Perfect Italian Weekend | Markovino
This week, A Perfect Italian Weekend takes us to the rolling hills of Piemonte with wine curator and host Mark Martens (@marko.vino), who has spent the past seven years immersing himself in the rhythms, flavors, and traditions of northern Italy. From his family home, Casa Bansella, Mark fell in love—not only with the sweeping views and slow-paced life, but with the people who shape this land through generations of care and craft. With deep roots in the birthplace of the Slow Food movement, Mark now curates seasonal wine boxes from small-scale, sustainable producers and organizes intimate wine trips that celebrate local living. His weekend is a celebration of everything Piemonte does best: good food, honest wine, and a deep connection to the land.
Saturday – Markets, Mozzarella & Magical Views
When I’m feeling ambitious, I hop in the car early and head to Alba for the Saturday market—a true paradise for Slow Food lovers, overflowing with the region’s finest organic produce. If you have time, stay for lunch at Petricore Enoteca con Cucina, or treat yourself to a culinary experience just outside the city at Ristorante Marc Lanteri.
More often though, I get a slower start and do my shopping closer to home, in Nizza Monferrato. I pick up vegetables from Eleonore—always with a smile and some expert advice—and grab fresh pasta from Da Luciano, a little pasta factory run by four nonnas (who also happen to be related to one of my favorite winemakers).
For lunch, I love sitting on the village square at La Locanda del Campanon, where the sourdough pizzas are as good as the people-watching—postmen and street workers included (always a good sign).
In the afternoon, I like to take a walk around Cascina Elena. On a clear day, the view of the Alps is breathtaking. And of course, it’s a perfect excuse to sample their latest vintage.
Aperitivo time? You’ll find me at La Dolce Vigna, our local bar and the social heart of the village. If cooking doesn’t happen after that second spritz, I head to La Milonga or (if someone’s sober enough to drive) Caffè Roma, a warm, family-run restaurant where son Simone now gives pasta-making workshops.
Sunday – Flea Markets & Rolling Home Full
Sundays are for treasure hunting. I love exploring local antique markets with my parents—think vintage Murano glass, retro Alessi trays, and mid-century ceramics. My girlfriend Jitka has officially banned me from bringing home any more wine glasses, but that doesn’t stop us from looking.
After a morning of browsing, it’s time for Sunday lunch—a sacred ritual in Italy. One of my favorites is Valli Unite, a cooperative winery and farm where nearly everything on your plate (and in your glass) is grown right there. Or I’ll head to Tére Rüse for a long, lazy meal in good company. But the best? Lunch with our neighbors, the Castino family. When that happens, you won’t need to plan anything else for the rest of the day—just roll yourself home and bask in the afterglow.
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