ENG2WINE II: Industry Challenges and Innovative Engineering Solutions
Hotel Information
Hotel Calissano
Via Pola 8-I
Alba, Italy 12051
Phone: 39-0173-364855
This exceptional four-star hotel in Alba will be the site of the conference. Independently owned, the Hotel Calissano is conveniently located near the central Piazza Savona, one of the most beautiful squares in Piedmont, known as “the drawing-room of Alba” because it is a meeting place for people from the town and surrounds.
The hotel takes its name from the “Calissano” winery founded in 1872 by Luigi Calissano. Considered the first great Alba entrepreneur. He led the way in spreading the reputation of the outstanding wines grown in this area throughout Europe and the rest of the world. The very foundations of the hotel descend into what were once the winery’s historic cellars, which today have been restored and used as conference space.
The hotel's 90 rooms and 3 suites are appointed with every comfort to cater for all your needs and ensure you have a pleasant stay. There is free in-room WiFi, free on-site parking, a gym/fitness center, a business center, and a restaurant (Bistro Calissano).
Venue Information
Alba, a town in Italy’s Piedmont region (top left, northwestern part of Italy), is recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy and is known for its Barbaresco and Barolo wines as well as its white truffles, hazelnuts, and Ferrero chocolates. It is the capital of Langhe, a hilly area in the south of Piedmont. This region is considered to produce the finest wines in Italy. Alba itself is located on flat land with the vineyards on the hills of Barolo on one side and the vineyards on the hills of Barbaresco on the other side. The current city is built on the ruins of the Roman city of Alba Pompeia. This former city remained hidden for centuries but there are guided tours which take you to the excavation sites under the current city. The beautiful Alba Cathedral was rebuilt in the Gothic style and has a bell tower with views overlooking the city. The Church of San Giovanni Battista features artworks starting from the 14th century. During World War II the inhabitants of the city played an important role in the Italian Resistance.
Conference participants may wish to arrive early to engage in some of the most popular activities:
- Wine Tasting multiple opportunities throughout the region
- Castles – the nearby Castello Di Grinzane Cavour is a UNESCO World Heritage site and features both a history museum and a wine store with regional favorites.
- Ferrero chocolates – the factory is just outside the city center and is known for its Ferrero Rocher chocolates, Nutella and Kinder chocolates. Surrounding it are wine shops, boutiques, and hazelnut orchards.
- Truffle hunting (seasonal) – One can book a tour with a professional truffle hunter and his dog to search for black or white truffles
- Historic walking tours. Alba was once known as the “City of 100 Towers” as wealthy families showed off their wealth by building towers. Many of these beautiful towers still remain.
- Bar to Bar bicycle tours. There is a circular route that takes one from Barbaresco to Barolo where you stop at wineries along the way.
