Asti Spumante Bottles Quietly Aging

A Unique Tour of Piedmont Best Wineries

The Langhe Wine Area

The area offers plenty of attractions for tourists, covering a wide range of activities. You can visit castles and historic residences perched on top of hills, and wander around old mediaeval villages; follow the wine routes, taking in cellars, regional enotecas and wine stores along the way; attend picturesque folklore events, especially the National White Truffle Fair held in Alba each October. Enjoy open-air sporting activities including cycling, horseback riding and golf; relax your body and spirit at the nearby spas.

This tour of Piedmont provides an unforgettable experience for both wine lovers and for first time visitors to Italy. It offers a chance to taste incomparable wines, visit ancient castles and quaint villages and travel through some of the most beautiful wine country in the world.
You will discover Piedmont’s ancient traditions in a peaceful and relaxed atmosphere. We travel along the “Wine route” across the oenological heart of Piedmont where more than 42 different DOC and DOCG wines are produced in the areas of LANGHE, ROERO and MONFERRATO. The region of Piedmont offers an attractive blend of history, art and culture. Its wine tradition, the presence of nine regional wine cellars and innumerable wine shops can satisfy even the most demanding connoisseur with its excellent BAROLO, BARBARESCO, NEBBIOLO and DOLCETTO wines.
Its gastronomical traditions, deeply rooted in the past, play an important role in the everyday life of Piedmont. The world-known “Tartufo d’Alba” (white truffle) is the king of the table. It can be savored with local dishes such as: “Agnolotti,” “Tajarin” or “Risotto.” A wide variety of mushrooms, delicious cheeses and cured pork meats are always present on Piedmont’s tables.
Plan a tour to taste all these delicacies. And more.

Suggested Itinerary

Sun. Day 1 – Arrival day

Arrival at Milano Malpensa airport. Torino, as well, has some connections with the major European hubs, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, London and more. Pick uo you rental car or find your driver. Transfer to Hotel Villa San Carlo in Cortemilia, a well-known wine town in the Langhe wine area east of Turin. Welcome drink – short visit of Carlo’s wine cellar. Coffee, after-dinner drink and “buona notte.”

Mon. Day 2 – Relaxing day/Truffle hunting

Colazione alla Piemontese. Breakfast “Piedmont Style” before departing for a “truffle hunting” session with a well-known local “trifulao,” (truffle hunter). Light lunch to savor the truffles found, dessert and paired wine, before visiting the “Strada delle Nocciole.” (Hazelnut Road). Stop at the quaint village of Bergolo and the impressive medieval castle of Prunetto with a visit accompanied by an English-speaking guide. Return to Cortemilia in the afternoon for our first wine-tasting class with Carlo. Dinner including paired wines and overnight.

Tue. Day 3 – Wine-tasting class (optional)/Barbaresco District

After breakfast, enjoy another wine tasting class in preparation for this afternoon’s trip to Barbaresco.
• Participants will taste 4 of the most popular Piemontese wines.
After a light lunch, you can take a private tour, with an English-speaking guide, of the Barbaresco district, an area with its own DOC (Denomination of Controlled Origin) that produces some excellent red wines with a 95% base of Nebbiolo grape. Winery visit, famous for the homonymous wines and tasting at Ca’ Romè Winery. The winery owner will guide our tasting of its famous Barbaresco wines. Return to Cartemilia in the evening for a dinner paired with 2 wines, coffee, after-dinner drink and…”buona notte.”

Wed. Day 4 – Barolo District

Today we will visit the famous wine district of Barolo. Visit and tasting of wine produced in La Morra, considered the best area for the production of Barolo wines. You will drive through Pollenza were you can visit the unique Banca del Vino, a bank that trades wine instead of currency. You will continue to Verduno, another well-known district that produces excellent Nebbiolo based wines. We will reach the village of Barolo where you can visit the newly opened Wine Museum. Free time to explore the town. Return to your hotel where Carlo can prepare another delicious dinner for you.

Thu. Day 5 – Canelli Asti wines & Spa

Today you can focus on one of Piedmont’s best known wines, Moscato d’Asti; you will have the rare opportunity to visit the historic Cantine Gancia, where you can taste its famous Moscato d’Asti. We will also visit Ca’Bianca farm where you can taste the most delicious Toma (local cheese) and outstanding Moscato wines. Visit of Acqui Terme, a well-known Spa town, nicknamed La Bollente (literally the Boiling) for its hot spring waters. If you love spas, there will be time for a treatment. You may select a “Chocolate beauty day” (please, call me for details) or “Cleopatra beauty day” or a “Mud bath and massage” or a “Stone massage.” It’s totally up to you. (Please note that spa services must be booked ahead and must be paid directly to the spa if purchased.) There will be time for strolling along its streets where there are some inviting cafes and shopping opportunities. Acqui Terme also has a very interesting medieval area that is well worth exploring. Return to your hotel where Carlo can prepare another dinner for you.

Fri. Day 6 – Torino city of the 2006 Winter Olympic Games.

This morning you will be off to Torino to visit this “regal” city. Indeed, Torino was the first Italian capital and long time home to the Royal Family of “Savoia” that ruled Italy for several generations. Torino is one of Europe’s most elegant cities with interesting architecture and excellent shopping opportunities. It is home to many historic cafes and to a world-famous chocolate production. “Gianduiotto,” a tender paste of first quality cocoa and hazelnuts (another local product) was invented in Torino. Walking guided tour (strongly recommended) with an English-speaking guide and free time in the afternoon for personal activities. Return to Hotel Villa San Carlo for dinner and overnight.

Sat. Day 7 – Truffle market in Alba

After breakfast departure for Alba to enjoy its weekly outdoor market and a fascinating truffle market. This unique and interesting happening is well worth the trip. Free time for lunch.
Afternoon visit of the Grinzane Cavour castle that houses the Enoteca Regionale del Piemonte, the largest wine and Grappa library in Northern Italy. You can, also, visit a Torrone (nugat) maker’s artisan laboratory. Return to Cortemilia in the evening for your final dinner, paired with wines. Buona notte!!

Sun. Day 8 – Departure

Transfer to Milano Malpensa for departure.

Please note, if you flight in-out of Milan, please, keep in mind that the driving time to Malpensa Airport is about 2 hours. If you have a very early flight, budget your time accordingly!