Activities and Experiential Initiatives
At Ca' Rapulin you experience, you discover, you relax and you learn. You immerse yourself in the surrounding territory as protagonist. Ca' Rapulin intends to narrate its territory through experiences and learning activities.
Learning Nature Walks
Within the Ca'Rapulin estate, guests can do the Grapevine Walk and the Hazelnut Walk. Five Italian-English panels illustrate the history and the commercial relevance of grapes and hazelnuts for the territory. This is where Nutella was born.
The origin of Barolo, Barbera and Gamba di Pernice
The region of Piemonte is now one of the most important producers of Italian wines. However, 90 years ago Piemonte wines were practically unknown, Barolo, Barbera, Ruche', Gamba di Pernice were just "wines of the poor".
Unique local products
Beside good wines, Piemonte produces a large variety of great cheese. This regions boasts the largest number of Italian DOP cheeses.
Cooking Classes
The Kitchen and the brick oven at Ca Rapuin can become classroom space for culinary instruction. Guests can learn several food preparation: Bread; Focaccia;' Plin; Agnolotti; Bagna cauda). Many food items over the years from peasant food to cult dishes. Individual past machines are available for instructional use. Ca' Rapulin organizes half day cooking classes from March to December.
Cultural Itineraries
Piemonte has many historical castles, manors, armories and royal villas. The region was ruled for several centuries by the Savoy family that enriched the area with many beautiful private and public buildings ( summer royal residences; hunting residences; army barracks). Ca' Rapulin organizes for its guests guided tours to important historical places as well as guided torus to the countryside.
Fish in Langhe?
Surprisingly, several menu items in Langhe call for the use of fish (Tuna; Anchovies).
It all goes back to the Middle Ages, when fishermen from the Ligurian coast would venture into the Langhe region to barter their fish for farm products.
Fish would be exchanged for eggs, meat, poultry. The route of such exchange was known as the "Via del Sale" (The route of the salt) because during the bartering process salt was "smuggled".
Black and White Truffles
Many wooded areas of Langhe and Monferrato are rich in truffles. Since Roman times, this flavorful fungus has played a very important role in the local cuisine. During the Fall season, many fairs and festivals focused on Black and White truffles are held in the region. The most famous one being the International. White Truffle Auction and Fair of Alba. Ca Rapulin works with several "Trifulau" (Truffle seeker) to organize educational truffle outings for guests.
The Slow Food Culture
The Slow Food culture has its roots in Langhe. Courtyards, farmland, gardens and animal stables for centuries fed the local population and gave birth to the concept of eating local or at "Kilometro zero" (zero Kilometer). The university of flavors and taste (Pollenzo) is today's the main promoter this culture. Pollenzo is only 20 miles from Ca' Rapulin.
