Curator’s statement
The Piedmont region of Italy is home to some of the best wineries and restaurants in the world. With backgrounds in winemaking and hospitality, we have high standards when it comes to wine-focused vacations. And as parents, a love for wine and food doesn’t have to pause once you have kids. On our most recent trip to Barolo, we traveled with four adults and four children (ages 2 to 9). While wine tasting in Italy might seem intimidating for families traveling with young children, we were pleasantly surprised by the warm hospitality and family-friendly experiences throughout the Piedmont region. This guide will show you how a thoughtful, well-paced itinerary can make family travel in Barolo both safe and enjoyable.
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Things to do in Barolo
There’s more to Piedmont’s Langhe region than just wine (though that’s reason enough to visit!). If you’re traveling with kids or just want to round out your experience, here are some family-friendly activities in and around Barolo:
Visit the Alba Truffle Exhibit (Fall Only): If you're visiting in autumn, don’t miss the Alba White Truffle Fair and the seasonal truffle exhibit. For something even more immersive, book a truffle hunt tour. Kids will love the treasure-hunt feel, and adults will love the results.
Hire a Private Chef: Elevate your villa stay by hiring a local chef to cook a traditional Piedmontese meal right in your kitchen. Trust me, this was one of our most memorable evenings. (Reach out and I’ll gladly share my favorite chef contact!)
Castello di Serralunga d’Alba: An ancient medieval fortress perched at the top of the village. We loved that it wasn’t overcrowded and had space for kids to explore while soaking in history.
Grinzane Cavour Castle & Enoteca Regionale Piemontese Cavour: This castle-turned-enoteca is a win for everyone. If a winemaker, a viticulturist and a seven-year-old all find something to love in a museum… that’s saying something!
Explore the Surrounding Villages: Each village in Piedmont wine country offers its own unique charm. Some of our favorites:
La Morra: Breathtaking panoramic views.
Serralunga d’Alba: Quiet, beautiful and historic.
Bra: Birthplace of the Slow Food movement.
Barolo: The village itself is worth a stroll!
Places to eat & drink in Barolo
As a party of eight — including four kids — we sought out places that were both delicious and welcoming to families. If you're looking to dress up and enjoy a luxury meal, that's absolutely possible here. But these were our favorite family-friendly restaurants during our stay:
Osteria Il Cortile: Diano d’Alba: A charming spot we stumbled upon after exploring the small hilltop town of Diano d’Alba. The food was incredible, and the outdoor patio offered a relaxed, lively atmosphere.
Osteria Tre Case, E Divino, & Vinoteca Centro Storico: Serralunga d’Alba: All three are located in the quaint village of Serralunga d’Alba. These restaurants offer delicious, traditional Piedmontese dishes.
Le Torri: Castiglione Falletto: Set directly across from the iconic Vietti Winery, this spot serves up classic Piemonte cuisine with a view. Ask for a table on the terrace!
Family-friendly wine tasting in Piedmont:
Wine tasting in Piedmont is an absolute must — and yes, it can be done with children in tow. Here are some of our favorite family-friendly wineries in the Barolo and Langhe region, where we felt not only accommodated, but truly welcomed:
G.D. Vajra — Barolo: A larger, well-known winery located right in the town of Barolo. It’s exceptionally family-friendly. The owner, who has four young children of his own, welcomed us with open arms. The tasting room included toys for the kids, and our little ones were thrilled to explore the barrel room and even sit in the forklift. While our children are no strangers to wineries, this was a standout experience for its warmth and inclusivity.
Massolino: Serralunga d'Alba: Located in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba, Massolino offers elegant wines and incredible vineyard views. While the tasting room, featuring a 15-foot table set with crystal glassware, may seem too formal for kids, the staff couldn’t have been more gracious. In true Italian fashion, the crystal was cleared from one end of the table, breadsticks were supplied and our host playfully engaged with our young guests. The wine? Absolutely outstanding. We shipped home cases and left feeling like family. This is what wine travel is all about.
La Spinetta: Between Langhe & Monferrato: A more traditional tasting experience with beautiful wines. We toured the cellar and tasted through older vintages of Nebbiolo, which deepened our appreciation for this iconic grape. Thanks to their detailed vineyard maps and storytelling, our nine-year-old may now understand Piedmontese terroir better than the average sommelier!
Need to know
Hot tips for exploring Piedmont
Rent a car! The hilltop villages and winding vineyard roads are best experienced with the freedom of your own vehicle. For wine tasting days, we highly recommend hiring a driver, but still having your own car for exploring makes a big difference.
Book wine tastings in advance. Especially during peak seasons (harvest or truffle festivals), appointments fill quickly. If you need help coordinating your visit, I’d love to connect you with my favorite local guides and wineries.
Travel Advisor
Kirsti Harley
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