Discovering Italy: Piedmont, Region Two of Our Weekly Series

Misty vineyard rows in Piedmont’s Langhe hills at dawn, with the Alps fading into the distance

An artistic illustration of Piedmont’s Langhe landscape; it is not a photograph of a specific place.

Our Discovering Italy: One Region at a Time series began with Sicily. This week, we travel north to Piedmont, where Alpine scenery meets celebrated wine country, and historic cities sit within reach of quiet lakes and rolling vineyards.

Piedmont is also a meaningful destination for many Italian-American families in Chicagoland. Family roots may lead to Turin, Alba, Asti, or a comune in Cuneo province. Whether you’re retracing family history or simply curious about the region, Piedmont offers plenty to explore.

Beyond the familiar: a few Piedmont highlights

Turin: grand history and a lively café culture

Turin is Piedmont’s capital and was the first capital of unified Italy in 1861. The city offers a remarkable mix of history and everyday pleasures: the Egyptian Museum, with one of the world’s most important collections of Egyptian artifacts; the Mole Antonelliana, whose distinctive spire defines the skyline; and historic cafés where a pause for espresso feels very much at home.

Turin is also closely associated with chocolate and vermouth. Gianduja and its famous little sibling, the gianduiotto, are part of the city’s sweet legacy. Vermouth was born here, and it remains a natural choice for an aperitivo. You can read more about Turin’s history through Turismo Torino, the Museo Egizio, and the Museo Carpano.

Espresso and gianduiotti on a café table in a softly lit historic Turin interior

An artistic illustration of a Turin café moment; it is not a photograph of a real café or people.

Langhe hills: vineyard landscapes and truffle season

South of Turin, the Langhe’s vineyard-covered hills are part of the UNESCO-listed Vineyard Landscape of Piedmont: Langhe-Roero and Monferrato. The designation recognizes a landscape shaped by generations of winegrowing. Barolo and Barbaresco are among the area’s best-known wine towns, while Alba is celebrated for its white truffle and its annual autumn fair. The UNESCO World Heritage listing and the International Alba White Truffle Fair offer more detail.

Bra and a movement born in Piedmont

Bra is closely connected with the history of Slow Food. Carlo Petrini founded Arcigola in Piedmont in 1986; the organization became international as Slow Food in 1989. Petrini was born in Bra, and the town remains part of the movement’s story. For more, see Slow Food’s history and its biography of Carlo Petrini.

Lakes and mountain heritage

Piedmont’s scenery changes again at Lake Orta, with the island of San Giulio and the lakeside town of Orta San Giulio. Nearby, Lake Maggiore is known for the Borromean Islands, including Isola Bella and its baroque palace. The region’s lakes make an appealing counterpoint to the vineyards and city streets; VisitPiemonte’s overview is a helpful place to start planning.

For a different kind of landmark, look to the Sacra di San Michele, an abbey set above the Susa Valley. It is widely recognized as a symbol of Piedmont and is often cited as one of the inspirations for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose. Turismo Torino’s guide shares more about its history.

Lake Orta with the island of San Giulio and its historic buildings in soft morning mist

An artistic illustration of Lake Orta and San Giulio; it is not a photograph of a specific view.

A taste of Piedmont

Piedmontese food is full of memorable, generously shared dishes. In Turin, the origin story of gianduja is often linked to Napoleon’s blockade: when cocoa was difficult to obtain, confectioners are said to have stretched it with local hazelnuts. It’s a widely told account rather than a simple, settled origin story. The Langhe’s Tonda Gentile hazelnuts are still a delicious reminder of the connection between the city and its surrounding countryside.

Look for tajarin, fine egg pasta often served with butter and sage or ragù, and agnolotti del plin, small filled pasta pinched closed by hand. Bagna cauda, a warm garlic-and-anchovy dip served with vegetables, is a classic winter gathering dish. Vitello tonnato brings together veal and a tuna-based sauce, while Alba’s white truffles add a prized seasonal touch to local menus.

The region’s reds have their own place at the table. Barolo and Barbaresco, made from Nebbiolo, are often described in wine lore as “the king and queen” of Piedmont. Turin’s grissini, crisp breadsticks, also come with a traditional origin story; regional sources recount their history as a tale, so enjoy the lore without mistaking it for a fully documented certainty.

For a closer look at the region’s traditional dishes, visit Turismo Torino’s food guide.

Overhead still life of tajarin pasta, shaved truffle, hazelnuts, and a linen napkin on a rustic table

An artistic illustration of Piedmontese food; it is not a photograph of a served meal.

Planning a visit

When to go: Fall brings truffle season and harvest colors across the vineyard hills. Late spring and early fall can also be pleasant times to explore, depending on your plans and the weather.
Where to fly: Turin Airport is the main gateway for the city and western Piedmont. Milan Malpensa may be convenient if your itinerary focuses on the lakes. Check current routes and schedules before booking.
How to get around: Trains connect Turin with other cities, while a car can make it easier to visit the Langhe and smaller lake towns. Check current travel conditions and local transport options before you go. Turin Airport provides up-to-date train information.

And if you’re already enjoying CIAP’s weekly Italian wine features, Piedmont is familiar territory: we’ve featured both Nebbiolo and Barbera. A future trip could bring those names to life, alongside the landscapes and local dishes they share a home with.

A genealogy tip for Piedmontese roots

If you’re researching your family history, try to identify the comune, the town or municipality, your relatives came from. “Piedmont” is a wonderful starting point, but a specific town can make the next steps more focused. Ask older relatives what they remember, and take a look at family documents such as certificates, letters, or passenger records. Even a handwritten place-name can offer a valuable lead.

Connect with the Chicagoland Italian-American community

CIAP welcomes Italian-American professionals, entrepreneurs, organizations, and businesses across Chicagoland. If you’re searching for an Italian American community in Chicago, we invite you to explore a professional community built around relationships and shared heritage.

Browse the CIAP Business Directory, learn about membership, and check the events page for upcoming opportunities to connect. Monthly breakfast meetings are scheduled to resume in January 2027, and our weekly Italian wine features continue to explore the people, places, and traditions behind the glass.

Questions or ideas to share? Contact Salvatore at salvatore@chicagolanditalians.com. Next week, we’ll continue our regional journey with Liguria. We hope you’ll come along!