Today was spent relaxing, both with this cutie pie and with some me time at the spa at Corte Gondina. My day tomorrow should be more exciting! Stay tuned!

Today was spent relaxing, both with this cutie pie and with some me time at the spa at Corte Gondina. My day tomorrow should be more exciting! Stay tuned!

Unfortunately, I did not bring my camera with me today but I have a few iphone photos.
The day started at Vietti, where we tasted all their wines. This is something they do once a month to check the wines evolution in the barrels. After we went to lunch at Le Torri with the entire staff of Vietti!
In the evening I had dinner with all the “kids” my age. The dinner ended at about 1am and we went through about 6 bottles and 4 GT (we were 7 people).
All in all a good day.
It’s my birthday; need I say more!



First whole day in paradise!

The day started “slow” with a cappucino at Corte Gondina and some “sightseeing” in La Morra.
I ended up having lunch at Osteria Dei Vignaiolo in Santa Maria, one of my favorite restaurants. The Panna Cotta there is to die for. The sun was out and I sat outside enjoying a bottle of Cavallotto Pinner. Life could not be better.

After lunch I went to More e Macine and shared the rest of the bottle with the staff there. I love spending time there. Always someone to talk to, always a good time. After a quick stop there I went over to Revello for a tour and a tasting. It was my first time there, although not the first time drinking their wines.
Ended the day at Mangé with a bottle of Mauro Veglio dolcetto and some very good food. Excited for tomorrow, should be a hell of a birthday celebration!
I’m back! And damn it feels good!
After I checked in at my aribnb I ran across the street to one of my favorite places, More e Macine. And as I suspected I was met with many friendly and familiar faces. I sat down at a table alone, but shortly thereafter Renato Corino and his wife asked me to join their table. I gladly accepted and a few hours later we got up to leave.
Old picture from More e Macine
It’s the best feeling. The people here are so welcoming, I don’t think I have ever truly been alone when I am in this area. No wonder I love it here so much.
It was so good to see Ito again, along with the staff at More e Macine. A few other familiar faces came and went, as is the atmosphere in La Morra.
Great start to the vacation! Stay tuned!

With the trip fast approaching, many plans have fallen into place. This time I would like to try a few new things as well as revisiting my favorite spots and my favorite people. Here are some of my stops this trip.
This osteria has become a staple during my trips, usually with multiple visits. Lunch, dinner, aperitivo, coffee; whatever it may be, this place always welcomes you. It also happens to be where I am celebrating my birthday!
Manzone
I always try to do something new, visit someone new or try something different, and this time I am visiting Manzone. Manzone is located in Monforte and the family has been making wine since 1925. Today it is Mirella and Mauro along with their father Giovanni who are working at the winery. I’m excited to meet them!

Tucked away in Serralunga you find Ciccio at his wonderful restaurant Centro Storico. I already reserved a table and I can’t wait to sit down and watch him carve prosciutto at the counter.
Silvia Altare
I can’t wait to wrap my arms around my dear friend Silvia. It has been way to long since I saw her! And, they got a new puppy at the winery! The picture below is Silvia’s mother, Lucia, with their new puppy.

Osteria Veglio
Since the new owners have taken over, this is one of my favorite places to go. Sitting on that balcony overlooking the vineyards while eating one of the best panna cotta’s ever know to man is always on the list!
Castiglione Falletto, Piemonte
Only 20 days until I’ll be back in Piemonte! Can’t wait to see this view everyday!
Welcome to Vinoteca Centro Storico! This is where the infamous Ciccio works, a man who also goes by the name Alessio. He is said to have the best champagne list outside of France, and I don’t think that is far from the truth.
Apart from his excellent taste in Champgane, you also get really good food, a freindly staff and a great wine list. Ciccio’s wife also works there, and the two of them have created a marvelous restaurant. There is room for everyone, not just the regulars that have accumulated over the years.
And more often than not, Ciccio does something crazy, like offer a blind tasting of a 1978 Barbaresco, Albino Rocca. If you’re lucky you will witness or even take part in these crazy shenanigans, and have a good story to tell your friends. You will also often run into winemakers from the area, who are there to enjoy a meal or have a quick drink with Ciccio.
Centro Storico is located in Serralunga, in the center, (Via Roma 6). You can call them at +39 0173 613203. They are closed Monday.