The Roero in Piedmont: Villages, Untamed Nature, and Unique Wines to Savor
Roero is a surprising corner of Piedmont, located on the other side of the Tanaro River from the Langhe. Lesser-known but just as captivating, Roero welcomes you with its wild hills, lush woods, historic vineyards, and authentic villages.
You’ll discover towns like Canale, the agricultural heart of the area, or Pollenzo, home to the University of Gastronomic Sciences. And then there’s Cherasco, famous for its snails, Bra, the birthplace of Slow Food, Govone, known for its castle and Christmas market, and many other places where time seems to move more slowly.
In this guide, I’ll take you through Roero: what to see, where to go, which events to experience, and which wines to taste. It’s a still-authentic area, perfect for those who love nature, good food, and a slower pace of life.
Which Roero villages are the main ones?
Bra: Baroque Charm and Gastronomic Revolutions
Bra is a historic town in the Roero area, enchanting visitors with its baroque elegance and its deep-rooted culinary soul. This is where the Slow Food movement was born, changing the way we live and think about food around the world. Must-sees include: La Zizzola, the Church of Santa Chiara, Via Vittorio Emanuele, and the lively Piazza Caduti per la Libertà.
Don’t miss tasting the Bra sausage, and if you visit in an even-numbered September, make sure to experience Cheese, the international event celebrating artisanal cheeses.
Pollenzo: The Cradle of the University of Taste
A small village near Bra, Pollenzo, is famous for the University of Gastronomic Sciences, founded by Carlo Petrini. It is also home to the Wine Bank, located in the historic cellars of King Carlo Alberto’s castle. Stroll through its streets and soak up the culture of sustainable food and quality wine. A perfect destination for food and wine lovers.
Canale: The Capital of Peaches and Wine
Canale is the agricultural heart of the Roero. Famous for its vineyards and for producing peaches (celebrated every summer during the Peach Fair), this charming town boasts a beautiful historic center featuring the Baroque Church of San Giovanni, a medieval tower, and the Malabaila Castle.
Come on a Sunday, when outdoor cafés bring the main street to life. And don’t miss a visit to the Roero Wine Shop or pick up some cheese from Bono Nella!
Cherasco: Snails, Markets, and Historic Memories
Cherasco is one of the most elegant villages in the Roero area. Its historic center blends a medieval soul with Piedmontese baroque charm. The town is famous for two things: the Antique Market and its long tradition of snail farming.
Here, the renowned Cherasco snails are raised and served in local restaurants. Among the town’s historical curiosities is also the armistice signed by Napoleon in 1796.
Govone: The Castle and the Magic of Christmas
The village of Govone is crowned by a baroque castle that once served as the summer residence of King Carlo Alberto. Today, it’s open to visitors and hosts cultural events, but in December, the town transforms into the Magical Christmas Village, drawing thousands of visitors.
Surrounded by vineyards, wineries, and a fairytale atmosphere, Govone is a perfect stop for families and curious travelers alike.
Guarene: Scenic Walks Through Vineyards and History
Guarene is a charming village spread across the hills, with an upper part dominated by its castle and several hamlets surrounded by cultivated landscapes. It’s perfect for a stroll along the Acino Trail, a 1.5-hour loop through vineyards and breathtaking scenery.
Don’t miss the Castle of Guarene (today a luxury hotel) and the historic churches in the center, such as San Michele and the Annunziata.
Magliano Alfieri: The Castle and the Culture of Plaster
Located between Alba and Asti, Magliano Alfieri is a small village that is home to a castle overlooking the hills. Inside, the Plaster Museum tells the story of the traditional construction techniques of Roero’s rural homes.
A peaceful village, perfect for a summer dinner or a cultural visit off the beaten path.
Invitation to Reading. If you would like to learn more about any Roero-related topic.
Langhe Piedmont: 3 beautiful towns to visit
The Langhe: If you have never visited them or have only taken a few short trips, I would like to tell you about them and make you curious. I choose three cities among many to visit, with very different characteristics from each other. So you can appreciate and understand the differences.