Piedmont is a region that offers so much more than just its famous wines and stunning landscapes. It’s a place where you can taste history with every sip, explore medieval castles, and hike through wild mountain valleys. Among the many ways to experience Piedmont’s charm, some tours stand out for their authenticity and variety — like a wine tasting in Langhe, a visit to ancient castles, or a trek to colorful lakes. We particularly appreciate tours that combine culture, nature, and history, such as the immersive Langhe wine experience and the Balme day-trip to the Green Lakes. These tours give you a real taste of what makes Piedmont special.
If you’re searching for a memorable way to enjoy this region, you’ll find options suitable for wine lovers, history enthusiasts, and outdoor adventurers alike. Whether you want a quick wine tasting, a guided castle tour, or a full-day mountain hike, Piedmont has something for every traveler.
Quick Overview
This list compiles the best tours in Piedmont, including wine tastings, castle explorations, and outdoor excursions. Each offers a different way to connect with the region’s culture and landscapes.
- Wine experiences with tastings at top local wineries like Langhe and Monferrato
- Historical tours exploring castles and noble estates
- Nature adventures such as mountain hikes to the Green Lakes and visits to alpine lakes
- A variety of durations, from quick 1-hour tastings to full-day trips
- Tours suited for different budgets and activity levels
Now, let’s dive into each of these memorable experiences.
1. Langhe: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting
At number 1 on our list is the Langhe: Winery Tour and Wine Tasting. This 1.5-hour experience is a fantastic introduction to Piedmont’s most celebrated wine region. You’ll visit one of the best wine cellars in the Langhe area, where the focus is on local tradition and quality. During the tour, you’ll taste four different wines, learning about their unique characteristics and how they’re made.
What makes this tour stand out is its intimate atmosphere — you’re not just another face in a crowd. The setting is elegant yet welcoming, giving you a genuine feel for the region’s winemaking heritage. The cellar itself is worth the visit, with its ancient stone walls and modern touches. The guide shares insights into the history of the vineyards, the grape varieties, and what makes Langhe wines so special.
Guests rave about the experience, with a 4.6/5 rating from 53 reviews. People often comment on the knowledgeable guides and the chance to taste a variety of high-quality wines without breaking the bank. This tour is perfect for anyone curious about Piedmont wines or looking for a short, enriching activity.
Bottom Line: If you want a well-paced, authentic wine experience in a stunning setting, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially good for those who appreciate good wine and a relaxed, personal atmosphere.
2. Monferrato: Barbera Wine Tasting Experience
Second on our list, the Monferrato: Barbera Wine Tasting Experience is a one-hour journey into Italy’s most famous red wine, Barbera. This tour takes you through a beautiful estate where you can explore both the vineyards and the historic cellar. You’ll taste four different Barbera D’Asti and Nizza DOCG wines, gaining insight into what makes this grape so beloved.
What makes this experience particularly attractive is the high praise from visitors, giving it a 5/5 rating based on just three reviews. Guests mention the friendly, knowledgeable guide who explains the wine production process with clarity. The atmosphere is intimate, and the tasting includes local products that enhance the experience.
The estate’s cellar, which you visit during the tour, is described as stunning, adding to the overall appeal. The focus on the most important wines of the area makes this a must for wine aficionados wanting a concentrated taste of Piedmont’s best.
Value for money is excellent, especially given the quality of wines and personalized attention. It’s suitable for those with limited time but a desire for depth in their wine knowledge.
Bottom Line: For lovers of bold reds and a personal approach, this short but rich tasting offers a true flavor of Monferrato’s renowned wines.
3. Lagnasco: Castles of the Marchesi Tapparelli D’Azeglio
Next, we visit the Castles of the Marchesi Tapparelli D’Azeglio, a 50-minute exploration into Piedmont’s medieval past. This tour takes you to three castles built around 1100, each reflecting different stages of architectural and artistic evolution. It’s a fascinating peek into noble life and regional history.
