Photos & Text By Michael & Ellen Walsh

A short drive from Oropa brings you to the town of Biella-- the gateway to the famous Biellese wine routes. When it comes to food and wine, Piedmont is an area of the world that emphasizes quality over quantity, and the Biellese district of Piedmont is no different. The first traces of winegrowing activities in this area can be traced back to pre-Roman times, and this rich history still influences Biellese wine production today.

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There are many flavors to indulge in along the Biellese wine routes, and not all of them come in a bottle. Medieval villages, centuries-old gold mines, beautiful parks and wildlife are among the indispensable stops as you explore the vineyards and wine cellars. In fact, many of the wine cellars themselves are located in historical farmhouses, convents and villas.

You have the option of two itineraries. The first begins at Lake Viverone where you can kick off your wine tour with water skiing or bird watching. Follow the grape vine to the village of Roppollo and you will find the Enoteca Regionale della Serra-- a medieval castle that has been converted into one of the premier wine cellars in the area. 200 types of wine in 20,000 selected wine bottles fill the stonewalled wine cellar. In the Fall, the castle becomes the venue for the Festa dell' Uva (“grape-harvest festival”) as well as many other food and wine events.

Keep traveling along the route and follow a river that leads to the Special Natural Reserve of Bessa-- an open-cast gold mine that was first discovered by the ancient Romans. Once in the town of Biella, you will find the Museum of the Biellese Territory as well as the Renaissance era church of San Sabastiano. A funicular (a kind of cable railway) will transport you to the town of Piazzo Cisterna where you can visit several medieval buildings

With the second itinerary, you will bask in the hills of the western Biellese and savor its mostly red wines: Coste dell Sesia, Lessona, Bramaterra, Piccone, Orbello, and Mesolone. The village of Candello will be one of your first stops where you will find the Ricetto (Italian for “refuge”) -- a late medieval fortification and converted wine cellar. Pause to take in the natural environment around Candello and you will notice a flat, “savannah-like” plane that links Biella with the Po Valley.

From Candello, you will head east to explore the town of Masserano-- a place that reflects the rich history of the area with its low porches and 13th century church. Just outside of town, the dense green hills are home not only to the vineyards, but also to wildlife such as deer, marmot, and a mountain goat-like animal called the chamois. As the sun sets over the grape-filled hills, you can dine at a traditional Biellese restaurant and wash it down with the local wine.

Other Related Links:
Religious Tourism in Piedmont, Italy
The Plan of The Sacro Monte of Varallo - Key
The Biellese Wine Routes