Wine, Cooking and Castles in Barolo & Roero

Experience the soul of Italy's renowned Piedmont region through an intimate, 8-day journey that goes far beyond typical wine tours. Stay in an exclusive 19th-century villa, originally built by the Lavazza family, set among rolling vineyards that produce some of Italy's most prestigious wines. With just 16 guests or fewer, this all-inclusive experience offers unprecedented access to the families who have shaped this region for generations.
Learn the secrets of Piedmontese cuisine through three hands-on cooking classes in private homes, including crafting traditional lasagna and gnocchi with our dear friend Marina in her family winery. Join authentic truffle hunts with local families and their trained dogs, taste wine with small producers like Giorgio, who might share special pre-label Barolo straight from the barrel, and enjoy intimate dinners in private villas with sweeping views of the Alps.

This journey takes you deep into the heart of Barolo, Barbaresco, and Roero wine country, but through the side door that only locals know. Shop at local markets, make pizza in wood-fired ovens at a friend's villa, craft your own signature perfume in historic Savigliano, and explore Turin's historic cafés where Italy's unification was planned. Each experience is crafted through personal relationships, from dining in private homes to exclusive winery visits that aren't open to the public.

Your home base is the stunning Villa Cornarea, featuring nine elegant rooms with private baths and breathtaking views of the surrounding vineyards. Here, you're not just near the action – you're living above the very cellars where the region's famous Arneis wine was first brought to market.
This isn't just a tour; it's a week of living like a local among friends who happen to make some of the world's finest wines and cuisine. Join us for an unforgettable journey that weaves together exceptional food, prestigious wines, and most importantly, the wonderful people who make this region so special.

Dates & Prices:

Click here to view our dates and prices.

Itinerary:

Day 1: Welcome to Piedmont Arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport by noon for group transfer to the exclusive Villa Cornarea, your private 19th-century estate in the Roero Valley. Afternoon welcome reception with a certified sommelier introducing local wines. Evening welcome dinner at the villa featuring regional specialties and wine pairings.

Day 2: First Cooking Class & Barolo Exploration Morning cooking class at Marina's family home and winery, learning to make traditional lasagna, stuffed tomatoes, and Meliga cookies with zabaione cream. Afternoon visit to the historic town of Barolo, including castle visit and wine museum. Continue to the hilltop town of La Morra for stunning vineyard views. Evening pizza dinner with spectacular views in Magliano Alfieri.

Day 3: Italian Alps Adventure & Perfume Making Journey to the Italian Alps to visit an artisanal Castelmagno cheese producer and the unique "living museum" village of Villa San Pietro. Afternoon in historic Savigliano for a sensory museum experience and create your own signature perfume. Evening Italian-style BBQ at the villa.

Day 4: Cooking Class & Truffle Hunt Second cooking class at Marina's creating gnocchi with Castelmagno cheese and stuffed veal. Afternoon authentic truffle hunting experience in Alba with a local family and their trained dogs. Evening truffle-inspired dinner at the hunters' family home, featuring their own recipes and local wines.

Day 5: Turin's Historic Cafés Full day exploring Turin's elegant historic center. Experience the famous "Caffè Crawl" including the royal Caffè di Palazzo Reale, historic chocolatiers, and the traditional Bicerin drink. Special behind-the-scenes experience at an artisanal gelateria. Evening casual dinner featuring local specialties.

Day 6: Barolo Winery & Family Villa Experience Morning visit to Giorgio and Alberto's family-run organic Barolo winery, including exclusive barrel tastings and vineyard lunch. Afternoon visit to a historic organic flour mill. Evening at Alessandro's private villa, making pizzas in the wood-fired oven and enjoying sunset views of the Alps with local friends.

Day 7: Alba & Farewell Dinner Choose between relaxing at the villa or exploring Alba, home to Ferrero chocolates and white truffles. Afternoon at leisure. Evening farewell cooking class with Marina, preparing seasonal specialties including farro salad and risotto with sausages, followed by a celebratory dinner.

Day 8: Arrivederci Breakfast at the villa before morning transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport.

Note: All meals, accommodations, cooking classes, wine tastings, excursions, and transfers included. Maximum group size of 16 guests ensures personal attention and authentic experiences at family homes and small wineries.

More Ways to Experience Italy With Us

While Tuscany and Umbria hold a special place in our hearts, you might be dreaming of a different Italian destination. We bring our signature family-style hospitality to Tuscany & Umbria, the Amalfi Coast, Bologna & Venice, Sicily, and more. Each location offers the same intimate group size, hands-on cooking, deep sense of family, and local immersion that make our experiences unique. Browse all our locations to find the one that calls to you. Click here to see them.