Arrive at the 15^th-century Castello di Santa Vittoria d’Alba and relax on your balcony with one of the finest views in Piedmont. Later we’ll get together for a welcome cocktail and dinner on the terrace where dozens of castles glow in the evening light.

This morning, we are off directly into the vineyards surrounding the village of Santa Vittoria. They are a hive of activity and interesting conversations often ensue as proud locals share their stories.

Our destination today is Cherasco, known as the city of peace because of the large number of treaties that have been signed here. It is also famous for its snails and chocolates, which we will have the opportunity to enjoy at lunch. Afterward we will explore the unique layout of the town which, though designed in the Middle Ages, was built on a Roman-style grid system.

Later in the bustling town of Bra, we will enjoy dinner at Boccon di Vino, birthplace of the Slow Food movement.

This morning we enter the dense woods of the Roero region. Not so long ago, this was bandit country, as evidenced by the tight groupings of small fortified villages. Today the unique soils of the Roero bring forth some of Piedmont’s finest white wines, particularly the floral Arneis varietal.

At the heart of the Roero lies Canale, a prosperous merchant village whose covered arched walkways are reminiscent of the grand galleries of Turin. A simple lunch at a local trattoria is the perfect compliment to our dining experience this evening: a culinary exploration of creativity at the Slow Food University in nearby Polenzo.

Our focus today shifts toward the more elegant wine country of the Barbaresco villages. Though much smaller than the nearby Barolo region, this area enjoys a distinct maritime influence in it’s climate. The wines produced here mature more quickly, but still exhibit the full complexity of the nebbiolo grape.

Our walk today takes us to Treiso and our friends at La Ciau del Tornavento. Our host Maurizio exhibits all the talent of his Michelin stars while pampering us with the perfect tasting menu to accompany the area’s finest wines.

This afternoon, a brisk walk will orient us in the village of Monforte before we retire to the pool beside the elegant 16th-century Villa Beccaris, our new home.

The Alte Lange is the most isolated area of Piedmont. Vineyards are not apparent here. Today we wander through open fields, dense groves of hazelnut trees, and many farming hamlets back toward the villages of Barolo. At the 11th-century fortress of Serralunga, we’ll take a private tour and enjoy a view that extends from the Roero to Barberesco to the Alta Lange, a spectacular summary of our journey so far.

The Pira family hosts us for lunch on a terrace overlooking their vineyards and complimented by their wines. Afterward it is a pleasant downhill walk back to Monforte and our villa home.

The culmination of any exploration of Piedmont has to be a magical experience in the village of Barolo itself. We walk directly out of the hotel, through the town (sometimes joined by the butcher’s puppy who loves to play guide for a day), and across some of the most valuable vineyards of Italy. The castle of Barolo is our constant beacon. We will arrive with plenty of time to explore and take in the town’s charming museum.

Our good friend Luciano Sandrone was the head winemaker for the Marchese di Barolo for many years before he purchased his first small vineyard in 1978. His wines are prized throughout the world. Today he and his family welcome us to their table to share not only his wines, but also a lifetime of personal winemaking experiences.

This morning, we have arranged for private transportation to Asti. From there, you may easily make connections to Turin or Milan.

Whatever your  travel plans, we will go over them with you and make sure that your continuing journey is as easy and effortless as possible.