Join Us!
After traveling together through Emilia-Romagna in 2024, Chef Colin Lynch couldn't wait to return. What drew him back wasn't just the incredible food, but the people—the artisans, winemakers, and families who welcomed the group like old friends.
Together, Jeff and Colin invite you to experience Piemonte through unforgettable meals, hands-on culinary experiences, and meaningful encounters with the people who make this region so special. As Colin says, "Everyone is there for the same reason: to eat, drink, learn, and immerse themselves in authentic Italian culture."
Join them for a week of exceptional food, remarkable wines, and the genuine hospitality that defines every La Via Gaia journey.
Discover Traditions
White Truffle Country
In the Langhe, skilled trifulau like Natale hunt beneath the forest floor for Piemonte’s prized white truffles, renowned for their unmistakable aroma
A Mecca for Food Lovers
From delicate tajarin topped with white truffle to agnolotti del plin, artisan cheeses, and hazelnuts, this is one of Italy’s great culinary destinations
Prestigious Winemakers
Family-run estates have shaped Piemonte’s winemaking traditions for generations, producing celebrated wines including Barolo and Barbaresco
Your Experience
Stay exclusively at the Dai Grésy family’s vineyard estate, surrounded by the rolling hills and vineyards of the Langhe
Roll, fill, and pinch Piemonte’s iconic agnolotti del plin alongside our chefs in a hands-on pasta-making class
Drive a classic Fiat 500 through the Langhe’s rolling vineyards, hilltop villages, and timeless landscapes
Step inside the Occelli family’s alpine aging caves to discover the tradition and craft behind some of Piemonte’s celebrated cheeses
Itinerary
Day One
Benvenuti! Our founder Jeff Michaud and Chef Colin Lynch 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 Colin and Jeff 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 Colin 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
As the week comes to a close, gather for one last breakfast overlooking the vineyards and the distant Alps. We hope you'll return home with a deeper appreciation for Piemonte, unforgettable culinary experiences shared with our chefs and friendships that will stay with you for years to come.
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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 of luxury accommodation in double occupancy at the Dai Grésy estate; all scheduled private transportation and excursions; group airport transfers on arrival and departure; private tours with local guides and cultural experts; exclusive access and tastings; guided activities and entrance fees; daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner with wine; and gratuities for local staff.
What does the price not include?
International roundtrip airfare; travel insurance; transportation to and from the designated arrival and departure airports; transportation outside of scheduled group transfers; activities not included in the itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, laundry, and personal bar tabs; and other personal expenses.
What are the arrival & departure details?
We recommend arriving at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) on or before Saturday, October 16, 2027. On Sunday, October 17, we’ll meet as a group at MXP at 9:00 AM for our transfer to Piemonte. Our journey concludes on Saturday, October 23, 2027, with a group transfer to Milan Malpensa Airport, arriving at approximately 8:30 AM. Please schedule your departing flight for 11:00 AM or later.
Who is going on this trip?
We limit our group to just 16 travelers, joined by your host, Chef Jeff Michaud, and guest Chef Colin Lynch. Expect a diverse group of like-minded travelers who share a passion for the food, wine, and traditions of Italy—including couples, solo travelers, and friends traveling together. This journey is recommended for guests ages 18 and older.
Who is leading this trip?
This journey is led by our founder, Chef Jeff Michaud, who has traveled extensively throughout Piemonte and personally crafted the week’s itinerary. He’ll be joined by our friend and guest Chef Colin Lynch, along with local guides and experts who bring the region’s culture, traditions, and history to life.
What is the cancellation policy?
You may cancel on or before May 20, 2027, and receive a full refund minus the $1,500 per person non-refundable initial deposit. Cancellations from May 21 through June 18, 2027, are subject to a 50% cancellation fee. Cancellations on or after June 19, 2027, are non-refundable. We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance, as we cannot make exceptions to this policy for medical or family emergencies or other trip cancellations. Please see our Terms and Conditions for complete details.
What travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are required to travel with a valid U.S. passport. We recommend that your passport be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates. Travelers should also confirm any applicable European entry requirements, including ETIAS, prior to departure. More information can be found here: ETIAS.
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
Yes, there is a $1,800 single supplement for solo travelers. A private room must be selected at the time of booking to secure single occupancy, as availability is very limited and offered on a first-come, first-served basis. The $1,800 single supplement will be charged when the final trip balance is due. (See our Terms and Conditions for full details.)
Can this itinerary be booked for a private group?
Absolutely. We can customize this journey for a private group and arrange dates that work best for you and your guests. A minimum of 10 participants is required. For more information, contact us attravel@laviagaia.com.
Still have questions?
Email us at travel@laviagaia.com
