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 (Final)
GUIDING
Tim
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.
Tim is going to be supported by an expert local wine guide on some of the days out in the Barolo Region to give you a deeper insight into the industry and the specifics of this World Famous Terroir.
Samantha
Native to Monforte d’Alba, an authentic pearl of Langa, belonging to one of the eleven districts producers of the exquisite Barolo wine. Driven by a genuine love for her country, Samantha gets passionate about flavours and tasting, about scents and colours. After Samantha obtained her degree as ‘Operatore Turistico’, she received the license for working as a tour leader and this is precisely what allows her to transform her passion into a job: As a Monforte insider she knows whats going on but more than a wine lover she is delight to be around.
TOUR OUTLINE
September
DAY 01: Wednesday 11th. Arrival In / Turin / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner / Grand Hotel Sitea
DAY 02: Thursday 12th. Culinary Experience and Guided Afternoon Sightseeing Turin
DAY 03: Friday 13th. Sightseeing Calosso and Barbaresco Wine & Food Experience / Villa d’ Amelia
DAY 04: Saturday 14th. Sightseeing Barbareso: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 05: Sunday 15th. Sightseeing: A Day off to enjoy Villa d’Amelia
DAY 06: Monday 16th. Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 07: Tuesday 17th. Sightseeing Monforte de Alba: Wine & Food Experience
DAY 08: Wednesday 18th. Villa Amelia / Boca /Orta San Giulio / Villa Crespi
DAY 09: Thursday 19th. Lago Maggiore Experience
DAY 10: Friday 20th. Enjoy the Lakes/ Explore Milan
DAY 11: Saturday 21st. Departures Out of Milan Malpensa
BREAKFAST, LUNCHES & DINNERS
In this itinerary, we make it clear where meals are included:
(B) Breakfast
(L) Lunch
(D) Dinner
Note all cancellations changes of restaurant reservations should be handled by the Concierge of the hotels or consult with Tim
Tour Day by Day – Hawaii comes to Piedmont Tour (Final)
DAY 01: Wednesday 11th. Arrival In / Turin / Welcome Wine Tasting & Dinner / Grand Hotel Sitea
Morning
Arriving at Turin Airport (TRN)
AM Reception & Departure from Turin Airport with Driver of Robertson Wine Tours (Included)
AM Private Transfer to Turin
Rail arrival 5 Minutes Taxi to Grand Hotel Sitea (Included)
Check IN at AM/PM Grand Hotel Sitea
Flight time dependant Optional activities by yourselves:
Afternoon
Non Guided City Tour of Turin.
Try to do these suggestions and or the Museums so we do not repeat the walking tour we make with our guide the following afternoon.
Walk down via po and reach piazza Vittorio, 10/15 minutes walk you will reach Monte dei Cappuccini and enjoy one of the most beautiful panoramas of this regal city.
For the AM we recommend you visit Porta Palazzo market, the biggest open market in Europe with plenty of Gastro opportunities.
Specific Sights.
The Shroud of Turin (copy on Display)
Mole Antonelliana
Egyptian Museum….May seem weird to suggest it but its the best collection outside of Egypt.
Automobile Museum
Reception & Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Tim
Welcome Wine Tasting & Tour Orientation at Grand Hotel Sitea
Welcome Dinner At restaurant Solferino. Walking distance.
Welcome Dinner
Served as half portions so we get to taste more flavours.
Primi
Pappardelle with Ragù from Fassone
Tajarin with Porcini mushrooms
Secondi
Sliced Fassone with extra virgin olive oil
Braised beef with Barolo
Salad of buttered vegetables
Dessert Bunet with chocolate and amaretto peaches
Arrival at Grand Hotel Sitea
Sleep at Grand Hotel Sitea / Room Category: Executive Room
(D)
DAY 02: Thursday 12th. Culinary Experience and Guided Afternoon Sightseeing Turin
Morning
Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Tim
Cooking experience at La Palestra del Cibo with Sergio Maria Teutonico
Lunch and Wines part of the Activity
Arrival at Grand Hotel Sitea
Afternoon
3.30 PM Guided City Tour of Turin (Walking Tour)
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at La Badessa serving ancient recipes, its close and not overtly expensive. Booked
Arrival at Grand Hotel Sitea
Sleep at Grand Hotel Sitea / Room Category: Executive Room
(B) (L)
DAY 03: Friday 13th. Sightseeing Calosso and Barbaresco : Wine & Food Experience / Villa d’ Amelia
Morning
Check OUT from Grand Hotel Sitea
Departure from Grand Hotel Sitea with Tim
Private Transfer to Calosso
Visit & Wine Tasting at Bosticardo Valter
Lunch TBD
Transfer to Barbaresco
Visit & Wine Tasting at Guiseppe Cortese
Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival & Check IN at Villa Amelia
Introduction to the regions wines with wines with explanation of Territory
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Villa Amelia Bistro. Informal
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 04: Saturday 14th. Sightseeing Barbareso: Wine & Food Experience
Morning
Departure from Villa Amelia with Tim
Private Transfer to Barbaresco
Visit & Wine Tasting at Ca Del Baio Winery
Private Transfer to to Treiso
Afternoon
Lunch with Wines at Risorgimento Restaurant
Website: Trattoria Risorgimento
Transfer to Barbaresco
Visit & Wine Tasting at Pelissero Winery
Private Transfer to Alba
Arrival at Alba
Time to Enjoy Alba Your Own
Dinner Booked Not Included a la Carte at La Piola in Central Alba
Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival at Villa Amelia
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 05: Sunday 15th. Sightseeing: A Day off to enjoy Villa d’Amelia
Morning
Free relaxing at the Hotel, Walking, its place you need to enjoy and this is the Day
Lunch Not Included a la Carte at Local Restaurant of Your Choice
Afternoon
Dinner Suggestion booked with Transfers. Borgo and Restaurant highly recommended.
