Northern Italy
Vietti - from “Guida alle Cantine”from June 23 - July 3, 2025
Our 4th Wine Country Experience will mark our first international experience! We couldn’t think of a more ideal and memorable wine and food region than Northern Italy. Italy is home to 20 distinct regions that emphasize specific cuisines, and make the wines that pair best with them. On this 10-day trip, we will experience 5 amazing regions that are all markedly different in their wine and food styles, topography, and climate: Piedmont, Lombardy, Alto Adige, Veneto, and Bologna. From an enthusiast’s perspective, the opportunity for learning will be epic!
On a more personal note - I am very passionate about Northern Italy as a wine region, and it holds a special place in my journey in wine. I know many of the people and places that we will visit, and probably drink more wine from this region than any other region in the world. We cannot wait to share it with you!
Lasting impressions of past Wine Country Experiences
“This trip was a once in a lifetime experience; great wine, great food, great wineries, great group! Management and logistics were excellent. Thanks!”
Peter G. from our 2022 Wine Country Experience to Napa & Sonoma, CA
“Another winner!!! Excellent time with George and Christi. Great experiences with food and wine. My husband and I could not have ever, in our wildest dreams, organized a curated trip of this magnitude.”
Ingrid D. from our 2023 trip to Willamette Valley, OR & Walla Walla, WA
“Honestly, this was one of the best travel experiences we have ever had. Everything was so well planned and thought out. We just had to show up and enjoy! I haven't stopped telling people about it since we got home. Thank you, team!”
Pat G. from our 2022 Wine Country Experience to Napa & Sonoma, CA
WINIERIES
One of Piedmont's top producers of Barolo and Barbaresco. Their style of wines is more modern and rich in fruit intensity and serve as an interesting contrast to the more traditional style of wines from this region.
One of Piedmont’s iconic producers, Vietti produces amazing wines from specific Crus (vineyards) in addition to wonderful Barberas and Dolcettos. We will get a first hand look at what terroir looks like as we embark on a 3 hour trek and enjoy special wines from the vineyards that we tour.
My favorite Barbaresco producer! This family owned producer really served as our inspiration to explore more of what Piedmont has to offer. They produce a wide array of tremendous wines from single vineyards and blends. Their wines are very ageworthy and the traditional style serves as a benchmark for the elegance of wines from Barbaresco.
Located in the Langa region within the commune of Barbaresco, Cascina delle Rose is a slice of heaven. The winery is carved within a striking landscape, winding roads through rolling hills cloaked in vines. They have 5 hectares of vines and make some of Barbaresco’s most sought after wine.
The Riocca family began winemaking in the 1950’s and has passed on family tradition ever since. The vineyards planted in the 19th century are some of the finest from Barbaresco, consisting of 4 specific crus.
Over 120 years of family winemaking have created a continuity and commitment to excellence. Their 5 distinct vineyards produce wines with distinct terroir and expression. I have been enjoying these wines for years and their style perfectly straddles traditional and modern.
This is the standard bearer of sparkling wine Franciacorta, Lombardy. Their commitment to organic farming and biodiversity create a more mindful approach, focused on maintaining a balance in the vineyard. Their winery experience is amazing as their state of the art winemaking allows them to produce world class wine in volume.
We discovered Brigaldara on our April trip and were blown away. Small production, family owned producer making terroir driven wines made from indigenous varieties. Their wines are elegant and their quality is top notch from their entry level to their top crus.
This is the most important producer in Alto Adige… period. Founded in 1893, Terlan’s quality and success have helped to establish the Alto Adige region around the world. They produce a wide variety of wines from both indigenous and international grape varieties, with 70% being white wines. Their style of wines are generous and expressive while representing the terroir of this cool climate region.
I first discovered these wines 10 years ago and always loved them since. I rediscovered the Weissburgunder at an amazing dinner on our recent trip. They are very elegant, beautifully balanced and represent the cool climate of Alto Adige beautifully. A hidden gem.
