Why you should swap Florence for the Langhe

UK’s Independent has a great article on why you should swap Florence and Chianti for Turin and the Langue for culture and wine.

That’s precisely why I’m writing a book called the Personal Legends of Piemonte. I’m almost done and feel validated – even prescient. Piemonte is the secret that needs to be told but I’m not sure I’ll need to keep saying it; appears the secret’s getting out.

Stephen Croncota, Versace’s former CMO and owner of Villa Giara, who moved to Milan from Los Angeles before falling in love with Piedmont, summed it up perfectly: “Piedmont now is what Tuscany was 20 years ago. It’s just as beautiful as those more famous, more touristy places, but it’s more authentic and a fraction of the price. It’s also much easier to get to”.

I’ve met Stephen but didn’t interview him for my book, he’s not Piemontese. Neither am I, but he and I both get it.

One of my interviews is with Chef Piera, she runs the famous Madonna delle Neve restaurant in Cessole. They still serve their famous agnolotti on soft white linen. Her peasant recipes and grand restaurant overlooking the vineyards is known far and wide. I call her The Goddess. Why?

Because she didn’t have to move a mile to find her bliss. Not one single kilometre to create the kind of life lived on the wing of a dream. Surrounded by family and friends; creating magic on a daily basis.

I had to sail across the Atlantic, then domicile at several addresses across the European continent before I found my bliss. I love this interview and you will too – now go forth and make plans for Piemonte. Rent a car, tour around and drink free wine and wonderful food at tastings along the way.

Imbibe local food cooked in first principle, in the slow food method, then go on a nature hike full of herbs and let your body and mind unite.

Italy never disappoints, and Piemonte just may restore the faith. In this wicked, wicked world your soul will sing with delight, contentment is yours; I promise.

Turin, once the capital of Italy, is still grand with it’s cafe culture, chocolate and coffee.