Borgo Vecchio in Nieve
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B)
DAY 06: Monday 16th. Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
Morning
Departure from Villa Amelia with Tim
Private Transfer to Castiglione Falletto
Visit & Wine Tasting at Parusso Winery
Private Transfer to Barolo
Lunch with Wines at Le Cantinetta Restaurant
Afternoon
Visit & Wine Tasting at Chiara Boschis Winery
Walk to Borgogno
Informal wine tasting at Borgogno
Time to enjoy the Castle, Museum and or the Regional Enoteca
Website: Enoteca del Barolo.it
Regroup after an hour
Private Transfer to Benevello
Arrival at Villa Amelia
Late Afternoon Your Own
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at informal Bistrot of Villa Amelia.
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 07: Tuesday 17th. Sightseeing Barolo: Wine & Food Experience
Morning
Departure from Villa Amelia with Tim
Private Transfer to Monforte d’Alba
Visit & Wine Tasting with Wines at Giovanni Manzone
Lunch with wine at Osteria I Rebbi
Afternoon
Private Transfer to Monforte D Alba
Visit and Wine Tasting at one of the Conterno Fantino
Private Transfer to Villa Amelia
Late Afternoon Your Own
Dinner Not Included a la Carte at Taste at Località Tre Stelle Barbaresco
Dinner Suggestion booked with Transfers. Highly recommended.
Damiano Nigro at Villa D Amelia
Sleep at Villa Amelia/ Room Categories: Superior or Paid Upgrade
(B) (L)
DAY 08: Wednesday 18th. Villa Amelia / Boca /Orta San Giulio / Villa Crespi
Morning
Check OUT from Villa Amelia
Reception & Departure from Villa Amelia with Tim
Private Transfer to Gattinara
Lunch with Wines at Villa Paolotti Restaurant
Afternoon
Private Transfer to Boca
Full Visit & Wine Tasting at Le Piane Winery (Note: they are bottling this day)
Arrival at Villa Crespi
Check in at Villa Crespi
Relaxing at Villa Crespi
Dinner Suggestion Pan e Vino, Amazing wines and great people, Only for Cheese and Hams etc Reserved
Walking Distance 20 minutes into Central Orta
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
(B) (L)
DAY 09: Thursday 19th. Lago Maggiore Experience
Morning
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 (Snack advised) not included
Afternoon
Private Transfer to Orta San Giulio
Arrival at Villa Crespi
Afternoon Relaxing at Villa Crespi
Reserved Dinner Carpe Diem Menu. Not Included a la Carte at Villa Crespi Restaurant
Please Note: 2-Star Michelin Restaurant. Perfectly priced wine list, dive in.
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
(B)
DAY 10: Friday 20th. Enjoy the Lake and Orta/ Explore Milan
Morning
Days Options by yourselves:
Enjoy the Village of Orta San Giulio and shopping for ‘Makana’
Make another Boat Cruise this time on Orta and visit the Island by Boat
The Sacro Monte di Orta. Devotional Sacred Mount Complex, It is one of the 9 Calvary (sanctuary) Sacri Monti of Piedmont and Lombardy, included in UNESCO World Heritage list.
Enjoy Walking and of course Villa Crespi and its grounds and services
Dinner Suggestions not Included
Not Included a la Carte at La Motta Restaurant. Reserved for 8 people at 7.30pm (Walking)
Also we like very much.
Giardinetto Restaurant (10 minute Drive)
Website: Giardinetto Restaurant
Trattoria del Lago Orta (Walking)
(Villa Crespi will arrange your dinners while you are here) Note Dinner Transfers are not included
Sleep at Villa Crespi / Room Category: Classic Room partial lake view
B
DAY 11: Saturday 21st. Departures Out of Milan Malpensa
Morning
Check OUT from Villa Crespi
Transfers out to Malpensa Airport
Ullin 4 AM Departure for MXP for 06:35 Flight (Paid for)
Apter 10 AM Departure for MXP 13:15 Flight (Tim will owe you George for Sitea credit)
Spencer 7 AM Departure for MXP 09.55 Flight (Included)
Henley/Garma 1.30pm Departure for MXP 4.45pm Flight (To be paid for 150 Euros)
B
END of SERVICES