“A unique cooking event in the heart of Italy”
8 Day Truffle Hunting and Porcini Cookery Course in Cerrina Monferrato, Piedmont
Castello di Montalero, Via al Castello 12, Montalero, Cerrina Monferrato, 15020, Italy
Cooking Vacation in Italy
Have fun in the kitchen! The classes are very, very informal, and the atmosphere’s extremely relaxed so don’t worry about making mistakes. Everyone does. And there’s always someone on hand to get you back on track – all courses are in English so there’s no language barrier to worry about.
Highlights
- Experience 4 3.5-hour hands-on cookery lessons
- Enjoy various escorted excursions
- All meals and beverages throughout the whole course will be provided
- Morning truffle hunt with an experienced guide and hounds
- You'll have a diploma of completion at the end of the course
- Receive a personalized apron and a printed booklet of recipes learned during the course
- 7 nights of luxury accommodation
7 days with instruction
Airport transfer included:
Milan–Malpensa Airport
Accommodation
Facilities
- Swimming pool (outdoor)
- Dining area
- Fireplace
- Garden
- Lounge
- Multilingual staff
- Smoke-free property
- Terrace
- Bicycle rental
- Free bicycle
- Free Wi-Fi
- Library
Castello di Montalero
During your vacation, you will stay at the historic Castello di Montalero, in the heart of the Monferrato region of Piemonte. Castello di Montalero is a beautiful building with much history going back to the 11th century, although the present building was constructed on the old castle foundations around 1700.
The Castello was originally built for the Marquis di Casale, Teodore II Paleologo in 1188 whose family, until 1634, ruled the fiefdom of what was then Mons Laurus, later becoming Montalerius until being given its current name of Montalero.
Through marriage, the Castello and its estate passed through the Mazzetti family who, in 1656, successfully defended the Castello from an attack by French-backed troops of the Duke of Modena during one of the many regional feuds and minor wars of that period. The Mazzetti family remained feudal lords until 1795 when the last remaining female heir, Gaetana Rosalia Mazzetti married into the Calcamuggi family who retained ownership until the estate was sold to the Marquis Ricci di Cereseto in 1902.
Today, Castello di Montalero is privately owned and, during 2021, began to host a small number of exclusive Italian cookery courses aimed at those visitors to Italy who wish to experience the unique culinary and gastronomic pleasures that the Monferrato has to offer.
The Castello is currently undergoing an extensive restoration program, under the supervision of the Italian Ministry of Culture. This work is not carried out during the cookery vacation season, only when the Castello is closed for winter. The major part of the work was completed in 2021. The remaining works include the re-building of an important group of medieval ruins attached to the Castello, which will be used for additional accommodation and activity amenities, once completed.
Much attention has been paid to maintaining the original architectural integrity and atmosphere of the Castello, resulting in a unique experience for guests to enjoy during their stay. The gardens and park, still under progressing restoration, will eventually extend to around 2 hectares (5 acres). The beautiful south-facing, saltwater pool refurbishment and terraces were completed in summer 2021.
Facilities
- 6 luxury double rooms with en suite bathrooms, totaling approximately 45 meters squared (500 square feet). Each room has either double or two single beds, a sofa with side tables, and reading lamps in the room and at each bedside. Bedrooms each have a mini-fridge and fresh tea and coffee-making facilities.
- Bathrooms are fitted with large shower cubicles, twin wash basins, WC, bidet, heated towel rail, and comfortable chairs.
- Chambermaid service each morning, refreshing bedrooms and bathrooms, excluding Sundays.
- 14 x 6.5 meters south-facing pool with ample sun loungers, steamer chairs, and sun parasols on the adjoining terraces.
- Large south-facing first-floor terrace where most meals are taken in season. A traditional private dining room with a single large dining table is used for late autumn or early spring evenings, or if guests prefer, to eat inside at any time during the year.
- Traditional drawing room with drinks tray where guests may relax, chat, or read at any time during their stay.
- Wi-Fi in all rooms.
Single travelers
The course itineraries and accommodation are well suited to singles travelers, who are particularly welcome at the courses.
Program
There will be an optional morning truffle hunt during this course, included in the course itinerary. Led by an experienced truffle hunter, Pier Angelo with his faithful hound, you will explore the beautiful nearby ancient woods and meadows for the elusive white truffle. And remember – Finders Keepers!
During this period, many of the dishes, used in the cookery lessons and in the menus, will include fresh white truffles and porcini mushrooms. Dishes can be served excluding either ingredient if preferred.
Course content
- The lessons are led by experienced, local Italian chefs specializing in the cuisine of the Monferrato region.
- The lessons are ‘hands-on’, not demonstrations, and carried out in a specifically designed kitchen used only for the courses.
- The kitchen has workstations for 12 persons, each including a food preparation area, cooking utensils, pans, etc. Hobs, ovens, and sinks are shared.
- The lessons are informal and intended to include a large element of fun as well as learning. These courses are for those in search of a fun and relaxing holiday with high standards of accommodation, food, and wine.
- You will leave the course with a good working knowledge of food preparation in the Monferrato region, many good memories of associated excursions and experiences and you will also meet new friends.
- The course uses the highest quality ingredients for all food and wine experiences, sourcing most of the ingredients from local producers who share their values in using only sustainable methods of production and animal care.
Discover all this for yourself
The course may not turn you into a Michelin-star chef, but they promise you’ll leave not just knowing how to cook the ‘Monferrato way’ but with many fantastic memories and plenty of new friends.
