Join Us!
We invite you into a journey shaped by a shared passion for ingredient-driven cooking and meaningful connection. Inspired by Amanda’s belief in letting exceptional ingredients speak for themselves, and Alex’s love for discovering new flavors and connecting with people around the table, you’ll experience Piemonte through exclusive winery visits, truffle-rich cuisine, and hands-on cooking moments that bring the region’s iconic hazelnuts, cheeses, and wines to life. Together, your hosts will guide you through a region where flavor begins at the source, and every experience—from the kitchen to the table—is enriched by the people and traditions behind it.
Discover Traditions
Truffle's Birthplace
In the Langhe, truffle hunting is the stuff of legend—beneath the forest floor, skilled trifulau like Natale uncover these prized treasures, known for their unmistakable aroma
A Mecca for Food Lovers
Piemonte is celebrated for its extraordinary gastronomy—from prized white truffles and exceptional cheeses to delicate pastas and iconic wines such as Barolo and Barbaresco
Prestigious Winemakers
Our friends at Malvirà, Contratto, Domenico Clerico, and Marchesi di Grésy embody the depth, character, and enduring spirit of the region’s winemaking heritage
Your Experience
An exclusive guesthouse in the world-famous wine region of Langhe, offering breathtaking views and a tranquil connection with nature
Step into the kitchen with Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp for hands-on classes inspired by Piemonte’s regional flavors
Drive a classic Fiat 500 through the rolling hills and vineyards—an iconic Italian experience
In Piemonte’s alpine caves, the Occelli family brings artisanal cheesemaking to life—shaped by time, tradition, and craft
Itinerary
Day One
Benvenuti! Jeff Michaud, Alex Kemp, and Amanda Shulman will greet you at Milan Malpensa Airport this morning, and together we’ll journey into Piemonte.
Our first stop is the Roero wine region for your first taste of the region's cuisine at Villa Tiboldi, followed by our first winery visit of the week, where the Damonte family will guide us through a tour and tasting of their exceptional Malvirà wines.
From there, we’ll head to our private guesthouse in the heart of Langhe, one of Italy’s most celebrated wine regions. Our home for the week is Dai Grésy, the latest project from the historic Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy, a family-run estate with roots dating back to 1650.
After settling into your rooms, take time to unwind and explore the property—featuring a beautiful stone and brick cellar, a spa with a large jacuzzi and sauna, a relaxation lounge, and a small gym.
We’ll gather for aperitivo at sunset overlooking the vines and gardens before heading to dinner. Tonight, enjoy a special Piemontese tasting menu crafted by three brothers who, after traveling the world, returned home to reinterpret traditional recipes with a modern touch—featuring dishes like potato gnocchi stuffed with hazelnuts and Castelmagno cheese, roasted cockerel, and a decadent Piemontese chocolate cake with crunchy gianduja.
Day Two
Founded in 1867, Contratto Winery is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This morning, Giorgio Rivetti (known as "the rhino"), owner of both La Spinetta and Contratto, gives us an exclusive tour of the winery’s cathedral cellars in Canelli. We’ll learn about the winemaking tradition of Piemonte and how the Rivetti family is reinterpreting indigenous grapes into some of the world’s most prized wines.
Next, we move into the winery kitchen for a cooking demo with Giorgio’s sister, Giovanna, and our chefs. You’ll learn about famous Piemontese recipes like bagna cauda, tajarin, and vitello tonnato, pairing them with a selection of exceptional Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera wines during lunch.
Later in the afternoon, we’ll return to the villa to relax before heading out for a Michelin-starred dining experience with breathtaking views of the vineyards and the Alps. Chef Maurilio Garola and his team have crafted a spectacular menu for us, perfectly paired with wines from their extraordinary cellar—carved into Tuff Hill and home to over 60,000 bottles, one of the most extensive wine collections in Italy.
Day Three
Who's ready to ride a Vespa or a classic Fiat 500? This morning, we'll wind through vineyard-covered hills, making our way to the charming village of Barolo.
Our first stop is Domenico Clerico Winery, where a private tour and tasting offer an intimate look at one of Italy's most iconic producers. Founded by the visionary Domenico Clerico, the estate is celebrated for crafting powerful yet elegant Barolos that beautifully express the character of this extraordinary wine region.
Afterward, we'll enjoy lunch at one of our favorite local osterias before continuing our drive through the picturesque villages of Barolo and La Morra, taking in sweeping vineyard views, medieval castles, and breathtaking panoramas. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax at the villa or explore at your leisure.
This evening, we'll gather at Elena and Marco's intimate restaurant in Monforte d'Alba, where their refined yet deeply personal approach to Piedmontese cuisine has earned them a devoted following. Their seasonal tasting menu showcases the finest local ingredients with creativity and precision while honoring the traditions of Piemonte—a memorable finale to another extraordinary day.
Day Four
For five generations, the Cravero Family has perfected the art of aging the finest DOP Parmigiano Reggiano. This morning, master affineur Giorgio Cravero will lead us through a private tasting and tour of his 20-foot-high cheese caves in the mountain town of Bra.
What pairs best with cheese? Wine. Next, we’ll enjoy lunch at Osteria del Boccondivino, a member of the Slow Food Chefs’ Alliance dedicated to protecting biodiversity, preserving tradition, and supporting small local producers. Afterward, you’ll have time to explore Bra’s charming Baroque squares and churches. As the birthplace of the Slow Food Movement, the town continues to celebrate Italy’s rich culinary heritage and creativity.
