Perfect Italian Weekend Travel Guide

Perfect Italian Weekend | Rocchetta Belbo

A perfect weekend in Italy without the limitations of time, budget, or distance. Every week we ask interesting and inspirational Italians, and Italians at heart, to take us along for a perfect, local weekend. This week Elaine, the owner of an organic wine estate in Rocchetta Belbo, Piemonte, will take us along to the beautiful region around her home.

I worked many years as a CFO for various non-profit organizations in New York City and subsequently created a charitable foundation working mainly in Zambia providing educational scholarships and entrepreneurship grants. Over the past 25 years, my time has been spent in Italy, Africa, and New York. A major part of my Piemonte experience has included the building and development of our organic wine production company. On certain weekends, I will be in the cantina tasting wine and assisting our partner.

Depending on the weather, my favorite thing to do on the weekends is hiking around the beautiful trails surrounding our property and lunch on the terrace with views of the Langhe hills. In the summer months, the pool and tennis court are where you can find me on most days. I rarely miss the Saturday market at Alba. Starting the day with a delicious cappuccino and brioche at Gusto Madre, Alba there are a couple of great fresh pasta vendors but in my opinion, the best is Pastificio Corino at Piazza Elvio Pertinace 1. The market in this historic town with cobblestone streets and lovely buildings has a large variety of food and other interesting items making it a fun morning as well as productive. This is the place where you can buy the best porcini mushrooms and truffles, Terre Madre area of the market has mostly organic foods and is my weekly shopping destination.

There are many other historic towns near our house in Rocchetta Belbo including Neive, Serralunga, Barbaresco, La Morra, and Monforte D’alba (famous for their summer Jazz Festival). We often invite friends over on Sunday for an afternoon of great wines from our Cantina and pizza made fresh from our pizza oven. But if we are too lazy to entertain, there are great places close by for a wonderful dining experience. These are some names of restaurants: Trattoria Del Peso (Castino), Osteria delle Poste (San Donato di Mango), Radici a Mura Mura (Costigliole d’Asti), Gusto Madre (Alba), Battaglino (Bra).

Addresses

Stay: visit Elaine's organic wine estate in Rocchetta Belbo.

This beautifully designed home is nestled among four hectares of organic vineyards and lush forests, offering a peaceful retreat for up to 12 guests. There also is a large swimming pool, a classic red-clay tennis court, and lots of great wine tasting in the vineyard's designated tasting room. Also worth mentioning is going truffle hunting in the morning with local expert and neighbor Alberto.

Breakfast: Gusto Madre, Alba @gustomadre

Fresh Pasta Restaurant and Shop: Pastificio Corino

Jazz festival : @monfortinjazz