Full trip details and final pricing being announced January 23!
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!
What to expect from this Experience
After 3 years of memorable trips in the US, we are excited to offer our very first international trip!
5 UNIQUE WINE REGIONS
Piedmont
Lombardy
Alto Adige
Veneto
Bologna
about these regions…
Piedmont is not only one of Italy’s greatest but also one of the world’s most heralded wine regions, producing fantastic Nebbiolo based wines from Barolo and Barbaresco. In addition to these world class wines, we will experience other expressive and versatile wines, both white and red, from Barbera, Dolcetto, Arneis, Timorosso, and some Chardonnay as well! We will walk vineyards that are hundreds of years ago led by families that have farmed for generations.
Lombardy is Italy’s home to sparkling wine, where Prosecco and Franciacorta are produced. The latter is perhaps the closest sparkling wine gets to Champagne, and we will be visiting the benchmark producer.
Alto Adige is one of the world’s most diverse winegrowing regions, where the cool mountain climate is home to bright, crisp and vibrant whites from indigenous varieties such as Weissburgunder, Kerner, Pinot Grigio, and interesting red wines from Lagrein, Saperavi, even Pinot Noir!
From a uniqueness perspective, Veneto is unmatched as we will see and taste firsthand the effect of the Appassimento technique where grapes are dried to produce amazingly concentrated and complex table wines.
In Bologna, food will be the highlight as we will explore how parmigiano reggiano and balsamic vinegar are made. You will never settle for anything lesser than these authentic products after this trip! This is also where prosciutto comes from so we will experience the delicious cured meats with their signature wine, Lambrusco!
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
13 Exclusive wine tastings and vineyard tours at top wineries
3 Region-specific food tours and cultural experiences
10 Dining experiences at top restaurants and wineries
Ample free time to take advantage of your time in Northern Italy
5 hotels in picturesque towns
January 23
Full Itinerary and Trip Cost Announced
We will publish the complete itinerary for this Experience, along with the final cost of the trip per person. You can also expect descriptions of each stop on our trip, some details of what we have planned for each stop, a list of everything that will be included in the cost of this trip.
Priority Registration Opens at 3pm EST
An email will be sent to those that purchased Priority Registration with a private link to secure their spot for this Experience with the designated downpayment. Those with Priority Registration will have access to this private registration for 24 hours before slots are open to the general public (if spots remain). All spots for the trip are first come, first served.
January 28
January 29
Public Registration Opens (if spots remain)
If there are any remaining spots for this Experience, we will open registration on the website at this time.
2025 Pricing Estimate
up to $12,500 per person
The final rate will be announced on January 23, along with all final trip details. You can expect the double occupancy rate to be slightly lower, and the single occupancy rate to be closer to this.
the final rate will include:
9 overnights in 5 top hotels throughout Northern Italy
12 + visits to top wineries with privately led tours and special tasting programs
6 lunches, either at wineries or restaurants, with a set menu according to the day program
6 dinners with a set menu, either at wineries or at top restaurants managed by renowned Chefs
breakfast everyday at our hotels
Luxury Coach service for the entire trip
Welcome amenity
* Please note - For singles that plan to pair up to get double occupancy pricing, please note that hotels in Italy do not typically have rooms with two beds. If you and your travel companion feel comfortable sharing a bed in some hotels, you may continue with Double Occupancy pricing when doing final registration on January 28. Otherwise Single Occupancy will be the best fit for this trip.
Priority Registration
will become available again January 23
$100 per link
puts yourself in the first group to get the link to register on January 28 at 3pm EST
$100 goes toward the cost of your trip (if you secure a spot)
can be used toward a future TEG purchase if you do not secure a spot
this fee is non-refundable
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.
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.
You can also look forward to these incredible restaurants! More details coming soon.
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
FAQs
General Experience questions
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There are 14 available spots for the Northern Italy Wine Country Experience.
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For singles that plan to pair up to get double occupancy pricing, please note that hotels in Italy do not typically have rooms with two beds. If you and your travel companion feel comfortable sharing a bed in some hotels, you may continue with Double Occupancy pricing when doing final registration on January 28. Otherwise Single Occupancy will be the best fit for this trip.
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The Northern Italy Wine Country Experience will be 10 full days, beginning June 23 with lunch and our last full day being July 2. Our last night in our hotel will be July 2, with everyone checking out July 3.
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We recommend flying into MXP in Milan if you plan to fly in on the morning of June 23. The trip will officially begin at 11:30am on Monday, June 23 with the bus picking up everyone at that airport and driving 2 hours to Barolo, where you will be staying for a few days.
So if you are arriving into Italy (Milan) that morning, all you'll have to do is wait for the bus. And if you are arriving before that day, you just need to ensure you get to the airport to meet the bus at 11:30am on June 23.
The trip will end in Padua on Thursday, July 3 (this is just a travel day with nothing planned) and we will not have a bus taking the group back to Milan. The most convenient airport from here will be in Venice, but it is an easy train ride back to Milan if you want to head back there.
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Absolutely! Since you are handling your own travel arrangements, you are welcome to arrive as far in advance as you like, or extend your stay after our trip has ended.
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Please email Angelica (blickenderfera@gmail.com) and she will answer any questions you have.
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Yes! You can count on the following pockets of free time:
Optional free morning in La Morra, Piedmont
Entire Free day in Lana, Alto Adige
Free morning in Old Town Verona
Free late afternoon - night in Old Town Verona
Free afternoon in downtown Bologna
Priority Registration questions
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There is no limit! That option is available to however many people are interested in it.
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The $100 is non-refundable, but will go toward the cost of your registration if you ultimately get a spot on the trip. If you do not get a spot on the trip, you are able to put that $100 toward any future The Educated Grape purchase (classes, resources, TEG merchandise, etc).
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We will not have the final cost of the trip available until January 23, but we WILL have a ballpark cost of the trip available by the time Priority Registration sign ups open.
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There’s no obligation to move forward with the trip even if you have signed up for Priority Registration. You will be able to use the $100 fee that you paid toward any future The Educated Grape purchase (classes, resources, TEG merchandise, etc).
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Everyone that signed up for Priority Registration will receive an email on January 28 with a private link to secure their spot for this Experience with the designated downpayment. This link will remain private for only 24 hours before it becomes available to the general public (if spots remain). There will be a limited number of spots that will be available, so we recommend getting to your email as close to the time that it goes out as possible.
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This fee is per link! So whether you plan to register for one person or 5 people, you only need to pay the $100 fee once. The email your Priority Registration is purchased with is the one we will send the email to on January 28 to secure your spot(s).
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