Join VinConnect in Piemonte for a week of private estate visits, winemaker-hosted meals, and unforgettable experiences at the height of the region’s fabled white truffle season. Reserve your spot with a $1,000 deposit.
Our intimate week-long program brings together 10–12 VinConnect mailing list customers for private estate visits in Barolo and Barbaresco, shared meals with producers, and spectacular seasonal experiences. Highlights include the Alba White Truffle Fair, a Michelin-star dinner, a vineyard truffle hunt, and special tastings hosted by some of the region’s most respected estates, including Vietti, Massolino, Pelissero, Contratto, Azelia, Rivetto, and more.
The program will be hosted by VinConnect’s Jon McDaniel, Food + Wine Magazine Sommelier of the Year and an established leader in the global wine industry. Jon will accompany the group throughout the week helping guide tastings and conversations with the producers we visit.
The journey is coordinated in partnership with Alba-based travel specialist Valerie Quintanilla, who can also provide travel planning support for your arrival, departure, and additional travel within Italy before or after the program.
Hosted by VinConnect’s Jon McDaniel, Food + Wine Magazine Sommelier of the Year, who will accompany the group throughout the week helping guide tastings.
6 nights at the intimate Hotel Casa Pavesi in Barolo; a luxury property with expansive vineyard views, bountiful daily breakfast, pool, and more
Private estate visits with VinConnect producer partners including Vietti, Massolino, Pelissero, Contratto, Azelia, Rivetto, and more
A traditional truffle hunt paired with a biodynamic vineyard walk, followed by a truffle-focused lunch with one of our winemakers
During select lunches and dinners throughout the week, participating producers join us at the table to share their wines and stories
A truffle dinner at Guido Ristorante, a historic Langhe institution long considered one of Piemonte’s most iconic restaurants
Test your palate with a blind tasting lunch with one of VinConnect's most historic winemaker partners
A guided visit to the world's largest White Truffle Market in Alba
A final evening featuring a winemaker dinner in the historic cellars of a renowned partner estate, offering a memorable close to a week in Piemonte
A complimentary planning session with Valerie, our Italy-based travel planner to assist with arrival and depature logistics, free time activities, and any pre- or post-program travel plans
Transportation to and from the hotel on arrival and departure days, as well as transportation during free time
For drivers, guides, and other service staff
Strongly recommended (optional purchase at check-out)
The program builds on years of VinConnect visits to our producer partners and is designed to deepen the connection between those wineries and VinConnect mailing list clients.
Monday 9 November – Arrival in Piemonte
After settling into the hotel, we begin the week with an onsite private chef welcome dinner featuring select wines and our first taste of the season’s white truffles, joined by a winemaker from one of our partner estates.
Tuesday 10 November – Barolo Immersion
Our first full day explores the Barolo zone with tastings at two distinguished estates, and a winemaker-hosted lunch.
In the evening, we gather for a Michelin-starred dinner at Guide Ristorante celebrating Piemontese cuisine and seasonal white truffles.
Wednesday 11 November – Truffle & Vineyard Experience
The day begins with a traditional truffle hunt and vineyard trek in the Langhe hills followed by lunch featuring wines from one of our participating producers.
The evening is intentionally left open, with the option to join a casual apericena at the hotel or explore local dining on your own.
Thursday 12 November – Barolo Villages & Estate Visits
A second day dedicated to Barolo includes additional estate visits, lunch with a producer, and time to explore the iconic villages of Barolo and La Morra.
The evening concludes with a special wine dinner hosted by one of the region’s leading estates.
Friday 13 November – Barbaresco Exploration
We turn our attention to Barbaresco with a morning estate visit followed by an Alla Cieca Blind Tasting lunch designed to test and refine your palate.
After time to stroll through the village of Barbaresco, the evening is again left open for a relaxed apericena at the hotel or independent dining.
Saturday 14 November – Alba & Farewell Celebration
A Day in Alba with the White Truffle Fair: We begin the morning with coffee in Alba’s historic center before exploring the renowned White Truffle Fair. Lunch in Alba will include a winemaker sharing wines and stories from their estate, followed by free time to explore the historic center.
Farewell Dinner: After an afternoon break, we gather for a final curated pairing experience celebrating the wines and friendships of the week. The evening is planned at a partner estate, offering a fitting close to our time together in Piemonte.
Sunday 15 November – Departure
Breakfast at the hotel before departures.
(Specific winery visits and dining venues will be finalized closer to departure and remain subject to availability.)
Our home for the week is Hotel Casa Pavesi, an intimate 4-star countryside property located in the Barolo village of Grinzane Cavour, just steps from the historic Castello di Grinzane Cavour and surrounded by vineyards that stretch across the Langhe hills.
With only a small number of rooms, the property feels more like a private country residence than a traditional hotel, allowing our group to enjoy the peaceful setting, panoramic vineyard views, and a beautiful pool overlooking Barolo wine country.
Located just minutes from several of the region’s most important estates and a short drive from Alba, Casa Pavesi provides an ideal base for exploring Barolo and Barbaresco while returning each evening to a relaxed and welcoming setting.
The program includes classic room accommodations, with two suite upgrades available on a first-come, first-served basis for guests seeking additional space and enhanced vineyard views.
It’s the kind of place where the day often ends with a glass of Barolo on the terrace, looking out across the vineyards of the Langhe.
Included in your stay:
6 nights lodging
(Check-in Monday, check-out Sunday)
Daily breakfast
Private Chef Welcome Dinner on-site at the hotel.
Two apericena evenings during the program’s leisure nights. Driver service can be arranged for guests who wish to dine out.
One of the highlights of our past VinConnect trips has been the evenings spent together sharing wines, stories, and good company. With that in mind, we’ve intentionally built two flexible evenings into the program so you can choose how you’d like to spend them.
At the hotel, a private chef will prepare what Italians call apericena — something between aperitivo and dinner. Because our days are filled with generous lunches and tastings, this relaxed buffet of local dishes, accompanied by a traditional glass of bubbles, offers a light but satisfying evening meal.
These evenings are perfect for opening and sharing bottles discovered during the trip - or perhaps something special you’ve brought along. Guests may also choose from the hotel’s extensive wine list.
For those who prefer to explore, Valerie is happy to assist with restaurant reservations and transportation to nearby villages.
Payment Schedule
Deposit: $1000 deposit is required to confirm your booking.
Second Payment: $2000 is payable by 20 April 2026
Final Payment: The balance is due 60 days prior to the program start date.
Cancellation Policy: We understand that unforeseen circumstances may arise. The following cancellation terms apply to all reservations:
Cancellations made within 1 month of booking
Full refund of payments made, less a €500 administrative fee.
Cancellations made 60 or more days before the program start date
Eligible for a 50% refund of the deposit, less a €500 administrative fee.
Cancellations made 59–30 days before the program start date
Eligible for a 25% refund of the total program cost, less a €500 administrative fee.
Cancellations made fewer than 30 days before the program start date
No refund.
Additional Terms
Refunds will be processed within 30 days of written cancellation.
Any non-refundable third-party costs already incurred (such as accommodations, special reservations, or event tickets) may be deducted from the refund amount where applicable.
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance to protect your investment in the event of cancellation, travel disruption, or other unforeseen circumstances. Note that travel insurance is optional at check-out.
Program Changes: While every effort will be made to operate the itinerary as described, certain elements of the program may need to be adjusted due to winery availability, weather, seasonal conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. If changes become necessary, they will be made thoughtfully, with the goal of maintaining the overall quality and character of the experience.
By making a reservation, you acknowledge and agree to the terms outlined in this payment and cancellation policy.
