Wine & Food Experience in Northern Italy: Piedmont ROBERTSON WINE TOURS for Wine Appreciation Group of University of Third Age Wednesday 01st June 2016 - Wednesday 08th June 2016
Table of contents
- Testimonial – Piedmont Wine Appreciation Group Tour – 7 Nights
- Hotels:
- Turin (Piedmont): Dock Milano (2 NIGHTS)
- Alba (Piedmont): I Castelli (5 NIGHTS)
- Tour Guiding & Outline
- Tour Day by Day
Testimonial – Piedmont Wine Appreciation Group Tour – 7 Nights
Wine Appreciation Group Tour of Piedmont June 2016
A friend and I volunteered to organise a wine tour in Italy for members of our U3A Wine Appreciation Group. We were comfortable we could get our members to and from Italy, and the suggestion was Piemonte. But how to set such a trip up, when neither of us knew the area, or indeed, spoke much Italian?
Robertson Wine Tours were the answer. Having told Tim Robertson what we had in mind, he went away and came back with a two-centre proposal for us which, after discussion, led to a one week tour for 29 of us. Robertson Wine Tours organised it all for us, including airport transfers, and private luxury coach travel between wineries, tourist sights, and our hotels. Our superb guide and sommelier, Sandro, joined us in Turin, for our welcome dinner. The next day’s sight-seeing tour, by coach and on foot, brought this beautiful city, which none of us had visited before, to life with his excellent descriptions of its development and place in Italian history. With time to explore ourselves as well, we loved it.
Next day, we moved on to Alba the regional capital of the Langue, and a centre for truffles, wine and food, via the first three of the ten wineries we were to visit, including a memorable lunch with excellent wines at Tenuta Montemagna. In Alba, we were free in the evenings, and on Sunday, to explore the lovely old city, and try out Sandro’s top ten favourite restaurants out of the huge choice available. Through the rest of our week we enjoyed more excellent wine and food, with stunningly beautiful views over this Unesco World Heritage area from charming hill top villages including La Morra, Barolo and Barbaresco . The chosen wineries gave us variety in size and operating methods, allowing us to experience the methods and philosophies behind the creation of some excellent wines. The passion displayed by all of the people we met for their wines was impressive, and Sandro’s own boundless enthusiasm and depth of knowledge, left us enthralled.
We have been very impressed at the professionalism, knowledge, and interpretation of our requirements shown by Robertson Wine Tours. As a company, they were easy to deal with, and their expertise shone throughout. In particular, we should like to thank Cristian, whose attention to detail has been exemplary, and Sandro Minella, who was absolutely superb. His response to various small crises was instant, caring and reassuring, whilst, as indicated above, his ability to explain the history, culture, food and above all, wine, made this tour a huge success.
We have had lots of people, both those who came, and those who have heard about it from those who did come, asking about the next trip, so it must have been good! So thank you Tim, Cristian and Sandro – you did everything we had hoped for! Would we ask Robertson Wine Tours to help us organise another tour, or recommend them? Absolutely!
David Lawrence Cranleigh, Surrey. 16 th June 2016
Hotels:
Hotel: Dock Milano, Turin
Dock Milano is one of the most centrally located hotels in Turin and as they say: it’s location location. With the Turin’s excellent metro system just meters away from your front door and housed in an Art Nouveau building that dates from 1899, this is an excellent stay. The staff and management are strong and English is spoken: the communication should not present too much of a challenge in the hotel. We also very much like the breakfast buffet, where you can expect a good choice of breads, pastries, cakes, cereals, scrambled eggs, sausages, yoghurts, teas and coffees. This is the only meal service the restaurant has, but you are in one of the gastronomic capitals of Italy, so please refer to our restaurants list for recommendations. Do not miss out on the restaurant scene. Rooms are all set in a modern contemporary style with bright colours, wooden floors, private bathroom, internet connection, air conditioning, satellite TV and a minibar.
Hotel: I Castelli, Alba
I Castelli (meaning The Castles) is a befitting name as this region of Piedmont is full of important castles and close to Alba there are many of interest, including the most important regional wine shops (enotecas). Alba is the most prosperous town in Italy and has held this title for many years. You will feel that wealth as soon as you enter into this modern 4-star hotel. A stone’s throw away from the centre of Alba, I Castelli is perfectly located: 400 meters from the start of the historical centre and only 12 minutes by foot from the Alba’s Roman Cathedral. The highlight of I Castelli is the panoramic terrace, the place to enjoy breakfast and a glass of wine at night. There is a very well regarded restaurant for those of you who would like to stay closer to home at night. All rooms are in a classic modern design with private bathrooms all brand new since the hotel has been completely refurbished in 2011. I Castelli enjoys free internet, Sky TV connection and room safe that can hold a laptop. All rooms are soundproofed with double glazing and enjoy air conditioning. We know that this 4-star hotel is the perfect choice for this group’s accommodation, convenient for your days in the vineyards.
