Piedmont Private Wine Tour

This morning, an elegant English-speaking driver will pick you up in Milan, either at the airport or your hotel, and whisk you away to the scenic wine roads of Piedmont. Travel south for about an hour to the village of Monleale, located in the Colli Tortonesi wine region renowned for the unique Timorasso grape and the famed Walter Massa estate, a cult wine producer. The winery has grabbed the attention of the world’s wine critics, such as Master of Wine Jancis Robinson. You will enjoy a VIP winery tour and tasting with the winery owner at its most famous estate. Learn all about the region, the Timorasso, and, of course, Walter’s precious wines.

After a leisurely and stress-free tasting, your driver will take you further south towards Gavi. Your accommodation is set in a wine estate at the heart of this wine-rich region; the Villa Sparina Resort is a beautifully restored 18th-century farmhouse. Situated within the vineyards and nestled in the gentle hills of Gavi, the hotel is surrounded by pristine nature, offering a serene and relaxed atmosphere. Its 33 charming rooms, bursting with personality, promise to pamper your soul and revitalize your spirit.

Enjoy the rest of the afternoon, taking a leisurely walk amidst the vineyards, relaxing by the hotel pool, or booking a private massage.

Tonight’s dinner at the hotel’s exceptional restaurant, La Gallina, promises to be a real treat. Chef Graziano Caccioppoli will prepare an exceptional tasting menu with many ingredients from the hotel garden and local Gavi wine. Welcome to Piedmont!

How about wine for breakfast? Not exactly, but you will indulge in some wine tasting shortly after at La Raia wine estate. La Raia produces some of the best Gavi wines (that share the namesake with the medieval town). Gavi wines are made with the white Cortese grape, are light and delicate on the palate, and smell like spring white flowers. You will taste a range of wines from Gavis to Barberas.

Late morning, your driver will take you on to Asti. Asti town and its province were among the wealthiest in Italy, especially from the 11th to 14th centuries, and there is a wealth of architectural reminders from this era. If you are visiting in late September, we can organize for you to see Asti’s spectacular medieval Palio!

You will enjoy a guided tour of Asti with a wonderful local guide. Known for its bubbly (Asti Spumante), this little working town is mercifully free of tourist crowds and has beautiful churches, medieval streets, and squares.

Carry on to historic Canelli next, where you will love your gourmet lunch today, at San Marco. This outstanding restaurant, owned by Mariuccia and her husband Piercarlo, specializes in traditional Piemontese cuisine, presented with both flair and style. Flagship dishes include Gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese, Grande Bollito Misto Piemontese, Cardo Gobbo di Nizza Monferrato (local cardoon)with poached egg, Raschera cheese fondue with truffles. You will fall in love with the homemade soft torrone!

Following lunch, you will visit one of the renowned ‘wine cathedrals.’ Canelli is famous for its vast underground network of wine cellars dating back centuries and still in use today. You will explore one of the most beautiful wine cellars, such as Coppo, to enjoy a VIP tour of the caves and a private tasting. Finally, the journey takes you to the hills of Langhe, arguably Piedmont’s most charming sub-region.

Arrive at your luxurious hotel set atop a vine-covered hill, settle in, and relax; a pool and wellness center are onsite. The 5-star hotel, Castello di Guarene, originally constructed in the 18th century by Carlo Giacinto Roero, a wealthy aristocrat and amateur architect, was once a lavish residence featuring elegant gardens and opulent interior decoration. In 2014, this erstwhile noble abode was transformed into a top-tier luxury hotel, maintaining its historical magnificence and art. Today, it provides guests with a distinctive experience, featuring lavish antique-style furnishings, exquisite haute cuisine, and select fine wines, all within a luxurious setting.

In the evening, you can dine in the hotel’s exquisite restaurant or enjoy the comfort of room service.

This morning offers a later start, allowing you time to stroll through the vineyards, enjoy a late breakfast, visit the spa, or sleep in. In the late morning, your driver will meet you, and you will travel through an unspoiled wine country with undulating hills of vines to the historic Cordero di Montezemolo estate in La Morra. This charming estate offers an excellent private tour, showcasing its picturesque vineyards and the ancient Cedar of Lebanon. The tour culminates in an exclusive tasting of their flagship wines, including the juicy Dolcetto d’Alba, fragrant Langhe Arneis, and elegant ‘Gorette’ Barolo DOCG.

Continue to the pretty little wine hamlet of La Morra. You have a stellar lunch at Bovio with a stunning view of the vineyard-covered valley. Sit back and relax, enjoying the Dolce Vita. Lunch today will be an unhurried and elegant affair, complemented by an array of delightful wine pairings.

