If, like us, you are desperate for a break (and some world-famous wine of course), there is no better region to explore during the Autumn and Winter months than Piedmont in Italy. With the White Truffle season in full swing from the end of September, we promise to take your palate to new heights!
The beating heart of Piedmont is the Alba White Truffle Fair, which takes place every October and November. And this year, as they celebrate their 90th anniversary, the event has been extended to 8th December, whch gives us even more opportunity to truly appreciate and celebrate this revered Piedmontese delicacy.
The white truffle season in Piedmont officially begins on 21st September, and from this date, the truffle hunters (trifolao) and their dogs are officially able to harvest. Part of the charm of the truffle is the knowledge of the hunt; the highly-skilled dogs must sniff out the unique fungal aroma, leading the trifolao to the source, where they then delicately extract the truffles before re-compacting the soil, completing the extraction.
For truffle lovers, the chance to visit the Fair is certainly one for the bucket list, and we provide that very opportunity on our latest Grape Escape. Of course, Piedmont is also home to incredible rich red wines, and on this weekend tour, you’ll explore the Fair as well as the wines of either Barolo or Barbaresco as preferred!
Piedmont Truffles and Tastings: 3 Days from £545 per person!
Checking in at 4* Albergo Cantine Ascheri on Friday or Saturday as preferred, there will be time to freshen up before starting the trip in style with a tour and tasting at the hotel’s own winery.
On Saturday (or Sunday), you will be met at your hotel by an English-speaking specialist driver/guide, who will accompany you throughout the day on a private basis. The morning will be spent in Alba, visiting the White Truffle Fair. Your guide will share with you their extensive knowledge of the city, also pointing you in the best direction within the exhibition. The ‘World Market’ is home to many stalls selling the best truffles from the Langhe, Roero and Monferrato Woods. With cheese and truffle fondue, pasta with shaved truffles, and many more delicious options, trying the food within the Fair is always recommended, and there will be plenty of opportunities to buy too! Your guide will ensure that you have the very best experience, and having a local Italian-speaking expert with you at such an event is absolutely invaluable.
In the afternoon, you will head out to the UNESCO Classified vineyards to visit either a Barolo or Barbaresco winery as preferred. Here, you will see first-hand the full wine-making process from press to bottle, and will taste a selection of the wines produced at the estate.
You will be dropped back at your hotel at the end of the day, where you will round your unforgettable trip off with a typical Piedmontese dinner, served alongside local wines.
This two night break is priced at £699 (GBP) per person, based on two people sharing a Standard double room. For a group of four people, the price reduces to £545 (GBP) per person. Larger Deluxe rooms, Junior Suites and Suites are also available, with supplements on request.
The package is available for a Friday or Saturday arrival from 1st October to 5th December 2020.
Don’t forget, there are plenty of other Piedmont breaks available on our web site, and we can always create completely tailor-made trips. We’d love to hear from you on +44 (0) 1920 46 86 66 or at info@grapeescapes.net to discuss your perfect Piedmont experience!