Tour Guiding & Outline – Piedmont – Hawaii comes to Piedmont
GUIDING
Sandro
Born in the city of Turin, Sandro started his career as a trainer in natural parks, until he decided to make a life-changing experience in local restaurants and wine shops of New York. He organized workshops and events with food and wine producers from Piedmont and he was attracted by the genuine passion that he saw in the local wine makers and their strong ties with their own land and its traditions. Realizing how food and wine are the best way to bring people of different cultures together and aware that the best way of learning about a culture is to live it every day in first person, he decided to relocate in the Langhe Wine Region, ancient heart of Piedmont. He started organizing wine tours/tastings, hands-on cooking and winemaking experiences for food and wine professionals, tour operators, foodies and kitchen dummies. This also led him to rediscover his own native town, where the aristocratic tradition of its old cafes is melting with the colourful kaleidoscope of flavours brought by the recent migrations from all over the world. Sandro is a professional tourist guide, sommelier and ONAV (National Organization of Wine Tasters) member. Sandro is a friend and trusted partner of ours and is the best their is going.
Tim
Tim would love to be apart of the Tour in some form if possible. Tim was born in UK and is of Scottish descent. Tim was introduced to fine wines in 1988 when he worked for the Sakagura Wine & Liquor, part of Intercontinental Group in Hong Kong. He was responsible for selling their collection of Bordeaux Wines and other top quality new world wines, probably the best collection in Asia at that time. He never quite recovered from tasting the very best at the age of 18. However, he went on to complete his studies in Economics and Business. He was unable to find a suitably well-paid job in wine in London and so embarked on a career in finance. He decided to leave finance in 1998 to refocus on finding a project involving his love: the wine. He inaugurated Robertson Wine Tours in 2003. The business has grown organically over the years and despite efforts to get involved in exporting he has stuck to the tried and tested formula of offering his clients the best the wine countries have to offer. Client base of Robertson Wine Tours is rightly demanding of the best, extremely well-travelled and generally with knowledge of wine.
TOUR OUTLINE
DAY 01: Arrival IN / Turin / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner / Grand Hotel Sitea
DAY 02: Cooking Expereince and Sightseeing Turin: Cultural Experience
DAY 03: Sightseeing Monferrato: Wine & Food Experience /Villa Amelia
DAY 04: Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 05: Sightseeing: Optional Activities/ On Your Own
DAY 06: Sightseeing Barbaresco: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 07: Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 08: Villa Amelia / Boca /Orta San Giulio / Villa Crespi
DAY 09: Lago Maggiore Experience
DAY 10: Enjoy the Lakes/ Explore Milan
DAY 11: Departure Out
BREAKFAST, LUNCHES & DINNERS
In this itinerary, we make it clear where meals are included:
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
Please Note: We will have restaurant lists everywhere on the tour (provided pre tour) and will make all your dining reservations for you during the tour. Note all cancellations of restaurant reservations should be handled by the Concierge of the Hotels.
Tour Day by Day – Hawaii comes to Piedmont
DAY 01 – Arrival IN / Turin / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner /Grand Hotel Sitea
Arriving at Turin Airport (TRN) From TBD
AM Reception & Departure from Turin Airport with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
AM Private Transfer to Turin
OR
Arriving at Malpensa Airport (MXP) From TBD
Departure from Malpensa Airport by Coach to Central Turin (Included)
Arrival to Turin Bus Station
10 Minutes Taxi to Grand Hotel Sitea (not included)
Arrival & Check IN at AM/PM Grand Hotel Sitea
Flight time dependant Optional activities by yourselves:
Non Guided City Tour of Turin
Mole Antonelliana
Egyptian Museum
Automobile Museum
Reception & Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Sandro
Welcome Wine Tasting & Tour Orientation at Tre Galli Wine Bar & Restaurant
Welcome Dinner with Wines at Tre Galli Wine Bar & Restaurant
Arrival at Grand Hotel Sitea
Sleep at Grand Hotel Sitea / Room Category:: Executive Room
(D)
DAY 02 – Culinary Experience and Sightseeing Turin
Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Sandro
Cooking experience at La Palestra del Cibo with Sergio Maria Teutonico
Lunch and Wines part of the Activity
Arrival at Grand Hotel Sitea
Afternoon Guided City Tour of Turin (Walking Tour)
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant of Your Choice in Turin.