After lunch, we suggest a stroll through the village to pop into some of the little shops, take photos, and digest your lunch. A scenic walk will take you to the Barolo Chapel, a deconsecrated church in the Brunate Vineyard, transformed into a striking work of art by Sol LeWitt and David Tremlett.

On your return to the wine spa hotel this afternoon, you will venture into the Roero wine region, situated on the left bank of the Tanaro River, for a visit and tasting at Cascina Chicco. This includes sampling the Nebbiolo-based Roero and Roero Arneis, a medium-bodied wine with fresh, grassy flavors and a hint of bitter almond in the finish.

Then, the rest of the late afternoon and evening is yours at leisure in your luxurious wine resort.

Enjoy a scenic drive this morning, particularly spectacular in October or November when the vineyards are in full glory, down to Rodello, a cluster of wine hamlets renowned for their Dolcetto d’Alba DOC. You’ll arrive at a small, family-run gem such as Mossio, known for making award-winning Dolcettos in converted 17th-century monks’ cellars. Mossio family is very personable and passionate about its wine and this region. You will trek through the manicured vineyard before enjoying an informal tasting inside.

Following this, visit the romantic Grinzane Cavour Castle, just a few minutes drive through unspoiled wine country. This historic castle is significant and symbolic in the Langhe. The Grinzane Cavour castle is where countless food and wine events take place, such as the annual International Truffle Auction, the Italian Cheese Tasters Association meetings, and the order of the Knights of the Truffle and Wines of Alba. The castle, also a quaint museum that you can explore, is known for its wine relics, such as ancient presses, antique cooperage equipment, and historic Barolo wine bottles. Enjoy free time here to explore the castle, grounds, and wine shop.

Finally, lunch will be at one of Piedmont’s most famous eateries, the 3 Michelin-starred Piazza Duomo in the renowned truffle town of Alba. You will delight in the tasting menu paired with fine wines, curated by Chef Enrico Crippa, emphasizing seasonal and fresh ingredients sourced from the restaurant’s gardens, the sea, and nearby producers, benissimo!

After lunch, a knowledgeable and friendly local guide will join you for an easy-going walk through Alba’s old town. Together, you will explore Alba’s Cathedral, a magnificent 12th-century structure known for its Romanesque and Gothic architecture. Soak up the atmosphere on Via Vittorio Emanuele, Alba’s main street, lined with boutiques, cafes, and medieval towers. You’ll get a true feel for the city’s charm; venture into Alba Underground, where you’ll explore fascinating ruins dating back to Roman and medieval times, providing a unique glimpse into the city’s historical past. Before returning to your hotel, your guide will invite you to enjoy an aperitivo in one of the town’s many historic cafes. Campari soda, anyone?

Today’s focus is on the wines of the Barolo region, starting with a visit to a historic estate such as Borgogno. You’ll be treated to a private estate tour and a vertical tasting of their prestigious Barolos, offering a firsthand experience of their exceptional aging potential.

Next, travel to Monforte d’Alba, a charming hamlet known for its summer jazz festival at the Horzowski Auditorium, nestled in a natural amphitheater. Lunch at Trattoria della Posta will be an ultra-traditional affair, featuring famous local dishes such as Bagna Cauda, homemade 40-yolk tajarin pasta, brasato al Barolo, and bunet for dessert, naturally paired with Piedmont wines!

Next is the pretty village of Dogliani, where you can visit boutique producer Poderi Einaudi. The wine estate dates to the 1600s and has been in the family since the late 19th century. Einaudi has been cultivating Dolcetto here since 1904. They also make a range of Barolos and Barberas. You will have a private tour and tasting of their top wines, such as Barolo Cannubi, Dogliani I Filari, and Dogliani “Vigna Tecc.”

On your way back to the hotel this evening, there will be a couple of gastronomic stopovers in Bra and Pollenzo. First, we went to the town of Bra, home of Slow Food’s international headquarters and where, every two years, “Cheese,” the world’s biggest international event dedicated to raw milk cheeses and other dairy products, is held. At Giolito, a renowned affineur (cheese ager), enjoy exceptional cheese tasting perfectly paired with wines. The next stop is the ancient town of Pollenzo and Slow Food’s ‘Wine Bank,’ where you’ll tour the wine cellar and enjoy a glass of wine. The evening will be yours to relax at your hotel.

