N° 7 – Sentiero del Barolo
Distance: 11.5 km
Duration: 3 hours 15 minutes
The route starts at the Tourist Office and descends in the direction of Alba. After about 150 meters, turn right onto a dirt road that slopes down to reconnect with the main provincial road. From there, take the municipal road on the left that continues downhill into the valley. The view opens up to a spectacular horizon: to the left, the Roero hills; in the center, the village of Roddi, dominated by its castle; to the right, the sweeping vineyards of Barolo.
Continue for about 1.2 km, then descend along a farm track near a farmhouse. The path joins the paved road leading to the Santa Maria hamlet, crowned by its church perched atop the hill. Descend along the main road toward Alba, and after about 250 meters, turn toward Borgata San Biagio. After a few hundred meters, turn right toward Annunziata. After descending, keep left at the junction, then right, and you’ll spot—rising on a perfect hill—the Cedar of Lebanon, planted by the Falletti family in 1875, one of the most photographed landmarks in the area for its iconic beauty.
Follow the paved road to the center of Annunziata, where the church stands with its Romanesque bell tower and 18th-century frescoed interior. Embedded in the floor is a Roman tombstone, a relic of the ancient Benedictine Monastery of Marcenasco, whose main building now houses the Ratti Museum of the Wines of Alba. After passing the church, climb a few meters and turn left toward Rocche dell’Annunziata. The path continues among perfectly aligned vineyards down to the valley floor; after crossing a small bridge, ascend toward Borgata Fontanazza, home to the famous “Barolo Chapel”, whose colorful façade faces the Brunate cru.
Next, reach Borgata Cerequio, where a plaque commemorates partisans executed during World War II. A steep section brings you to a white gravel road that runs alongside some of the most prestigious vineyards, leading back to the village of La Morra. Climb the medieval ramparts to reach the Municipal Wine Cellar, where you can taste wines from the very Barolo crus you passed along the trail. From here, you’re only steps away from Piazza Castello, La Morra’s unmissable panoramic viewpoint.
The most renowned crus you’ll encounter along the way include:
La Serra, Cerequio, Fossati, Case Nere, Rocche dell’Annunziata, Giachini, Bricco Rocca, Bricco Luciani, Gattera, Manescotto, Manzoni, San Biagio, Capalot, Roggeri, Rocchettevino, Galina, Bricco Chiesa, Sarmassa, Bettolotti, Roere, Ciocchini, and Roncaglie.
