For dinner, L’Argaj in Castiglione Falletto was a highlight of our trip last year. Fairly affordable, too.
We stayed at Palas Cerequio between Barolo and La Morra and the location was great for our needs.
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More e Macine absolutely must be on your lunch list.
For wineries…….this really comes down to what has spoken to you in the past. And also, are you willing to try new (to you) producers?
Your winery list leans more in the modern direction, so Molino should then be on your list. They have dialed back some of the excesses of the past and are being helmed by the younger generation.
If you want to experience other wineries that lean more traditional, might I ask what would you be looking for? It’s easy to rattle off a slew of wineries, but the trip is truly about getting your best experience out of it.
Do know that you will be going during what may well be harvest. This year could be a later year due to rains going through late-May. But a warm June and July could speed it all up very fast.
Keith,
We know we will likely to be in the middle of harvest. I will keep an eye on the weather as we progress through the summer.
In general our tastes do run toward a more modern style. I wish we were ging to be in the area for more than 3 days.
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Any suggestions for a producer to visit? I’m going this time with a group of people who mostly aren’t into wine. So I was thinking I’d break off and do one visit. Really just looking for great wine and a nice visit, but at a slightly higher tier.
I’m going to Burzi and Cigliutti. I loved Cavallotto last time. Maybe someone where their wine is harder to come by in the US?
Just back from a few days in the area. We had dinner at Locanda in Cannubi one night - great meal, great views, excellent friendly service.
In Alba we enjoyed Fuocofarina - pizzeria with foodie chef pedigree. It gets very busy so book ahead especially for an outdoor table.
Perfect. Then put your focus more into the modern camp I say! Many producers blend the old lines as it is at this point.
You’ll likely want Domenico Clerico on your list as it is and if you are spending time in Barbaresco, then Sottimano, Moccagatta, Albino Rocca, and Ca del Baio would likely fit the bill for what you’re looking for.
As I mentioned though, there’s a lot of blending of these styles to fit what each producer feels is the best way for them to express the dirt. It isn’t as cut and dry as it once was
I have to say More & Macine like many others. They have the best wine prices in my experience. And they always have a nice selection BTG (chalkboard above the bar, the other chalkboard is for the cheaper selection)
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When we went I sat downstairs and only saw the higher end BTG offerings on our way out. 
Still had a good time with the cheaper stuff, though.
I would not stay in Alba. It;s just a bit out of the way when you can stay in one of the villages in Barlo. La Morra is our favorite and very centrally located. We’ve stayed here twice including a few weeks ago and just love it. They really deliver for the cost
I’d look at F. Alessandria in Verduno and also Elio Grasso in Monforte for winery visits. We love the wines and they are also great visits and pour all the Barolo’s generally.
Ristorante Le Torri in CF is worth adding to your list for either lunch or dinner. Great well priced wine list and solid food.
Make sure to visit Vajra. I’d pick them over Vietti if for no other reason than value.
I would look in Barbaresco, especially seeing as you already have some things scheduled there. We had a great visit at Firoenzo Nada in 2018. Albino Rocca could be interesting, Giuseppe Cortese or Piero Busso perhaps? Tough decisions
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Fully booked at Relais.
Thank you
Unfortunately, for the days we are there, L’Argaj is not available.
Thank you for your help
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I went to Albino Rocca last time, was very impressed.
Yes, that’s my trouble. And why I’m looking for a direction, too many options and hard to narrow.
Le Torri is a better choice anyway IMO. If you want Michelin style go to a true Michelin restaurant like Piazza Duomo or Ciau del Tornavento. You go to somewhere like Castiglioni Falletto for good food, nice service with charm and a great wine list.
Was just in Piedmont two weeks ago. A bit hot this time of year for drinking Barolo, but it’s much quieter in the region than when I usually visit in the fall and the summer is a beautiful time for enjoying the views.
One place new to me for this trip that I would recommend for the food is La Torre in Cherasco. We had the agnolotti, tajarin with ragu, risotto, sweetbreads with morels, and apple tart with crema gelato. All the dishes were quite good. The food is a bit richer and more seasoned than typical in the region, which IMO is a good thing. The texture of the gelato was by far the best I’ve had in the region. Casual setting. Wine list is solid with some good breadth but no incredible deals.
If you’re anywhere near Neive, go here: https://www.umanoneive.it/
Also, La Cantinetta in Barolo is very nice for lunch or dinner. There’s a La Cantinella, too, but I have heard that is not as good, so make sure you’re at the correct one.
I know the feeling.
I thought I’d share this map, feel free to make a copy of it. Many of the places in the thread are listed on here. Some with notes of what some posters have said about the place. This is more for restaurants and bars, with some producers listed (but I figure everyone has their preferences).
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What an excellent resource- great of you to post this
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Thanks for posting!
I’ll be spending 3 nights in Verduno, then another 5 in Monforte d’Alba in July. I have visits reserved for:
- Burlotto
- Diego Morra
- Fratelli Alessandria
- Vajra
- Scavino
Sticking to one per day so as not to overload, and have a few days left open for exploration. Though I may add another visit or two, pending availability.
Restaurants and meals–aside from an cooking adventure my wife has planned–are the major question. But lots of useful recs to leverage here!
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