I had the pleasure of attending one of the stops of Il Roero in Tour, the project promoted by the Consorzio di Tutela del Roero, which takes the story of this appellation—rich in history and identity—on the road throughout Italy.
This traveling tour was born from the desire to bring people closer to a territory that, although less well-known than other major names in Italian wine, deserves to be discovered and appreciated. Each stop is designed to create a moment of encounter between Roero producers and wine enthusiasts, restaurateurs, journalists, and industry professionals.
It was an event that allowed us to delve deeper into the distinctive characteristics of this Piedmontese region, nestled between the Langhe and Monferrato, and to taste the most representative expressions of its flagship grape varieties: Nebbiolo and Arneis. Two very different personalities, yet both capable of expressing the elegance, complexity, and freshness of a terroir that spans over 1,345 hectares of vineyards and produces more than 8 million bottles each year—many of which are destined for export.
The atmosphere at these events feels like a collective story being told: each producer shares anecdotes, vintages, and personal experiences, making the evening not just a sensory journey but a deeply human one. As Massimo Damonte, president of the Consorzio, put it: “Roero wines are an expression of authenticity, passion, and excellence. With this tour, we want to bring the human side of our work to all of Italy, to share a reality that deserves attention and still has much to tell.”
Rome was the first stop on a calendar that will also include Naples, Milan, and Bologna—each time creating a dialogue between Roero wines and the culinary traditions of the host cities. It’s an idea that enhances the link between wine and the table, offering a fresh perspective on a growing appellation.
The success of the initiative is part of a broader journey, which began with Piacere Roero, a month-long series of events held in restaurants and wine shops throughout Turin and its province. Throughout May, this initiative celebrated local labels through tastings and specially designed menus.
Il Roero in Tour has proven to be a well-conceived project—one that intrigues, involves, and conveys the essence of a winemaking tradition rooted in passion, identity, and respect for the land, even to those who were not yet familiar with this corner of Piedmont.
I never usually do this, but this time I’m happy to give a shout-out to Stefano Carboni and Maria Grazia D’Agata of MGLogos, for striking the perfect balance between professionalism and (in)formality in organizing events that are never boring. 😉
