Il Gioco dell’Oca

Just 2 kilometers outside Barolo in the area where the famous wine is produced sits the long, rectangular, antique-pink-colored farmhouse of Raffaella Pittatore, passed down to her from her grandparents. After years of working for a major tour-operator company and living in many parts of the world, she came back home with her young son to impart her hospitality experience to her own guests. She is a natural hostess, friendly and accommodating, with a “joie de vivre” that is truly refreshing. One year after opening, four bedrooms in the attached former barn were added to those already existing on the first floor. These are simply furnished with the family’s country furniture and each has its own bathroom. One also has a kitchenette. Downstairs you find an informal living room and breakfast room with original brick ceilings and floors. Guests can use the kitchen or barbecue, if desired, and breakfast is served out on the front patio in fine weather. Although there are no particular views, the crossroads location is convenient for touring this beautiful Piedmont wine country, the price is economical, and the hospitality exceptional. Raffaella has put together many interesting local itineraries including quaint villages, castles, wine museums, and vineyards.