Piemonte Wine Region Bike Tour

Castellania loop - 33 or 43 mls - Hilly

Our first longer ride takes us to Castellania, which is the birthplace of Coppi. Coppi’s modest house is now a museum and pilgrimage destination for cyclists.

We can also visit the Museo dei Campionissimi in Novi Ligure, an awesome exhibit of cycling memorabilia dedicated, among others, to the first super champion-campionissimo - Costante Girardengo.

We’ll then explore the area of Gavi, a wine-producing center in the Lemme Valley. This ride, for most, is off the beaten path, but it's a favorite among our guides.

Dinner in the quaint center of Gavi.

Gavi - Alba - 63 or 70 mls - Hilly

Today, we pedal from Gavi to Alba, passing the castles of Monferrato, a hilly area where each village is protected by a castle. The vineyards of dolcetto, cortese, and moscato are the landmarks of the morning ride.

Our first stop is planned in Acqui Terme. Founded by Greek colonies, Acqui has been well-known for its hot springs since Roman times.

Upon leaving Acqui, we tackle the beautiful climb crossing from the Bormida River Valley to the Belbo River Valley.

We then pedal to Alba, crossing the Alta Langa, the highest and wildest portion of this territory. Slowly, the landscape changes from woodland to hazelnut trees (hazelnuts are a specialty of Piedmont), and finally vineyards.

We arrive in Alba, the elegant capital of the white truffle, also nicknamed the town of a hundred towers. Of Celtic and Ligurian origin, called Alba Pompeia by the Romans, the town has kept a spiral-shaped medieval plan.

This evening, we will partake in an Italian tradition: l’aperitivo.

Barolo loop -  42 or 50 mls - Hilly

Today’s ride starts with an ascent to La Morra. La Morra is considered the balcony of the Langa region because of its wonderful views of the entire area. In Barolo, we’ll visit a producer, where you will receive an instructive explanation of the King of Wine’s production and differences.

Between La Morra, Barolo, and Monforte, you’ll ride past rows of nebbiolo vines cultivated by legendary producers.

We will then ride on a beautiful ridge among vineyards and continue with some ups and downs all the way to Serralunga d’Alba, and then Grinzane Cavour. The 13th-century Grinzane Cavour castle, once home to the famous strategist Cavour and now a Regional Wine Cellar, also hosts a literature prize and a world-famous white truffle auction. If we are lucky, a majestic view of the Alps will accompany us for the majority of today’s ride.

Barbaresco loop - 37 or 55 mls - Hilly

The area southwest of Alba is part of the Barbaresco wine production zone. The three villages where Nebbiolo grapes for Barbaresco wine can be grown are Neive, Treiso, and Barbaresco. The original, small, and elegant village of Barbaresco will be part of our ride today. As you approach Barbaresco, its imposing 12th-century tower stands out in the landscape.

The tower is what is left of an imposing fortification that once crowned the hilltop where Barbaresco rises. Almost square-shaped, its height originally reached 36 meters, making it a strategic position overlooking the Tanaro Valley below. Ridge after ridge, we’ll head towards Mango and Benevello before an exhilarating descent back to Alba.

Enjoy some free time before dinner.