Grinzane Cavour
Grinzane Cavour is 6 kilometers far from Alba, on the road to Barolo and Monforte.
Placed on a hill and surrounded by vineyards, the town is dominated by its medieval castle.
The parish church, built for the count Camillo Benso di Cavour, is dedicated to the Madonna del Carmine.
The little town’s name is an hommage to the great statesman, who was also major of the town between 1832 and 1849.
Among the many industrial and artisanal activities performed in this area, interesting and economically important is the torrone.
The town’s fair takes place in September.
Castle of Grinzane Cavour
Grinzane Cavour is mostly known for its castle.
It is the only castle in the area that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site; the large square castle stands proud on top of the soft round hills of Grinzane and is a very impressive sight.
The origins of the castle are not completely certain, but it dates back to around the 12th or 13th century.
The castle is one of my favourite places to have a quiet coffee in the morning, the small bar in the inner court of the castle has a lovely table placed in front of a gigantic arched window; from this spot you overlook the vineyards of Grinzane towards Diano d’Alba.
For me it is pure magic to be able to drink a simple coffee, in such a special place.
In 2010, the castle was renovated and its basement became home to a stunning wine shop promoting the various wines of the Langhe and offering a wide selection of delicious artisanal products like honey, chocolate, and nuts.
In the basement you also find the entrance to the ethnological museum displaying original furniture from the 19th century which makes you feel like you are travelling back in time.
The castle offers tours where you are guided by an actor playing Camillo Benso di Cavour: he was the castle’s count between 1832 and 1849.
Back in his time, Camillo Benso restored much of the castle and was important in promoting the vine growing tradition in the area.
In 1832 he became mayor of Grinzane, a position he held until 1849, becoming a few years later the prime minister of the newborn Italian Kingdom.
Food & Drinks
The castle of Grinzane is also home to the Michelin Star restaurant of chef Marc Lanteri: Ristorante Al Castello.
The restaurant offers an interesting fixed menu in a unique setting.
Other places in Grinzane that are worth visiting are La Tagliata and Berlica.
La Tagliata is named after the famous wood grilled Italian steak and offers other excellent meat dishes.
Berlica is my favourite ice-cream shop in the world.
It is only a tiny shop on a busy road, but it will be hard to find a better ice-cream than their home-made, naturally flavoured ones.