Yesterday we gave ourselves the afternoon off and made a small tour in the direction of Asti - into the heart of Barbera country.
Our first stop was Agliano Terme -- the other thermal town in the Monferrato. We were enchanted. The terme facilities are on the lower part and the town itself is perched on a hill with views all the way to the Alps.. The facades have either been completely restored or are in the process of being redone. The town has everything -- butcher, pharmacy, grocery store, churches, cafes.... and beautiful homes...
One of our favorite wineries in Agliano Terme is Tre Acini, which is an organic farm that produces outstanding Barbera.
The ride on the back roads from Agliano to Costigliole is gorgeous; Barbera vineyards, freshly plowed fields waiting for planting.
Costigliole d'Asti's historical center is dominated by it beautiful and newly restored castle, which houses a cultural museum. In fact, the entire town is tasteful, elegant, and very liveable. One of the best Barbera enoteche in the Monferrato is located here, to no surprise. The castle is surrounded by park grounds and gardens -- in spring it is especially beautiful.
10 comments:
Beautiful photos!
That was "our" neighborhood during our too-brief stay in Piemonte! We spent a nice Sunday with friends from Milano in Costiglione, eating and drinking at Vineria Bar Roma (simple, excellent place) and letting the the kids run around in the park while we watched the older gentlemen argue over bocce.
Glad you took the day off!
I enjoyed your day trip story!
Yes, I think the Piedmont of North Carolina must have been named after the Piemonte of Italy! I'll have to do a bit of research.
Cameron
I'm back already. My husband knew that Piedmont, NC was named for the geographical term, not for the settlers here.
Pied for foot. Mont for mountain. Foot of the mountains. However, the term was originally for your area in Italy and it became a geographical term.
Cameron
just beautiful.
I love Barbera...funny I haven't had any since I moved here. I must rectify that situation immediately.
So beautiful! As I sit in my windowless office on a Monday morning with people flying in and out needing help with the crisis of the day, these photos take me away for just a minute. Now, it's back to work...
What a great tour Thanks!
Well Done Diana...you both deserve an afternoon off, after all that hard work...and we get to see some more beautiful sites of Italy.:-)
Loved the photos! Isn't it amazing how there are so many lovely little places that are still so undiscovered. Thanks for sharing.
Hello! I live in Agliano Terme and your photos are very beautiful!
I hope that your holiday was ok!
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