Piedmont’s wine growing history is ancient in origin, with the Greeks being the first to bring quality wines to the region. From
Liguria
they expanded into Piemont bringing vine shoots and cuttings used to establish the first vineyards. The Romans continued to cultivate fine wines, but with fall of the Roman Empire
, wine making in the region went into a period of decline. Despite the barbarian invasions, traditions did survive and the growth of the grapevine continued after the beginning of the second millennium.
Piedmontese vine growing occurs predominately in the two large areas known as the Langhe and Monferrato. The Langhe region is full of splendid hills, bounded by the Tanaro and Bormida valleys and the Ligurian Alps. The hills, which geographically speaking make up an extension of the Northern Apennines into Western Padania, slope down from an altitude of 700–800 metres. Some of the most famous wine production takes place in this region. This includes not only Barolo and Barbaresco, but also Moscato d'Asti, Nebbiolo, Barbera and Dolcetto.
