In the Langhe, with electricty
Michele Chiarlo strongly believes in integrating sustainability in all aspects of the winery. Which is why at Palás Cerequio, amongst some of the most prestigious crus in Barolo, they have installed Tesla charging stations. Innovation and the environment have never been better friends.
One of the most fascinating business minds of the last few decades to watch has undoubtedly been that of Elon Musk. The billionaire brain from South Africa, now a US Citizen, is the enigmatic CEO of Tesla Motors, the world’s most talked about electric car. It is a simple thought that distinguishes him from the rest, yet one that is unsettling: “how to save mankind from self-destruction.”
This thought has brought Musk to ‘fight,’ so to speak self-destruction, on many fronts (or shall we say, frontiers?). SpaceX’s mission, for example, is to ultimately bring man to Mars and colonize the red planet. However, he hasn’t completely given up on Earth yet. Focusing intently on photovoltaic energy, he built SolarCity, one of the largest-scale solar panel projects, to ‘free us from the slavery’ of non-renewable energy.
Tesla Motors
When, in 2004, Musk became the chairman of Tesla Motors, many thought he couldn’t make more than a rich man’s toy. A luxury electric car for the select few. Within four years of launching however, Tesla had established itself as the most innovative global electric car company.
Although the first Tesla cars on the market were ‘supercars’ with super price tags that only the select few could afford, the long-term mission, and one that is in sight thanks to extensive research and experimentation on their engines, is to create a smart electric car for the general population. Don’t be surprised to see Teslas in your neighbours’ garages in the next coming years!
The truly winning idea behind Tesla’s success, was Musk’s understanding that the cars would never sell if people couldn’t ‘fuel-up.’ Just like regular cars, Tesla drivers need stations to recharge the car’s battery without always having to do it at home. In 2012, the company invested heavily in global campaign to construct and distribute Superchargers, high-speed charging stations that are free to use for all Tesla owners.
Eventually, the Superchargers were joined by Charging Destinations. Another innovative global campaign, that paired car travel and tourism by pinpointing “destinations to recharge.” The Charging Destinations form a network of tourism hotspots where Tesla drivers can recharge their cars while sleeping, dining out or shopping. They create the perfect opportunity to get out there and drive their Tesla and also stop to enjoy a rest along the way.
To date, between Superchargers and Charging Destinations, Tesla Motors owns the largest global network of private electric car charging stations, which are completely free.
Tesla e Chiarlo
At Chiarlo, where sustainability is an integral aspect of the winery’s philosophy, what Tesla was doing was immediately embraced. A Charging Destination was installed at Palás Cerequio, the first Relais to be entirely dedicated to Barolo crus, in La Morra, the heart of the Langhe.
The Palás charging station is strategically placed between Turin and Liguria when traveling North/South and between Montecarlo and Milan when traveling East/West. La Morra is a world-renown wine tourism destination and is worth the stop! Tesla owners staying at Palás Cerequio can recharge their cars free of charge.
The Charging Destination at Palás Cerequio is one of 6 charging stations in the Langhe area; you can find the other locations on the Tesla Motors website or on their App.
Electric sustainability and the landscape
Chiarlo’s partnership with Tesla is part of a larger company dedication to greener energy and preserving our historic landscape. At Palás Cerequio, the Tesla charging station is paired with a pedal assisted E-bike charging station that are available for guest use to “experience the best crus in Piedmont.”