Some helpful blogs

It’s another snowy day in the Colorado High Country.  I’m working on the introduction to my book, “Under Discovered: Piemonte through the eyes of its women.”  It required me to think back to my first visit to Piemonte nearly 14 years ago.  One thing that sticks out in my mind was the paucity of English language information available on Piemonte many thirteen harvest ago.  Now, the quality offerings in bookstores – online and brick-n-mortar – have increased.  Online blogs provide great sources of information as well.  There is a plethora of wine, food and travel blogs, but here are a few of my favorites on Piemonte.  Their authors have extensive, personal knowledge of the region and they keep their blogs current (which many do not!):

Enoteca Marcella by Marcella Newhouse – http://enotecamarcella.wordpress.com/

Marcella is a tried and true Piemonte-phile, as are all the bloggers I’m listing, who lived for a while in the region of the noble grape.  How could they not be given the gastronomic treasures one can find in the rolling hills of the Langhe and Roero?   Marcella’s blog is wine-centric and provides some excellent insight into the region’s beautiful wines.  WIth over 13 years of experience of working in all facets of the wine industry, she is a trusted resource on the wines of Piemonte.  Needless to say, Marcella is friends with one of my favorite Barbaresco producers, Renato Vacca of Cantina del Pino, so that was all the reference I needed!

Travel Langhe by Robert and Leslie Alexander – http://www.travellanghe.com

Fifty-nine TripAdvisor readers reviewed Robert and Leslie’s “Travel Langhe” to give them a five “star” rating for their custom wine tour company.  They are located in Neive in the Barbaresco appellation, but they possess extensive knowledge of the all the wines in the Langhe and Roero regions.  Their website is chocked full of useful travel information.  Judging by the high quality, family-owned wineries on their list, they can put together a wonderful tour of the region for any oenophile who is familiar with Piemonte or one in the nascent stages of their Piemontephilia (a condition that can only be treated – never cured – by frequent trips to the region supplemented with regular doses of Nebbiolo based wines!).

Robert is also a fabulous photographer.  Just look at this beauty he shot of Trieso in the Langhe near Barbaresco.

Treiso blanketed in early morning fog.
Treiso blanketed in early morning fog.                   By Robert Alexander
Treiso with the Cottian Alps (Italy's western border with France) in the distance. by Robert Alexander
Treiso with the Cottian Alps (Italy’s western border with France) in the distance.
by Robert Alexander

Carpe Travel by Elaine Schoch and Valerie Quintanilla http://carpe-travel.com

This is a great travel blog not just for Piemonte, but the world.  The ladies have a particularly good feel for family travel since Elaine travels often with “The Princesses.”  Smart, because my three granddaughters have been on the road (and air) with their parents since they were born.  Now in their early teens, they are seasoned travelers with a keen appreciation for life beyond their neighborhood.  But I digress.

Valerie is moving to Piemonte in June, so expect some great information on Piemonte to be added to the blog.  Also, Elaine is a great photographer.  The Carpe Travel Facebook page is a great place to look at some of her stunning pictures, particularly the one of Barbaresco and the Alps in the distance.  Seize the opportunity to visit the website and their Facebook page.

Tu Langhe e Roero (Turismo in Langhe e Roero)http://www.langheroero.it  

Tu Langhe and Roero has been the guide for us in Piemonte from our earliest trips.  Too bad their great, informative blog wasn’t available back then!  Nevertheless, it is a great “boots on the ground” resource for travel to the Langhe and Roero regions of Piemonte.

Of course, there are a number of other sites and as I learn about them  I will update this space.  I haven’t personally met the bloggers above, but I have communicated with them and we have mutual friends.  They are very knowledgeable and I’m sure would be of great help to you on your travels there.

TripAdvisor is a trusty resource for wining, dining and playing in Piemonte.  But it’s a good reference point to use to cross check recommendations and see what visitors who took the time to write reviews have to say.  I must admit, there are some pretty good reviews on TripAdvisor by someone called “Villa Arneis.”  Uh hum.

Also, I’m updating – when possible – my list of winery contacts and suggestions for lodgings and restaurants.  Of course, any one of the above bloggers can help with that, too.  The more quality info, the better.

Buon viaggio!

 

 

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