The Best of the Langhe: Wine Tasting & Traditional Meal

An Authentic Taste of the Langhe: Wine Tasting & Traditional Meal

If you’re visiting Piedmont, Italy, and craving a deep dive into the region’s renowned wines and cuisine, this experience at Podere Gagliassi combined with a meal at Lostu offers a compelling package. For about 3.5 hours, you’ll explore the beautiful vineyards, enjoy a guided tour of the winery, sample three distinct local wines, and then settle in for a traditional Piedmontese dinner prepared by a Michelin-starred chef.

What we love most is how this experience balances stunning scenery with authentic food and wine, giving you a genuine taste of the region’s terroir and culinary heritage. Plus, the personalized guiding and breathtaking views make it feel intimate, not commercial.

The only thing to consider is timing: since the winery tour lasts around 1.5 hours and dinner at Lostu begins at 7:30 PM, there might be a short wait before your meal. This isn’t a big deal but worth knowing if you’re on a tight schedule.

This experience suits anyone eager to combine wine education, spectacular vistas, and regional dishes—perfect for wine lovers, foodies, or those simply wanting a memorable slice of Piedmont life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Experience: Combines a guided vineyard and winery tour with a traditional Piedmontese meal.
Spectacular Views: Enjoy panoramic vistas of the Langhe hills during your tour.
Quality Wines: Taste three carefully selected wines that highlight the region’s terroir.
Local Cuisine: Savor regional delicacies at a Michelin-starred trattoria.
Personalized Guides: Led by knowledgeable guides who share interesting facts.
Balanced Itinerary: A good mix of outdoor scenery, wine tasting, and delicious dining.

Keen to taste more of Monforte D Alba? We've looked into these other food and drink experiences

Exploring the Heart of Piedmont: What You Can Expect

This tour offers a well-balanced look at what makes the Langhe a famous wine region, all wrapped into a manageable 3.5-hour package. Starting at Podere Gagliassi, you’ll get a guided tour of their vineyard and wine cellar, with the chance to snap photos of distant hills and lush vines. The guides, including Pietro (as some reviews mention), are praised for their clarity, friendliness, and knowledge, making complex topics about wine production accessible and enjoyable.

The vineyard visit is not just about pretty scenery—though you’ll get plenty of that—but also about understanding how the terroir influences the wines. The views of the rolling hills are so picturesque that you’ll want to bring your camera, but more importantly, your palate will be primed for the tasting. Expect to sample three wines, each crafted to showcase different aspects of Langhe’s terroir.

What makes this tasting stand out is the inclusion of local snacks like grissini and hazelnuts, which are perfect for cleansing the palate between sips. Reviewers have raved about the wines being “very good,” and the guide’s explanations add depth to what might otherwise be just a sip-and-swallow experience.

The next stop is on foot, a short walk (about 10 minutes) leading you to the restaurant—Lostu, operated by Chef Pasquale Laera. Here, you’re treated to a traditional Piedmontese tasting menu featuring three appetizers, a main course, and a dessert. The dishes are made with quality ingredients and reflect regional flavors. Reviewers describe the dinner as “excellent,” praising the modern approach to regional ingredients and the welcoming staff.

It’s worth noting that dinner service begins at 7:30 PM, and because the cellar tour lasts about 1.5 hours, there might be a brief wait before you’re seated. While that might be inconvenient for some, the overall experience’s authenticity and quality outweigh this minor hiccup.

Deep Dive Into the Itinerary

Starting at Podere Gagliassi

Your day begins here, where you’ll meet your guide and begin the vineyard exploration. The estate’s stunning views, combined with its modern cellar, set a perfect tone for the day. We loved the personalized attention and the chance to hear about the winery’s history and approach to winemaking.

More Great Tours Nearby

Vineyard Tour and Scenic Views

The photo stops and guided walk through the vineyards give you a sense of the scale and care involved in regional wine production. The views are so photogenic that you’ll likely spend more time snapping pictures than you planned—an added bonus. Several reviews note that the view of the sunset from the winery is particularly memorable.

Wine Tasting and Snacks

The tasting of three wines—each reflecting different facets of the terroir—is a highlight. The wines are described as distinctive and typical of the Langhe, which is high praise considering the region’s reputation. The accompanying snacks, especially hazelnuts, are a regional specialty, adding an authentic touch and enhancing the tasting experience.

Walk to the Restaurant and Dinner

The short walk to Lostu allows for a digestif-like moment, soaking in the scenic countryside. The meal that follows is a carefully curated tasting menu, with some reviewers describing the dishes as “excellent,” especially the “mattonella”, a regional specialty that many found irresistible.

Overall Value

This experience offers a well-rounded look at what makes Piedmont’s wine and food culture so special. At a price that includes the guided tour, wine tastings, snacks, and a multi-course meal, the value is clear—especially considering the quality and authenticity of the experience.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive yet manageable introduction to Piedmont’s wine and culinary traditions. It suits those who appreciate scenic landscapes, enjoy learning about wine, and want to indulge in regional cuisine. It’s also perfect for small groups seeking a more intimate experience with knowledgeable guides.

If you’re a foodie or wine lover, the chance to taste three high-quality wines paired with regional snacks and a delicious dinner makes this a memorable day out. On the other hand, if you’re after a more exhaustive wine tour or plan to visit multiple wineries, this might serve better as a taste of the region rather than an exhaustive exploration.

The Sum Up

For anyone eager to experience the essence of Piedmont’s wine country, this tour hits the right notes. It balances stunning scenery, authentic regional wines, and a delightful meal—all wrapped into a manageable 3.5-hour experience. The knowledgeable guides, especially Pietro, earn high praise for their friendliness and expertise, making complex topics accessible and engaging.

The price reflects excellent value, considering the guided vineyard walk, three wines, snacks, and a multi-course dinner. It’s suited for foodies, wine enthusiasts, and curious travelers looking for a taste of what makes the Langhe so special. The experience’s intimate setting and scenic views create memories that will stick with you long after your trip.

In short, if you’re in Piedmont and want a well-rounded, authentic day of wine tasting and regional cuisine, this experience is definitely worth considering.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for non-Italian speakers?
Yes, the tour is conducted with guides speaking English, Italian, and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

How long does the vineyard and cellar tour last?
The cellar tour, especially for smaller groups, lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery and learn about winemaking.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and outdoor weather is recommended, especially if you plan to take photos during the vineyard walk.

Can I buy wines at the winery?
Yes, you receive a 10% discount on wines purchased at Podere Gagliassi, so consider bringing some cash or a card if you’d like to take a bottle home.

Is the dinner immediately after the tour?
Not immediately; since dinner at Lostu begins at 7:30 PM and the cellar tour lasts about 1.5 hours, there might be a short wait before your meal.

Is the experience wheelchair accessible?
Yes, the tour is designed to be accessible for wheelchair users, making it inclusive for all guests.

What kind of wines will I taste?
You will sample three high-quality, Langhe-typical wines, each showcasing different characteristics of the region’s terroir.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While suitable for many, the focus on wine tasting and a multi-course meal might be less appealing for very young children. It’s best suited for adult guests or older teens.

This experience combines spectacular scenery, authentic wines, and delicious regional cuisine—a perfect way to taste Piedmont’s soul in just a few hours. Whether you’re a dedicated wine connoisseur or a curious traveler, it offers a genuine peek into what makes the Langhe region celebrated worldwide.