to reflect Piedmont’s traditional ‘cascina’ farmhouses.

Farm-to-table experiences, wine tasting and truffle hunting at Casa di Langa

Culinary experiences take centre stage at Casa di Langa, with cooking classes in the chef's kitchen and mouth-watering dishes prepared by head chef Daniel and the team at Faula. Don’t miss the chance to explore the truffle-rich forests with a professional truffle hunter Daniele and his faithful hound, Bianca.

E-bikes are available for exploring nearby villages and UNESCO hillsides, while lazy afternoons by the outdoor pool offer uninterrupted views of the vineyard-speckled hills. Ask the bartender to whip up a Limoncello Spritz and you can thank me later.

Wine tastings and cheese and wine pairings with Andrea the sommelier are a true highlight. From sparkling wines to mineral-rich whites and smoky reds, each glass tells a story of Piedmont's breathtaking landscape. Alta-Langa is a producer of sparkling wine due to its high altitude, tastings begin with these soft bubbles before you move on further through the valleys to fresh, mineral-rich whites and smoky reds of the lower hillsides of Piedmont. You can taste the notes of the terroir within each glass. Fragrant spice and herbs, earth and roses, ripe forest fruits – each a subtle nod to the landscape.

For a closer look into the sustainability practices, join a guided forest walk with skilled horticulturalists. Learn about Casa di Langa's commitment to reforestation and how they infuse herbs from their organic gardens into their mouth-watering dishes at Faula. And if you're feeling inspired, step into the chef's kitchen for a cooking class where you'll whip up three courses of pure Italian bliss before indulging in a well-deserved lunch washed down with crisp white wine.

Plan a visit to Piedmont for your next trip to Italy

Enchanting and utterly delicious, Casa di Langa offers an off-the-beaten-track culinary escape in Piedmont, seamlessly combining with nearby destinations like Lake Como, Milan, Portofino, and the South of France. Get in touch with Shana at Stories Travel to start planning a tailor-made holiday in Italy.