Food destinations within easy reach of Turin, worth the early start.
Food destinations within easy reach of Turin. worth the train, the rental car or the early start.
Famous for: Tartufo Bianco d'Alba, Piazza Duomo (3 stars), La Piola
Alba is the white truffle capital, 62 km south of Turin in the Langhe (UNESCO). Direct train 1 hr 23 min; the truffle fair runs October to December.
Famous for: Slow Food HQ, Università di Scienze Gastronomiche in Pollenzo, Osteria del Boccondivino
Bra is the Slow Food world headquarters, 43 km south of Turin. Carlo Petrini founded the movement here in 1986; the Gastronomic Sciences uni is in Pollenzo.
Famous for: Asti Spumante, Monferrato wines, Casa Cinzano
Asti, 45 km east of Turin, is the capital of Monferrato wine, Asti Spumante and Moscato d'Asti. The Cinzano vermouth heritage runs through the province.
Famous for: Barolo DOCG cellars, brasato al Barolo at Locanda nel Borgo Antico
Barolo, 70 km south of Turin, is the namesake village of Italy's premier Nebbiolo DOCG. About 15 km from Alba; tasting rooms in the village castle.
Famous for: Martini & Rossi vermouth heritage, Casa Martini tour
Casa Martini in Pessione, 30 km southeast of Turin, is the historic Martini & Rossi vermouth plant from 1863. Discovery tour and a Cocktail Experience class.
Famous for: Carnaroli and Arborio rice fields, risotto
Vercelli, 75 km east of Turin, sits in Italy's main rice country. Carnaroli, Arborio and Vialone Nano paddies stretch from Vercelli to Novara.