Today, you have a fabulous day in store: a full VIP morning of tasting followed by a superb lunch experience. You will visit Marchesi di Gresy cellar in Barbaresco, in the same hamlet as Angelo Gaja. Indulge in a magnificent wine tasting of the best Barbarescos made by the Marchesi di Gresy estate before climbing the tower of Barbaresco to admire the breathtaking views of the Langhe, Roero, and the majestic Alps.

Next, head to Treiso, where you will enjoy lunch at the Michelin-starred La Ciau del Tornavento. The cuisine will be traditional with a hint of creativity, paired perfectly with sultry red wines.

The next stop of the day is the winery La Spinetta. Bruno, Carlo, and Giorgio Rivetti are the three brothers behind the famed La Spinetta estate founded by their parents in 1977. La Spinetta has become a modern Italian superstar winery, producing some of Piedmont’s most delicious wines. After enjoying tasting their Barbarescos, you will shift gears and head to the Piedmontese capital. Turin is the handsome cultural capital of Piedmont; elegant archways, stately avenues, and grand palaces all characterize Turin. While the city is surrounded by much industry (Piedmont is one of the wealthiest regions in Italy due to its industry), the center is a historic gem.

Check into your fabulous 5-star Principi di Piemonte hotel, freshen up, and then, in the late afternoon, your private local expert guide will meet you in the lobby to take you on an insider’s walking tour of the city. You will learn about the Savoys (Turin was the capital of the House of Savoy from 1574), the history of Vermouth, and Turin’s many chocolate corners. During the tour, you will visit the Via Lagrange with its many gourmet shops and stop for chocolate and heavenly Bicerin coffee at one of Turin’s historic cafes.

The evening is free, and we provide suggestions for restaurants and nightlife.

This morning, your guide will meet you in the lobby to begin a fantastic walking tour featuring the city’s most fascinating sights, including the Egyptian Museum and Palazzo Reale. Begin with a visit to the historic Egyptian Museum, which boasts a collection rivaling the British Museum and the Cairo Museum of Archeology. Then, proceed to the lavish 17th-century Royal Palace. This opulent palazzo features dozens of rooms adorned with period furniture, tapestries, paintings, and a royal garden landscaped by André Le Nôtre, who also contributed to the Versailles gardens. And after a morning of culture, not to mention walking, you will be famished!

Lunch today will be a delightful experience at the Michelin-starred Del Cambio, founded in 1757 and housed in an elegant palace. Our favorite spot is the Cavour dining room, known for its original décor. Matteo Baronetto leads the culinary team, expertly blending modern inspiration with traditional Piedmontese cuisine and local products. Signature dishes include artichoke in saor, steak tartare with egg white, Piedmontese Agnolotti (a typical stuffed pasta from the region), and a fillet of veal, each expertly paired with a local wine.

The afternoon is yours for shopping or sightseeing. You may explore the cinema museum, visit the vibrant outdoor markets, or browse the upscale shops along Via Roma. Refer to your Cellar Tours keepsake itinerary and information book, filled with numerous sightseeing recommendations, for further exploration today. Enjoy Torino!

Before dinner, a one-of-a-kind experience: a private workshop on blending your own vermouth. Discover the origins and anecdotes of vermouth and create your own personalized signature blend—the perfect aperitif for your final night in Turin.

Today, the historical and artistic heritage of the Savoy period will be showcased as you venture out of the city to visit several ‘Residenze Sabaude’ (Residences of the Royal House of Savoy) constructed under the Duke of Savoy. Your tour will include a loop of beautiful palaces and castles, such as the Reggia di Venaria Reale, Castello di Moncalieri, and the Palazzina di Caccia di Stupinigi (the Hunting Lodge of Stupinigi). This is an excellent way to spend the day enjoying fresh air and exploring incredible historic properties. In the early afternoon, you will head into Milan for your final evening. We recommend visiting the Duomo and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele arcade.

Dinner tonight will be at Spazio Milano, one of the latest projects by 3 Michelin-starred chef Niko Romito. This unique location, right in Piazza del Duomo and offering stunning views of the cathedral, allows you to enjoy traditional Italian dishes paired with wines from specially selected boutique producers in a friendly and warm atmosphere.

Tonight, you will experience ultra-luxury accommodation at Milan’s Four Seasons; it is simply unparalleled!

Transfer to Milan airport to catch your outbound flight. And this concludes your magnificent wine tour of Piedmont. You will leave Italy with some gorgeous photos, some gourmet goodies and unforgettable memories of the truly special people you have met in Italian wine country. Arrivederci!