5783 Introduction to Piedmont

The imposing Alps account for 41% of the Piedmont region making it a paradise for hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and nature lovers. The wine growing areas of the Monferrato, Langhe and Roero hills account for another 36% and the remaining 27% of the region is plains. It is here that the ever resourceful Italians grow enough rice to claim the title of Europe’s largest rice producer.

Piedmont occupies a large area that borders on France and Switzerland and is the ancient dominion of the Savoy royal family who ruled Italy from the Unification in 1870 until abdication in 1946. It is a memorable place where every village has a castle or tower testifying to its history and legends. Natural selection of Piedmonts cultural genes has favored resourcefulness, innovation and a respectful cultivation of the land and its people. Here in Piedmont, economic prosperity is enjoyed in balance with a great life style, a combination many other parts of the world only aspire to. One explanation of this phenomenon is that Piedmont's evolution has supported wealth production largely through networks of small and medium sized family owned businesses.

The Piedmontese work hard but take the time to enjoy the other important things in life. Family and friends come first; they look after each other but expect little from anyone else. Perhaps because the region is encapsulated by the magnificent and imposing Alps and by Liguria and the sea, you get a people who long ago learned to rely on their own small communities for everything. It is a serene place, where the elders of communities are respected enough to still influence the cultural attachments of the next generations. Here you will find that there are still things more important than money. Our visitors are invariably touched by the kindness and courtesy of the people they meet here.

Piedmont is recognised for its world class viniculture and great gastronomy. It is increasingly becoming a mecca for knowledgeable gourmands from all over the world. But these delights are not all it offers visitors. The travellers menu also includes a wide selection of outdoor activities and an abundance of art and cultural experiences. However, despite its hopelessly picturesque mountains, lakes and hills (of which there are far more per square mile than in Tuscany), Piedmonts secrets are yet to be discovered by the larger numbers of visitors who regularly visit other parts of Italy. More than half the world's historical and artistic heritage are found in Italy (source: UNESCO) and many of these treasures live in Piedmont. It has archaeological sites and monuments that adorn small towns and hilltop villages rewarding the traveller with an endless journey into culture and beauty. Tourists who come to Piedmont are warmly welcomed by the locals who still don’t quite understand what’s so special about their amazing scenery, the food and wine to die for, the culture and art on every corner and the great life style they all take for granted