Monforte d’Alba: Picnic & Big Benches

If you’re considering a day out in Italy’s Piedmont region, particularly around the Langhe hills, a tour combining stunning vistas, community art, and local flavors might just be perfect. We haven’t done this exact experience ourselves but have gathered plenty of details that suggest it’s a charming way to slow down and enjoy the landscape with a little touch of art and gastronomy thrown in.

What makes this tour appealing? First, the breathtaking views of the rolling hills and vineyards are genuinely remarkable. Second, the vintage picnic basket filled with local cheeses, cold cuts, and a good bottle of wine offers a relaxed way to indulge in regional treats. On the flip side, a potential consideration is that transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to plan how to get there.

This experience feels best suited for those who love nature, scenic walks, and local food — it’s especially appealing if you’re into artsy spots like the Giant Benches that turn a landscape into an open-air gallery. It’s not a high-adrenaline adventure, but for a leisurely, picture-perfect outing, this could be just right.

Key Points

• Stunning Landscapes: The views of the Langhe hills are truly breathtaking and make the walk worth every step.
• Community Art: The giant benches are a fun and photogenic way to engage with the local landscape and art scene.
• Gourmet Picnic: The vintage-style basket is packed with regional cheeses, cold cuts, and includes wine, making for a delicious break.
• Flexible Timing: A 3-hour experience with multiple start times means you can fit this into your schedule with ease.
• No Transport Provided: You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to and from the starting point.
• Walking Experience: Expect a 1.5-hour walk through vineyards, so comfortable shoes are a must.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Experience

This tour offers a well-rounded taste of Piedmont’s beautiful landscape, art, and food without feeling rushed. It’s a simple but thoughtfully curated outing that centers around relaxing, scenic enjoyment, and community art.

Starting Point at Tenuta Bussia

Your journey begins at Tenuta Bussia – Wine Relais & Spa, a lovely estate that sets a welcoming tone. Enter the estate, announce your presence, and you’ll be ready to start. This spot is ideal for those who appreciate tranquil vineyard settings and want a taste of local hospitality right from the start.

Walk Through Monforte d’Alba

Next, you’ll spend about 1.5 hours walking through the hills of Monforte d’Alba, following a detailed map provided by the tour. The route takes you along vineyard trails, offering panoramic views that are both calming and inspiring. As one reviewer mentioned, “The views are incredible, and the walk is just long enough to feel like a proper outing but not exhausting.”

This part of the experience is where you’ll really soak in the landscape, possibly capturing some stunning photos of the hills, vineyards, and those iconic Big Benches. These giant sculptures, scattered across the hills, add a playful touch and are perfect for snapping memorable pictures.

Picnic with Regional Flavors

After the walk, it’s time to relax with a vintage-style picnic. The basket includes a selection of fine cheeses, cold cuts, tasty appetizers, fresh bread, and a dessert. Plus, there’s water and a bottle of local wine for each couple. The packaging is charming, and the quality is generally noted as excellent—you’re getting authentic regional eats.

The picnic spot is often chosen for its view and peaceful ambiance, making it a perfect setting for a leisurely meal. The food has garnered praise for its quality and regional authenticity, with many noting how well the wine complements the food.

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Return to the Starting Point

After eating and relaxing, you’ll return to Tenuta Bussia. The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, making it manageable for most schedules. The tour is designed for those who want a relaxing, scenic outing without long travel commitments or overly structured activities.

The Experience in Detail: A Closer Look

The Landscape and Views

The Langhe hills are among Italy’s most scenic landscapes, with gently rolling vineyards and patchwork fields. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly the views, which have been described as “breathtaking.” These vistas are especially compelling at sunset or on clear days, when the colors of the landscape seem to glow.

The Art of the Giant Benches

The Big Benches are sculptures designed to invite visitors to sit, relax, and take in the scenery. They transform simple hillside spots into interactive pieces of art, perfect for photo ops. According to reviews, they add a playful element that elevates the experience from a casual walk to something memorable.

Food and Wine Quality

The picnic basket is a standout feature. It’s prepared with local ingredients, ensuring an authentic taste of Piedmont. The wines included are a nice touch, especially for those who enjoy pairing regional foods with local vintages. Several reviews mention the wine as “delicious” and the cheese as “excellent,” emphasizing the value of the included fare.

Walking and Accessibility

The 1.5-hour walk is moderate and takes place on vineyard paths. Footwear comfort is important, as some terrain may be uneven. The scenic route is manageable for most visitors, but those with mobility concerns might want to consider that the walk involves some hills.

Practical Considerations

One notable point is that transportation isn’t included in the tour. You should plan how you’ll get to the starting point at Tenuta Bussia, which is located within a wine estate—accessible by car or organized transfer if available. The tour’s flexibility in start times is a plus, allowing you to choose a slot that fits your day.

Pricing and Value

The cost covers the picnic basket, the map, the walk, and access to the benches. Given the quality of the food and wine, along with the experience of exploring the landscape, many find it good value. It’s not a cheap activity but offers a balanced mix of food, art, and scenery.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples or small groups who enjoy relaxed outdoor activities, good food, and beautiful scenery. It’s also suitable for those curious about art installations in natural settings. If you’re after a peaceful day learning about the landscape and tasting regional specialties, this could be a highlight of your Piedmont trip.

Not Ideal For

If you prefer active, high-energy adventures or need transportation included, this might not be the best fit. Since it’s a half-day experience focused on scenery and leisurely walking, it’s best suited for those comfortable with a relaxed pace.

The Sum Up

The Monforte d’Alba: Picnic & Big Benches experience offers a chance to slow down, enjoy stunning views, and indulge in regional flavors—all within the playful context of giant benches that celebrate local art. It’s a well-balanced outing that combines nature, food, and community in a way that feels authentic and memorable.

Whether you’re a lover of good wine, scenic walks, or quirky art, this tour provides a peaceful yet engaging way to appreciate Piedmont’s landscape. The included picnic enhances the experience, making it more than just a walk; it’s an opportunity to savor the region’s best without rushing.

This tour is best for travelers who thrive on relaxing, scenic outings with a cultural twist. If you’re after a peaceful break, some beautiful photo moments, and regional delicacies, it’s likely to be a highlight of your trip.

FAQ

Do I need to arrange transportation myself?
Yes, transportation isn’t included, so you’ll need to get to the starting point at Tenuta Bussia, either by car or other means.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended since you’ll be walking on vineyard paths. Light layers are also a good idea, depending on the weather.

How long does the walk take?
The walking part lasts about 1.5 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

Is the experience suitable for children?
While not explicitly specified, the focus on scenery and gentle walking suggests it’s suitable for older children or teenagers comfortable with walking.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for flexible planning.

What makes the Big Benches special?
They’re large, artistic sculptures placed in scenic spots, inviting visitors to sit and enjoy the landscape while creating fun photo opportunities.

In all, if you’re seeking a leisurely, scenic, and gastronomic escape in Piedmont, this tour ticks many boxes. Just remember to come prepared with comfortable shoes and a camera, and you’re set for a memorable day among art, food, and hills.

You can check availability for your dates here: