Nothing brings me more joy than bringing a group of food and wine-loving folks together, gathered from around the world for a week exploring one of Italy’s most picturesque regions. We may arrive as strangers, but by the time we sit down for our first meal, conversation is flowing, glasses are clinking, and new friendships are already taking shape. And yeah, sure, wine helps, but there’s something unique and wondrous about bringing people together over great food and shared adventures.
Everyone gets excited as we talk about this week’s culinary tour itinerary, and then we’re off to the races. Literally! There’s so much to see, taste, and experience, and I want to share it all with them.
I'm traveling with an extraordinary 16 lovely guests through Piedmont, Italy, a stunning region nestled against the foothills of the majestic snowy Alps. Domineering vineyards flourish on every single inch of land here, producing incredible Barbaresco, Barolo, Barbara and mineral-driven Arneis wines. And that’s just the beginning
With delicacies like white and black truffles, porcini mushrooms, chocolate hazelnuts, Piedmont somehow remains one of Italy’s hidden gems. Don’t forget that Nutella, vermouth, amaretti cookies, and grissini breadsticks all come from here. We’re staying at my dear friend Nicola’s gorgeous estate, La Villa Hotel, where she and her wonderful team treat us like family.
We even joined Chef Mateo in their newly remodeled and immaculate kitchen to prepare Piedmontese classics: beef braised in Barolo, creamy polenta, and a dreamy chocolate and hazelnut dessert inspired by Piedmont’s famous gianduja tradition. Yum!
A huge thank-you to Mateo and the entire team for sharing their kitchen and culinary talents with us. I suspect you were a little relieved when we headed out for a short drive to the Moriondo Amaretti factory to bake cookies!
Between the charming centuries-old villages, vineyard visits, hunting for truffles with a local and his dog, Billy, cooking together and sharing the table, this is the kind of trip that creates memories of a lifetime. This is what my tours are about.
I could go on and on, but before I go I wanted to share a few recipes we enjoyed so you can bring a little taste of Piedmont into your own kitchen.
Pour yourself a glass of wine, gather some friends around the table, and enjoy a little Italian magic.
P.S. Sign up for my VIP list to be notified first about upcoming tours.
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