Come with us to one of the most legendary places in the wine world, home of one of its most ethereal wines, Barolo.
Oct 7-10, 2025
PIEDMONT
Blending Escape
Only Burgundy enjoys a similar mythical status, and Barolo can transport us in the same way as that famed Pinot Noir. We will travel Piedmont together, with unheard of insider’s access to its greatest producers, and to blend Barolo with our highly regarded winemaking partner, G.D. Vajra. And of course, fabulous food (including the legendary Piedmont truffles) will be involved.
THE ITINERARY
DAY 1 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 7
BENVENUTI A PIEMONTE!
Arrivals and transfers from the Turin or Milan airports to our hotel, Castelo di Guarene, a Relais & Chateaux hotel inside an 18th century castle.
Welcome drink and orientation tasting at hotel
Get ready for an immersive Barolo/Barbaresco education, as we sit down to taste a group of the best the region has to offer with our own team expert.
Dinner at the hotel’s elegant restaurant
The ancient gastronomic wisdom of Roero and Langhe is the focus of the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, whose menu also incorporates the rigorous selection of raw materials and creativity.
DAY 2 - FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8
EXPLORATION & SURPRISE
Fresh breakfast available in the hotel’s restaurant
Private tour, tasting and lunch at Agricola Brandini
This is a highly unique experience in the heart of one of Barolo’s most famous communes, La Morra. There we’ll experience the magic of this fully organic Barolo estate run by two very passionate women. They’ll take us through their lineup of gorgeous Barolos and a few surprises (think bubbles), before we sit down for a 4-course lunch paired with more of their wines.
Private tasting with one of the region best Barbaresco producers
Moving over to the Barbaresco side of Piedmont, we’ll taste some of its finest examples from this surprisingly Nebbiolo-based region.
Guided walk between two hilltop villages
We’ll meander through the well worn paths between two of Piemonte’s most picturesque towns, glimpsing ancient castles and all the flora and fauna of this one-of-a-kind region.
Dinner at a local winemakers’ favorite
In Serralunga d’Alba we will enjoy a menu which takes full advantage of the seasonal local ingredients available all across the region. We will try some time-honored local favorites – and get ready to elevate your culinary experience with an excellent wine list and the company of a young Barolo winemaker, who will be joining us in our private dining room.
DAY 3 - SATURDAY, OCTOBER 9
THE MAIN EVENT
Tasting and blending session at G.D. Vajra
The trip’s most exciting moment is here: time to meet the dynamic Vajra family, who will walk us through their beautiful lineup of Barolos before helping us blend our very own from their Grand Cru vineyards. This promises to be a highlight of the Experience.
Lunch at local favorite Osteria More e Macine
We will lunch as the locals do, at this charming osteria in beautiful La Morra. Its typical yet creative cuisine and extensive wine list covering all the local greats will make this one of the highlights of the trip.
Private tour and tasting at Conterno Fantino
Another one of the storied “Barolo Boys,” Sandrone was another crucial figure in the Barolo region – and the fact that he is no longer with us makes his accomplishments all the more legendary. Today the family winery owns 67 acres stretching from Barolo to Serralunga d’Alba and neighboring Roero. We will take a tasting journey through their extraordinary history.
Dinner at Ristorante Borgo Sant’Anna, Monforte d’Alba
This beloved restaurant inside an impressive country borgo will be the site of our farewell dinner and the restaurant’s rustic elegance and jaw-dropping wine list will ensure that we will go out in style.
DAY 4 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10
ARRIVADERCI!
Departures, or continue on for further exploration.
THE DETAILS
How to arrive
Guests should fly into Turin (TRN) or Milan (MXP) airports, then transfer (1 hour and 15 minutes from Turin or 1 hr and 45 minutes from Milan) to our hotel in Guarene.
Accommodations
Castello di Guarene, a Relais & Chateaux hotel inside an 18th century castle amid typical Italian gardens. Sumptuously furnished antique-style bedrooms, haute cuisine, fine wines and all the modern comforts combine with historical heritage to offer a truly unique experience.
Winemaking – G.D. Vajra
The Vajra family has farmed vineyards in Barolo since the 1880s. Today’s G.D. Vajra winery was established by the 16-year old Aldo Vajra in 1972. He became one of the early pioneers of organic farming and hand-crafted artisan wines. Today, with 40 hectares under vine, planted with Nebbiolo, Dolcetto, and Barbera, the family-owned estate embodies tradition. Aldo and Milena, now joined by their children Giuseppe, Francesca, and Isidoro, continue the legacy. The distinguishing characteristic of these wines is the high elevation of their vineyards, which allows them to express finesse and remarkable complexity over simple power.
Maximum number of guests
14
PRICING INFORMATION
Member Double $13,500
Member Single $9,600
Guest Double $19,200
Guest Single $13,300
Member Double $14,000
Member Single $10,100
Guest Double $19,700
Guest Single $13,800
The trip cost includes all accommodations, meals, wines, local transportation and group activities. Guests are responsible for the cost of their flights and airport transfers to the hotel.
Please note that Vines itineraries are highly unique and customized, and the overall schedule, events and timing are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control.
Cancellation Policy
We understand that sometimes life requires changes or cancellations. We have created cancellation policies that take this into account while also accounting for the realities of our non-refundable event costs and prepayments. You can see our cancellation policy at www.vinesevents.com/terms
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