FOOD, WINE & TRUFFLES IN PIEDMONT
October weekend specials to the Alba truffle fair - Piedmont, Italy
Truffle weekend brochure
Building on the success of last year's special autumn events we are pleased to launch our 2008 truffle weekends. All the feedback we got from last year?s visitors was very positive so we are not proposing any major changes to the programme.
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.
NOW BOOKING FOR 2008 – 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.
WHAT'S INCLUDED?
From your arrival on our vineyard on the Friday to your departure after lunch on the Sunday (or optionally Monday) we will take care of everything, accommodation, food and wine, including a spectacular gourmet meal at one of the region?s top restaurants on Saturday evening, winemaker lead food and wine pairing on the Friday and truffle hunting with the experts on Sunday morning. Transportation, event and cantina entry are also included.
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED?
Last year we also included airport transfers but in fact most people opted to arrive with their own or a rental car, so this year we will happily offer airport collection and return but at a separate cost if so required.
WHAT IF I WANT TO STAY LONGER?
Yes it is possible to stay longer. This year we are offering some of our other special packages as ?bolt-on?s? to the weekend. The most popular of these are our ?introduction to Italian? language starter course, and our ?wine and grappa tour? either of which can be arranged for between 2 and 5 days at Euro 250 per person per day full board.
AVAILABILITY AND PRICE
Each weekend in October (the w/e of 25th October has only two rooms remaining). Price is Euro 550 per person
NEXT STEPS
Please read the brochure 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
* WINE TASTING EVENTS * CANTINA VISITS
* FANTASTIC FOOD - INCLUSIVE OF 3 BREAKFASTS, ALL EVENING MEALS AND LUNCH ON SUNDAY