As the cold wraps around the hills and the smell of burning wood fills the air, it’s the perfect time to indulge in the authentic and sustainable Christmas traditions of this wonderful land.

I say “sustainable” because, the way my family and I see it, the magic of Christmas has been somewhat extinguished in recent years due to the countless distractions that revolve around it: the frantic rush to buy presents, the fight to see who can holiday in the furthest location, the outrageous amount of food. And all this only diverts the mind from what really matters: coming together in harmony and enjoying little gestures performed with genuine sentiment.

This is why today I am inviting you to rediscover how to celebrate a sustainable Christmas, in keeping with the traditions of this region that we love so much.

Let’s start with a sweet foray into our family traditions.

Here, Christmas Eve is synonymous with sharing, warmth and a deep bond with the land.

A few examples?

My kids making centrepieces by hand, a frugal but lovingly prepared dinner, the eager anticipation of the magical night and last but not least, the most important thing of all: putting out warm milk and carrots for the Baby Jesus’ donkey.

The 25^th of December begins with the traditional family tombola, a moment of joy and fun that brings all the generations together. Laughter, smiles and the joy of winning (or disappointment at losing) create unforgettable memories that are renewed every year. The lunches that follow are a warm embrace of tradition, with dishes that speak the language of the land and of time spent together.

Here in the Langhe, Christmas is not just a festivity, but a ritual that celebrates love, sharing and the magic of creating lasting memories. In every centrepiece, in every dish, in every moment of shared laughter, the promise of a family bond that grows over the years is renewed, like the vineyards that dot our beloved landscape.

The secret to an unforgettable Christmas dinner is to embrace the combination of sustainability and taste. Choose seasonal ingredients and local produce, explore the traditional recipes of the Langhe and enjoy preparing them as part of the festivities. Choosing to buy groceries and gifts in local shops instead of supermarkets and shopping malls is a small gesture that makes a big difference, bringing humanity and thoughtfulness to our Christmas table.

As Christmas approaches and we are caught up in the ‘click to buy’ era, it’s time to stop for a moment and reflect on what giving gifts really means: human connection and authenticity. In a world where we are used to having everything and right now, what’s missing are those moments of real connection, the ones that make us feel safe and that stay in our hearts.

When it comes to gifts, my philosophy is simple: sustainability and authenticity. I want to share with you some options that go beyond compulsive buying, gifts that don’t end in a click, but generate positive experiences, lasting memories and authentic sharing.

And if we want to give the gift of an unforgettable experience, what could be better than sharing a visit to the winery? At this time of year, the beauty of the fairytale landscape, enriched by the first snow over the vineyards, creates a magical atmosphere. The peace and quiet, along with the slow pace typical of the off-season period, allow us to devote much more attention to our guests, making the visit a unique and personalised experience. Imagine walking among the vines, breathing in the fresh air and listening to the story of our wines straight from the source.

In this way, gifts become more than just material objects; they become experiences that feed the soul, connecting people with the beauty of nature, passionate craftsmanship and authentic joy that only the Langhe can offer.

Another suggestion I would like to make is to bring the magic of the Langhe into your homes with green decorations. Personally, I love to use natural elements collected in the woods, or to reuse the corks from bottles to create decorations that blend perfectly with the Christmas atmosphere.

My wine cellar, decorated with satin bows and candles, exudes a unique charm. Corks are valuable allies when it comes to making decorations to hang on the tree, especially those from sparkling wines, which already have a wire cage around them for support. Let your imagination run wild! I’ll leave you some inspiration here: Pinterest.

Finally, this festive season, let’s reflect on the importance of supporting the community.

The Langhe offers numerous opportunities to participate in local solidarity initiatives.

And not just at Christmas time. I am thinking of the parents’ committee at my son’s school that organises an annual Book Festival to support various educational projects.

In this spirit of sharing and generosity, we can truly make the holidays a special time, not just for ourselves, but for all those who live in this beautiful region. May this season be an opportunity to spread love, solidarity and hope, nurturing the growth and well-being of our community.

A Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!