#601. Hi from "Stra"

We just returned from a week in Italy and on the recommendation of www.milantransfer.com we decided to visit the Piedmont region in the North West of the country, over by the French Alps and an area we had not been to before. After flying into Milan, we spent the first 4 nights at the "Stra" farm stay on a vineyard near a village called Novello, about 50 miles south of Turin.

This wine district is called Langhe and while it might be the Italian version of the Hunter Valley or Barossa Valley, it is certified by UNESCO for the cultural significance of the vineyard landscapes.

The first 2 days were sunny but crisp with a frost at night. The other 2 days were foggy, only clearing just before sunset at 4:50 pm. Apparently typical weather for this time of year in that part of the world.

Xavi enjoyed the farm, especially playing with the little dog Dino.

We enjoyed walking "tra le vigne" (between the vines) although the clay soil was nightmare, and it was interesting seeing the farmer bottling the Barolo wine which is about the same price as Grange in NYC but 20 euros at the cellar door.

See next post (#602) for towns around the Langhe.