Sleep at Grand Hotel Sitea / Room Category: Executive Room
(B) (L)
DAY 03 – Sightseeing Monferrato: Wine & Food Experience / Monforte d’Alba /Villa Amelia
Check OUT from Grand Hotel Sitea
Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Sandro
Private Transfer to Castagnole Monferrato
Visit & Wine Tasting at Luca Ferraris Winery
Visit at Montemagno Winery
Light Lunch with Wines at Montemagno Winery
Private Transfer to San Martino Alfieri
Visit & Wine Tasting at Marchesi Alfieri Winery
Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival & Check IN at Villa Amelia
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Villa Amelia Bistro
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 04 – Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
Departure fromVilla Amelia with Sandro
Private Transfer to La Morra
Visit & Wine Tasting at Rocche di Costamagna Winery
Private Transfer to Barolo
Lunch with Wines at La Cantinetta Restaurant
Guided Walking Visit of Barolo
Visit & Wine Tasting at Borgogno Winery
Private Transfer to SerraLunga
Visit & Wine Tasting at Luigi Pira Winery
Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival at Villa Amelia
Late Afternoon Your Own
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant of Your Choice
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 05 – Sightseeing: Optional Activities/ On Your Own
Morning Free Sightseeing relaxing On Your Own in and around Benevello
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant of Your Choice
Afternoon Free Sightseeing Benevello
Optional Activities:
The Incredible wines Dolcetto of Dogliano.
Half day experience with Gourmet Lunch and the cost per person would be 240 Euros per Person
Dinner Suggestion Not Included a la Carte at Da Guido in the Fontanafredda Winery.
Dinner Transfers Included
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B)
DAY 06 – Sightseeing Barbaresco: Wine & Food Experience
Departure fromVilla Amelia with Sandro
Private Transfer to Treiso
Visit & Wine Tasting at Pelissero Winery
Private Transfer to Barbaresco
Guided Walking Visit of Barbaresco
Lunch with Wines at Antica Torre Restaurant
Visit & Wine Tasting at Bruno Rocca Winery Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival at Villa Amelia
Dinner Suggestion Not Included a la Carte at Trattoria del la Posta
Dinner Transfers Included
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 07 – Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
Departure from Villa Amelia with Sandro
Private Transfer to Barolo
Visit & Tasting at Bartolo Mascarello Winery
Private Transfer to Monforte d’Alba
Visit & Wine Tasting at Light Lunch with Wines at Giovanni Manzone or Mauro Veglio
Visit and Tasting A. & G. Fantino Winery
Private Transfer to Villa Amelia
Arrival at Villa Amelia
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Restaurant of Villa Amelia.
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 08: Villa Amelia / Boca /Orta San Giulio / Villa Crespi
Check OUT from Villa Amelia
Reception & Departure from Villa Amelia with Sandro Minella
Private Transfer to Gattinara
Lunch with Wines at Villa Paolotti Restaurant
Private Transfer to Boca
Full Visit & Wine Tasting at Le Piane Winery
Arrival at Villa Crespi
Check in at Villa Crespi
Afternoon Relaxing at Villa Crespi
Reserved Dinner Not Included a la Carte at La Motta Restaurant
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
(B) (L)
DAY 09: Lago Maggiore Experience
Departure from Villa Crespi with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours
Private Transfer to Stresa
Expert Guided Visit of Lago Maggiore
Please Note: including Private Boat and visit to the 3 Borromeo Islands and Gardens. (please note Entrance fees Included)
Lunch not included on the Isola de Pescatore. Verbana Restaurant
Time for Seeing Stresa and shopping for ‘Makana’
Private Transfer to Orta San Giulio
Arrival at Villa Crespi
Afternoon Relaxing at Villa Crespi
Dinner Suggestion. Trattoria del Lago Orta
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
(B)
DAY 10: / Enjoy the Lake/ Explore Milan
Days Options by yourselves:
Enjoy the Villages, Boat Cruise, Walking and Villa Crespi
Travel to Milan by train or Private Transfer. Guided with us or by yourself (TBD)
Enjoy: The Last Supper, Cathedral, La Scala and of course shopping
Optional Activity
Superb cooking experience at Villa Crespi 200 Euros per Person
Reserved Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Villa Crespi Restaurant
Please Note: 2-Star Michelin Restaurant
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
B
DAY 11: Transfer Out
Check OUT from Villa Crespi
Private Transfer to Malpensa Airport
B
END of SERVICES