If you are lucky enough to be in Bra, Italy for the Slow Food Movement’s CHEESE festival, you must not pass it up. The Comune of Bra and the Slow Food organizers host the festival in September, every other year — on odd years. We went in 2025. We tried cheese from every country in Europe plus some in the Americas and elsewhere. There is so much to see (and taste!). We recommend one day for the festival but it does go on for a full weekend. Each stall has samples to try, and you are able to buy any of it that you like. They have seminars, talks, and more on the Slow Food Movement. There is a food truck area where you can get food other than cheese, there are booths with all sorts of food items; jams, honeys, meats, cheese, oils, vinegars, etc. There are wine and beer vendors plus other type of food available to eat on the spot. The festival is all through the streets of Bra and you can wander around for hours! It was a very fun day!
CHEESE Festival
About the Region:
Piedmont is one of Italy’s best-kept secrets, where the Alps meet rolling vineyards and every hillside feels like a postcard. Picture snowy peaks in the distance, rows of Nebbiolo vines climbing the hills, and tiny villages crowned with castles and church towers. This is Barolo and Barbaresco country — wines that have made the region famous around the world.
Turin, the capital, sets the stage with elegant boulevards, chocolate shops, and cozy cafés. But the real magic lies in the smaller towns: Alba, home of the legendary white truffle; Asti, known for its sparkling wines; and Barolo itself, a village that punches far above its size in reputation. Autumn is especially unforgettable, with truffle fairs and harvest festivals filling the streets.
Food here is reason enough to visit. Piedmont is the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, so meals are all about savoring. You’ll find silky tajarin pasta, creamy risottos, roasted hazelnuts, and hearty dishes made to pair with big, bold wines. From rustic trattorias to Michelin-starred restaurants, every bite feels special.
And beyond the table? There’s plenty to explore. The vineyard landscapes of the Langhe and Monferrato are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the Alps offer skiing and hiking, and lakes like Orta and Maggiore add a touch of calm beauty.
At its heart, Piedmont is about slowing down — sipping wine in a vineyard, lingering over lunch, or watching the sunset light up the mountains. It’s a place that doesn’t just feed you, it stays with you.