FOOD, WINE & TRUFFLES IN PIEDMONT
October weekend specials to the Alba truffle fair - Piedmont, Italy
As the heat of the summer declines and autumn arrives in a blaze of colour, the mood changes in Piedmont. After a successful harvest people start to relax and more serious attention is directed to the pleasure of enjoying good food and wine. So October becomes the month of food and wine fairs and we think you should join in. We often observe our guests visibly relaxing as they soak up the cultural energy that this special place oozes. In developing this special weekend offer, we focused very much on the objective of enhancing your ability to unwind.
BOOKING NOW FOR 2008 TRUFFLE FAIR – all on a first come basis.
ABOUT THE TRUFFLE & WINE FAIR - WHY BOTHER?
Clearly we have also deliberately planned the weekend to coincide with the Alba truffle and wine fair. Hopefully the following synopsis of the event will convince you why we thought it was a good idea.
Starting on the first weekend of October the 77th National White Truffle Fair of Alba kicks off (also billed this year as the 1st International version). The normally peaceful, traditional Italian town is transformed into a gourmet food emporium of world-class acclaim. Every weekend in October like flies to honey, people pour into Alba streets to indulge in the serious pastime of sampling great food and wine. Gourmets wander among the pervading aromas of white truffles, local cheeses and salami. It’s possible to rub shoulders with the movers and shakers within the crowds. Spot the expert chefs, the rich and the famous, wealthy restaurateurs all parading around doing secretive deals and often shadowed by their body guards. The markets unique character comes complete with eccentric stallholders in rather odd looking hunting gear. Mix in the white helmeted policemen, the Armani-suited quality officials from the Centro Nazionale Studi Tartufo and the crowds become an entertainment in their own right, straight from an Italian opera scene. But the excellence of the food and wine is real; they really are the stars of the show.
Which ever direction you come from, as you approach the truffle fair in the Maddalena courtyard, you pass by oodles of hand made produce. Among the best there are: chocolates and hazelnut cakes, cheeses, meats, pasta and preserves and of course wonderful Italian wine, all waiting for you to taste. The truffles themselves are in the inner sanctum of a covered market [you need tickets to enter]. Here the atmosphere is tenser than in other sections, strongly influenced by the cloak and dagger behaviours of the dealers, who always deal in cash. The truffles are laid out under clear plastic covers - designed to keep in the pungent scent. Clearly they don’t work too well because the distinctive earthy aroma fills your nostrils even before you get into this inner section. Want to know more – then come and experience it for yourself.
The fair is a full immersion experience of Piedmontese food and wine culture, a great way to sample many of the region’s wonderful specialties. However, as you can see from the itinerary, the weekend will deliver even more fun as you get to meet the local producers and visit the vineyards and cantinas. We hope we have thought of everything to maximize your enjoyment and so invite you to treat yourself to a weekend indulging in the simple things in life. Its easy, just book your flights and we will do the rest.
SOME WORDS ON LOGISTICS
OCTOBER WEEKENDS AVAILABILITY UPDATE – SOLD OUT EXCEPT FOR the 19/20/21st – all on a first come basis.
In planning each weekend we want to make everything as stress and hassle free as possible, allowing you the time to relax and experience this unique event. We think the “easiest” flights into Piedmont from the UK arrive into Turin airport during the afternoon (Easyjet from Luton and BA from Gatwick). So we have planned pick up with those flights in mind. Should you find yourself considering an alternative airport please discuss this with us as we may be able to make alternative pick up arrangements for you at cost. If you are considering coming as a group (maximum 4 couples) then of course (within reason) we can vary our transportation to suit your group.
Please read the following pages and let us know what you think.
THIS WINE AND FOOD WEEKEND OFFER INCLUDES:-
*LUXURY VINEYARD ACCOMMODATION * ALBA INTERNATIONAL TRUFFLE FAIR & WINE FESTIVAL
*MEET THE WINEMAKER SESSIONS * TRUFFLE HUNTING (WITH GUIDE)
* ENGLISH SPEAKING GUIDES AND DRIVER * INFORMATION PACKS FOR TOURS & WINE TASTINGS
* AIRPORT TRANSFERS FROM TURIN AIRPORT * WINE TASTING EVENTS * CANTINA VISITS
* FANTASTIC FOOD - INCLUSIVE OF 3 BREAKFASTS, ALL EVENING MEALS AND LUNCH ON SUNDAY