Journeys by Grape Tours
Pearls of Piemonte -
with Grape Tours in September 2021
- 5 nights (4 full days)
We will be based in the lovely city of Alba, right in the core of some of Piemonte's most iconic wine regions, the Langhe & Monferrato. Based at the city's most comfortable hotel, we'll be able to do 4 full day trips hitting the most important wine-growing regions, yet also giving us time to explore some of the less known.
Sunday, September 12 - 2021
ARRIVAL IN ALBA & WELCOME DINNER
We will meet in Alba in the afternoon - you will check in as you arrive.
Alba is a lovely town famous for its immediate wine regions, truffles, chocolate, hazelnuts and just great food in general.
We will be introduced to Alba by a local guide after which we'll enjoy a welcome dinner together at a local Slow Food restaurant.
Day 1 – Monday, September 13 - 2021
BAROLO
Today we will head for the famous Barolo region to discover some wonderful wineries, a traditional winery and a more modern one that rocked the region in the 70'ies. We will learn about cru vineyards (MGA). There will also be time to stop in Barolo village for a walk.
The vineyards will be bountiful of Nebbiolo grapes that will be close to ripeness. Lunch will be at a delicious eatery overlooking the vineyards of Barolo - one of the most beautiful wine regions in the World.
Last, before heading back to Alba, we will visit a small winemaker who grows grapes biodynamically and produces incredible wines.
Dinner on your own back in Alba.
Day 2 – Tuesday, September 14 - 2021
BARBARESCO
Barbaresco is a smaller region than Barolo, but not less great or famous. In fact, it's often referred to as the queen of Italian wines (where Barolo, of course, takes the role of the king!
On this day we will visit a family-run winery in the heart of Barbaresco where we will taste 5 different wines. Lunch will be in a beautiful spot at a local restaurant overlooking the vineyards.
After lunch, we head to the neighbouring region of Monferrato where the Barbera and Moscato grapes reign. We will visit a small family winery where we can get a full understanding of the many various wines of the region. You'll also get to taste the delicious hazelnuts that the area is famous for.
Free evening in Alba.
Day 3 – Wednesday, September 15 - 2021
ROERO
Roero is to the North of the more famous neighbouring regions and remains a little bit of a hidden gem. It's a newcomer and also in a geologically newer area compared to the famous southern appellations, and this is where we will start to familiarize ourselves with the Nebbiolo grape.
Both whites and reds reign here so we will be able to try both excellent yet little known Nebbiolo wines and Arneis. We will start with a noteworthy family winery where we will personally be introduced to this wonderful region and its wines.
Next, we will visit a family-owned and -operated winery where we will be able to enjoy a tasting of 6 different wines with a home-cooked Piemontese lunch.
Last, but not least, we will visit a tiny winery where we can have our last tasting looking over the beautiful hills and learn from a small organic winemaker.
Dinner on your own back in Alba.
Day 4 – Thursday, September 16 - 2021
MORE BAROLO & BRA
On our last day, we will head further into the Barolo region, where we started, towards Novello. Here, on the top overlooking the region in all its beauty, we will enjoy the last fantastic winery tasting before heading for a lovely lunch in the nearby village.
In the afternoon we will visit the town of Bra for a stroll around, and we will enjoy a farewell "aperitivo" together.
Friday, September 17 - 2021
ARRIVEDERCI!
We check out of our hotel and you can continue your travels within Italy from the train station in Alba. We recommend perhaps visiting Turin, or you could continue your travels to other places in Italy... Piemonte is close to the Alps, the Lakes & the Ligurian Riviera and they are all fantastic at this time of year.
THIS JOURNEY INCLUDES:
- Transportation in ALBA on Day 2 until end of Day 5 (participants will find their own way to and from ALBA).
- Accommodation in 4-star Hotel Calissano in Alba - close by the train station in ALBA
Winery visits & tastings, group activities, guided visits and tickets
All programmed meals in great local restaurants or farms (wine included).
Grape Tours personally (Rebecca - Italian Wine Scholar) accompanies the group throughout the trip and is the trip manager.
Notice that 3 evenings dinner is on your own. Make sure to make reservations in good time if you want to for example experience the 3 Michelin star restaurant Alba Piazza Duomo.
Cost per person (based on double room occupancy): 2200 euro
(single occupancy 2500 euro/p.p.)
Please shoot us an email on info@grape-tours.com if you may be interested in signing up, or if you're ready to sign up follow the link to register below.
NOT INCLUDED:
Airfare & travel to and from starting/departure point, meals not specified in the itinerary.
Availability:
1 AVAILABLE (OUT OF 8)
Meeting
We will arrange for a transfer from Turin if you need it (extra).
If you plan to spend some extra days in Alba, we meet at the hotel reception area at 4.30 pm.
Departure
You can travel by train from Alba to Turin and onwards from there.
Please notice that this tour could also be organised for a group of 4-18 for a different week - but please enquire in good time & contacts us for a quote. For small groups, we can also recommend staying at one of the wineries B&Bs or at a winery resort.
