Nestled in the northwest corner of Italy lies a hidden gem: the Piedmont. A gastronomic hub for many Italians and home of the famous white truffle, the entire region is teeming with culinary treats and traditions. Together we’ll walk through the vineyards to discover the enchanting land of plenty in the rolling hills of Barolo. We’ll take you to the heart of the local food scene from freshly milled flour to classic regional dishes. We’ll cook, we’ll learn, and we’ll explore the birthplace of the Slow Food movement.
Italy, Piedmont 2027
LOCATION: La Morra, Italy
June 7-13, 2027
(departing June 14 in the AM)
9 rooms avalible
PRICE - $9,800 Per Person
Who?
The trip is designed for travelers with a passion for great food & wine rooted in tradition—food that is deeply connected to the people and culture of the place. We encourage open minds and adventurous spirits. Our guests are adults of all ages, who enjoy walking and exploring on their own as well as with the group. We keep the group small—no more than 12 guests will travel with two experienced hosts.
What’s Included?
Behind-the-scenes visits to artisanal producers of excellent traditional food and drink, including wine producers, truffle hunting walk and cooking classes.
At all breakfasts and most meals, we will enjoy traditional regional specialties made with fresh, local ingredients.
Explore beautiful old towns including La Morra, Asti, Barolo and Bra.
You will be staying small boutique hotel known for its unique accommodations with private baths, a swimming pool and a sauna.
A Zingerman’s tour host and our local guide Bernardo Conticelli are available at your disposal at all times.
Transportation by air-conditioned private bus during the tour.
What’s not included?
Airfare
Personal spending money
A few meals on your own, which will be indicated in the itinerary
Additional Tips
What about accommodations?
You will be staying at a small boutique hotel known for its unique accommodations with private baths, a swimming pool, and a sauna.
Sample Itinerary*
**We recommend you fly in one day early. This is our recommended hotel but you are welcome to meet us there rather than stay.
Welcome to Torino, Italy!
Today we’ll meet in the lobby of hotel NH Torino Piazza Carline in the late morning to head out for a food tour walk about Turin and enjoy some lunch.
Once back at the Piazza Carline we will grab our bags and depart for La Morra and our lodgings. Upon arrival in La Morra, we’ll enjoy a welcome lunch, review the itinerary, and our co-host Bernardo Conticelli will give us a personal wine class and introduction to the Langhe region and the surrounding area. Giving you all the tools you’ll need to relax and enjoy the next several days in the region.
After our wine lesson, you’ll be able to settle into your room or take a swim before heading out to make our first producer visit. That afternoon we’ll be heading into the rolling hills to visit a local, small winery that produces some wonderful wines with the famed Nebbiolo grape.
That evening we’ll head back to the hotel to freshen up, watch the sunset, and get ready for our welcome dinner just a short drive down the road at one of our favorite restaurants in the area.
Day 1
Torino, Italy
June 7
After breakfast, we’ll go to the most enthusiastic hazelnut farmers in the region. Our host may have a small operation, but her spirit is as big as Piedmont itself. She will walk us through the process and show us some of the ways that this local nut is being used.
Next we’ll head to one of the most famous wine producers in Barolo, where you’ll meet one of the most well-respected organic wine producers in the region. We’ll walk through the cellars, enjoy a beautiful picnic in their vineyard, and sample some of the finest Barolos available. This experience will confirm that, yes, you are living your best life.
Today we’ll have lunch at the hotel with a special guest chef cooking for us - think of it as a picnic just for us.
This afternoon you can relax, enjoy the pool and later this evening we will walk into town to enjoy dinner another fabulous local spot.
Day 2
La Morra
We’ll have a later departure this morning as we head to the town of Bra to meet another local legend that is celebrating 101 years in the cheese business - and quite the personality. We’ll spend a few hours with him at his shop learning the history of aging and enjoy a cheesy lunch.
From there we’ll walk into the city center where we’ll have a traditional coffee, il bicerin, before letting you loose on the town for some shopping and exploring on your own.
We’ll meet back up and hop on the bus to visit another wine producer with some very fun wine in the region and listen to their story. And you know we’ll be sampling their wine.
Then it’s back to the hotel where you’ll be ready to enjoy an evening off. You can walk into town ad seize the moment to enjoy the lovely village of La Morra - there is a nice walking path straight into the village from our hotel. Or, or we can work with the hotel to accommodate a light dinner for you so you can relax by the pool and take a break.
Day 3
BRA
This morning we will head into Alba for a lovely lunch in town before we dive back into wine.
After lunch we’ll travel to Barbaresco to visit a small producer, sample some of their wines. Once we’ve freshened up, we’ll head down the road and step into the kitchen to learn how to make some of the classics you’ve been enjoying over the past few days. We’ll spend several hours with a small team of chefs getting our hands dirty. That evening we’ll enjoy the fruits of our labor and enjoy all of that hard work we put into cooking....and of course, there will be wine.
Day 4
Barbaresco
We will put on our best walking shoes and make out way into he woods for a morning of Truffle hunting. This can be muddy if we have recently had rain so pack a pair of shoes that are okay to get dirty. It’s sure to be a fun time!
From there we’ll head into town for a lunch featuring the famed truffles and of course, some local wines.
After lunch, we will visit another wine producer. By now, you’ll have a very good grasp of the local wine talk, and we will start exploring a bit more detailed nuance of the region.
Tonight we will enjoy a lovely relaxing dinner back at our hotel.
Day 5
Asti
Day 6
Alba
We will start the morning by visiting a local cooper. Yes, you read that correctly - we’re going to see how those famous wine barrels are made! It will be a special treat, to be sure, and a true art form.
Next, we’ll have lunch and then head to Asti in the late morning for a visit with a one of Zingerman’s favorite Torroneria! We’ll go behind the scenes to see how this sweet treat is made, with samples included.
Tonight, we will end with dinner owned by a group of young chefs that is quickly gaining a reputation for its excellent local dishes.
Day 7
Final Day
This morning, we will head to a new part of Piedmont to visit a few friends. Two sisters are making some incredible wines called Tibaldi.
After our tasting, we will enjoy lunch nearby and then make our way to a new cheese producer we have discovered in the area. Here, we’ll tour the cave and even get to hang out with the animals for a little bit.
Tonight we will have our final dinner together and return to the hotel with full hearts and bellies.
Day 8 Departure
June 14
Today we bid farewell to our friends and make our way back to Turin after breakfast for departure.
Please note: this itinerary is based on our previous tour to Piedmont. We will make every effort to provide the tours and experiences that are described above. The nature of the places we’ll be visiting — not typical tourist destinations — means that plans may change at the last minute. Also, you always have the option of skipping a particular excursion, but please note that we will be unable to make refunds for any missed meals or other events.
