Tag Archives: UNESCO

Piedmont (Piemonte) voted the number One destination in 2019 by Lonely Planet

I’ve lived in the beautiful Piemonte region for many years now and have slowly seen Italy’s little secret gain international recognition.

In recent years parts of the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato regions have been included in the UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists, and in fact in 2015 Lonley Planet voted Piemonte the 6th most popular destination to visit in Europe.

Well now for 2019 Lonely Planet has voted Piemonte the number one region to visit, followed by the CatskillsUSA, Northern Peru,The Red Centre Australia,Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, Russia far east, Gujarat India, Manitoba Canada, Normandy France and finally Elqui Valley Chile.

In my opinion the region’s success is due to its diversity. You have Turin the capital of Piemonte itself, steeped in history, museums, theatres, cafes and restaurants.

Barolo produces some of the most famous wines in the world. You can visit this historic town and taste the wines directly from the manufactures.

Lago d’Orta is well worth a visit surrounded by medieval villages and the beautiful Isola San Giulio.

Alba, my home town, is the capital of the White Truffle with thousands of people visiting during October and November to participate in it’s famous Truffle festival

The Monferrato and Roero are also beautiful regions producing world class wine backed by a stunning rolling landscape.

I could go on and on, but finally I need to mention the people themselves here in this region. Extremely friendly and kind, welcoming visitors to the area and so full of patriotism and enthusiasm for the food and wine of the area.

In conclusion I’m very proud of Piemonte’s latest achievement but not at all surprised.

The Langhe,Roero and Monferrato are now included in UNESCO World Heritage Site Lists

The vineyard landscapes of Langhe, Roero and Monferrato in Piemonte are now included in  UNESCO’s World Heritage List, bringing the total number of Italian sites to 50.

For those of us who live in this beautiful region of Italy, this news is long overdue. It really is a great achievement and victory for the many people who have worked hard over the years to give our region this international recognition.

Indeed UNESCO brings a much awaited recognition to the generations of farmers who over time have contributed to shaping this area of outstanding natural beauty and an incentive with even greater responsibility to continue in the future.

The reason for the inclusion was cited as “an exceptional recognition to the historical tradition of grape growing, winemaking processes, a rural economy and a social context based on the culture of wine”

Some of the UNESCO sites include the DOCG Barolo and Barbaresco vineyards and the towns of Barolo, Castiglione Falletto,Grinzane Cavour,La Morra, Monforte d’Alba, Novello, Serralunga d’Alba, Barbaresco and Neive.

Unesco recognition will bring substantial benefits to the area including at least a 30% increase in tourism over the first five years which in itself will have a positive impact on local business and economy in the area. Figures suggest that tourists arriving in the area will increase from 667,000 in 2011 to over 850,000 and generate more than 280 million euro.

Maurizio Marello the Mayor of Alba declares  ”Today is a new beginning in which we have even greater responsibility to protect, develop and promote Alba, Langhe, Roero and Monferrato.”

The new President of the Piedmont Region Sergio Chiamparino commented “This is a starting point and not the end. UNESCO has recognised the historical, natural and cultural heritage of a land that is the archetypal landscape of European wine.”

These are exciting times for our region…
Langhe