Cycling, food and wine – the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero vineyards

Cycling on low-traffic roads through breathtaking landscapes where history and culture abound. Enjoying traditional cuisines and delicious wine to cap off your cycling adventures. If this sounds like a dream come true, look no further than the Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato, in the north-west of Italy.

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the area comprises five distinct wine-growing areas with outstanding landscapes. Moreover, the roads in this Collection have been tackled by the Giro d'Italia, both men's and women's, and will be covered by the Tour de France 2024.

You can tackle these routes in race or touring mode. While the constant ups and downs are challenging, there’s ample opportunity to stop and admire the vineyards, castles, fortresses, views and, of course, sample a good glass of wine.

All five Tours are characterised by roads with little traffic, allowing you to pedal in peace. The altitude profile, however, is never trivial. If you don’t have a good level of fitness, consider renting an electric bike. The areas of Langhe, Monferrato and Roero rely heavily on bike tourism and you’ll find many shops that rent bicycles, bike hotels, and restaurants with signs welcoming those who love two-wheels. If you have a passion for cycling, you’ll be well catered for here.

You can do these tours year-round but the best times are spring or between October and November when the vineyards are tinged with red and the villages host food and wine fairs. One of the most famous fairs is the truffle fair in Alba.

If you plan to spend a few days in the area, you could sleep in the town of Alba, which has a rail connection to Turin. From here, you can reach the starting points on your bike or by bus. However, bus services can be limited and your bike may not be accepted on board.

Now relax, have a good glass of wine and read about the wonderful cycling itineraries of the Langhe, Monferrato and Roero.