Discovering Piemonte & Langhe: The Noble Heart of Italian Wine
- Daniele Mazzella
- Jul 1
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 2
Category: Italian Wine
Regions Author: Daniele Mazzella
Lakeland Wine Club – Region of the Month, June 2026
Welcome to Piemonte region
There are places in Italy that stay with you forever and for me, the Langhe is one of them.
Last year, I had the opportunity to visit Piedmont region with my brother-in-law, Andrea.
Sharing this journey with family made it even more meaningful because, in Italy, wine has never been just about what's in the bottle. It's about the people around the table, the stories shared over dinner and the memories created together.
As we drove through the rolling hills of the Langhe, every turn revealed another breathtaking vineyard, another medieval village and another family whose life has been dedicated to wine for generations. During our trip we visited some of Piedmont's most respected wineries, including Fontanafredda, Ceretto and Sordo, while also stopping at several smaller family estates where hospitality came naturally. Whether we were walking through historic cellars, tasting wines overlooking the vineyards, or enjoying a simple meal prepared with local ingredients, every experience reminded me why I became a sommelier.
Growing up in Italy, wine was always part of our family life. It accompanied Sunday lunches, holidays, birthdays and everyday dinners. Those experiences shaped my passion for hospitality and eventually led me to a career dedicated to sharing Italian wine and culture.
Today, through Palace Southside and Lakeland Wine Club, my goal is to bring those same authentic experiences to our guests here in Florida.
This month, I'm excited to invite you to discover Piedmont with us.
Where Is Piemonte region?
Located in northwestern Italy, Piedmont sits at the foot of the Alps, where cool mountain air meets warm afternoon sunshine to create ideal conditions for growing exceptional grapes.
At the heart of the region lies the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its rolling vineyards, picturesque villages, historic castles and spectacular scenery.
Whether you're visiting during harvest or enjoying a quiet spring afternoon, the Langhe has a timeless beauty that invites you to slow down, appreciate the landscape and enjoy every moment.
Visiting the Langhe
Driving through villages such as La Morra, Barolo, Monforte d'Alba, and Alba, I quickly understood why the Langhe is considered one of the world's great wine destinations. Every hill offers a new view, every village has its own character, and every vineyard tells a story that has been passed down through generations.
One of the highlights of our journey was experiencing wineries with completely different personalities.
At Fontanafredda, history is everywhere. Walking through the historic estate and underground cellars offered a fascinating look at one of Piedmont's most iconic wineries and its role in shaping the region's winemaking tradition.
Our visit to Ceretto showed us
another side of the Langhe. Innovation, sustainability, art and breathtaking architecture blend beautifully with vineyards that have been cared for over generations.
At Sordo, we experienced a more traditional family approach to winemaking. Listening to their story reminded us that patience, respect for the vineyard and dedication to quality remain the foundation of great Italian wine.
Some of the most memorable moments, however, came from the smaller family-owned wineries we visited along the way.
There were no large tour buses or elaborate presentations.
Just warm welcomes, homemade meals, conversations around the tasting table and families proud to share wines that reflected generations of hard work.
Those are the experiences that stay with you long after the trip is over
Nebbiolo
Its name comes from the Italian word nebbia, meaning "fog," inspired by the morning mist that often blankets the vineyards during harvest.
Elegant and refined, Nebbiolo offers aromas of rose petals, cherries, violets, herbs, truffle and subtle earthy notes. It is one of Italy's most celebrated grape varieties and perfectly reflects the elegance of Piedmont.
Barbera
Barbera is vibrant, approachable, and wonderfully versatile.
Known for its bright fruit and refreshing acidity, it is a favorite around family dinner tables throughout Piedmont and pairs beautifully with a wide variety of Italian dishes.
Dolcetto
Despite its name, Dolcetto is a dry red wine.
Soft, fresh and easy to enjoy, it represents the everyday side of Piedmont, simple, authentic and made to be shared with family and friends.
The Flavors of Piedmont
One of the things I enjoyed most during our visit was discovering how naturally food and wine come together in Piedmont.
Regional specialties include:
Tajarin pasta
White Truffles of Alba
Vitello Tonnato
Brasato
Castelmagno cheese
Hazelnuts
Handmade chocolates
Meals aren't rushed.
They're moments to gather with family and friends, enjoy good conversation and appreciate the simple pleasures of Italian life.
Why We Chose Piedmont This Month
Every month, Lakeland Wine Club explores a different region of Italy.
Not only through wine, but through its people, traditions, food and culture.
After visiting Piedmont, I knew it had to become one of our featured regions.
It perfectly represents everything I love about Italian hospitality: authenticity, craftsmanship and the joy of sharing great food and wine around the table.
Bring Piedmont Home
This month's Lakeland Wine Club collection includes three wonderful wines that introduce you to the character of Piedmont:
Famiglia Rivetti - Langhe Nebbiolo
Prunotto - Barbera d'Asti "Fiulot"
Paolo Scavino - Dolcetto d'Alba
Together, they offer a beautiful introduction to one of Italy's most celebrated wine regions.
This month's featured collection is just $59 for all three bottles.
It's an opportunity to experience Piedmont from your own home while learning about the region, its traditions and the stories behind every glass.
Join Our Piedmont Wine Experience
Continue the journey with us on Tuesday, July 21, as we discover the history, flavors, and traditions of Piedmont through a guided tasting at Palace Southside.
Wine Club members receive exclusive event pricing, special offers, and access to unique Italian wine experiences throughout the year.
Join Us on the Journey
Every month, Lakeland Wine Club explores a different region of Italy through carefully selected wines, authentic stories and unforgettable experiences.
This month, I invite you to discover the beauty of Piedmont and the rolling hills of the Langhe, one glass at a time.
Whether you are beginning your journey into Italian wine or have enjoyed it for years, there is always another story waiting to be discovered.
Grazie
Daniele Mazzella
Founder, Lakeland Wine Club
Owner, Palace Southside Restaurant
Discover Italy One Region at a Time
Join Lakeland Wine Club and enjoy:
🍷 Curated regional wine selections
🍷 Educational tasting notes
🍷 Exclusive member events
🍷 Italian food and wine experiences
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