The most beautiful season of the year
September and October transform the Langhe into something difficult to put into words. The UNESCO hills turn yellow, orange and burgundy. The Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards come alive with tractors, wooden crates and families at work. There is a scent of fermenting must rising from the valley.
From Villa Irene we live in this landscape all year round. But it is in autumn that the Langhe reveal their truest soul.
The Barolo harvest
The Nebbiolo harvest — the grape behind Barolo and Barbaresco — usually begins between the second and third week of October, later than all other varieties. It is the most anticipated moment of the year in the wineries of Monforte d'Alba, Castiglione Falletto, Serralunga d'Alba and La Morra.
Some wineries open their doors during harvest for guided picking experiences. We can recommend — and often arrange directly — private visits to the most authentic estates in the area, far from mass tourism circuits.
Wineries we recommend in the Langhe:
Monforte d'Alba
- Conterno Fantino
- Aldo Conterno
- Giacomo Fenocchio
- Rocche dei Manzoni
- Massucco
Barolo and surroundings
- Paolo Scavino
- Cordero di Montezemolo
- Oddero
- Sordo
La Morra and Roero
- Ciabot Berton
- Rocche di Costamagna
- Malvirà
Barbaresco and eastern Langhe
- Cà del Baio
- Albino Rocca
- Astemia Pentita
The Alba White Truffle
From October to December, the Langhe become the world capital of white truffle. The Tuber magnatum Pico grows in the woods around Alba, Monforte, Serralunga and the Tanaro valley.
The International Alba White Truffle Fair takes place every weekend from October to December in the historic centre of Alba, just 15 minutes from Villa Irene Langhe. It is one of the most important food events in Italy.
On request, we organise truffle hunting excursions with a local trifolao and trained dog — an authentic experience in the Langhe woods, far from standardised tourist packages.
The colours of the vineyards
The Langhe foliage is among the most spectacular in Italy, yet almost unknown to mass tourism. The Nebbiolo, Dolcetto and Barbera vineyards change colour in sequence between September and November, creating landscapes that shift week by week.
From the panoramic loggia of Villa Irene Langhe, the 360° view over the UNESCO hills and the snow-capped Alps is at its finest in autumn. The photographs taken from that loggia at sunset, with golden vineyards and snowy peaks, are hard to forget.
What to do in the Langhe in autumn
September
- First wineries open for Barbera and Dolcetto harvest
- Collisioni Festival (music and culture in Alba)
- Mild temperatures, ideal for cycling through the vineyards
October
- Nebbiolo harvest for Barolo
- Opening of the Alba White Truffle Fair
- Foliage at its peak across the hills of Monforte, La Morra and Serralunga
- Truffle auctions, special dinners in the wineries
November
- White truffle season at its most intense
- Quiet, authentic Langhe with no mass tourism
- Morning mist over the hills — the most iconic landscape of the region
Where to eat in the Langhe in autumn
Autumn is the best season for restaurants in the Langhe. Menus change with local produce: tajarin with truffle, Barolo risotto, braised beef, plin with meat sauce.
Some addresses we recommend this season:
- Agriturismo Ca' Brusa — a few minutes from Villa Irene, even walkable. One of the most genuine spots in the area: authentic Langhe cooking, simple and familiar atmosphere.
- More e Macine (La Morra) — warm and genuine restaurant in the heart of La Morra, with refined Piedmontese cuisine and a great selection of Langhe wines.
- La Locanda del Nocciolo — nestled in the hills, intimate atmosphere and a seasonal menu rooted in the territory. At its best in autumn.
- La Cantinetta (Barolo) — small family-run restaurant in the centre of Barolo, excellent wine list and traditional Piedmontese cooking.
- Le Case della Saracca (Monforte d'Alba) — evocative atmosphere in the ancient stone spaces of the old village. Ideal for a romantic autumn dinner.
- Felicin (Monforte d'Alba) — historic elegant restaurant, perfect for a special dinner with a great Barolo.
- Borgo Sant'Anna (Alta Langa) — Michelin-starred restaurant in the Alta Langa hills. A high-level gastronomic experience, elegant without being formal.
Where to stay in the Langhe in autumn
Villa Irene Langhe is in Monforte d'Alba, in the heart of Barolo country, 5 minutes from the village and 15 minutes from Alba.
In autumn, the panoramic loggia and the 360° vineyard views are at their finest. We personally follow every stay: we recommend wineries, book restaurants, arrange tailored experiences.
The three available units — The School House, Suite Red and Suite Green — can be booked individually or exclusively for groups of up to 10 guests.
How to reach the Langhe in autumn
Villa Irene Langhe is reachable by car from:
- Turin — approx. 45 minutes
- Turin Caselle Airport (TRN) — approx. 1h10
- Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) — approx. 2h
- Milan Linate Airport (LIN) — approx. 1h50
- Genoa Airport (GOA) — approx. 1h30
- Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE) — approx. 2h40
The villa is best reached by car. We arrange private transfers on request.