Ancient, strong and courteous: it is the land where the Piedmont embraces Liguria, are the territories of Gavi, Novi Ligure, Tortona and Serravalle. Have you ever been there? This fall (and not only) are a valid alternative to the most famous Langhe for a weekend away in this region that boasts a rich landscape, cultural and enogastronomic heritage.

#Thinkserravalle, a project to network

For all the information and itineraries possible between the Dolci Terre you can consult the interactive platform of #thinkserravalle, the project created a year ago by McArthurGlen Serravalle Designer Outlet, Gavi Protection Consortium, Terre di Fausto Coppi and Libarna Arteventi Tourism Consortium, under the patronage of Piemonte region and of Chamber of Commerce of Alessandria, different realities that have made the system to promote and communicate the territory. On the site you will find events, agreements with merchants, hotels and restaurants, suggestions for visits.

Between history, art and architecture

The fans of historyfor example, they can linger inarchaeological area of ​​Libarna, an authentic Roman city, one of the most important in Northern Italy, whose remains suggest the presence – already in pre-Roman times – of an important market or center of trade. For lovers ofart and of thearchitecture, the way to go passes through the historical centers of the medieval villages of the area, on whose streets overlook the churches of Romanesque construction, palaces and Renaissance villas (Novi Ligure, Gavi, Tortona and Serravalle Scrivia); continues towards the hills, visiting the stately homes which today are home to major wineries, ai castles on the top of almost every hill, at Madonna della Guardia to Gavi that dominates from above a unique panorama, up to the Pinacoteca dei Frati Cappuccini of the small Voltaggio center. And then again the Fort of Gavi, built several times from the twelfth century and transformed into a fortress, which could house a garrison of 1000 men to defend these lands.

Outdoor sports

There is also something for everyone sportsmen who practice in the middle of nature, starting from lovers of green, which will be able to play golf in the hills, to fans of Hiking, which from the Via del Sale to the discovery of the sanctuaries on the peaks, will be able to experiment new naturalistic routes also of ultra-trail. It's still, flights in glider for the most daring, who can fall in love with the landscape even from high altitudes. Finally, i cyclists they can take a riding tour in the footsteps of the legendary Fausto Coppi, along the roads where the champion trained.

FOOD AND WINE TOURS: 5 ideas

1.The wine

THE cortese vineyards dominate the landscapes of the Gavi from which it takes its name the White wine which has been produced here for millennia. There are 11 municipalities of the Gavi Docg where the grapes are grown, harvested and finally vinified. Between hills and villages, different reality offer visits and tasting routes. Some idea? La Raia, biodynamic farm, offers a wine tour from the vineyards to the cellar. And those who want can also stay in one of the structures dedicated to hospitality, from Borgo Merlassino, a small farmhouse immersed in the quiet of Gavi, to the Locanda La Raia, once a posterity and resting place for travelers and today a refined space that dialogues with the surrounding nature.

2. From corzetti to agnolotti, from farinata to noble salami

Many typical products of the territory to taste, produced by the artisans custodians of the culinary traditions: i corzetti novesi with pine nuts and marjoram to taste in the restaurant Il Moro of Capriata d'Orba, the farinata cooked in a wood oven to taste a The desk of Novi Ligure, the agnolotti and the cheek of Piedmontese beef braised at the Gavi not to be missed with the traditional restaurant menus Hen of Villa Sparina, the Montebore cheese and the headcheese offered in combination with wines in the cellar La Cedraia of Novi Ligure, the "Nobile del Giarolo" salami (noble because made with the best parts of the pig) to be discovered at Salumeria Da Pina at Molo di Borbera. You just have to choose the path of taste that you prefer and leave!

3. A little sweetness

Are you greedy? You will find satisfaction in the sweets of the territory: the Amaretti biscuits, i Lady's Kisses, i canestrelli del Gavi (prepared with Gavi's white wine, without butter or eggs), the Kiss of Libarna (a proto-kiss of a lady made of hazelnuts and honey produced by Carrea pastry of Serravalle Scrivia), and the chocolate of Novi Ligure.

4. Dinner at the restaurant

You prefer one country chic location or romantic atmosphere? In the first case we recommend the simple and traditional kitchen de The Carrettino of Tortona between beef and buffalo bred on site, fresh pasta, potato gnocchi, agnolotti and desserts, all strictly homemade. If you prefer the second option, le Cellars of the Gavi, in the center of Gavi, they offer a candlelit dinner with two dishes, beef risotto, risotto al Gavi, grilled fassone.

5. Shopping with taste

Inside the shopping temple, the Serravalle Designer Outlet which now counts well 240 shops, find the restaurant and concept store leDolciterre, a space dedicated to excellence of wines and gastronomic specialties of the territory of Serravalle and of the Gavi region. The quality of the products and craftsmanship are enhanced in recipes and tasting with different and varied itineraries: from the simplest and most genuine combinations to events dedicated to chocolate, fruit, flowers, declined in dishes to taste with prestigious wines.