Founded in 1848, the Tiefenbrunner Castel Turmhof Winery owes its name to the ancient castle known today as the home of the Tiefenbrunner family. The winery is located amid the awe-inspiring Italian Alps. They produce over 20 types of wines. Owner and winemaker Christof Tiefenbrunner is fantastic and produces wines with incredible care and precision.
The Allegrini family has played a leading role in the history of Valpolicella Classico since the 16th century and has handed down the culture of the vine and wine ever since. The corporate legacy of Giovanni Allegrini, the driving force behind the rebirth of the Valpolicella area, passed into the hands of the new generations. We got to know the new generation and the experience is amazing. They are Valpolicella royalty.
Masi essentially defines the Valpolicella region. Founded in 1772 in the heart of Valpolicella Classico, Masi’s contribution to winemaking, viticulture, with a particular expertise in the Appassimento drying method, traditionally used in the Venetian regions to concentrate aromas and flavours in wine. The result is majestic and unique wines, like Amarone, of which Masi produces the widest and most regarded wines worldwide.
RESTAURANTS & EXPERIENCES
We will have a rare opportunity to go on an early morning summer truffle excursion in the region that is most known for revered truffles.
An amazing restaurant established in 1543 in downtown Bolzano is a jewel. We had an amazing dinner and wine cellar tour when we were there last. Michael, the owner, is very excited to host us and provide a memorable experience.
This is a legendary restaurant in Old Town Veneto with one of the biggest wine cellars in the world! Wine lovers throughout the world know of this classic bottega that is always bustling with great energy and wonderful food and wine.
4 Madonne Caseificio dell’Emilia - Parmigiano Reggiano Experience
The birthplace and AOC of Parmeggiano Reggiano cheese, this dairy experience is a revelation. We will go through a tour of how parmigiano reggiano is made, what makes it so unique and special, the different cowes involved and of course a great tasting at the conclusion.
This charming restaurant in the hillside, overlooking the hills, will be a perfect backdrop for us as we enjoy the great local cuisine and wines before an afternoon of winery visits and vineyard exploration. If weather allows, we will be on the patio overlooking the grae vineyards of Barolo.
We will enjoy an al fresco dining experience in the heart of Alba enjoying lovely local Piedmontese meats, cheeses and their homemade pasta.
An old farmhouse with the typical features of Franciacorta farmsteads, situated in the hills, houses the Hill Colle Bistro offering the personal style of cuisine of chef Augusto Pasini, who will prepare traditional local dishes with a modern twist as we enjoy with the wines of Franciacorta.
Spilamberto Traditional Balsamic Vinegar Museum
At the origin place of Balsamic vinegar, this museum experience will provide us a total immersion in the world of balsamic vinegar. We will conclude with a wonderful balsamic tasting that will change how you feel about balsamic vinegar forever.
Dining here was one of the greatest dining experiences of our life. Now a Michelin 3 star restaurant, we will be taken through a 7 course food and wine pairing experience featuring local ingredients and wines. This warm and welcoming environment and culinary adventure will make for a perfect end to an amazing week in Northern Italy.
For our first dinner, we will experience classic and elevated Piedmontese cuisine featuring fine local ingredients such as Alba truffles and mushrooms or fresh pasta handmade according to Piedmontese tradition.
In Serralunga d'Alba, nestled in the splendid setting of the Langhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sits Osteria Tre Case. They combine tradition enriched by fresh and innovative touches. We will enjoy top local cuisine with a contemporary approach, offering an authentic, but at the same time modern and stimulating experience.
The ambience provides us a glimpse into the history of the wine-growing town of Kaltern. Wine has been pressed and stored here for centuries. We will enjoy refined South Tyrolean cuisine, dry-aged beef from the lava stone grill and Mediterranean delicacies with plenty of fresh fish, paired with top wines from the region.
At Convino, traditional Piedmontese cuisine reigns. The chef has experience in Michelin-starred kitchens in the Langhe region. Among the specialties, truffle is a star attraction. The focus is on carefully selecting raw materials from local farmers.
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