Barolo is the starting point for any wine Itinerary, even more so today thanks to the new WI.MU., the Wine Museum. This Museum, situated in the Castle of Marchesi Falletti di Barolo, shows the development of wine throughout History and in the present day, including its portrayal in cinema, music, literature, and art.
The museum’s main goal is to enhance itself through innovation with the help of events, theme-based visits, learning activities for schools, and initiatives for wine enthusiasts and families alike. The WI.MU exhibition conception and the set-up were designed by François Confino; one of the most renowned museum layout design experts in the world. At the exit, the Enoteca Regionale del Barolo has the entire Barolo production, with tasting counters and outlet. Before leaving the village, we also suggest you visit the distinguishing “Museo del Cavatappi” (The Corkscrew Museum), which is host to more than 500 examples of corkscrews, from the most ancient – dating back to 1600 – to the most modern examples of today. It is certainly worth a visit to the historic cellars of Marchesi di Barolo, where it is still possible to admire the “barrels of the Marquise“: five barrels of chestnut wood, with the measure of 120 hectoliters, dating back to the nineteenth century and still used for ‘aging of Barolo.
Leaving Barolo, take the streets going down towards Alba, and reach the hamlet of Cappelletto (Castiglione Falletto). At the crossroad, turn in the direction of La Morra and enter the hamlet of Annunziata, where, among the ancient walls of the Abbey, you can stop and visit the characteristic “Museo Renato Ratti dei Vini di Alba” with its big collection of objects and documents about the story of wine and vineyards.
From here, you can leave for Roddi. Go through Borgata Manzoni and take the street to Alba. Pass near Grinzane Cavour and turn left towards Roddi. You can take a walk along the narrow and characteristic streets of this hamlet until reaching its peak, where you will find the king of the village: the municipal castle amid his wonderful garden.
Now you can go down to Verduno and enter the centre of the village where, after parking the car, you can go up to the belvedere to cast your gaze over the surrounding hills and the faraway mountains that, on the clearest days always seem to appear closer. You can then relax for a few minutes in the garden or eat something at the Municipal wine cellar located at the front of the belvedere’s entrance.
Leave again to discover one of the most famous hamlets of Langhe and its characteristic belvedere: La Morra. Abandoning the centre of the village, turn into Strada dei Castagni, cross the homonymous hamlet and enter La Morra. Go up to the belvedere and admire the wonderful view that its tiny “garden” will give you. Going down again towards the right, you will meet the Municipal Wine Cellar, where you can discover the wines of the main local producers and taste those that most catch your attention.
And now it is time to discover the “big cities” of the area: get out in the direction of Cherasco, go through Moglia Nera and enter the very heart of the little city; you can take a walk through the city centre to discover the remains of ancient civilizations; whose main monument is the central arch, relax amongst the window displays and visit shops filled with traditional products. Don’t forget to treat yourself to a tasting of the “Bacio di Cherasco”, the kiss of Cherasco, a delicious crunchy chocolate for sweets enthusiasts.
Return to Moglia Nera and turn right into the bottom of the valley that you will drive along until Fasana. Here, turn left towards Novello. Reach the centre of the village, where you can take a walk through the characteristic central streets right up to the Church and the Castle, which is host to a prestigious restaurant. Wandering through the garden of the castle, you can admire the landscape of the surrounding hills and spot the villages that you have visited…
Leave Novello and drive along via Giordano, exiting in the direction of Alba. Go through San Grato, Muscatel and enter Barolo to complete your Tortonian itinerary!!