As we were leaving the winery, our guide Silvana (I learned her name!), pointed to an ancient tower a top of the highest hill in the area and recommended visiting there.
When Silvana said we would see the vineyards, from the hill, we decided we had to go. There's also a chance of seeing the tall buildings of Milan as well.
It wasn't a far drive, but negotiating our way along the tight switchback roads, Carol and I were hoping nobody would be coming down the hill. Either side of the road was steep uphill, with the vineyards visible. It was a short drive, but a very cool one.
We got to the parking lot on top of the hill as the views opened around us. There were no other cars there, but there were two groups picnicking, as well as a small chapel. The only bummer is that there was a high chain link keeping us from exploring the Torre (that's "tower" in Italian, as I show off my mad language skills).
(Editor: "Mad" is the right word to describe you, but just the wrong usage in this case.)
The Torre dates back to the 11th-century, with improvements dating from the 14th-century. Old stuff is always interesting to us, but the views were the main course here. Carol was able to pick out skyscrapers in Milan, off in the distance. I used my camera zoom lens to confirm her sighting, but alas it was too hazy for anything to come out in a photo.
To the north, there were spectacular views of the vineyards climbing up and down hills, with the distant Alps in the, um, distance. (Editor: Great use of the Thesaurus!). Milan lay to the southeast, with the village of Gattinari directly south of us. It all made for a remarkable tableau.
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