 Slow Food Festa
The Salone del Gusto in Turin Now an international movement, Slow Food celebrates regional food traditions, biodiversity, and
sustainable agriculture. Founded in 1989 in Piedmont, Slow Food organizes the Salone del Gusto, an biannual exhibition in
Turin featuring artisan food from all over the world. This tour combines time at the Salone del Gusto with a gourmet wine
tour in Piedmont's Barolo region. With truffle season in full swing and lots of Barolo wine in the mix, this tour is foodie
nirvana!
2010 dates: [6 days/5 nights] October 18-23 Cost: $2,995. Single supplement $350
Foodies flock to the sub-alpine region of Piedmont called the Langhe, home to Barolo wine, white truffles, hazelnuts, and mountain cheeses. We start with a Barolo history lesson at the Castle of Grinzane Cavour, where Italy's first Prime Minister lived. In addition to being in politics, Count Cavour was directly involved in viticulture and the birth of Barolo wine. Next, our complementary welcome lunch in the village of Barolo introduces such regional specialties as vitello tomnato (veal with tuna sauce), plin (tiny meat-stuffed ravioli), and bounet (chocolate-hazelnut pudding). After a stroll to the Castle of Barolo, where the eponymous wine was born, there's an introductory tasting at the famous Marchesi di Barolo winery. Dinner is at a Slow Food restaurant in Alba, where we'll hunt for truffles on the menu. L, D | ||||
 Day 2 - White truffles, good as gold In October, truffle hunters, gourmands, and restaurateurs convene in Alba for the annual truffle market. This morning we'll have free time to scour the gourmet shops for truffle spreads, truffle oil, truffle books, and whole tubers, sold alongside such piemontese products as risotto, dried porcini, and chocolate. Lunch follows at an artisan cheese farm high in the Alte Langhe, where we enjoy a buffet featuring fresh cheese and salumi, plus a tour conducted by the cheesemaker herself. Then it's off to Barbaresco, where we'll explore Piedmont's other regal red wine. A visit to the Marchesi di Gresy, an esteemed historic estate, highlights the concept of terroir in their single-vineyard Barbarescos. Dinner at the Brezza winery in the village of Barolo continues to showcase Piedmont wine and cuisine at its best. B, L, D | ||||
Meet a real truffle hunter and his dog, who will provide an in-field demonstration of dog training and truffle hunting among the hazelnut groves and explain why truffles are so rare, expensive, and good! After the hunt, we visit a small, family-owned Barolo winery, such as Fratelli Alessandria or Damilano, to learn more about "the king of wine and the wine of kings," with glass in hand. The afternoon takes us back to the heart of Barolo wine country, where we'll have another chance to learn about cru, terroir, barrique, and other winemaking concepts as we enjoy another Barolo wine tasting at the boutique Silvio Grasso winery. Then it's back to Alba for an epicurean dinner. B, D 
Day 4 - Slow Food's Salone del Gusto This morning we transfer to Turin, the regional capital of Piedmont, where Slow Food's Salone del Gusto takes place every other year. Here you'll have time on your own to attend seminars (pre-registration required) or browse the hundreds of booths, tasting cheese, cured meats, honeys, and other goodies while chatting with artisan food craftsman from around the world. You can investigate the Slow Food Convivium, which seeks to preserve disappearing species (American heritage turkey, anyone?). In the afternoon, we'll reconvene at the enoteca for a giro d'italia, tasting wines from all over Italy. Dinner is on your own in Turin. B
For several centuries, Piedmont royalty lived in Turin. They left behind a legacy of opulent architecture fit for kings, which gives this city its elegant flair. Today guests can choose between returning to the Salone del Gusto for more epicurean fun, or exploring the city of Turin. A guided walking tour of Turin in the historical center includes the Shroud of Turin, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo Madama, and baroque royal palaces. We can also dip into the elegant 18th century cafes that offer the world's best hot chocolate. We'll reconvene for a farewell dinner at one of Turin's fine restaurants. B, D Day 6 - Arrivederci Goodbye, and assistance with your travel plans. Guests can opt to stay in Turin longer on their own, as the Salone del Gusto continues until October 25. | ||||
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