The Spirit of Barolo Country

Driving through the winding roads of Barolo, the first stop had to be the legendary Borgogno winery. One of the oldest producers in the area, Borgogno’s cellars date back to 1761. Stepping inside felt like walking into a piece of Italian history. The air was cool, earthy, and heavy with the scent of time of oak barrels, slow fermentations, and patient aging. Tasting their Barolo, we understood what people mean when they say it’s “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Powerful, perfumed, full of tar, roses, and truffle, it felt like sipping the very soil under our feet. A short drive later, we reached Mirafiore, another icon nestled in the heart of Serralunga d’Alba. Once the royal estate of the House of Savoy, it’s now a stunning winery that perfectly blends tradition with innovation. Their wines are elegant and structured, but what stood out most was the warmth of the people, the kind of welcome that feels like family. One of the highlights of our visit to Mirafiore was Stefano, our guide, who welcomed us with genuine warmth and deep knowledge of the estate. He took the time to walk us through the historic cellars and explain the winery’s philosophy with passion and clarity. Stefano personally hosted us for an unforgettable dinner at the Mirafiore estate restaurant , where every dish was perfectly paired and full of heart. As if that wasn’t enough, he arranged for us to stay in a special " La Rosa" room at the estate's hotel, making us feel not just like guests, but part of the Mirafiore family.

Food That Hugs the Soul

Piedmontese cuisine is just as legendary as its wines. Think white truffles, hazelnuts, chocolate (gianduja), braised meats, and slow-cooked sauces. We stopped for lunch at a trattoria La Salinera on a hill just outside the Castello grinzane Cavour. The place and table was set with simplicity, but the meal was unforgettable. We started with Piedmontese charcuterie and vitello tonnato, thin slices of veal in a creamy tuna-caper sauce, more delicate than it sounds. Then came tajarin pasta, hand-cut and golden with eggs, served with a luxurious butter and white truffle sauce. And finally, the showstopper: Brasato al Barolo, beef slow-braised in Nebbiolo, tender enough to eat with a spoon. Every dish was born from the land, just like the wines, earthy, honest, comforting.

A Place of People, Not Just Wine

What truly sets Piedmont apart isn’t just the DOCGs or the Michelin stars (though there are plenty). It’s the people. The winemaker who poured from an unlabeled bottle because “this is what my father used to make.” The nonna who brought out extra bread because we “looked hungry.” The server who recommended a $20 bottle over a $100 one “because it tells a better story.” Hospitality here isn’t a service. It’s a way of life.

Why You’ll Always Want to Come Back

Piedmont is not flashy. It doesn't try to impress. It simply is deeply authentic, ruggedly beautiful, and full of heart. You come for the Barolo, yes. For the truffles, the cheese, the chocolate. But you leave with something more: a feeling that you were welcomed, that you were part of something, even just for a while.

At Viniamo, we share that feeling through every bottle we deliver. Like a postcard from the hills of Piemonte, filled with stories, flavors, and soul.