Wine Tasting and Food Pairings in Langhe and near Alba

If you’re pondering a wine and food experience in Italy’s renowned Piedmont region, this particular tour in the Langhe and Roero hills deserves a close look. It’s a well-rated, 1.5-hour excursion that combines a guided winery visit with tastings of five local wines paired with regional delicacies. From the moment we first scouted it, what caught our eye was the combination of authentic regional flavors and the hope of gaining genuine insight into Piedmont’s viniculture—and at a very reasonable price.

Two aspects stand out. First, the tour’s small-group, guided approach promises an intimate experience, ideal for those who prefer more personalized attention and a chance to ask questions. Second, the rich food pairings—including cheeses, cured meats, and hazelnut treats—make this more than just a wine tasting; it’s a full sensory experience.

One potential consideration is that the tour lasts about an hour and a half, so it’s best suited for those with flexibility in their schedule and an interest in either wine or regional cuisine. Also, this experience doesn’t include transportation to and from the winery, so you’ll need to organize your own logistics.

This tour is perfect for travelers wanting an authentic, value-driven introduction to Piedmont’s wine culture, especially if they enjoy pairing wines with local foods. It’s also a good fit for those who appreciate guided tours that are both educational and flavorful.

Key Points

• Authentic regional experience with a guided visit to a local winery
• Taste five carefully selected wines, including whites and reds
• Enjoy regional cheeses, cured meats, and hazelnuts as perfect pairings
• Learn about winemaking processes in an intimate setting
• Affordable price point for the quality and depth of tasting
• Accessible and flexible with options to reserve and pay later

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Experience Overview

This tour offers a balanced blend of wine education and culinary delight in the scenic Piedmont countryside. You’ll start at Pqlin Winery, a small yet renowned hotel located in Castagnito, a charming hill town recognized as part of UNESCO’s World Heritage sites. From the beginning, the tour includes a guided walk through the winery, where you’ll see firsthand how the local wines are made—from grapevine to bottle.

The guided tour lasts approximately 30 minutes, during which the host shares insights about the winery’s history and winemaking techniques. This provides context that enriches your tasting experience, transforming it from just sipping wine to understanding the craftsmanship behind each glass.

The Heart of the Tour: Tasting and Food Pairings

Following the tour, you’ll move into the tasting session—lasting around an hour—where five different wines are presented with expert guidance. You’ll sample two white wines (Roero Arneis) and three reds (Barbera, Nebbiolo, and Roero), along with a sweet passito liquor to cap it off. These selections are typical of the Piedmont region and showcase the diversity of its vineyards.

What makes this particularly appealing is not just the wines themselves but the careful pairing with local foods. Expect to taste:

• Robiole di Roccaverano: A creamy cheese that embodies the area’s pastoral roots.
• Tuma dalpeggio: Semi-soft, flavorful, and made from high-altitude pastures.
• Castelmagno della Val Grana: An aged, complex cheese with a storied past.
• Nocciole Tostate: Crunchy Piedmont hazelnuts, renowned worldwide.
• Salame Crudo and Salame Cotto: Classic cured meats with regional character.
• Hazelnut desserts: Sweet treats that highlight the local produce.

The pairing is designed to enhance the wines, bringing out subtle flavors and textures. One reviewer noted that the great set of wines and local cheeses made the experience both interesting and satisfying.

What Makes the Winery Visit Special?

The attention to detail in the tour underscores the passion and tradition of Piedmont winemaking. The guides are knowledgeable and personable, eager to share both technical aspects and cultural stories. As one reviewer put it, “Interesting tour in a small winery with a great set of wines as well as local cheese and cold cuts to taste from.” This highlights the value of visiting a smaller winery where you can get more personalized attention and learn about regional specialties.

The Practicalities: Timing, Cost, and Logistics

The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, with the tasting itself being about an hour. The price of $42.19 per person covers the guided visit, tastings, and food pairings—an excellent value considering the quality and local authenticity. Remember, the tour does not include transportation, so plan your arrival accordingly—Castagnito is about 15 minutes by car from Alba and around an hour from Turin.

The experience is wheelchair accessible, and you can reserve in advance with the option to cancel up to 24 hours before for a full refund. This flexibility makes it easier to fit into your travel plans.

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Why This Tour Works Well for Travelers

If you’re looking for a hands-on introduction to Piedmont wines in an intimate setting, this tour checks all the boxes. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning about local wine production and want to pair that knowledge with regional foods. It’s also perfect for travelers who appreciate small-group, guided experiences that avoid the bus tour crowds.

The focus on local cheeses and cured meats adds a culinary dimension often missing from larger, more commercial tastings. The inclusion of hazelnut products—a Piedmont specialty—adds a distinctive regional touch that makes the experience unique.

Authentic and Practical: What You’ll Take Away

We loved the way this experience combines education and tasting in a relaxed, friendly environment. You’ll leave with a better understanding of Piedmont’s wine traditions and a tasting palate that’s been delighted by regional specialties. The wine selections are well-chosen, showcasing the area’s signature varieties, and the food pairings elevate the experience without adding significant cost.

The small group size ensures you can ask questions and get personalized insights, making it more engaging than a large-scale tasting. Plus, the option to reserve and pay later adds flexibility for travelers juggling multiple bookings.

Who Would Love This Tour

This experience is ideal for wine enthusiasts wanting a deeper look into Piedmont wines, food lovers eager to taste regional cheeses and meats, and travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences. It’s also perfect for those on a budget who want a comprehensive, memorable tasting without breaking the bank.

This wine tasting and food pairing tour in Langhe, near Alba, offers excellent value for anyone interested in exploring Piedmont’s culinary heritage. Its blend of guided winery insights, diverse wine selections, and regional delicacies makes it a well-rounded and satisfying experience. Small-group intimacy and knowledgeable guides ensure you’ll come away with both a fuller stomach and a richer understanding of local wine traditions.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine lover or a curious traveler, this tour can deepen your appreciation of Piedmont’s celebrated wines and local cuisine. It’s particularly suitable if you prefer a relaxed, authentic experience where quality and regional character shine through.

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation to and from the winery is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own travel to Castagnito.

How long does the entire tour last?
The entire experience runs about 1.5 hours, including the guided tour and tasting session.

What wines will I taste?
You will sample two white wines (Roero Arneis) and three reds (Barbera, Nebbiolo, Roero), plus a sweet passito for dessert.

Are the food pairings typical of Piedmont?
Yes, the cheeses, cured meats, and hazelnuts are regional specialties, offering a true taste of Piedmont’s culinary culture.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?
Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund.

Is there any age restriction?
This tour is not suitable for pregnant women, as it involves wine tasting.

What is the price per person?
The fee is approximately $42.19, which covers the guided visit, tastings, and food pairings.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking ahead is recommended to secure your spot and ensure availability.

This experience offers a genuine taste of Piedmont’s wine and culinary tradition in a friendly, intimate setting—perfect for those eager to learn and indulge.

You can check availability for your dates here: