Inside Piedmont: A Wine & Food Lovers Exploration
Fall 2027
In partnership with Wine Enthusiast
October 2-8, 2027 | 7 days, 6 nights
from $10,990
Introduction
Join Cork+Compass for an immersive autumn journey through Piedmont led by wine educator Jeff Porter, timed perfectly for October—when vineyards glow gold, truffle season begins, and the region’s cuisine is at its most expressive. This seven-day exploration moves from Turin’s historic cafés and vermouth heritage into the UNESCO-listed Langhe hills, home of Nebbiolo, Barolo, and Barbaresco.
You’ll taste benchmark wines at legendary estates such as Gaja, G.D. Vajra, and Cordero di Montezemolo, alongside deeply traditional, family-run producers including Lodali, Palladino, and the artisanal Giacomo Fenocchio, whose classic Barolos showcase purity, patience, and cru-specific character. Tastings span styles and vintages—Langhe Arneis and Barbera d’Alba, structured Barolo crus, elegant Barbaresco, and mature selections that reveal Nebbiolo’s extraordinary longevity.
Food is woven seamlessly throughout: Michelin-starred dining at La Rei Natura, rustic lunches at beloved osterie, a hands-on Langhe cooking class featuring tajarin, plin, and hazelnut desserts, and truffle-shaved dishes enjoyed at their seasonal peak. In Turin, Piedmont’s flavor profile unfolds through vermouth, bicerin, fine chocolate, and aperitivo culture.
Combining iconic producers, intimate access, and the sensory richness of fall harvest time, this journey offers a layered, precise, and deeply satisfying portrait of Piedmont—guided by expertise, grounded in place, and designed for serious wine lovers.
Your Expert
Jeff Porter is a Writer-at-Large and Reviewer for the Wine Enthusiast Tasting Panel, where he oversees the technical evaluation of Northern and Central Italy, including Piedmont, Veneto, and Lombardy, as well as Slovenia and Switzerland.
Porter’s career is defined by his leadership at some of the world’s most prestigious culinary institutions. He joined the Bastianich Hospitality Group in 2009 at the acclaimed Osteria Mozza before serving as Wine Director at the Michelin-starred Del Posto Ristorante in New York City. He eventually rose to Beverage Operations Director for the group, managing some of the most complex and valuable wine programs in the United States.
Through the Court of Master Sommeliers, Porter cultivated a global expertise with a specific focus on the intersection of Italian viticulture and Bordeaux-influenced techniques. This dual perspective is a hallmark of his reviewing style, offering deep insight into the structural evolution and aging potential of classified growths and prestigious estates alike.
In 2019, Porter expanded his influence through his travel docuseries, Sip Trip, and the launch of a private consulting firm. His portfolio includes curating beverage programs for elite destinations and venues, such as the Barclays Center and the Casa di Langa ecoresort in Piedmont. Traveling with Porter offers the Bottle Aristotle a rare opportunity to engage with a critic who views wine through the lenses of both a high-level sommelier and a strategic collector—ensuring an experience defined by professional rigor and unparalleled regional access.
Highlights
Legendary Producers, Private Access
Enjoy exclusive visits and tastings at Piedmont’s most revered estates, including Gaja (optional for supplemental fee), G.D. Vajra, and Cordero di Montezemolo, alongside intimate, family-run wineries rarely experienced at this level.
Nebbiolo at Its Peak
Explore Barolo and Barbaresco in depth, tasting multiple crus, mature vintages, and terroir-driven expressions that reveal Nebbiolo’s structure, elegance, and extraordinary longevity.
Artisans & Icons Alike
Balance iconic names with traditional producers such as Palladino, Lodali, and Giacomo Fenocchio, gaining insight into classic, unembellished winemaking philosophies.
Autumn Flavors of Piedmont
Savor Michelin-starred dining, hands-on Langhe cooking, truffle-shaved dishes, hazelnuts, chocolate, and vermouth—timed perfectly for October’s harvest and truffle season.
A Sense of Place
Journey through Turin, Alba, and the Langhe hills at their most atmospheric, from historic cafés and aperitivo culture to vineyard-lined slopes glowing with fall color.
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Set in Serralunga d’Alba, Palladino winery offers a window onto the heart of the UNESCO wine landscape. The Cork & Compass Piedmont private tour will allow you to have an authentic meeting with the Langhe, a breath into the history of our winery, and the emotion of tasting the territory directly from the glass. Our family is pleased to host you and introduce you to the care we take in our vineyards and the wines that speak of tradition, elegance, and longevity.
Veronica Palladino
Export Manager
Azienda Vinicola Palladino
Itinerary
Day 1
Piedmont
Torino, Home of Vermouth
Arrive in Turin this afternoon and transfer from the airport to the elegant Grand Hotel Sitea, ideally located in the historic center. After time to settle in, depart by private bus for an exclusive visit to Casa Martini, where vermouth was born and transformed into an international icon. Enjoy the Privilege Tour, tracing Martini’s history through a guided walk of the production facilities, followed by a private tasting of three classic expressions of vermouth. This evening, gather for a festive Cork+Compass welcome dinner restaurant, celebrating Piedmont’s rich culinary traditions and the journey ahead.
Included Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sitea
Day 2
Piedmont
Turin’s Indulgent Traditions: Chocolate & Aperitivo Ritual
This morning, enjoy a private behind-the-scenes indulgence at Cioccolateria La Perla di Torino. Immerse yourself in the aromas of cacao as you tour the workshop with the Maître Chocolatiers—stepping into the Hazelnut Room, where prized Piedmont IGP hazelnuts are processed, and the “Sartoria,” where truffles are expertly wrapped—then enjoy a guided tasting of signature creations. Conclude the morning making your own chocolate bars. Continue to lunch at historic Tre Galline, one of Turin’s most storied trattorias, where Piedmontese culinary traditions take center stage. Seasonal dishes may include Agnolotti al sugo d’arrosto, slow-braised meats, and regional specialties such as vitello tonnato (sliced veal with a silky tuna-caper sauce), all rooted in the rich gastronomic heritage of the region. Later, set out on a walking tour through Turin’s historic center and legendary cafés. Toast the evening with an aperitivo at one of the cafes before enjoying a free dinner on your own.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Sitea
Day 3
Piedmont
Icons of Barbaresco & the Heart of the Langhe
Travel into the Langhe hills, where the day unfolds at your own pace: Enjoy time at leisure to explore the village of Barbaresco—perhaps strolling its quiet lanes, visiting the famed tower, or relaxing at a local enoteca—or choose to join an optional, extraordinary visit to Gaja (for a supplemental fee). Revered worldwide, Gaja has played a defining role in elevating Nebbiolo and Barbaresco to global benchmarks, marrying meticulous vineyard work with a visionary yet deeply rooted philosophy. This rare behind-the-scenes experience offers insight into the estate’s history, precision, and enduring influence on Piedmontese wine. Rejoin the group for lunch at Osteria Le Rocche, where traditional Piedmontese dishes provide a soulful pairing to the region’s wines, before continuing to Cantine Lodali for an in-depth exploration of family history and local terroir, including a cellar tour and guided tasting of six wines—highlighted by a mature Barbaresco.
