By: Carolyne Allan, WPICC of Avec Panache Events in Toronto

In late March 2012, three WPIC members had the opportunity to visit the beautiful region of Piedmont, Italy, thanks to Weddings Divino. We spent four glorious days visiting wedding venues, sipping prosecco and enjoying fabulous food. It was an experience beyond words!

For those of you not familiar with this region, Piedmont is in the north-western part of Italy known for their wine, prosecco, moscato, cheese and gourmet food in general.

The scenery is incredible, with rolling hills, vineyards and beautiful properties. This trip was an opportunity to learn about how much Piedmont can offer for anyone looking for a destination for their wedding. One thing that stood out is that everywhere you go, the attention to detail is impeccable. This is the ideal location for couples looking for natural beauty, gourmet food, incredible wine & service.

Because words cannot even begin to describe this trip, so because a picture can say a thousand words, the photo tour will begin! Places, food & wine…

PLACES

The view from Relais San Maurizio

Everywhere you look there are rolling hills, vineyards and stunning properties. In some towns, it’s like you’ve stepped back in time.

Relais San Maurizio was a Monastery built in 1612. Now it is a luxury spa overlooking some of the most beautiful landscapes.

Caption: One of the event rooms in Relais La Corte decorated for a wedding. The scenic backdrop is incredible!

The pool at I Tre Poggi. They have a spectacular property that includes a winery, spa, guest rooms and restaurant. The deck at the far end of the pool (at the fence) can be used for an outdoor wedding.

It was early spring and the cherry blossoms were in bloom!

The outdoor event space at Berta Distillery. In the summer, the hills beside the fence around the event area are full of roses.

A tiny 15th or 16th century church in the village of Asti

Ca Vittoria in Asti. Beautiful, family-run property with a Michelin rated restaurant.

Tenuta Montemagno, a ranch-style venue overlooking the landscape.

FOOD

The food we enjoyed exceeded any expectations I had prior to arriving. On the first day, upon checking into the hotel, I savoured my first meal in Italy. The highlight was the prosecco (of course) with an appetizer of pear in a pastry with gargonzola cheese. Just thinking about it is making my mouth water!

This was an unexpected treat! Our meal at I Tre Poggi started with this soft, warm Robiola cheese, served with red cabbage marmalade. I've never had anything like it, and cannot wait to taste it again!

Caption:

The region is known for their Ravioli del Pline, a tiny beef ravioli. There are no words to describe just how tasty this was!

We really did get spoiled just about everywhere we went. The cheese and salami in Piedmont are second to none! And we were so fortunate to be able to experience the flavours.

One of our many favourites was the cocktail lunch we enjoyed at Ca Vittoria, served to us by the owner of this incredible property. I now know what it means to be a Michelin rated chef!

On our very last evening, we were treated to a wonderful dinner in the restaurant at Cave Di Moleto. It was pretty unforgettable, starting with the raw artichoke salad, then a mushroom risotto and ending with a tiramisu cake.

Caption: WPIC girls (from left to right) Margarite Karaminatis, Sheryl Hammond, Carolyne Allan.

WINE & GRAPPA

Piedmont is a wine region, best known for their red wine. Everywhere you look, the hills are covered with grape vines. There was not one wine we tasted that I did not like.

At I Tre Poggi, they grow their own grapes, and produce their own wine. It’s light and fruity, and so easy to drink!

There is an incredible wine cellar in Relais San Maurizio, which has 2500 different brands of wine!

We were also fortunate enough to visit some of the local wineries and grappa distilleries – Gancia, Bosca, Contratto, Coppo and Berta Distillery.

Caption: The “underground cathedral” at Berta Distillery. All the wines in Piedmont age in underground cathedrals, which run under the hills.

Caption: At Berta, you can host a small function in their underground cathedral.

Very old bottles of Contratto Prosecco on display.

At Tenuta la Romana, we were offered some lovely glasses of prosecco just after breakfast by the lovely owner of the property.

Overall, this was an unforgettable experience. Obtaining a marriage license to get married in Piedmont is quite simple, and can be done (even for a Catholic Ceremony) within 1-2 months. Whether you are planning an intimate occasion or want to bring a large party for your wedding, your guests will be wowed by the luxurious surroundings and mouth-watering food & wine!