English is getting better here after our 15 years here. When we arrived in 2007 almost zero English along with no GPS or Google Maps
The first thing to know about Piemonte is that English is not spoken as frequently as in other Italian tourist destinations.
We’re locals and know the region
It’s the same throughout the wine-growing region which is made up of dozens of beautiful hillside towns and villages overlooking the vineyards. Almost every historic small hillside town seems to have its own festival, castle, church, restaurants, cafes and most importantly wine . The whole area is still an undiscovered gastronomic paradise and we live here, know the people, and where to go.
The producers and cantinas
We regularly meet the producers, visit the cantinas and taste the wines so we can advise you on the best. These are working farms so not all have the pretty cellars one would like to imagine but a warm welcome is assured. They take a real pride in their wines which they love to share.
Where and what to eat
Piemonte, like every region, has a cuisine all of its own with many dishes unique to the area , but regular Italian favorites are some times available. Most places offer a fixed price and a la carte menu. antipasti (starter), primi (pasta or risotto), secondi(main course) and dolce (dessert). Let us know what type of restaurant your looking for and we can help, maybe your looking for an outside terrace overlooking the hills and vineyards, maybe a restaurant in a castle or a cellar, a bustling pizzeria or trattoria, or simply people-watching at a local wine bar or cafe sitting at the outside tables watching the people go by.
How to eat
Yes this is a “thing” it comes up in conversation on almost every tour whether its your first time to italy or are a seasoned traveler we think you will enjoy our take on Italian dinning etiquette.
Enotecas/wine bars
Not surprisingly there are a group of regional Enotecas (wine shops) that promote and represent the local producers. Prices are usually a €1 or 2 more a bottle than at the cantina but they are good places to look around and perhaps taste.
Enoteca Regionale di Barolo stocks almost 200 and has 32 Barolos available to taste.
Enoteca Regionale di Barbaresco offers 3-4 different wines a day for tasting at €3 a taste but none of them offer advice or opinions; that’s our job.
Wine bars/cafes abound, some with extensive offerings of quality wines by the glass. Nibbles are usually included with the price of a glass of wine. Don’t forget that Italians really know how to make coffee and the gelato…………
Shopping
In the event that you want to shop for something other than wine.
Alba, Asti, Bra, Cuneo, Turin, Milan are within easy reach. Cheese, hazelnuts, chocolates, clothes, pasta, shoes and of course truffles in season are top of the list. The regular local markets held throughout the area can be fun. Tell us what you are looking for and we’ll save you some time
Non-wine sightseeing
Touring the vineyards and the villages will introduce you to the most stunning scenery and hidden amongst it a history and culture that dates back to Roman times. Castles, churches, festivals, and much more are here if you have time