The day concludes at Il Boscareto Resort & Spa, a serene hilltop retreat overlooking the rolling vineyards of Serralunga d’Alba. After time to relax and take in the panoramic views, enjoy dinner at the resort’s Michelin-starred La Rei Natura, where refined, contemporary Piedmontese cuisine—focused on seasonality, clarity, and elegance—provides a sophisticated counterpoint to the great wines explored throughout the day.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Wineries: Gaja (optional), Cantine Lodali
Day 4
Piedmont
Photo courtesy of G.D. VAJRA
Barolo Crus & Family Signatures
Today is devoted to Barolo, explored through two highly respected, family-run estates in La Morra and beyond. Begin with an exclusive private tasting at Cordero di Montezemolo, where generations of stewardship have shaped expressive, site-driven wines. A superior tasting spans Langhe Arneis and Barbera through a compelling trio of Barolos—Monfalletto,
Gattera, and the historic Enrico VI—revealing cru nuance, structure, and longevity. After lunch nearby, continue to G.D. Vajra, a benchmark producer admired for elegance, purity, and its deep connection to high-altitude vineyard sites. The afternoon tasting offers insight into Vajra’s philosophy and refined Barolo style before time to wander Alba independently, surrounded by wine shops, cafés, and the rhythm of Piedmontese life.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Wineries: Cordero di Montezemolo, G.D. Vajra
Day 5
Piedmont
Nebbiolo, Hazelnuts & the Langhe Table
Today celebrates the agricultural soul of the Langhe through wine, hazelnuts, and hands-on cooking. Begin at the Palladino estate, where a family-run approach and deep respect for Nebbiolo shape elegant, site-driven wines. A vineyard walk and cellar visit highlight how tradition and terroir define their Barolo. Lunch continues the experience with a seated tasting paired to local cuisine. In the afternoon, visit a hazelnut farm renowned for its prized Nocciola Piemonte IGP, revealing another pillar of the region’s identity. The day concludes with a convivial cooking class and dinner at Il Bosco delle Galline Volanti, where classic Langhe dishes—tajarin, plin, and hazelnut desserts—are prepared and enjoyed alongside local wines.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodations: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Wineries: Palladino
Day 6
Piedmont
Truffles, Terroir & a Farewell to the Langhe
Your final day brings together two of Piedmont’s most evocative pleasures: truffles and traditional winemaking. Begin with a guided truffle hunt in the woods of Serralunga, learning about varieties, seasons, and the close bond between truffler and dog. Lunch follows with freshly shaved truffle celebrated at the table, grounding the experience in flavor and place. In the afternoon, visit Giacomo Fenocchio, a small, artisanal Barolo producer known for its classic, unembellished Nebbiolo and deep respect for individual crus. A guided tasting highlights purity, structure, and longevity—an intimate counterpoint to larger estates visited earlier on the trip. Conclude with a festive farewell dinner at Osteria Battaglino in Dogliani, raising a final glass to Piedmont’s generosity, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal.
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Wineries: Giacomo Fenocchio
Day 7
Piedmont
Alla prossima!
Depart hotel for individual flights home from Turin Airport.
Included Meals: Breakfast
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At G.D. Vajra, we welcome friends as family and look forward to sharing the Langhe through our eyes. From the historic vineyards of Bricco delle Viole to Luigi Baudana in Serralunga d’Alba, our wines reflect a deep commitment to tradition, craftsmanship, and place. We can’t wait to open our doors and celebrate the beauty of Piedmont with Cork & Compass guests.
G.D. VAJRA
Accommodations
Grand Hotel Sitea
Turin
Founded in 1925, Grand Hotel Sitea is one of Turin’s most distinguished historic hotels, recognized as an official Historic Venue of Italy. Located just steps from Piazza San Carlo and the Egyptian Museum, this elegant five-star property blends refined Art Nouveau charm with modern comfort. Gracious public spaces, attentive service, and a long tradition of hospitality make it an ideal base for exploring Turin’s cultural life, cafés, and aperitivo scene.
Il Boscareto Resort & Spa
Serralunga d’Alba
Perched high above the Langhe hills near Serralunga d’Alba, Il Boscareto Resort & Spa is a refined contemporary retreat surrounded by vineyards and sweeping views of Barolo country. Designed for tranquility and indulgence, the resort pairs spacious rooms and a full spa with a strong culinary identity rooted in local terroir. Its celebrated restaurant, La Rei Natura, showcases elegant, ingredient-driven Piedmontese cuisine, making Il Boscareto an ideal base for immersive wine country exploration and relaxed evenings overlooking the hills.
Get the Brochure
All details about the Piedmont trip are available in the PDF version of our brochure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Trip Details
How do I reserve my spot?
A deposit of $1,000.00 (unless otherwise specified) is due to secure your space on the tour. Deposits are refundable up to 50% until 120 days prior to departure (unless otherwise specified).
When do I need to pay for my trip?
Your deposit is due upon reservation. Your final balance is due upon receipt of your invoice, 90 days prior to departure. If you are making a reservation within 90 days of the trip’s departure, full payment will be required upon confirmation.
How big will the group be?
Our trips have a maximum group size of 25 people. They are large enough to meet new people with diverse backgrounds, but small enough to be on a first-name basis with everyone.
Are solo travelers welcome?
Of course! There is always a good number of solo travelers on our trips, and they are welcomed with open arms. Group meals generally take place at medium to large tables, and our Travel Directors ensure that everyone is included in conversation. Because our trips are priced for doubles sharing a room, there is a supplemental cost for those who choose not to share.
