Pollenzo and Verduno - Warmup ride

One of our guides will meet you at Turin Airport (or in town if you have already arrived) for a late morning shuttle to Corte Albertina in Pollenzo. You will have time to visit this interesting site, steeped in history. The site received official recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2001 as part of the Residences of the Royal House of Savoy. It now houses the University of Gastronomical Sciences, founded by the internationally recognized Slow Food Association. Slow Food began as a sophisticated parody of McDonald's arrival in Italy (Slow Food vs. Fast Food) and has grown into an international crusade for the preservation of culinary traditions, biodiversity, and "the right to good taste." A representative of the University will enlighten us about their mission and its importance for producers, consumers, and the restaurant business.

In the afternoon, we will make our way to our unique stay, a royal palace on top of the village of Verduno, full of charm and history. The royal history, that of Savoia and of King Carlo Alberto, and the humble history of the Burlotto and Bianco families. The passion for preserving this place and the love for wine (Verduno Pelaverga and Barolo) and Piedmontese cuisine are palpable.
Our first ride will take place among the vineyards of Verduno and around the hills surrounding the village. Back at Castello di Verduno, Chef Jody Adams will prepare a welcome aperitivo that will be served while we have a tour overview. Our first dinner will showcase some traditional dishes paired with the fine wines of Castello di Verduno.

Roero - 20 or 40 miles - Hilly

Our first longer ride starts by descending the Tanaro River Valley. We'll pass through Corneliano, Monteu Roero, Santo Stefano, all on the hills of the Roero region. Here, you are in true wine country where grape varieties include Nebbiolo, Barbera, and Arneis, undoubtedly a part of your evening celebrations!
Upon arriving in Montà, we will enjoy a truffle hunting demo. Truffle hunting is part of the farming culture here and traditionally considered a male activity. However, our young female trifulau, Martina, has just as much passion and knowledge, and she will take us around with her trusted dog. This is an experience you won't forget! The white truffle is a delicacy that has made these hills famous among chefs worldwide. However, in the summer, the black one is in season while the white one is in season in the colder months. Martina and her family will treat us to lunch, and, of course, truffle is on the menu.

Shuttle or ride back to the hotel in time to get ready for a cooking class followed by dinner at the Marrone Family Winery in La Morra. It's time to enjoy life and taste some Barolo on the terrace! Chef Jody Adams and the Marrone family staff will engage everyone during this fun, yet professional cooking workshop. While pasta is an Italian staple dish, each region has its own recipes, and you'll learn the Piedmont way. The Marrone winery's wine is superb, and it's interesting to know that three sisters lead the winery. We cannot wait for you to experience one of our favorite activities with some of our favorite people.

Tomorrow, we change location and get into the heart of the Langa wine production area.

Barolo loop - 25 miles - Hilly

Today is Barolo day! We'll bid farewell to Verduno and ride to the hills of Barolo, passing more Nebbiolo vineyards where you will undoubtedly see local workers in the fields performing the June green harvesting. Our first stop is the world-famous Belvedere of Morra. La Morra is considered the balcony of the Langhe because of its wonderful views of the entire area.

Next, we ride to the unpretentious village named after the King of Wines: Barolo. Between La Morra and Barolo, you'll pass rows of Nebbiolo vines cultivated by legendary producers such as Renato Ratti, Bartolo Mascarello, and Roberto Voerzio. Monforte and then Serralunga d’Alba afford the most amazing riding experience anywhere.
We spend the next two nights at the Fontanafredda Estate, an award-winning winery (European Winery of the Year 2017). We'll stay in the exclusive Cascina Galarej within the estate. The pool is waiting!

The final highlight of this epic day is dinner with Chef Ugo Alciati (one Michelin star). You will learn how "Da Guido" restaurant - started by his father - completely changed fine dining in Piedmont.

Barbaresco Loop - 24 miles - Rolling

The area southwest of Alba is part of the Barbaresco wine production zone. The three villages where Nebbiolo grapes for Barbaresco wine can be grown are Neive, Treiso, and Barbaresco.
The original, small, and elegant village of Barbaresco will be part of our ride today and a mandatory coffee stop. As you approach Barbaresco, its imposing 12th-century tower stands out in the landscape. The tower is what is left of an imposing fortification that once crowned the hilltop where Barbaresco rises. Along a winding ridge, we'll head towards Treiso before an exhilarating descent back to Fontanafredda.

For dinner, we will land in Alba, the capital of the white truffle area. Of Celtic and Ligurian origin, called Alba Pompeia by the Romans, the town has kept a spiral-shaped medieval plan. You will have time to explore the elegant town center before gathering for dinner.

There are only a handful of three Michelin star restaurants in Italy. Piazza Duomo in Alba is one of them and is at the pinnacle of regional cuisine. Piazza Duomo has been listed as one of the 50 Best Restaurants in the World every year since 2014 (reaching its highest position on the list in 2017 at number 15 and in 2023 is at number 42). The kitchen is headed by Chef Enrico Crippa, who procures the freshest regional ingredients, some of which come from the restaurant’s vegetable garden; everything else comes from within a radius of 50 kilometers. An impressive wine selection will afford a memorable wine pairing. We can’t actually add much more, as this is a culinary event that must be experienced.