I’ve put together a short list of the most important events in this beautiful part of Piedmont.
It’s by no means exhaustive, as there are so many events, fairs, and festivals. But I’ll start by highlighting a few major events, and I’ll send you monthly updates via the newsletter.
The International Alba White Truffle Fair is a must-see event for anyone who loves food, wine, and the rich world that also inspired the Slow Food movement. From early October to mid-November, Alba becomes a showcase for outstanding local gastronomy. On weekends, the city comes alive with historical reenactments and high-quality street food. Of course, the main attraction is the Alba White Truffle World Market!
Toward the end of October, the World Truffle Auction takes place at the Castle of Grinzane Cavour. During this international event, exceptional truffles — true “jewels of the earth” — are sold at auction for thousands of euros, with live connections around the world. To give you an idea: in 2005, the largest truffle, weighing 1,200 grams, was sold in Hong Kong for €95,000. In 2006, the most important lot, weighing 1,509 grams, was bought by a Hong Kong banker for €125,000.
But don’t worry! White truffle is certainly a precious product, but in good years, when the harvest is abundant, you can treat yourself to a truffle dish without taking part in the auction. A creamy risotto, a plate of tajarin, or even two simple eggs with butter are perfect ways to enjoy the king of Alba’s table: the White Truffle.
In late April, Alba becomes the capital of wine. Hundreds of visitors stroll through the streets with a tasting glass around their neck, stopping at the different tasting points to smell, sip, and enjoy the excellent wines on offer. Barolo, Barbaresco, Dolcetto, Moscato, Roero Arneis, and Roero, white wines from the Langhe, Asti Spumante, and wines from Monferrato are served alongside grappas and other Piedmontese spirits.
Le degustazioni, guidate e curate dall’AIS, Associazione Italiana Sommelier, avvengono dalle 10.30 alle 20.00. Here you will find institutional information.
Among the Langhe events that have grown the most in recent years, there are undoubtedly Collisions.
This festival was born in 2009 from the idea of a group of young Italian artists, journalists, and writers who wanted to find a formula that would allow them to speak in an interdisciplinary and intergenerational way.
Hosting leading international intellectuals and writers gave the event resonance. It allowed the intrigue of artists of the scope of Bob Dylan, who agreed to perform in this country that became an entire stage.
Thousands of young and older adults participate in the party on Barolo’s streets and peacefully take over the streets. Open lectures, concerts, and events take place for almost a week in July. Guests included Patti Smith, Neil Young, Sting, and others of international renown. Don’t miss it!
Recent developments: In recent years, the festival has evolved its format, expanding into nearby towns and across the wider Alba area, while preserving its original spirit.
Impressive animal, Piedmontese cattle breed, known in the world for the quality of the meat
Nutrition based on natural products. Breeders compare their skills and competencies! They are imposing animals with a weight of more than 1000kg! The animal must fatten slowly.
The fair takes place in December and features THE BOIL! Piedmontese Boiled Mixed, as per tradition, must respect the “rule of seven.” Seven cuts: ugly and sound, muscle, scaramella, shin, priest’s hat, brisket, royal with his bone...
And seven “contours” cooked separately: head, face, tongue, trotter, tail, hen, cotechino, and loin.
To accompany the “green bath” with parsley, anchovies, garlic, vinegar, and stale bread crumbs, the “red bath” with bell pepper and tomato, garlic, mustard, and red vinegar. And other sauces that recall the tradition of the various municipalities and families.
The jubilation of boiled meat that on a primary day starts at dawn and sees rows of gourmets following each other at the tables of the Marquee set up for the occasion.
In almost all the restaurants in the Carrù area, you will find this dish in the winter months. But the day of the BOLLITO is an actual event to try at least once!
Purple fields of Lavender, helichrysum, and biodynamically grown herbs are an unparalleled spectacle of June in Sale Langhe.
For many years SlowDays has offered the lavender event. Here I describe the last year when we organized it:
We found ourselves in a magical place with perfect light, a fascinating history, and people involved and enraptured by what they had around them. Sale San Giovanni hosted us to enjoy the sunset and its scents!
These moments resulted from many small choices that took me time to line up and involved me in long phone calls and many sheets of notes. I had already experienced moments with the first edition in 2016, which had fascinated me even then.
In 2016 we arrived in the Lavender fields in broad daylight. It was a bit cloudy day, but I still understood how much the land wanted to tell us. In 2017 I tried to allow it to express itself at sunset, and the magic was accomplished! An explosion of colors and extraordinary energy enveloped all of us who participated in such beauty. The Prandi Arboretum is narrated by a guide who, by how much he knows, seems to have arrived from another planet and who takes us to distant years to that dreamer who, with his energy and vision, left us a treasure in a forest.
I am here writing these lines, and I can smell in my nose the scent of Lavender, in my eyes the yellow and purple color of the fields after the green of the trees, and in my ears the stories and experiences of those who live and work with love, and then in my heart the energy we all passed on.
These days repay with interest every minute spent organizing them. They are the fuel that drives me and pushes me to find new ways to go on vacation. New places to discover. Slow experiences to live, taste, touch, and smell.
Magical places in Piedmont, unique places in Italy. Let’s respect and love them; they will make us peaceful and fulfilled.
Why did we no longer organize this event? Because it had become … a little Slow. Unfortunately, so many, too many people on weekends, invade these beautiful places. So my advice is to organize your visit on any midweek day: you will be rewarded with priceless tranquility!
Here I will tell you some pictures of what we experienced.
Usiamo cookie tecnici e, previo consenso, di profilazione e terze parti per pubblicità in linea con le tue preferenze. Cliccando 'Accetta tutto' acconsenti all'uso. Chiudendo il banner o cliccando 'Rifiuta' navighi con i soli cookie tecnici. Gestisci le preferenze o leggi la [Cookie Policy].
