Epic Europe

SLOW FOOD

Luxury foodie experience in the heart of Piedmont Italy

Discover authentic culinary traditions, in the rolling hills of Torino and the Langhe region, famed for its white truffles, Barolos and Barbarescos.

 

A week of discovery following the visions of Slow Food founder Carlo Petrini. We will seek out authentic culinary traditions and the pleasures of the table, in the rolling hills of Torino and the Langhe region, famed for its white truffles, Barolos and Barbarescos. This region, known for its rich delicacies, is for many still an economy of small farms and artisan food producers, whose products and agricultural methods face extinction, and where traditions and quality reign supreme.

 

Cooking classes with our favorite Nonna (grandmother), wine tastings and visits to award-winning vineyards and the lesser-known gems. Learn the basics of Robiola di Roccaverano DOP cheese, and try your hands at the grape harvest or truffle hunting with a local Trifolau (in season). And of course, there will be plenty of feasting on all the local specialties; Coniglio griglio all’Arneis (grilled rabbit with Arneis wine), vitello tonnato (boiled veal with tuna & caper sauce), brasato al Barolo (Piemontese beef, slow-cooked in Barolo), agnolotti dal plin (tiny ravioli-like pasta filled with meat). And don’t forget the wines: Barbaresco, Barolo, Moscato d’Asti, Dolcetto & Arneis, for a start!

 

Slowfood itinerary:

  • ARRIVAL MILAN OR TORINO ITALY: Private transfer to the Villa Tiboldi 4*, a luxurious historic country house in the hills north of Alba, stroll through the surrounding vineyards before enjoying a glass of Malvirà wine and a refined Piemontese dinner.
  • SLOW FOOD & SLOW WINE "PRIMER": Guided tour and tasting at the Banca del Vino (Wine bank), where the history of Italian wine could be preserved by selecting, stocking, and preserving the best wines from all of Italy. Lunch at Boccondivino, (divine mouthfull!), the restaurant run by the SlowFood Organization was one of the first opened under the movement. The specialties include no-frills, regional dishes, made with locally produced ingredients like Coniglio grigio all’Arneis. 
  • BAROLO, THE KING OF WINES: Hike through the grand cru vineyards of Barolo with stops at the regions ancient churches, castles and renowned wineries. Finishing at the medieval Falletti castle, which now houses a contemporary wine museum WiMu and Barolo’s Regional Enoteca.
  • ALBA & LA SPINETTA: Visit to the historic city of Alba, take in the Fiera del Tartufo Bianco - White Truffle Festival (Oct 6 - Nov. 25, 2018), shopping, or optional history tour of the medieval town and subterranean secrets. Afternoon visit to one of our favorite wineries in all of Italy, La Spinetta, a modern Italian superstar winery, producing some of Piemonte's most delicious wines, all without the addition of chemicals or pesticides and using 75% Biodynamic techniques. 
  • CHEESE & ALTA LANGHE: Morning at the Casa del Formaggio Arbiora, Bubbio. Artisan producer of Langhe DOP cheeses, made from goat & cow’s milk, and aged in the stone cellars of the old mill in Bubbio. Afternoon hike in the Alta Langhe, the wildest part of Langhe Roero area, where the landscape is a picturesque mix of forests wood, “Tonda Gentile di Langa” hazelnut groves, pastures and of course vineyards. 
  • BUBBLES: The Langhe region also produces world-class sparkling wines in the champagne style, not to be confused with the lighter sweeter Moscato d’Asti. Contratto (founded 1867), is one of the great historic wine houses of the Langhe, Visit to the winery, historic caves and tasting.
  • TRUFFLES, COOKING CLASS: Morning truffle hunt with a local Trifolau and his trained hunting dog. Afterwards, learn the secrets of the cuisine of the Langhe during a cooking class. Prepare a complete traditional menu And enjoy these dishes with your fresh truffles and paired with local wines. 

 

Highlights

  • Luxury foodie adventure in Piedmont Italy
  • Visits and tastings at some of the region’s most notable wineries
  • Learn the secrets to Piemontese cuisine with an in-depth cooking class
  • Set out in search of white truffles with a Trifolau and his trained hunting dog
  • Restaurants selected for their commitment to local food traditions, as well as highlighted gastronomic restaurants
  • Rest well in the Langhe's finest restored villas, complete with world class spas
  • Hike the vineyards surrounding the renowned villages Barolo and Barbaresco
  • Slow Food, Slow Travel, enjoy everything at your own pace on this private custom itinerary
  • HIKING & CYCLING: Enjoy hiking or cycling? This itinerary is very flexible, and can easily accommodate more active travelers
  • THE CASHMERE TRAIL: For generations, the Valsesia textile mills hidden in the region's Alpine valleys have produced some of the world's finest woolens
  • LIGURIA: The Mediterranean coast of Liguria is reachable from the Langhe in less than 2 hours, option to add a few nights exploring Genoa, Portofino, Finale Liguria or the Cinque Terre?
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WHAT WE DO

Epic Europe is a luxury experiential adventure travel operator based in the Swiss Alps.


Epic Europe specializes in private bespoke itineraries for small groups. Experiencing the best of each region, from interacting with the local people and enjoying authentic regional food and wine, as well as time-honored traditions and festivals, to recreating in the alpine landscape, and truly understanding why the Alps are the birthplace of adventure travel. From custom ski, hiking, or cycling trips to building in city tours, cultural itineraries, or gastronomic discovery, these award-winning, multi-dimensional trips are tailored to our clients' wishes every time, and are not packaged tours. From Switzerland, Italy, and France's Alps, to world-class cultural cities and larger towns, Epic Europe can design a tailored adventure that fulfills your every need. 

  • “The team at Epic Europe created the most incredible trip for us, where everything came together seamlessly, and we never had to think about what came next - it just magically happened as if it was meant to be. That takes real talent, and they make it look easy." - B.N., WY USA
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  • "Hiking in the Alps has always been on my bucket list, but I wasn't sure that a typical trip was my style. Epic Europe designed a custom route for our group, staying in the best little inns and hotels, and we felt like we had the trails to ourselves. I will come back again and again to explore new trails with their guides every year that I can!" - R.B., NY USA

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