GRANITE CLUB EXCLUSIVE LUXURY PIEDMONT WINE TOUR
Home To Italy’s Wine Of Kings
EXPERIENCE BAROLO, BARBARESCO, ROERO, ASTI, AND ALBA
Exceptional wines, bucolic scenery, fine dining, truffle hunting and more…
Many wine and food lovers, including Masters of Wine, dream of spending time in the cellars and restaurants of Piedmont. Barolo and Barbaresco can arguably claim to be Italy’s finest wines. Throw in some truffle hunting, a Michelin starred restaurant, and you have a trip of a lifetime.
During five days and four nights in the heart of the Langhe region of Piedmont, Philip Goodband, Master of Wine, plus a local expert, will guide you through enchanting hilltop villages, ancient medieval castles, world-renowned family wine estates, and the best restaurants.
The programme includes visits to the famous wine producers and estates of Barolo, Barbaresco, Roero, Asti and the vibrant city of Alba, famous for truffles and Ferrero chocolate.
This is a first-class tour which will live long in the memory. There is knowledge to be acquired, experiences to be had, and plenty of fun and laughter along the way. We take a maximum of 20 wine lovers.
I invite you to join us,
JAMES CLUER, MASTER OF WINE
ABOUT THE TOUR & REGION
ITALY’S WINE OF KINGS
We gather on Monday at a 4-star hotel in magnificent Milan, Italy’s capital of fashion and finance with a history of art and culture. We depart in our luxury coach to the picturesque Langhe Hills where, with a backdrop of the snow-capped Alps, we pay a visit to the original wine cellar of Barolo for our first tasting and lunch before checking into our 5-star resort hotel and spa, nestled in the heart of the vineyards. That night, the welcome dinner is in a private room at the resort which is known for its gastronomy and extensive cellar of fine wines. The perfect way to be introduced to the treats which lie ahead.
The Barolo denomination comprises 11 approved communes so as our second day unfolds, visits to top wine estates will enable us to experience the terroir and sophistication of Italy’s Wine of Kings. The Nebbiolo grape is justly famous for the undisputed reputation of the region. A diverse range of high-quality wines made from some of the other regional grapes will also be enjoyed. The day’s activities rise to a crescendo with dinner at one of Italy’s most famous Michelin starred restaurants, where the sublime food is matched by its cellar which contains over 60,000 bottles from 450 producers.
BARBARESCO
Our third day is spent exploring the Barbaresco region which is a smaller but equally spectacular wine denomination. Its vineyards and top estates are situated on the right-hand side of the Tanaro river. Its limestone rich soils are often said to produce a softer and more refined style, but we let you be the judge. Free time is available in the evening to explore the vibrant city of Alba, Italy’s “Creative City of Gastronomy” famous of course for white truffles and chocolate.
MORE SURPRISES
Time flies and we have reached the final day of our tour. However, the captivating ambience of the Langhe has more surprises for us. Fine delicate sparkling wines are produced from international varieties and fragrant Moscato. Memorable visits, tastings and a very special lunch with an award-winning producer await us. We then make the return journey to Milan, reflecting on what has been and say our farewells to fellow travellers.
On a Fine Vintage tour, you’ll get privileged access to people, places, and wines. It’s really quite an experience.
FABULOUS FOOD AND WINES
The intimacy of authentic, family-owned and run restaurants and the creativity of the top chefs at one of Italy’s finest Michelin Starred restaurants is a particular feature of this tour. Experience these pairings with Fine Vintage, where you never go hungry, nor will you go thirsty as fine wines are paired with every dish.
MEET YOUR HOST
Our Luxury Wine Tour to Piedmont is guided by Master of Wine, Philip Goodband.
PHILIP is a true wine professional, Vintners Scholar and former Chairman of the Institute of Masters of Wine. His wine business interests covering four decades have taken him around the globe, resulting in a unique blend of knowledge and experience which he loves to share.
His tasting skills are put to good use as The Chair of Judges at the International Wine and Spirit Competition, and through his international consultancy work which has brought him many awards and personal honours. Philip served as wine adviser to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth the Queen Mother for over a decade.
He is a communicator with a truly approachable and engaging style, which has been much in evidence at the BBC Good Food Show, on TV and on a number of the top cruise lines.
He currently holds the position as a senior lecturer at the International Wine and Spirit School in London and for Fine Vintage. www.philipgoodband.com
UPCOMING PIEDMONT WINE TOUR
WHAT’S INCLUDED
Included in the price is four nights’ accommodation, all meals during the tour with the exception of one free evening, all winery and estate visits, all wines at the visits, local transport for the duration of the tour, and all taxes and gratuities.
Basically, everything is included except your flights to Milan, insurance, and any items of a personal nature.
PLANNING TIPS
Before the tour we will send you some useful pre-trip information to help you with your planning. Here you’ll find advice on how to get there, tips on what to wear, some suggestions for Milan, and details on the hotels.
WEATHER
This is one of the nicest times of the year. The weather in the region is typically warm and dry in the mid-20s C / mid-70s F with overnight lows around 15C/60F.