Piemonte, situated in the North-West od Italy, is best known for its wonderful red wines such as Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera -known the world over- and many others. Ideal for wine lovers who like superior wines. It is also known for the bounty of "antipasti" that characterize every meal. You will enjoy a week with a lot of wine tastings and food, surrounded by outstanding views of the vineyards.
Sunday – Get settled and welcome dinner, an intro to traditional regional Italian cuisine
Arrival in Alba. Private transfer at our accommodation, a beautiful B&B, up to the hills, overlooking the countryside with scenic vineyards. Welcome dinner at a very nice Italian restaurant in the area, overlooking the hills with a spectacular panorama.
Monday – Wine tastings at Gancia and Braida wineries and cooking lesson with a chef
In the morning drive, passing through beautiful and panoramic roads, charming villages like Neive and Barbaresco, to Canelli, where the famous wines Moscato and Spumante are produced. Visit of Gancia, one of the most famous wineries in Italy. Wine tasting then light lunch in the pretty historical center of Canelli. Barbera wine tasting at a very well known winery. After the visit drive to a very small village and meeting with a very friendly and good chef, Franco. Italian cooking lesson on regional specialties followed by dinner at his restaurant.
Tuesday – Wine tastings, "tuma" cheese tasting and dinner on boiled meat
In the morning drive to the area where the Dolcetto wine is produced. Tasting of Dolcetto and other wines such as Freisa at a small Italian family winery. Proceed towards Murazzano, in the high Langa, very famous for the production of a special cheese called “tuma”. Visit of a family cheese producer (they make 15 pieces every day!) and light lunch with the family. In the afternoon departure to Carrù, famous for the beef meat. Visit another important winery of Italy named Einaudi. Tasting of some of their wines such as Dolcetto and Barolo. Dinner at a local trattoria in the center of Carrù, very typical of Italy, with menu based on boiled meat, specialty of this area.
Wednesday – Cooking lesson with a family chef and wine tasting at Fontanafredda
In the morning Italian cooking lesson with a family chef, based on regional dishes. Lunch of your creations. In the afternoon leaving to an incredibly huge winery that belonged to the Savoias, royal family of Italy, named Fontanafredda. Visit and tasting of some wines. Proceed to Serralunga with its antique castle, driving along a panoramic road on our journey. Walk in the narrow streets of the little town. Dinner at an unpretentious but great restaurant in the center.
Thursday – Torino: guided tour and shopping in the charming city
In the morning drive to Torino, beautiful Italian city, place of the last winter Olympic games. Guided tour of the city with an English speaking guide. Light lunch at one of the oldest and most fascinating Italian style bars of the city center, with a warm atmosphere. Free time for shopping. Back to the hotel. Dinner at a very special restaurant whose female owner, Gemma, is famous in all Piemonte as the best traditional chef of Langhe area. Although she is known throughout Italy and many famous people appreciate her cuisine, she remains genuine and warm. And her food is abundant and outstanding!
Friday – Barolo wine tasting, torrone factory visit and farewell dinner
Drive to La Morra, the terrace of Langhe. From this village we have the most panoramic and wonderful view of Langhe area, heart of Barolo wine production. Then drive to Barolo, the Italian town that gives the name to the most important wine of Piemonte. Walk in the center to admire the beautiful castle and the enoteca. Then drive to a famous winery, Marchesi di Barolo, for a visit of the winery and tasting of the king of red Italian wines: Barolo. Light lunch at a nice farmhouse in the country side, in Novello, with menu based on cheese. In the afternoon drive to visit a torrone factory, a typical sweet made with nuts (specialty of Piemonte) and honey. Then drive to Castello di Grinzane Cavour, a spectacular castle! Farewell dinner at a typical restaurant.
Saturday – Departure day
Departure after breakfast at the B&B.