This afternoon, we go truffle hunting! Fall in Piemonte is truffle season, and though these buried treasures are notoriously elusive, Natale and his trusty truffle dog will guide us through the forests of Costigliole d'Asti in the Monferrato region. After our hunt, we’ll sit down for a truffle tasting and dive into the fascinating world of these "diamonds of the kitchen."
This evening, we'll dine at one of our favorite hidden gems in the heart of Barbaresco. Here, a seasonal menu showcases the best of Piemonte's autumn harvest, featuring handmade tajarin, vitello tonnato, and the region's prized Alba white truffles in a warm, authentic setting. Each course will be thoughtfully paired by renowned Barbaresco winemaker—and our dear friend—Gianni Abrigo, who will share the stories and traditions behind his exceptional wines.
Day Five
This morning, we’re putting on our comfortable shoes! After breakfast, we head to Alba, where we meet our local guide for a tour of the historic medieval "City of a Hundred Towers."
Beverage alert: We’ve discovered the liveliest wine bar in Alba, located next to a stunning cathedral. After drinks and appetizers in the square, you can explore more independently, shop, or join our chefs for a culinary stroll.
We'll then return to the villa for a chance to unwind. Relax, enjoy the spa, or simply take in the peaceful surroundings before another memorable afternoon.
For those who love to cook (and even if you don’t), this afternoon is for you! Join our Chefs for a hands-on cooking class at a charming winery in La Morra. You’ll master the art of making agnolotti del Plin, the region’s iconic ravioli, along with other traditional dishes, all paired with world-renowned Barolo, Barbaresco, and Arneis wines. By the end of the class, you’ll not only have learned the secrets to preparing an unforgettable Piemontese meal, but you’ll also be able to recreate these flavors at home to impress your loved ones! It’s a truly immersive experience you won’t want to miss.
Day Six
After breakfast at the villa, we'll journey into the mountains to the historic village of Valcasotto, home to one of Italy's most celebrated affineurs, Beppino Occelli. We'll explore his remarkable aging cellars, where exceptional cheeses are carefully matured, before strolling through the beautifully restored village. Lunch at Locanda del Mulino will showcase Occelli's renowned cheeses alongside regional specialties.
Returning to Dai Grésy in the afternoon, you'll have time to relax before gathering for an aperitivo overlooking the vineyards.
Tonight, we're honored to welcome Chef Filippo Giaccone, a true legend of Piemonte and one of the region's most respected culinary figures. Revered as a chef's chef for his mastery, humility, and unwavering dedication to Piedmontese cuisine, Chef Giaccone will join Alex, Amanda, and Jeff to prepare an unforgettable dinner celebrating the authentic flavors and traditions of the region. Each course will be thoughtfully paired with the elegant wines of Marchesi di Grésy, creating a memorable evening that beautifully captures the spirit of Piemonte.
Day Seven
Enjoy a final breakfast together, soaking in the views of the Langhe and the Alps. As we say goodbye to Piemonte, we carry with us the memories of a week shared around the table—with Jeff, Alex, Amanda, and new friends.
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What You Need To Know
Read our FAQs below. Or email us at travel@laviagaia.com.
What does the price include?
Six nights luxury accommodation in double occupancy at the Villa Dai Gresy; private driver for all trips and excursions in itinerary; arrival and departure airport group transfer; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive VIP access and tastings; guided activities; entrance fees; daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners with wine; gratuities for local staff.
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to the trip’s starting point; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry service, and personal hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in the itinerary.
What are the arrival & departure details?
We recommend that you arrive at the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) in Milan, on or before Saturday, October 9th, 2027. On Sunday October 10th we’ll meet as a group at 9 am at the Airport. The last day of our culinary trip is Saturday, October 16tht, 2027 when we will reach the Milano Malpensa Airport (MXP) around 8,30am. You should schedule your flight back home after 11am.
Who is going on this trip?
We limit the group to no more than 16 travelers, your host Chef Jeff Michaud, and Culinary Guests Chef Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp. In this culinary trip, you can expect to be joined by a diverse group of like-minded people who share your passion for the food, wine, and traditions of Italy – including solo travelers, couples, and friends traveling together. This trip is recommended for travelers aged 18 and above.
Who is leading this trip?
This trip is led by our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud. He traveled extensively through Piemonte and the person who crafted your itinerary for the week. Our co-hosts will be our friends, chefs Amanda Shulman and Alex Kemp. We’ll be joined throughout our adventure by local, expert guides who are deeply knowledgeable with respect to local cultures, customs, and history and are passionate about sharing that with us.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before May 13th, 2027 and receive a full refund minus the $1,500 per person non-refundable initial deposit. If you cancel on or after May 14th, 2027, a 50% cancellation fee will apply. Cancellations made on or afterJune 12th, 2027 are non-refundable (100% cancellation fee). We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy for family or medical emergencies or trip cancellations. Please see our Terms and Conditions for full details.
What travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over. Beginning soon, U.S. travelers will also be required to obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) travel authorization prior to entering most European countries, including Italy. This is a simple online application linked to your passport and should be completed before departure. More information can be found here: ETIAS.
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
Yes, there is a $1,800 supplement for solo travelers, to be paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. Single spots are very limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).
Can this itinerary be booked for a private group?
Of course! We can customize this trip and itinerary at a time that is most convenient for you and your friends. The minimum number of participants for a private trip is 10. For more information contact us at travel@laviagaia.com.
Still have questions?
Email us at travel@laviagaia.com
