Join Us!
Michael has been a chef that Jeff has looked up to since the first time he walked into his restaurant Providence. It was 2013 when he was attending the L.A. Loves Lemonade Great Chefs Event and had dinner at Michael's restaurant. It was an eye opening experience and his salt baked Santa Barbara Spot Prawns are, still today, one of the best dish Jeff ever had. We are very excited to have him as our culinary guests in Piemonte. We are sure that after you discover his style of cooking, you will be flying directly to LA!
Discover Traditions
Truffle's Birthplace
Join a truffle hunt to see how our trifulau Natale finds these hidden gems, then taste fresh truffles while learning about the history of the prized tubers in a truffle museum
A Mecca for Food & Wine Lovers
Along winding roads that climb steep hillsides blanketed with neat rows of nebbiolo vines, there’s always an ancient castle up ahead, or a world-famous wine estate
Contratto Winery UNESCO's site
Meet Giorgio Rivetti for a private tour of Italy's first sparkling wine cellar, then taste his outstanding Brut, Barbera and Barbaresco wines in a hands-on cooking class with his sister Giovanna
Your Experience
Villa d'Amelia has the most stunning view of the Langhe winemaking region along with a pool, bar, and an awarded restaurant in a renovated 19th-century farmhouse
The traditional stuffed pasta of Piemonte is called "plin" (pinched) and it's fun to make! Learn all the secrets behind the art of pasta making in our hands on cooking classes
For five generations, the Craveros have been selecting and aging the very best Parmigiano Reggiano and Grana Padano
Admire the spectacular vistas of the Langhe Region as you ride a hot air balloon over a landscape of centuries-old vineyards and ancient castles!
Itinerary
Day One
Benvenuti! Jeff and Michael will greet you at Milano Malpensa Airport this morning, and together, we'll journey to Piemonte. Our first stop is the Roero Wine region for a relaxing lunch, followed by our first winery visit of the week, where the Damonte Family will guide us through a tour and tasting of their exceptional Malvira wines. Then, we'll head to our exclusive guesthouse in the heart of Langhe, one of Italy’s most famous wine regions. Our home for the night is Dai Grésy, the latest project of the historic Tenute Cisa Asinari dei Marchesi di Grésy, a family-run winery with roots dating back to 1650.
Once we arrive, you’ll have time to settle into your rooms, unwind, and explore the beautiful property. Our villa boasts a stunning stone and brick cellar, a spa with a large jacuzzi, sauna, relaxation lounge, and small gym. We'll enjoy aperitivo at sunset overlooking the vines and gardens before heading to dinner. Tonight, we’ll indulge in a special Piemontese tasting menu crafted by three brothers who, after traveling the world, returned home to infuse traditional recipes with a modern twist. Highlights include potato gnocchi stuffed with hazelnuts and Castelmagno cheese, roasted cockerel, and a decadent Piemontese chocolate cake with crunchy Gianduja.
Day Two
For five generations, the Cravero Family has been perfecting the art of aging the finest DOP Parmigiano Reggiano, and this morning, master affineur Giorgio Cravero will lead us on 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 Slow Food Chefs' Alliance restaurant committed to defending biodiversity, tradition, and supporting small local producers. Afterward, you'll have some free time to explore Bra's charming baroque squares and churches. As the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, Bra continues to showcase Italy’s rich food traditions and culinary creativity.
In the afternoon, we'll relax at our villa before preparing for a Michelin-starred dining experience with breathtaking views of the vineyards and Alps. Chef Maurilio Garola and his team have crafted a special menu for us, perfectly paired with wines from their extraordinary cellar, carved into Tuff Hill, home to over 60,000 bottles and one of the most comprehensive wine lists in Italy.
Day Three
Who’s ready to ride a Vespa or a Fiat 500? This morning, let’s zip down to the charming village of Barolo in style. We’ll visit one of our newest friends in Piemonte, Giovanni of the Orlando Abrigo winery. His Barbarescos are robust, full of character, and offer a unique personality. Giovanni will host us for a private tour and wine tasting in his stunning all-glass vineyard room.
