Nuts in may – piedmont’s food and wine – massive tourism draw

Nuts – whole hazelnuts! Provide tourism, employment and economic progress

There are two things that you’ll immediately notice when you arrive in Piedmont’s stunning scenery – you’ll see nut groves and vineyards galore

And, of course you may think that it’s a very good combination – a glass of wine or two and a nut or two.

But these are not any old vineyards – they are Nebbiolo vineyards famous for providing the grapes for the fabulous, delectable and expensive Barolo and Barbaresco wines. And now in line for a citation from UNESCO as a World Heritage Site – that’s 10,780 hectares of wonderful vineyards on lovely hills producing astonishing wine – how can they refuse?

Said Roberto Cerrato, a local vineyard owner and restaurateur "The main objective , is the reconstruction of the production sector , which has its roots in the era of the ancient Romans – and we have beautiful castles, and a great sustainable tourism programme – wonderful food and wine and sights – what more could you want?"

Nuts? Of course not just nuts – these are nuts so good that they fuelled a whole world industry and massive employment in  Langhe and Roero district of Piedmont.

The hazelnuts (or their full title – Tonda Gentile delle Langhe IGP) are tender, fragrant, scented perfect little nuts. These posh little chaps are vaunted all over Italy, in gelato, in cakes and pastries, and as the main ingredient in pralines and the mysterious gianduja. In the Langhe area of Piedmonte they have created a whole global industry.

The best way to find them is to follow the delightfully potent aroma through a little nut grove to one of the little producers – such as Papa dei Boschi "Pope of the Woods" you’ll see the small team produce and carefully roast the nuts. Here Jose Noe (an ex top global food executive), his wife, family and friends make hazelnut flour, hazelnut cake, hazelnut gelato, and the delicious hazelnut and chocolate paste.

Wow, haven’t I tasted something like that before? Yes you have and it’s called Nutella – the 50 year old  global phenomenon taste of childhood. And it’s still produced by the dynamic family company in the local town of Alba where they still employ thousands of locals and they are still a family operation.

Ferrero  also produce a range of other chocolate nutty delights – Ferrero Rocher, Kinder Eggs, Mon Cherie, and Kinder Bueno amongst many more. And they are very, very socially-responsible, a global leader in fact. Which makes you feel good when you’re enjoying your naughty treat!

What a tourism combination – a stunningly beautiful location, a tradition of sustainability, sensational nuts and world acclaimed wine.

And, of course, these are not dead industries – Bra (just down the road) is the home of the dynamic global Slow Food   organization – managing and advising over 100,000 members in 150 countries. Its goals of sustainable foods and promotion of local small businesses are paralleled by a political agenda directed against globalization of agricultural products.

Plus you’ll not only dine on local nuts if you holiday in Piedmonte. The area is world famous for its truffles and the white truffle auction, held in the castle at the time of the truffle fair. Would you believe $300,000 for a truffle to grate on your pasta? Deliciously expensive!

Just nuts and truffles and Barolo? No, no, no there are totally fabulous local cheeses, nougat, honey, Belbo valley potatoes, Langa lamb, polenta, salamis, perfect peaches, sensational strawberries, amazing apples – and of course much more.

Time to rest in this foodie paradise? Feel like a touch of hospitality? Why not try a really Piedmontese concept –  Bistrot di Paese – agriturismos, restaurants, producers, shops all committed to giving you the best local experience you can have.

Or at a Michelin-starred luxury country establishment such as the Relais Villa d’Amelia A superb renovation of an 18th century estate, placed on a hill crest between lush woods and Langa hazelnut trees, with a breathtaking view over the Alps and the delicate Barolo vineyards. You could stroll in the rosegardens before supper.

The local business and tourism association – with Leader funding from the European Union – have made sure that their tourism is sustainable, and everybody gets a reasonable living out of it. As Giusi Casucci, the boss of the local tourism integrated development agency  said: "Tourism and hospitality is very important to us – we want to make sure that our tourists are so happy, and have such a great taste of our area that they’ll want to come back again and again!"

You’ll want to stay.

But if you want a taste of salt in the air – why not walk the ‘Salt Trail’ which in a few days takes you right to the Med at Liguria. But don’t forget to pack a perfect Langhe Roero picnic with plenty of nuts ‘n wine for the journey!

More about Langhe Roero: HERE

Valere Tjolle

Want to find out more about sustainable tourism? Special offers here: This week’s FREE Vision special sustainable tourism report offer HERE  Sustainable Tourism Masterclass London & Berlin HERE Tell your story to our massive green travel trade audience HERE