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 teeming 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 FALL 2024
LOCATION: La Morra, Italy
DATES - AUG 28 - Sept 4, 2024
2 rooms remaining
PRICE - $9500 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.
Sample 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 building up an appetite, we’ll head to a local restaurant for a truffle lunch as we reflect on the morning hunt.
This afternoon we’ll head to Scarzello Winery located in Barolo. Founded in 1947, this small winery of only 5.5 hectares produces less than 50K bottles a year. Together we’ll taste and learn about their farm, production, and wine.
*Tonight you’ll enjoy a casual dinner at our hotel.
Day 4
Truffles & Barolo
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
Alba & Cooking Class
This morning we’ll travel to Alba and stretch our legs as we take a walking tour in the city center of Alba, to discover one of the most famous and important towns in Langhe Region, declared UNESCO World Heritage. Our local guide will talk about the history of the city and show ancient Roman ruins, the front of the Cathedral, the medieval towers, the Town Hall, and the main square Piazza Risorgimento (or Piazza Duomo). Together we’ll learn the history of Alba and its traditional and typical foods well known all over the world.
From here we’ll make out way to lunch at and after we’ll take a nice stroll through the vines of Barbaresco as we get ready for the evening's adventure.
This evening we have a special cooking class planned with a local instructor at her house. We know this description is vague, but this is intentional. This will be an evening to remember!
Day 7
Slow Food, Mill & Wine
Today may be our last day, but it’s a big one!
After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll head into the town of La Morra for a visit to their local Mill. It is one of only two organic mills in all of the region. We’ll spend some time with the owner and wrap up with a sampling of some of their products.
After our Mill visit, we’ll enjoy a simple before heading back to Bra for a visit and lesson with professor Paola Migliorini from the Universita Scienze Gastronomiche Slow Food. Together we’ll walk the campus, learn about their programs, and jump into a detailed gardening lesson. This is a special treat, indeed.
Now that you have your green thumbs, we’ll pop over to our friends at Tibaldi Winery for our final wine tasting. Two sisters making their way in the wine world.
Tonight our final dinner together before heading back to Turin in the morning
Day 8
Turin Departure
Today we bid farewell to our friends and make our way back to Turin for departure.
**(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.)
