When Piedmont Comes Into Its Own

You may already know Piedmont for what the region is most celebrated for: rolling vineyards, unhurried meals and some of Italy’s most characterful wines. But from May to August, something special unfolds — a series of experiences that are entirely their own.

Tasting experiences with the locals

Spring marks the beginning of some of Piedmont’s most memorable events. The town of Alba transforms into Italy’s largest open-air wine cellar — and instead of exhibition halls, everything happens under open skies on the historic piazzas, where producers pour everything from Barolo to Moscato directly into your glass.

At the same time, Vigneti Aperti begins — a more personal experience, where vineyards open their estates to visitors. There’s no fixed programme and no need to book ahead. You simply turn up, and you’re welcomed in for a tasting, a picnic or a walk through the vines.

One of the more overlooked highlights is Barbaresco a Tavola, where local restaurants in small villages like Barbaresco and Neive host dinners built around blind tastings. The producers sit at the table with you, and the conversations can be just as memorable as the wines.

Folk traditions and music under open skies

In June, you’ll encounter Piedmont at its most local and celebratory. La Corsa delle Botti — the barrel race — has taken place every year since 1978 in Nizza Monferrato, with wine barrels rolled through the streets in a spirited celebration of local tradition.

As summer properly arrives, music moves out into the landscape. The Monforte Jazz Festival takes place in a natural amphitheatre in Monforte d’Alba. You sit beneath the stars with a glass of wine in hand, as the music drifts out across the hills — an experience that feels both intimate and quietly magnificent.

July brings a genuine surprise: the Collisioni Festival in Barolo. International artists, authors and conversations gather in the middle of the vineyards. The contrast between the global programme and the small-village setting is very much part of the appeal.

The light, the warmth and the long evenings

August in Piedmont is about the evenings — when the light softens and the warmth invites you to stay outside long into the night.

On the 10th of August, the shooting star night is celebrated with Le Notti del Vino in Barolo. Wineries open late, with tastings, live music and views of the night sky from among the vines. Around the same time, Calici di Stelle sees vineyards across the region invite guests to evening tastings under open skies.

And at the end of summer, Jazz:Re:Found Festival arrives in the small village of Cella Monte — a more niche affair, where jazz, electronic music and art come together in one of the area’s lesser-known corners.

The quiet moments in between

What makes having your own home in Piedmont so special isn’t only the local traditions, the remarkable tastings or the colourful festivals. It’s the time in between.

Being able to drive into Alba for the day and taste wines. Catching a concert on a weekday evening in Monforte. Stopping spontaneously at a winery on the way back from the market. Or choosing to do nothing at all — and simply letting the day pass by the pool.

It’s a different way to holiday. One where the whole point is simply to be present and savour the small moments.