Villa Barbera Italy

Experience endless vineyard views from this wonderful home set in a Barolo producing wine estate in the glorious Langhe hills of Piedmont.
Named after one of Piedmont’s famous red grape varieties, Villa Barbera offers old-fashioned romance and true character in spectacular surroundings. It can be found at the far end of a picturesque borgo featuring three other houses and a heated swimming pool, backing on to the handsome vines.
The owners have filled this abode with beautiful furnishings giving Villa Barbera an old-fashioned yet elegant vibe. There’s a great sense of charm with a fireplace in one of the two living areas, traditional wood beams and other pretty touches such as the antique mirror and roll-top bath in one of the bathrooms, not to mention the balconies and terraces that make the most of the far-reaching vistas. Of course, all four of the villas feature state-of-the-art appliances such as the grand temperature-controlled wine fridge, a Sonos music system and a superbly equipped professional kitchen.
Sense the aromas of rosemary and thyme in the little garden as you relax with a glass of the estate’s award-winning wine before dining al-fresco on the gorgeous terrace, perhaps lit by candlelight on warm summer evenings. A chef can be arranged to serve you delectable cuisine to savour such as tajarin pasta, white truffles and Piemontese beef, of course paired with excellent wines.
As well as swimming in the heated shared pool or sunbathing on the poolside terraces, you can wander through the estate’s vines and hazelnut groves to marvel at yet more stunning scenery. The borgo’s concierge can organise a wealth of tailor-made activities such as personalised winery visits, cookery classes, truffle-hunting expeditions or hikes through the region’s vineyards with the most delicious picnic.
Dine in some of the lovely restaurants close by whether it’s a traditional osteria within walking distance or a Michelin starred establishment near Alba, a gastronomic paradise and just 9km away. Take time to visit Farmer’s markets in local medieval villages and towns and admire hilltop castelli, all with the backdrop of the rolling Langhe hills.
More than anything, go along with the slow pace of life and relaxed ambience whilst enjoying some of the country’s finest wines and authentic cuisine in this lesser known yet totally captivating part of northern Italy. Villa Barbera is part of a beautiful wine estate, one of four villas in a borgo set amongst vineyards in the heart of the Piedmont region, just 9km from the idyllic town of Alba.
You can take walks through the estate’s Barolo producing vineyards and hazelnut groves, reaching an altitude of 300m where you can gaze at yet more glorious landscapes of the Langhe hills. It’s no surprise that this area has recently acquired UNESCO World Heritage status. This wine estate is one of four owned by the winery, which is around a 45-minute drive away and well worth a visit for wine connoisseurs.  
The nearest village with a small handful of restaurants and wineries is 2km away – if you don’t mind the hills you can walk there in under half an hour. Another village, around 5km by car, is home to further amenities such as a grocery store and pharmacy. Many of the local villages and towns also host wonderful Farmer’s markets, a great way to pick up fresh fruit and vegetables as well as regional cheeses and meats. Look out for markets in La Morra (6km), Gallo (6km), Alba (9km) and Bra (11km).
Most of the visitors to the Piedmont are drawn to the many wine-tasting opportunities – this wine region produces the largest number of DOCG wines, the best quality you can get according to Italian law. The borgo’s concierge can help arrange vineyard and winery visits for you, especially as many of the traditional wineries require appointments (with plenty of advance notice at certain times of year such as October). As well as sampling the Barolo and Barbaresco labels of the Langhe hills, also look out for many excellent wine-makers in the Roero and Monferrato wine regions.
Another great highlight of Piedmont is the food – this is where slow-cooking originated from so take your time over delicious meals whether dining in traditional osterie or upmarket Michelin starred restaurants. Some of the cuisine you are likely to see on the menu includes Piemontese beef, tajarin pasta, home-made agnolotti, hazelnut based desserts and the most famous speciality of all, white truffles from Alba. Indeed, Alba is known to be the centre of gastronomy in this area and truffle-hunting can be arranged in the autumnal months.
When not making the most of the food and wine, take time to get to know this relaxed and beautiful area. Visit medieval villages, many with historic castles, cycle through the countryside, follow walking trails through the vineyards or spend rainy days visiting museums in local towns.
For a complete change of scene, spend the day in Turin (69km), the first capital of Italy and nowadays a city that has been transformed in many ways since hosting the 2006 Winter Olympics. Admire its historic sights and riverfront setting or get a feel of its vibrant cultural scene, not to mention yet more opportunities for excellent food and wine. At Excellence Luxury Villaswe pride ourselves on going that little bit further for our guests. From private chefs to babysitters we can help you arrange those little extras that make it a truly memorable holiday. Simply fill in the
concierge request form or contact Excellence Luxury Villas Concierge Team who will be happy to help. We can typically help you arrange any of the following:
– Maid service/extra cleaning – Private chef/cook/catering- Welcome hamper/pre-stocked fridge- Local day-trips or tours- Airport pick-up/drop-off- Babysitting / childcare services
Extras included at this property:
– Welcome pack on arrival- Concierge service
Extras available at this property (payable locally):
– Private chef- Cooking courses- Wine-tastings and vineyard visits- Truffle hunting – Transfers / private driver- Vespa rental- Cheese or chocolate tastings- Hot air balloon rides- Guided hikes- Guided excursions and tours
Please note that all extras are subject to availability and must be requested in advance of the holiday (prices on request). Due to some rural/remote locations, not all services will be available at all properties. However, we will always do our best to fulfil your requests!