Afterward, we’ll head to a local Osteria, where a passionate team of food and wine lovers brings a fresh twist to Langhe’s cuisine. Then, we’ll ride through picturesque hilltop villages like Barolo and La Morra, enjoying views of castles atop the vineyards on our way back to the villa. The rest of the afternoon is yours to explore at your leisure.
In the evening, we dine at Elena and Marco’s table in Monforte d'Alba, where their precise cooking and vibrant flavors reflect the high-quality ingredients they source from the Langhe region. Expect dishes like risotto with chestnuts and raschera cheese, farm-raised quail egg with local potatoes in puff pastry, and hazelnut semifreddo. Our very own chefs will surely be inspired!
Day Four
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 Jeff and Michael for a culinary stroll.
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."
Tonight, we stay "home" and allow the expert hands of award-winning chef Dennis Cesco to blend Piemontese ingredients with flavors inspired by the French influence in the region, creating a delicious tasting menu that bridges the past and present. Buon appetito!
Day Five
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 head into the winery kitchen for a cooking class with Giorgio’s sister, Giovanna, along with chefs Michaud and Cimarusti. You’ll master famous Piemontese recipes like bagna cauda, tajarin, and vitello tonnato, pairing them with a selection of exceptional Barolo, Barbaresco, and Barbera wines during lunch. Afterward, it’s time to relax back at the Villa.
Tonight, we enjoy a special treat: dinner with Chef Giaccone, a true legend of Piemonte. Known as a chef’s chef, yet humble and extraordinary in the kitchen, Chef Giaccone will prepare an exclusive meal that showcases his exceptional skills—an unforgettable experience from one of Italy’s most celebrated chefs.
Day Six
Our day begins with a delightful homemade breakfast at the Villa, setting the perfect tone for the adventures ahead. Next, we embark on an exclusive hot air balloon ride over the breathtaking landscapes of Barolo, where you’ll take in sweeping views of picturesque villages, medieval castles, and hills draped in vineyards. It’s an experience that will leave you speechless, as you soar above one of Italy’s most beautiful wine regions.
After landing, we’ll return to the Villa to unwind with a classic Italian aperitivo, sipping on refreshing drinks as we soak in the serene surroundings.
For those who love to cook (and even if you don’t), this afternoon is for you! Join Chefs Michaud and Cimarusti for a hands-on cooking class at a charming winery in La Morra. You’ll master the art of making 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 Seven
Enjoy our final breakfast in our home away from home in Italy, taking in the breathtaking views of the rolling vineyards of the Langhe and the snow-capped Alps. As we savor the last moments of this unforgettable journey, we’ll say goodbye to Piemonte... until next time.
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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 Relais Villa D’Amelia; 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 18th, 2025. On Sunday October 19th we’ll meet as a group between 9 and 9,30 am at the Airport. The last day of our culinary trip is Saturday, October 25th, 2025 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 and your hosts chefs Jeff Michaud and Michael Cimarusti. 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 culinary guests will be chef Michael Cimarusti. 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 June 20th, 2025 and receive a full refund minus a $500 per person service fee. If you cancel on or after June 21tst, 2025 there is a 50% cancellation fee. On or after August 20th, 2025, there is a 100% cancellation fee. We highly recommend purchasing travel insurance as we are not able to make exceptions to this policy in cases of family/medical emergency or cases of the trip being canceled (See our Terms and Conditions for full details).
What travel documents are needed?
U.S. citizens are not required to have a visa for tourist visits to Italy but are required to show a valid US passport. It is recommended that your passport is valid for six months after your travels are over.
Do I need to pay a solo traveler supplement?
Yes, there is a $1,500 supplement for solo travelers, to be paid at the time of booking to secure a private room. Single spots are 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
