Tag Archives: Alba

Giro d’Italia 2011 Stage 2 Alba

One of the joys of living in the Langhe region of Piemonte is the wonderful cycling opportunities available. The roads generally speaking are in great shape and the rolling hills and vineyards are just a joy to see. So it was quite fitting that Alba was host to the second stage of the Giro d’Italia on May 8th.

The stage itself was 244 km long and finished in Parma. There was a tremendous carnival atmosphere in the town with all the bars and restaurants buzzing. The stage itself was won by Alessandro Petacchi with Mark Cavendish also putting in a great performance.

The stage must of inspired the locals as there were just loads of people riding in the Langhe Hills, myself included. What a day, Alba really knows how to host an event of the stature. Well done.

Events happening in Alba

The weather is warming up nicely here in The Langhe region of Piemonte and Alba it’s capital is hosting a number of interesting events.

Between 23rd April and May 1st we have the Vinum wine festival. Many great wines from The Langhe and Roero region are available to sample and buy such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Nebbiolo,Dolcetto, Arneis, Favorita, Chardonnay etc.

The Alba Music festival takes place from 19th to 29th May shortly followed by the Alba Jazz Festival from 9th June to 11th June.

The Alba International Film Festival is also happening between 2th and 5th of June. All these events take place every year and they are always superbly organized.

George Clooney in Alba

Alba is fast becoming a popular destination for celebrities as well as those who have an interest in food, culture and wine.

Our lastest visitor was George Clooney who popped down to Alba on his Harley Davidson motorbike and stopped for a spot of lunch at one our local bars in Piazza Savona.

Mr Clooney was kind enough to have his picture taken with three very happy ladies who happened to be in the square at that time.It was not long ago that Brad Pitt was here in the Langhe area looking for a property himself.

Alba is a charming town, full of sophistication and life, and is of course home to the world famous truffle festival in October.
Try to visit if you can.

78th Alba International Truffle Fair

One of things we love most about living here in The Langhe region of Piedmont is the annual Truffle fair which is about to take place in Alba during the month of October.

The streets and piazzas of Alba  host literally hundreds of stands displaying all sorts of products but particularly truffle. The local restaurants offer truffle based menus and tourists  and gourmets from all over the world come to Alba to participate in this carnival which lasts a month.

The town’s local weekly newspaper  (Gazzetta D’Alba) produces a free newspaper in English for the festival which allows tourists to see exactly what is going on  in addition to interesting articles about the history of  Alba  and its association with the truffle.  These tend to go quite quickly as you would expect. Continue reading