One On The Hill: An Unforgettable Journey Through Barbaresco and Barolo

There are wine tours, and then there are experiences that stay with you forever. One On The Hill, a premium wine tour company led by the passionate and talented musician-sommelier Pierandrea Palumbo, delivers just that—an epic journey through the rolling hills of Barbaresco and Barolo, where history, tradition, and innovation meet in a perfect glass of wine.

Our adventure began at 10 am with a pick-up at Alba train station. Pierandrea, effortlessly cool and sleek, provided a smooth and comfortable ride in his Tesla while we exchanged stories and got to know each other. One of the best things about One On The Hill is how personal the tours feel. You really get to know each other on a deeper level, and the experience is tailored to exactly what you want within your available time.

If you're only in the region for a short stay, you want to maximize every moment, and Pierandrea and his team are fantastic at making that happen. His ability to curate the perfect itinerary ensures you experience the best of Barbaresco and Barolo without feeling rushed, making every stop meaningful and memorable.

Cascina Vano: The Essence of Barbaresco

By 10:30 am, we arrived at Cascina Vano in Barbaresco, where we were welcomed for a tour and tasting. Barbaresco, often compared to its bolder cousin Barolo, is known for its elegance, finesse, and expressive character. The terroir here—marked by clay-limestone soils, a milder climate, and optimal sun exposure—produces wines with aromatic complexity, structured tannins, and remarkable aging potential.

At Cascina Vano, the new generation of winemakers is deeply respectful of tradition while remaining open to innovation. It was a pleasure to meet Beatrice Rivetti whose palpable passion shone through as she shared her family’s history and took us through an exquisite tasting of Barbaresco wines. The tasting beautifully showcased the balance between power and grace, each sip revealing layers of rose petals, cherries, truffle, and spice. It was a masterclass in how thoughtful viticulture and a deep respect for terroir can shape truly outstanding wines.

A Private Lunch with Fabio: The Soul of Piedmontese Cuisine

By midday, we were invited into an intimate setting for a private lunch with Fabio, a 35-year-old chef from Alba who has worked in renowned restaurants across Piemonte. However, it was in his nonna’s kitchen that he learned his most valuable lessons.

Fabio’s cooking is a love letter to the region, infused with cultural anecdotes and a passion for authenticity. As a great storyteller, he wove tales of history and tradition while serving us a truly memorable meal. The entrée featured delicate plin, traditional stuffed pasta bursting with rich flavours. For the main, we enjoyed succulent pork with leeks, a perfect balance of heartiness and refinement. Dessert was bonet, made in the historical way without cocoa, offering a glimpse into the past with its unique, nutty sweetness. Each dish was paired with carefully selected local wines, elevating the entire experience.

Nadia Curto: The Future of Barolo

At 2 pm, we arrived in Barolo for our second winery visit of the day, this time with Nadia Curto, a winemaker whose approach embodies the spirit of modern Barolo. While Barolo is often regarded as the ‘King of Wines’ for its depth, structure, and age-worthiness, Nadia brings a fresh perspective, embracing sustainability and biodynamic practices to ensure her wines not only honor tradition but also pave the way for the future. She uses natural fermentation and has even introduced a beneficial fungus to her vineyards, allowing her to avoid pesticides while keeping the vines healthy—a true testament to her innovative approach.

Tasting her wines was a revelation. Each sip spoke of the land, from the characteristic bold tannins and complex aromas of tar and roses to the refined elegance that makes Barolo so legendary. Nadia’s wines are both pretty and bold—like a dance on the palate, graceful and expressive, yet with an undeniable strength and longevity that lingers. Nadia’s innovative methods—such as using natural composting, cover crops, and minimal intervention winemaking—demonstrate how the next generation of producers is shaping Barolo’s future while respecting its storied past.

As the sun cast golden hues over the vineyards, we made our way back to Alba, reflecting on the incredible day we had experienced. Pierandrea’s composed presence, the winemakers’ dedication, and the region’s breathtaking beauty combined to create a wine tour unlike any other.

One On The Hill isn’t just about tasting great wines—it’s about understanding their stories, meeting the people who craft them, and immersing yourself in a culture that cherishes tradition while embracing evolution. If you’re looking for a wine tour that goes beyond the ordinary, this is it.

Until next time, Langhe—you’ve left us longing for more.

Find out more about One On The Hill here.