When it comes to Italy, it’s hard to decide which place gets the top spot. Crystal-clear lakes, secluded coves, breathtaking slopes and charming villages – the country has absolutely every ingredient for a perfect holiday year-round.
As a southern Italian, my home region will always have my heart – and I’m sure the best beaches in Calabria would steal yours too – but there is a region up in the north that has always been one of my favourite places to visit in the world, and that’s Piedmont.
I’m a big fan of city breaks, and I am convinced that Turin is one of the best places in Italy for an urban getaway. What makes the city special, though, is its proximity to a lot of natural wonders, and that includes the UNESCO World Heritage-listed vineyard landscapes of Langhe–Roero and Monferrato.
The rolling hills of Piedmont
The main square in La Morra
The region has just been named the second-best wine region in Europe for 2027 by European Best Destinations, gaining an almost perfect score of 18.8 out of 20 for Wine Region Score and 9.7 out of 10 for Wine Excellence Experience Index. The first place went to Stajerska Slovenija in Slovenia.
Some might be surprised not to see Tuscany and the Chianti region in the top three – Chianti Rufina comes fifth, behind Ribeira Sacra in Spain and Kamptal in Austria – but I’m delighted to see Piedmont getting the attention it deserves.
Borgo Monchiero’s views over the hills
The region is home to some of the most loved Italian wines and is a paradise for anyone who particularly enjoys red wine. Barolo is king, of course, but Barbaresco and the region’s Barbera and Nebbiolo reds are equally worth trying.
As much as I love the wine, the reason I keep coming back to the region year after year is the landscape – lush rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, historic villages and plenty of things to see and do. Every year, I make time for a truffle hunt – and the subsequent eating of the truffles – a different winery tour and a visit to a new village or castle, and somehow I have still only scratched the surface.
If you are looking for the perfect base for your road trip around the region, look no further than Borgo Monchiero. This hotel occupies a beautifully restored 18th-century monastery, complete with a historic church dating back to 1752, an outdoor pool, a lovely restaurant and sweeping views over the surrounding hills. Here are my favourite vineyards, bars and restaurants to eat in the region.
