The Renato Ratti Museum of Barolo and Wines of Alba

The Renato Ratti Museum of Barolo and Wines of Alba reopened after a redesign conceived by Pietro Ratti. The original institution was founded by Renato Ratti in 1970 in the ancient cellars of the Annunziata Monastery to provide the Alba area with a museum dedicated to its wines; it was the first museum in the Langhe specifically devoted to local winemaking history.

The exhibition reconstructs Renato’s formation at the Alba School of Enology, his decade with Cinzano in Brazil, his return to the Langhe and the establishment of the winery at Annunziata. It then traces the influence of his French experience through his cru map, pricing policy, Albeisa bottle, Piemonte tasting glass and classification of Barolo vintages. Further sections examine his institutional work, sector agreements, writing, international tastings and role as an ambassador for Piedmontese and Italian wine.

On the monastery’s lower level, objects from the original ethnographic museum lead into multimedia displays. An animated field of La Morra winery marks interacts with a dynamic cru map and the area’s principal labels, helping visitors connect vineyard names with their locations.

The museum is open from April through November. Weekend visits run by guided entry from 10:00 to 17:00, with the last admission at 16:00; weekday admission is by reservation.