How much free time should I expect to have?
Our trips are designed to give our travelers special insight and understanding of the places we visit. The talks and commentary by our hosts and local guides, in addition to time set aside for writing and reflection, are what make our itineraries special, and this kind of curated experience cannot be obtained on one’s own. For this reason, our trips generally do not incorporate long periods of free time during the day, although evenings and some meals will be at leisure.
Can I arrive early, or stay on after the tour ends?
Yes, absolutely! If you wish to arrive early at the first hotel on the itinerary or stay on at the last hotel, our Guest Services Advisors will be happy to advise you on the best way to make arrangements.
What do I need to bring on my trip?
We’ll send you a detailed clothing and equipment list well before departure so you know what you’ll need to pack. We provide the rest: comfortable accommodations, an engaging daily itinerary, expert trip management, and access to people and places that will thrill and delight you.
Once I reserve my trip, what happens next?
After you reserve your trip and pay your deposit, you will be sent a confirmation email with our Terms and Conditions, insurance information, and a Traveler Information Form from our Travel Management Company, Academic Travel Abroad. Your Guest Services Advisor will reach out when it’s time to book airfare after a minimum of 10 travelers have enrolled on your departure. Final trip details will be sent roughly 2-3 weeks before departure.
Rates and Cancellation Information
Are tips included?
Yes! Tips to local guides, restaurant staff, bell staff, and drivers are all included in the trip price. Your Trip Leader and Travel Director are taken care of and will not accept tips. The only time tips are not included is during free time and meals on your own, as well as for any personal services.
Are drinks included?
In addition to the tastings included in the itinerary, a couple glasses of wine are included for all group dinners. Any additional alcoholic beverages are not included in the program price. Non-alcoholic beverages are included in all meals.
Is airfare included?
Airfare to and from the starting and ending point of the program is not included in the price in order to give you maximum flexibility in choosing your preferences for air travel. This way you can use frequent flier upgrades, depart from your airport of choice, or add pre- and post- trip extensions with no constraints. Please refrain from booking your airfare until your Guest Services Advisor reaches out to confirm your departure.
What is your cancellation policy?
Deposits will be 50% refundable 120 days prior to departure. Cancellation between 119-91 days before departure: 100% of deposit is forfeited. Cancellation between 90-61 days, 50% of the Trip price is forfeited. Cancellation within 60 days of departure: no refund. You always have the option to transfer your deposit to a future Post and Courier Travel departure up until 90 days prior to departure with no penalty.
Health & Safety
Are you able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies?
Every effort will be made to try to accommodate any special dietary requests you may have (e.g., low salt, vegetarian or vegan). Please discuss your requests with us when signing up for a trip.
What are the physical requirements of this trip?
Travelers should be in good health and able to walk up to 3 miles (with stops) over uneven terrain and be able to navigate stairs unassisted. In city centers, we do try to walk from place to place due to traffic restrictions and also in keeping with our commitment to environmental sustainability.
Do I need trip insurance?
We strongly suggest purchasing travel insurance to help protect your investment and provide you with financial recourse in the event of trip cancellation or interruption due to sickness or quarantine. When purchasing a policy, please consult with a trip insurance agent to review what contingencies are covered. While we will do our best to recover any unused portion of your trip due to sickness, it is often the case that payments cannot be refunded. We recommend using our partner insurance provider, Travel Insurance Services, which offers three different policies for you to choose from.
What happens if I get sick on tour?
Our top priority is to keep our travelers, staff, and the communities we visit as healthy and safe as possible. Not only do we care about your well-being, but illness on tour alters the group dynamic, diverts staff attention, and interrupts the smooth functioning of the trip. For this reason, we recommend that all travelers to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations. Additionally, we encourage traveling with a mask and notifying your Tour Director immediately should you feel any symptoms of illness.
Our Trips
Exceptional destinations, each led by a Wine Enthusiast expert who brings deep knowledge and insider access to your experience.
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Wine Enthusiast’s Cork+Compass Travel is the magazine’s gateway to exceptional wine travel and tourism. Our philosophy is rooted in the mission of our parent company, Wine Enthusiast—to enhance the wine experience for all.