THE FOUR B TOUR: BILLY, BAROLO, BARBARESCO & BARBERA
A FOOD, WINE and EXPLORING WEEK IN PIEDMONT, ITALY – GASTRONOMIC HOT SPOT WHERE SMALL IS STILL BEAUTIFUL
October 7 – 15 SOLD OUT
Most guides take you to Tuscany, but we’re going to Piedmont. It’s less touristy and has the best food in Italy. And there’s a great range of wines – most not seen out of Italy. October is truly the best month to be there as autumn brings fog and the scents of wood smoke – and fermenting wine – to the beautiful preserved country wine villages around the hills of Moferrato and Langhe. Truly some of Italy’s most beautiful parcels of countryside!
Of course we are going to Alba – a town devoted to pleasures of the palate such as red wine, chocolate and truffles. This is the season when white truffles (the ‘Mozart of mushrooms’!) arrive to be shaven over pasta to produce the most beguiling of earth’s aromas. We’ll go to the truffle fair – and follow it up with a cooking class.
It’s not surprising that Slow Food chose Piedmont for its home and we’ll drop in on its headquarter town of Bra for samples at the legendary cheese shop, Giolito. Turin, the regional capital, is full of architectural splendour from the Savoy days and as well as arcaded streets, beautiful piazzas, lively cafés – set against a backdrop of the Alps. And we’ll explore Turin’s very recent marvel – the foodshop of all foodshops, EATILY.
We’ll be visiting wineries of course. Some big, some small, some familiar, some not. Barolo and Barbaresco for sure but expect to have a lot of fun with the more everyday wines such as Barbera, Dolcetto, Gavi and the charming sweet red Brachetto d’Acquai. Have you ever tried Barolo Chinato with chocolate?
We’ll stay in the most delightful villa accommodation – luxury combined with a rustic casualness that will make it a pleasure to call home… I know you won’t want to leave! We’re keeping our hotel a secret (only those who book will find out!) but it has earned many accolades, including a TripAdvisor ‘Top Ten Hidden Gems in Europe’ award and a place in the forthcoming ‘1001 Escapes to Experience Before You Die’! (There’s a pool too if the weather warrants a dip…let’s hope!)
I’m looking forward to introducing you to my Italian soul mate, Roberto Bava, the most fun character in Italian wine, who is assisting in putting together this week. You’re sure to love this guy’s imagination, and his wines too.
To B or not to B? That is the question! Hope you will join us and make history!
WHAT’S INCLUDED:
* A Very Special Food, Wine and Fun focused Holiday in Piedmont – designed by Billy and Kato for a somewhat intimate group of about 18-20
* 7 Nights Luxury en-suite Accommodation
* All wine (in moderation!) for dinners, happy hour and seminars
* 7 Hearty Breakfasts
* 7 Scrumptious Dinners
* Most Lunches
* Cooking and Wine Classes
* Airport Pick up and Drop off
* Private Coach for Day Trips
* …and a few surprises! (can’t give it ALL away now!)
NOT INCLUDED: Airfare from Canada, personal travel insurance, some lunches, café times, and gratuities for drivers.
COST: $2,495.00 based on double occupancy
TICO #1890474
BOOKING: We are very pleased to have our friend CATHY HAZEN (Stan Blowes Travel in Stratford) as our travel agent for this tour – please call her at her home any day but Monday, 519.625.8558 or at 1.800.461.8500 on Mondays, or email her at catharinehazen@gmail.com or cathy@blowestravel.com.
PAYMENT & HOW TO BOOK
1. To book your spot, email us at billysbestbottles@gmail.com with ITALY in the subject line! We need your names, address, email and phone number.
2. Then mail a cheque for $500 payable to Billy’s Best Bottles to 1646 County Road 10, Cherry Valley, ON K0K 1P0, to secure your booking – first come, first served. This will not be deposited until the tour is a guaranteed GO (minimum numbers – we will keep you notified). Upon receiving your deposit we will email you a receipt and invoice for the remaining amount.
3. 50% of the full tour cost (less your $500 deposit) is due July 1, 2012.
4. The remaining is due August 15, 2012.
Prices are in Canadian dollars. HST not included.
CANCELLATION POLICY
Up to July 15th, full refund of your deposits less 25%.
After August 15 – 50% refund of entire trip cost.
If your spot can be filled (we will try our very best), then full refund less 15%.
Billy’s Best Bottles is not responsible for any loss, theft, accident or injury incurred on this trip and has the right to cancel for any reason. Should we cancel, you will get all monies refunded.
