Piedmont with Dan Richer

Welcome to Torino! We begin the only way we know how—immersing ourselves into the electric buzz of this lively and ancient city. In the late afternoon,  we’ll embark on a brief orientation walk, acquainting ourselves with the local surroundings and soaking in the atmosphere of this picturesque region.

Following our walk, we gather for aperitivo and welcome dinner, a quintessentially Italian experience perfectly timed with the traditional Aperitivo hour. Guided by a master Sommelier and Italian cocktail expert, we explore the nuances of classic Italian cocktails such as Negroni, Americano, and Aperol Spritz. Accompanied by a selection of traditional dishes from Turin’s culinary heritage, our evening promises an authentic prologue to a week’s worth of discovery and joy.

This morning we’ll wind our way through Torino’s famed cafes and mom-and-pop pasticcerias, tasting artisanal gelato, melt-in-your-mouth chocolates, and hazelnut-crusted confections as we go. It’s a decadent indulgence of edible art and the perfect way to begin the day. 

Following our morning dolci, we’ll make our pilgrimage to the countryside where our Piedmont wine education begins. Here, within one of Italy’s most heralded appellations, we’ll sample (among others) the eclectic and volatile Nebbiolo grape, originally planted by the Romans. 

Next up, one of the most unique places in all of Piedmont: Ivrea, a mid-century planned industrial utopia, and a shining example of the ideals of the Movimento Comunità that pervaded Piedmont in the 1950s and ’60s. We’ll pass by the headquarters of Olivetti, the makers of coveted typewriters, and marvel at the blueprints of this ambitious social experiment.

Dinner tonight is simple and magical: thanks to host, Stefan Giunti, a local sommelier, will be treated to a meal and wine pairing—the food and wine both farmed just down the road. 

Today, we find ourselves standing in awe as we learn the art of soft cheese with a master cheesemaker. In the villa of Costigliole d’Asti, we’ll work our way through fresh mozzarella and burrata, tasting as we go, of course.

And now for some estate-grown wine with that cheese. Just down the road in Monferrato, we’ll visit Cascina Roera for an immersive vineyard visit. As we’ll quickly find out, the Cascina isn’t just any winery. The small-batch operation preaches minimal interference in the hilltop vineyards.

After checking into our new hotel, we have one more experience up our sleeves. We’ll make the short drive to La Morra, where the time-honored craft of milling flourishes at Mulino Sobrino. This authentic experience immerses guests in the heart of Langhe’s culinary legacy, celebrating the artistry of bread-making amidst stunning landscapes. As we explore this historic mill, we savor the flavors and traditions that define this renowned region, indulging in a feast for the senses.

Dinner tonight is on your own. 

This morning is all about local ingredients. We begin in Bra, the esteemed hometown of Slow Food. Here, we’ll explore the vibrant hues and rustic flavors of Bra—starting with its family-run butcheries and local specialty stores. Here, Dan will seize the opportunity to select a few essential toppings for tonight’s pizza dinner.

Next, we’ll journey to the medieval gem of Alba, renowned as a haven for gourmets. As we wander through its historic streets, we’ll delve into the city’s rich culinary heritage, celebrated for its truffle cuisine and as the birthplace of Nutella. Our visit to Alba promises to be a sensory delight, offering ample time to immerse ourselves in its charming atmosphere.

For lunch, we’ll savor the flavors of Piedmontese cuisine at Osteria dei Sognatori, the ideal no-frills environment to immerse ourselves in Slow Food tradition. The afternoon will be yours to enjoy at leisure, allowing for relaxation or further exploration of our hotel’s surroundings.

In the evening, our culinary journey continues with a visit to the Slow Food University and Banca del Vino, where we’ll deepen our understanding of Piedmont’s gastronomic traditions. Finally, we’ll gather for a special pizza night, with Dan behind the pizza oven, creating one-off pies for everyone to enjoy.

The hunt is on for truffles. This morning we’re lacing up our walking shoes and experiencing the legendary terroir of Langhe. We start with a bonafide, Piedmont-style truffle hunt. Led by an expert trifolau, we’ll retreat to the forest with specially trained dogs for a guided experience on locating, identifying, and cooking up these flavorful fungi. 

As midday approaches, our culinary exploration takes us to the picturesque family-owned organic hazelnut farm of Papa dei Boschi, overseen by Jose and Marina Noé. Here, we’ll delve into the intricate process of merging chocolate and hazelnuts, experiencing firsthand the creation of some of Italy’s most beloved flavors.

After immersing ourselves in the farm’s delights, we’ll journey to Annunziata to enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the renowned Osteria Veglio. This charming establishment is celebrated as one of Piemonte’s purest dining destinations, promising a culinary experience to remember.

Next, we’ll continue our journey through the serene hills of Langhe, renowned for producing Barolo, the “king of wines” and “wine of kings,” crafted from the noble Nebbiolo grapes. Our scenic exploration will lead us to a Barolo producer’s wine cellar, where we’ll indulge in an exquisite tasting session, savoring the rich flavors of this esteemed wine amidst breathtaking surroundings.

Dinner tonight is on your own.

After a dreamy breakfast in our hotel, we’re heading to the nearby village of Barbaresco for a masterclass in the region’s namesake wine. Awaiting us there are Milva and Renato Fenochio, renowned winegrowers with a diverse portfolio of award-winning vintages. After a tour of their vineyards and cellar, we’ll sit down together for an exclusive tasting of their organic Barbarescos.

Lunch is at one of Dan’s favorite places in all of Piedmont. Nestled within a stunning vineyard backdrop, this little-known oasis presents an exquisite array of regional wines, artisanal pastas, and local cheeses.

Later, we’ll have time to digest with a walk through the storybook village of Barolo; here, we’ll independently explore this iconic village—a perfect time to shop for keepsakes before our journey ends tomorrow. 

For our farewell dinner, we’re going off the beaten path to Repubblica di Perno. A exquisite restaurant disguised as a casual bistro, we’ll have a feast rooted in the very fabric of Piedmont tradition. Over a bounty of artisanal flavors and regional specialties, we’ll share the memories we’ll never forget and raise our glasses in toast to an incredible week of discovery and exhilaration.

Arrivederci! All beautiful things must end, and so we go our separate ways. After a leisurely breakfast, we’ll transfer to the Torino airport to catch our flights onward and home. Until next time: Ciao!