#08 In Wine Heaven

Where shall I start now....

The goal of the trip was indeed the Piedmont with its specialties and the exceptionally high-quality wines around Barolo.

And now we are right in the middle of this area.

First of all, some complimentary words for our agriturismo Cascina Rocca.

This family-run estate is located directly on the road to Barolo and offers not only 8 RV spaces but also 8 rooms with breakfast (B&B). Everything is very clean and sophisticated. However, the pool in the garden only opens in May. The place is the ideal starting point for exploring the surroundings.

Upon our arrival around 1:00 PM, we couldn't yet access the RV meadow because it had to be mowed today. The grass was indeed very high, so we were happy to wait.

That's why we rode to Barolo by bike. This involves tackling a few inclines to reach the historic town. It presents itself as very tidy and tourist-friendly (everyone wants to come here). A wine shop (or Enoteca, or Winery, or Canina da vino ...) beckons at every corner. In each store, the delicacies are finely sorted by grape varieties and origins (Barolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Barbaresco ...).

The Barolo is the flagship here - hardly any bottle is below €30, with no limits upwards.

Is it really that good and worth that price? I'm still hesitant to try it. What if it really is that good?

We first enjoy a cappuccino in the square in front of the castle and have a few delicious cookies with it.

This Barolo (and of course all the other places around) is indeed uniquely positioned on one of the many hills that rise from the landscape. The vineyards are neatly arranged around the hills. Since we are still early in the year, all we can see is the first green shoots from the old wood. In autumn, it will surely look different.

Back at the spot, other RVs are also waiting for the mowing work to finish. But the owner is taking a break and remains undisturbed.

No worries, we are on vacation.

Tomorrow we will explore the next village on the hill behind our accommodation - La Morra.

This can be nicely seen from here, and I have a feeling that the path is even steeper than to Barolo. It's not far, and Google Maps estimates that the walking distance through the vineyards is just 3.3 km in a little more than an hour. We'll do that.

Simone isn't too thrilled, and I can clearly feel that during the very strenuous walk. The path is steep and only goes one way - up.

When we finally manage to overcome the last hurdle...

we are at the central square in front of the church. Made it.

La Morra is significantly more subdued than Barolo. Most shops and wine shops are closed during lunchtime.

Nevertheless, we accidentally find an Osteria (more e macine)

that is very inconspicuous in a side street but is well-filled with Italian guests. The servers are attentive and immediately set up a small table for us. The menu is a large board that is passed around from table to table.

And on the wall board, the drinks are listed at truly reasonable prices (Nebbiolo d'Alba €6, Barolo €9). Today it's his turn.

The Osteria is a tip in the region. A German couple from Friedrichshafen (also traveling by RV) made a special trip to La Morra by e-bike just because of this Osteria.

And it was definitely worth it.

With the Vitello Tonnato and a Zabaione dessert, Simone could forget the exertion of the ascent - until the descent came.

From the viewpoint at the church square, I looked for the shortest path through the vineyards, which we then took. That it sometimes turned out to be just a gravel path between the fields, leading steeply down, was not so good. The descent might have been shorter, but it was actually worse than the ascent.

Okay, where is the reward?

A cold beer in the camping chair in front of the RV in the best sunshine.

The couple from Friedrichshafen recommended a visit to Alba, where there is a beautiful old town with extraordinary shops. Alba is indeed the capital of the white truffle - but only in late autumn.

Tomorrow will be the 3rd trip, but this time again by bike.

Alba is about 11 km away and thus easy to reach by bike. However, the path initially runs along the main road, before a separated bike path begins halfway through. From that point, it's relaxed.

Interestingly, although Italians are out and about on their racing bikes, you hardly see other cyclists. We are the only bikers, and if someone else comes around the corner, they are guaranteed to be tourists from Germany.

Well, everyone to their own.

Alba certainly presents itself as very clean and tidy from the very first moment. The old town is embedded in old structures, the shops in the streets are charming and original. No chains or shopping temples, but many specialty shops, boutiques, and restaurants. It looks good.

After we had walked through the streets, it was time for dinner with wine accompaniment. Sitting outside in 18 degrees and enjoying a pizza with a glass of Dolcetto - wonderful.

On the way back, we had to stop at the wine cooperative Terre de Barolo.

The next paradise, here all regional wines are really represented, and at reasonable prices, too. The Barolo stands out, but there are alternatives.

In any case, we have bought for today’s wine tasting and will drive over tomorrow if we like it.

So, that's it for today. I'm sitting outside in a t-shirt and it’s getting a little chilly.

Also, the wine tasting is waiting....

New neighbors have arrived next door today - from Lüneburg.

Then we have the northern German area back together.