Castello di Guarene: Piedmont Hospitality
Our Vines Global wine adventure in Piedmont, Italy featured first class accommodations at an historic palace- Castello di Guarene. We enthusiastically recommend a stay if your travel ambitions take you to Piedmont. It is a great base to explore the glories of Langhe. Particularly the world famous wine communes of Barolo and Barbaresco. Three years of meticulous restoration transformed an historic Baroque era palace into a Relais & Chateaux luxury hotel. The conversion preserved the structure’s historical integrity while incorporating modern comforts. It also has some idiosyncrasies which make it fun. A brief history lesson is appropriate.
No journey to Piedmont’s wine country would be complete without experiencing the region’s aristocratic heritage and few places embody this more magnificently than Castello di Guarene. It is strategically perched atop a very steep hill and overlooks the rolling vineyards of Langhe and Roero. A castle or palace has dominated Guarene from its commanding hilltop position for seven centuries. In the Medieval era, a fortress stood on the site. The transformation to the elegant palace visible today occurred in the 18th century when Count Carlo Roero- a significant figure in the Piedmontese aristocracy-commissioned a new summer residence. Austere and formal noble families were a primary component of the societal structure in this region and no one had a more distinguished lineage than Count Carlo. The palace took 25 years to build and his sons were the first occupants. The palace retains many mementos from royal visits and remained in the Roero family until 1889. It then passed to the Provena family, another old world noble house. In 2011, Castello di Guarene came under new ownership armed with a vision to combine world class hospitality with continued respect for the building’s history. There were a ton of conditions imposed by the Italian government before the sale to Relais & Chateaux was allowed to go forward. They essentially are mandated to manage a museum as well as a hotel.
The palace stands as an impressive three story edifice reaching 25 meters in height, surrounded by extensive Italian style gardens originally landscaped in the first half of the 18th century. From its elevated position, it commands an unequalled panorama of the Langhe hills from Monferrato to Verduno- a UNESCO World heritage landscape. You see renowned vineyards, abandoned castles, towers and picturesque villages. In the opposite direction, views sweep toward the distant snow capped Alps. Breathtaking!! The fifteen rooms and suites reflect 18th century tradition with a modern touches. Our room was large and featured golden headboards, refined. furnishings, marble bathrooms, original floor tiling. The bathroom is exquisite and the outdoor patio sublime. The public areas display frescoes throughout, accompanied by traditional silk rugs and tapestries. The castle radiates a sense of grandeur- authentic aristocratic living, not a pale reproduction. Breakfast is served in a frescoed hall with outdoor seating on the terrace for warmer months. The expansive medieval style dining room is adorned with original landscape paintings and flowers. The menu is traditional Piedmontese and the wine list is a coffee table quality book. Great atmosphere and food with first rate service.
The most unique offering is the spa which is actually a grotto carved from rock. There is a wellness centre featuring an indoor pool which you access through a dramatic tunnel. There is a Finnish sauna, steam bath, Kneipp salt cave and jacuzzi. The mystical grotto like space looks over the countryside. It isn’t a great workout gym per se, but does offer relaxation and restoration after long days spent touring vineyards and tasting rooms. Overall, Castello di Guarene is a gem and Vines Global continues to choose accommodations which totally complement the wine experience and the locality. Thanks everyone.
