Piedmont, Italy Photo Essay: Week 1

The Piedmont Italy photo stream is coming to life with a kaleidoscope of beautiful scenery, friendly faces, wine, food, and more…

We hosted our first barbecue, made friends with our neighbors, enjoyed fizz with a Barolo producer, and headed to the country for a fizz-by-the-pool party.

As for the practicals, I had a job interview, explored Torino, and even got an Italian mobile phone.

Benvenuto in Piemonte!
Benvenuto in Piemonte!

Watch my Piemonte Italy Photo Stream in real-time on Instagram, Valeriekq, #lifeinitaly.

T-2 hours till lift off: Denver to Frankfurt to Torino

Moving to Italy, 4 suitcases
Four suitcases – one overweight, but they it still got on – no extra charge!

Day 1: Food & Bubbles

Arrival toast: A bottle of 1988 Krug champagne: 1988 Krug
We toasted my arrival with a bottle of champagne: 1988 Krug
Asparagus, Bra Sausage, Olive Oil, Parmigiano
Apperitivo: Asparagus, Bra Sausage, Olive Oil, Parmigiano

Day 2: Exploring Alba, Italy

Centro Storico Alba, Italy
The Boy, relaxing on the front door to our apartment building

Day 2: Dinner at La Libera 

2004 Luigi Oddero Barolo
Delish 2004 Luigi Oddero Barolo.
Gianluca Viberti Sparkling Wine
Producer Gianluca Viberti was at the table next to us and gave us a glass of his new fizz; not yet released.

Day 3: Job Interview at Contratto (A La Spinetta winery)

Contratto Sparkling Wines
Contratto: The job interview was sandwiched between a winery tour and a wine tasting. Yes, I’m going to like it here.

Day 4: Meet the Neighbors

Pastry and garlic in Alba, Italy
Housewarming Gifts: Our 80-year-old neighbors own a pastry shop and grow garlic.

Day 5: Fizz-by-the-Pool Party

Nieve, Italy
And, Exhale. I just kept saying, “I’m so happy.”
Neive, Piemonte, relaxing by the pool
Sunday Funday: The Boy and I enjoying some vino, soaking up the day. Sigh.

Day 6: Summer Wines

Moccagatta Langhe Chardonnay
New summertime fave: Moccagatta Langhe Chardonnay. The Piemontese do chard right, just a hint of oak.

 Day 7: Azienda Agricola Cieck Wine Tasting

San Giorgio Sparkling Wine. Grape: Erbaluce.
San Giorgio Sparkling Wine. Grape: Erbaluce.
Cieck Callar Room
Cieck Cellar Room: So much fizz, so little time.

 Day 7: Torino

After a long day of walking and exploring, an exhausted Cotta dog and a glass of erbaluce.
After a long day of walking and exploring, an exhausted Cotta-dog and a glass of erbaluce.

One week down. The Piemonte Italy Photo Stream fills up as my cup runneth over.

Ciao Ciao! V-dawg OUT.

Got suggestions for places to scope out in the Langhe? Please, drop me a line!

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