Villa de luxe à Alba, cœur des Langhe, vue imprenable

Cascina Portinale is, first and foremost, a family story. In Piedmontese dialect, we still call it "El Purtinal," just like our grandparents did. The farmhouse was purchased by my great-great-grandparents when it was already an ancient building marked by time. Our sign bears the date A.D. 1890, but its origins certainly go back even further, preserved among the stones and memories of these hills.
The hamlet of Madonna di Como is located on the Alba hill, just 2.5 kilometers from the historic center. This privileged position today gives Cascina Portinale a nearly 360-degree view of the Langhe, among the rows of Nebbiolo and Barbera vines that create one of the most famous wine-growing landscapes in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Looking at it today, this location seems extraordinary. Yet, in my grandparents' stories, living up here meant tackling a long climb on foot every day, often in the snow and in all weather conditions. It was precisely these difficulties that gave rise to the need to make the farmhouse more independent. To ensure access to drinking water, a well was dug by hand into the tuff rock, which is still fully functional today and represents a precious testament to the tenacity and ingenuity of those who have lived in these lands.
In the garden, nestled in the tranquil hills, is a spectacular panoramic terrace featuring an eight-person Jacuzzi. From here, the view sweeps uninterrupted over the vineyards and the rolling hills of the Langhe, offering moments of absolute relaxation. The most evocative moment is undoubtedly the golden hour, when the sun sets, painting the hills with golden hues and creating the perfect atmosphere for an al fresco aperitif.
Guests can also enjoy a large outdoor patio with a built-in BOSE sound system connected to the entire property, ideal for moments of conviviality and relaxation. A few steps away is also a barbecue area designed to make evenings spent with friends unforgettable.
The symbol of Cascina Portinale, also featured in our logo, is the laurel, or "lauro" as it is called in Piedmontese dialect. This tree is believed to be over two centuries old and, despite the passage of time, continues to offer its cool, fragrant shade on summer days, becoming a natural meeting place and resting place for our guests.
The Trails of Madonna di Como
For those who love nature and outdoor walks, Madonna di Como is one of the most charming starting points for exploring the surrounding area. Some of the most beloved trails in the Langhe begin here, revealing the authentic soul of these hills.
The Sentiero delle Capre (Goat Trail) passes through vineyards, woods, and hazelnut groves, offering spectacular views of the Langhe landscape. Its name recalls the ancient paths used by shepherds and allows you to discover historic farmhouses, small villages, and panoramas that, on clear days, reach all the way to the Alps.
More evocative and intimately connected to the local culture is the Cesare Pavese Trail, a route that leads visitors through landscapes seemingly lifted straight from the pages of the Piedmontese writer. Orderly rows of vines, dirt roads, silences broken only by the sounds of nature, and rolling hills stretching to the horizon make this route ideal for those wishing to discover the most authentic, poetic, and timeless side of the Langhe.