2021 Wine & Culture Tour

PIEDMONT, ITALY
Hosted by La Dolce Vigna
OCTOBER 11 - 17, 2021

Michael Muscardini and Kate Eilersten are teaming up with Leslie Rosa of La Dolce Vigna Wine + Culture Tour Co. to create a curated and insider’s itinerary through one of Italy’s top wine regions: Piedmont. La Dolce Vigna’s 7 Day – 6 Night trip takes you to the heart of of Piedmont’s viticulture and gastronomic tradition: the Langhe. This fog-kissed, undulating landscape just a couple hours south of Turin is the home of two of Italy’s most sought after red wines — Barolo and Barbaresco, the Slow Food movement, a myriad of medieval castles, the elusive white truffle, a proud and hearty gastronomy, and, to top it all off, UNESCO recently included the Langhe on their World Heritage List.  Andar per Langa — to wander along the region’s ridges — means to lose yourself in the stunning scenery, to savor the land’s rich bounty, to appreciate a slower, more humane pace. It’s all about the journey, my friends.

Wine & Culture Tour ~ Piedmont, Italy

SPACE IS LIMITED: ONLY 12 SPOTS AVAILABLE FOR THIS UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE

DAY ONE
With a cappuccino and croissant warming our bellies, we begin on our hour and a half drive to the Langhe region of Piedmont. Our first stop is La Morra, where we will take in its gorgeous panoramic view. We'll then have lunch at an elegant restaurant that shares the stunning vistas before heading to our first winery of the trip, a historic and world-renowned family affair that makes incredible Barolos from some of the top crus. Castello di Sinio, our home for the next six nights, will be our final stop of the day. After settling in to our regal rooms, we'll be treated to a multi-course Welcome Dinner. A local winemaker will be our guest and present his wines.

DAY TWO
After a delicious breakfast, we explore another winery that was lucky enough to have vineyards for generations in perhaps the most respected cru in all of Barolo. Our winery host will join us for an al frescolunch at a local favorite, featuring seasonal traditional dishes. We'll have some downtime at the hotel and then get our hands dirty with a cooking class organized by the owner of our little castle, the acclaimed chef Denise Pardini. Dinner will be a family-style affair in the main dining room, paired with incredible wines from the region.

DAY THREE
Take it easy this morning. Sleep in or go for a light hike around the castle. We'll head out late morning to visit a local cheese producer of toma piemontese—a cheese he makes with sheep's milk. Lunch will be prepared for us on the family estate, pairing his incredible cheeses with other local dishes and, of course, wine! In the afternoon, we'll head to the town of Barolo where we will meet with one of the most passionate winemakers in the region. There will be time to explore the town before we make our way to a wonderful trattoria, where a delicious three-course meal awaits us.

DAY FOUR
Our day begins with an educational truffle hunt where—if we're lucky—we'll be witnesses to a white truffle find! This experience is truly unique to Piemonte and offers a lot of insight into the eno-gastronomic culture of the region. Having worked up an appetite, we head to the town of Barbaresco, where we will meet with the President of the Barbaresco Wine Cooperative. Over lunch, he will lead us through some of the fabulous wines the cooperative makes and then we'll will take a tour of the winery and even do a light vineyard hike. There will be some time to clean up and dress to the nines (or at least sevens) for our exceptional five-course dinner at a nearby Michelin-starred restaurant in a former castle.

DAY FIVE
Enjoy another easy morning, perhaps in the company of an extra foamy cappuccino and a postcard or two. Late morning, we will drive to Dogliani, a region just below Barolo territory known for their exceptional Dolcettos, one of the wines beloved by the Piemontesi. We'll visit a very special, biodynamic winery before lunch, which will be at an amazing restaurant in the historic center of Dogliani. We'll then make our way to our final Barolo winery of the tour, run my an incredibly capable husband and wife team. Dinner will be at a more contemporary restaurant in a nearby town.

DAY SIX
Today we get to experience the dynamic Alba Market. Walk around and take in the sights and aromas (including truffles!)—perhaps even get some souvenirs. We'll arrange a meet-up spot and then drive to the Roero region just north of Alba and the Tanaro River, which is known for a seductively smooth white wine, Roero Arneis. Lunch will be at one of the most respected restaurants in the area followed by a visit to a local winery. Back at the hotel, rest up or start your packing. We'll go out with a bang at our Farewell Dinner! Your senses will be dazzled by what Denise + her team prepare for us.

DAY SEVEN
After a final breakfast in the garden, we'll head to our shuttle bus which will take us back to Turin, making one stop in the city center and one at the Turin airport. Alla prossima! (Until the next time!)

For complete information click here or call Leslie Rosa: (415) 636-8015