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Barolo, truffles and an astonishing mosaic of hills - the calling card of Piedmont region... Piedmont, a picturesque region in northern Italy, is a haven for wine enthusiasts and food lovers alike. Renowned for its exceptional wines and the elusive truffle, Piedmont offers a unique and unforgettable experience for those seeking a gastronomic adventure. The region's diverse terroir, coupled with the expertise of its winemakers, makes it a home to some of Italy's most celebrated wines of exceptional quality and character. Nebbiolo grape is undoubtedly the King here, producing some of the best wines in the world - the noble Barolo and Barbaresco. But let's not forget the elegant Barbera and Dolcetto and the refreshing white wines of Gavi di Gavi - Piedmontese wines showcase a wide range of flavors, aromas, and aging potential. No visit to Piedmont is complete without immersing yourself in its wine culture and ancient truffle traditions. Truffle hunting is a thrilling immersive experience through Piedmont's picturesque landscapes in the pursuit of these elusive gourmet treasures hidden beneath the earth. The intoxicating scent of truffles fills the air as you witness the extraordinary partnership between truffle hunters and their loyal canine companions. Piedmont is home to some of the world's most coveted truffle species, each possessing its own unique aroma and flavour profiles. The White Alba Truffle is the most sought-after variety and the region gets very busy from the end of October throughout the winter with the hunters coming from all over the world in hope to get their hands on these illusive treasures. The marriage of Piedmontese wines and truffles is a match made in culinary heaven. The earthy and complex flavours of truffles beautifully complement the robust and structured wines of the region. From the earthy notes of Barolo with truffle-infused pasta to the vibrant acidity of Barbera with truffle risotto - the art of pairing these two delicacies creates the endless possibilities for indulgence. Piedmont offers a sensory journey like no other, where the world of wines and truffles intertwine to create an unforgettable experience. From the vineyards that produce exceptional wines to the enchanting truffle hunts that unveil hidden treasures, this region captivates both the palate and the soul. Whether you are a wine connoisseur or a food lover seeking new adventures, a trip to Piedmont will leave you with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation for the art of winemaking and truffle hunting. Cheers to the magical pairing of wines of Piedmont and the captivating world of truffles! Gallery © All images on this page are subject to copyright. 2023 Nelly Ward

Under the blue skies and in even bluer waters of the Aegean Sea seats a beautiful island of Santorini. The living landscape is captivating: cute white cave houses, excavated into the rock, coexist harmoniously with blue-domed churches and windmills, surrounded by cobblestone paths with hundreds of steep steps. The breathtaking views from virtually any point at the Caldera of still technically active volcano, Black and Red beaches, crystal clear warm water, heart stopping sunsets, unbelievable fresh cuisine - if that's not enough for you to call this place a paradise, wait till you try the wines. The hot, sunny, dry climate with no rainfall during the vine growing season and very strong winds, that blow year round virtually from all directions forced the winegrowers to come up with a unique vine training technique, where the vines are woven in a circle and laid out in the shape of a basket - "kouloura" - to protect them from the harsh weather conditions and collect water from the early morning mists brought from the Caldera. The wonders don't stop there. The ash-rich volcanic soils made the island immune to the Phylloxera, making it the sanctuary of some of the oldest ungrafted vines in the world. The wine production is dominated by the local white varieties, with Assyrtiko being the iconic grape not just of Santorini, but arguably of Greece as a whole. Assyrtiko is a very versatile yet distinctive grape with crisp acidity and strong mineral character with a savoury density, reflecting the volcanic soils and salinity coming from the sea. It can produce different styles from leaner steely energised wines for early drinking, to complex age-worthy textural examples matured on the lees and/or in oak, that can develop immensely in the bottle. It also forms a backbone of Vinsanto - a sweet wine made from late-harvested and sun-dried grapes, often aged for over 15years in oak, resulting in almost black syrupy goodness with flavours of fig, chocolate and coffee, brought to live by high acidity. Other indigenous grapes which add to the diversity of the region's wines are Athiri and Aidani, producing crisp, aromatic white wines and often blended with Assyrtiko; and Mavrotragano, producing rich red wines with soft silky tannins and notes of dark fruit, tobacco, and spices. Wines have been produced in Santorini for thousands of years, but now, as in many beautiful spots of the world, the land under vines is giving way to the touristic infrastructure, as more commercially viable. I'd say the balance is still there at the moment, however, one can only hope that it will remain and the vineyards will be preserved. After all, the wines of Santorini are the undeniable part of this unique paradise in the Aegean Sea. Gallery © All images on this page are subject to copyright. 2023 Nelly Ward