Nestled in the northwest corner of Italy lies a hidden gem: the Piedmont. A gastronomic hub for many Italians and home of the famous white truffle, the entire region is teaming with culinary treats and traditions. Together we’ll walk through the vineyards to discover the enchanting land of plenty in the rolling hills of Barolo. We’ll take you to the heart of the local food scene from freshly milled flour to classic regional dishes. We’ll cook, we’ll learn, and we’ll explore the birthplace of the Slow Food movement.
Italy, Piedmont 2022
LOCATION: La Morra, Italy
DATES - June 7 - 14, 2023
TRAVELERS - 12 people
PRICE - $7300 Per Person
Who?
The trip is designed for travelers with a passion for great food & wine rooted in tradition—food that is deeply connected to the people and culture of the place. We encourage open minds and adventurous spirits. Our guests are adults of all ages, who enjoy walking and exploring on their own as well as with the group. We keep the group small—no more than 12 guests will travel with two experienced hosts.
What’s Included?
Behind-the-scenes visits to artisanal producers of excellent traditional food and drink, including wine producers, truffle hunting demonstrations and cooking classes.
Most meals—we will enjoy traditional regional specialties made from local, fresh ingredients.
Explore beautiful old towns including, La Morra, Asti, Barolo and Bra.
You will be staying small boutique hotel known for it’s unique accommodations with private baths, a swimming pool and a sauna.
A Zingerman’s tour host and our local guide Bernardo Conticelli are available at your disposal at all times.
Transportation by air-conditioned private bus during the tour.
What’s not included?
Airfare
Personal spending money
A few meals on your own, which will be indicated in the itinerary
What about accommodations?
You will be staying small boutique hotel known for it’s unique accommodations with private baths, a swimming pool and a sauna.
ITINERARY
Welcome to Torino, Italy!
Today we’ll meet in the lobby of hotel NH Torino Piazza Carline in the late morning.
**We recommend you fly in one day early. This is our recommended hotel but you are welcome to meet us there rather than stay.
From here, we will depart for La Morra and our lodgings. We have chosen a small boutique hotel as our home base. Upon arrival, we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch, review the itinerary, and our co-host Bernardo Conticelli will give us a personal wine class and introduction to the Langhe region and the surrounding area. Giving you all the tools you’ll need to relax and enjoy the next several days in the region.
After our wine lesson, you’ll be able to check in to your room or take a swim before heading out to make our first producer visit. That afternoon we’ll be heading into the rolling hills to visit a local, small winery that produces some wonderful wines with the famed Nebbiolo grape.
That evening we’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up, watch the sunset, and get ready for our welcome dinner just a short drive down the road at a local legend of a restaurant⎼Bovio⎼that regional classics.
Day 1
Torino, Italy
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head into the town of La Morra for a visit at their mill, one of only two organic mills in the region! We’ll spend some time with the owner and their products. You’ll see the evolution of what was once the modern mill and learn about the value of freshly milled flours, polenta, and grains.
From here we’ll make our way to the most enthusiastic hazelnut farmers in the region. Michela may have a small operation, but her spirit is as big as Piedmont itself. She will walk us through the process, and show us some fun examples of how this local nut is being used. Michela is one of those personalities you won’t soon forget.
After our hazelnut lesson, we’ll head to Barolo to visit one of the most respected organic wine producers in the region. We’ll have a walk in the cellars and enjoy a beautiful picnic in their vineyard while sampling some of the finest Barolos available. This experience will have you feeling like you’re living your best life.
If we have time, we’ll head into the nearby village to see how authentic, hand-stretched Grissini is made at the local bakery.
From here, we’ll head back to the hotel for a break, allowing guests time to swim, relax, and enjoy the surroundings before heading out for a very unique dinner in Carru at Osteria Del Borgo.
Day 2
La Morra
We’ll have a later departure this morning as we head to the town of Bra to meet Fiorenzo Giolito. He is celebrating 100 years in the cheese business and quite the personality. We’ll spend a few hours with him at his shop learning the history of aging and enjoy a cheesy lunch.
From there we’ll walk into the city center where we’ll have a traditional coffee, il bicerin, before letting you loose on the town for some shopping and exploring on your own.
From there, we’ll hop back on the bus to visit two sisters producing some very fun wine in the region and listen to their story. And you know we’ll be sampling their wine.
Then it’s back to the hotel for a short break before dinner with a local chef at Osteria More e Macine. A dear friend of Bernardo’s, his restaurant is casual but his food is spectacular and his wine selection is very fun! This is a local favorite for sure.
Day 3
BRA
Today we’ll dive into the world of the Truffle! When in Piedmont, it would be a shame not to take advantage of this special treat. We’ll take part in a hunting demo and sample some of the simple but delicate ways of cooking with the local fungi.
After a light truffle lunch, we’ll travel to Barbaresco to visit a small producer, sample some of their wines, and then back to La Morra for an evening cooking class.
Once we’ve freshened up, we’ll head down the road and step into the kitchen to learn how to make some of the classics you’ve been enjoying over the past few days. We’ll spend the next several hours with a small team of chefs getting our hands dirty. That evening we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor and enjoy all of that hard work put into cooking..and of course, there will be wine.
Day 4
Truffles & cooking
Today we’ll head to Asti in the late morning for a visit with a Zingerman’s favorite, D. Barbero. Zingerman’s has been working with David for years and we believe their torrone is some of the best we’ve ever had. They’ll take us behind-the-scenes to see how this sweet treat is made, with samples included.
From here we’ll enjoy lunch in Asti before heading to visit a local cooper. Yes, you read that correctly! We’re going to see how those famous wine barrels are made. A special treat to be sure, and a true art form.
We’ll make our way back to the hotel in the early evening for another break before heading into La Morra for our farewell dinner at Fontanazza.
Day 5
Asti
Day 6
Depart from Torino
This morning we’ll head back to Torino after breakfast.
We’ll be dropping you at the same hotel in the city center NH Torino Piazza Carline.
If you plan to fly home this day reserving a flight in the afternoon is ideal
**(One thing to note: this itinerary is the current plan, and, things may change. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described. However, the nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.)