What sets this tour apart is its focus on the family that owned these castles — the Marchesi Tapparelli D’Azeglio — and their influence on local development. As you wander through the stone walls and ancient courtyards, you’ll learn about the castle’s history and the surrounding lands. The scenery itself is noteworthy, with the castles perched amid rolling hills and lush landscapes.
This experience is ideal for history lovers or those keen on exploring medieval architecture without a full-day commitment. With only one review but a perfect 5/5 rating, it’s clear that visitors find this tour both charming and educational. It’s very budget-friendly at just $9 per person, making it accessible for most travelers.
Bottom Line: A short but deep dive into Piedmont’s noble past, perfect for a quick cultural fix or for families with kids interested in castles.
$9 per person
4. Wine Tasting in the Heart of Monferrato – Classic
At number 4, the Wine Tasting in the Heart of Monferrato – Classic offers a 1-hour visit that combines modern wine production with ancient cellar traditions. You’ll tour a modern winery and explore the Infernot, ancient cellars carved 200 years ago, which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The experience concludes with a tasting of three local wines.
This tour is especially appealing to those interested in the blend of old and new. The winery’s modern facilities ensure a smooth visit, while the Infernot provides a tangible connection to centuries of wine craftsmanship. The guide’s friendly approach makes the experience accessible, and the story behind the cellar adds an extra layer of interest.
While only rated 4/5 based on a single review, the price point at $28 per person offers good value for a quality experience in the heart of Monferrato. It’s ideal for travelers who want a quick introduction to the region’s wine culture without sacrificing authenticity.
Bottom Line: A fine choice for those intrigued by historical wine storage methods and modern winemaking, perfect for a short, informative stop.
$28 per person
5. Balme: Day Trip to the Green Lakes with a Local Guide
Finally, for outdoor enthusiasts, the Balme: Day Trip to the Green Lakes offers a six-hour hike through wild mountain valleys. Led by a local guide, you’ll climb up to colorful alpine lakes surrounded by towering peaks. The route takes you past ancient pastures and stone farmhouses, giving a genuine sense of the region’s mountain life.
What makes this trip special is the scenery — the lakes’ vivid colors contrast beautifully with the rugged landscape. The hike involves a reasonable 3-hour ascent, followed by time to enjoy the lakes, lunch, and more walking. It’s suited for travelers comfortable with moderate terrain and looking for a full, active day.
The itinerary includes visits to high-altitude landscapes far from roads or houses, providing a rare chance to experience Piedmont’s untamed side. The tour’s price of $41 offers great value given the length and quality of the experience, even though it lacks formal reviews.
Bottom Line: Perfect for active travelers wanting a full day immersed in nature, with stunning mountain vistas and a taste of alpine wilderness.
$41 per person
How to Choose
Picking the right tour depends on your interests, fitness level, and schedule. If you love wine and want a deep dive into Piedmont’s best varieties, the Langhe Winery Tour or the Monferrato Barbera experience are excellent choices. For history buffs, the Castles of Lagnasco provide a quick but enriching glimpse into medieval life, while outdoor lovers should consider the Green Lakes hike for a day in the mountains.
Budget-conscious travelers might favor the castle visit or the wine tasting, which offers rich experiences at affordable prices. Those seeking a comprehensive wine experience should look at the Langhe tour, especially if you’re interested in tasting multiple wines in a charming setting.
Booking early is recommended, especially in peak season (spring and fall), when Piedmont’s attractions can fill up quickly.
Final Thoughts
Piedmont offers a wonderful mix of wine, history, and outdoor adventures. For a quick taste of its renowned wines, the Langhe winery tour is hard to beat. If you prefer a cultural and historical fix, the castle visits provide a fascinating window into the past. And for those who love outdoor adventures, the Green Lakes hike is a memorable way to see the region’s wild side.
No matter which tour you choose, you’ll come away with a deeper connection to Piedmont’s rich landscape and culture. Book early, and enjoy discovering this jewel of Italy.