Day 1: Saturday
- Transfer from Malpensa International Airport (MXP)
- Welcome drinks at Castello di Montalero
- Free time to relax, sunbathe, swim, walk, etc
- Aperitivi followed by dinner
Day 2: Sunday
- Leisurely breakfast
- Lunch at Mongetto Dre Caste restaurant in Vignale Monferrato, followed by a visit to the Mongetto wine cantina
- Visit Bar C’a Nostra in Olivola village for coffee and digestivo
- Return to Castello to capture the last rays of the Italian sun by the pool, followed by a light, candle-lit dinner on the terrace
Day 3: Monday
- Leisurely breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:30 Cookery lesson
- Lunch of the day’s course theme
- Afternoon break, sunbathe, swim, relax, etc
- Wine tasting at Vicara Rossignano
- Visit a local salami and lardo producer
- Return to Castello for an aperitivi and dinner
Day 4: Tuesday
- Leisurely breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:30 Cookery lesson
- Lunch of the day’s course theme
- Afternoon break, sunbathe, swim, relax, etc
- Wine-tasting visit to Cantina Bava in Cocconato
- Visit to a local goat cheese producer
- Return to Castello for Truffle and Porcini theme dinner and the sommelier-led Nebbiolo wine tasting, including the story of Monferrato Nebbiolo
Day 5: Wednesday
- Yoga session with Giulia Marcelli
- Leisurely breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:30 Italian bread and focaccia-making lesson
- Lunch of the day’s course theme
- Afternoon truffle hunt in the hills behind the Castello
- Visit to restaurant Corona Reale in Moncalvo
Day 6: Thursday
- Leisurely breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:30 Cookery lesson
- Lunch of the day’s course theme
- Return to Castello for aperitivi and dinner
Day 7: Friday
- Morning truffle hunt in the hills behind the Castello
- Leisurely breakfast
- 09:00 - 12:30 Cookery lesson
- Lunch of the day’s course theme and a wine class over lunch with a local wine expert
- Afternoon break, sunbathe, swim, relax, etc
- Visit to Mazzetti Grappa Distillery
- Return to Castello for truffle and porcini theme dinner
Day 8: Saturday
- Leisurely breakfast
- Depending on flight timings, sunbathe, swim, and relax, prior to departure by private transfer
Please note that the itinerary is subject to changes according to season, weather, and availability.
Location
The Castello sits on a hilltop of the Cerrina Valley in the center of a small agricultural hamlet (population 35), including a beautiful 16th-century church, six other houses, and a couple of small farms. The nearest small town of Cerrina (population 350) is about 3 kilometers away. The Cerrina Valley is one of the most unspoiled and original parts of Monferrato, extending from the historic Roman town of Casale Monferrato in the east to the busy agricultural town of Murisengo to the west.
To the north lies the river Po and the rice fields of Vercelli, famous worldwide for its excellent and numerous varieties of rice used in making risotto. To the south one can discover the most beautiful and original hill towns in Northern Italy, from the truffle town of Moncalvo to the wine-producing villages and towns of Casorzo, Grazzano, and Vignale, all within half an hour or so from the Castello.
Castello di Montalero is conveniently situated between the three main cities of Turin, Milan, and Genoa. The main airport recommended for arrivals is Malpensa International Airport (MXP) near Milan. By road, the Castello can be reached in 1 hour and 45 minutes from Milan center, 1 hour from Turin center, and 1 hour and 45 minutes from Genoa center.
Come and stay with Montalero Cookery
Your hosts are Christopher and Kaarina Watkins and if you share their passion for Italian food, wine, and culture, then they’d like to invite you to enjoy their Italian food and wine experience in one of the country’s undiscovered regions – Monferrato. Monferrato’s part of Piedmonte, which is now being called the new Tuscany for lovers of food and wine.
So, while it’s not as well-known as other parts of northwest Italy, they think its culinary heritage is just as rich. They discovered and fell in love with Monferrato more than 25 years ago and, after countless visits here, it’s where they now live in a romantic medieval castle – Castello di Montalero. And they hope you’ll join them there as their guest on one of their Italian food and wine experiences!
Monferrato
The Monferrato region is its own denominated area within the provinces of Alessandria and Asti in the region of Piemonte, fiercely proud and independent from other regions of Italy. Monferrato truly is largely undiscovered compared to the regions of Tuscany, Umbria, Veneto, etc, and has much to offer seasoned travelers with an interest in food and wine, nature, Italian history, architecture, and some of the most splendid panoramas from the local hill towns and villages anywhere in Italy.
Walking and cycling groups are particularly welcome and well accommodated in the Monferrato. The cuisine of the Monferrato draws its inspiration from the closing mists of spring and autumn – think truffles, light red wines, and wild boar! The pleasing temperatures of July and August welcome the seafood offerings from nearby Genoa with newly-released, crisp white wines from the Monferrato.
Mild winters, in full view of the snow-capped Alps and clear blue skies, capture images of open fires, the more robust red wines, roast veal, risottos, and much more in an atmosphere of calm and hospitality. Wine is an important element of the cuisine of Piemonte. It has been produced here since the Romans ruled the area in the classical period and beyond.
The wines of Piemonte today, Barolo, Barbaresco, Arneis, and Gavi, are among the most well-known internationally. Other Piemontese wines such as Barbera, Grignolino, Ruche, and Freisa, are less known outside of the region but provide stunning examples of traditional and modern wine-making techniques and are irresistible when taken with the food of the region.
Food
Cook with the best ingredients
This may be a 300-year-old castle, but the specially designed kitchens are modern and fully equipped, with utensils and food prep space at every workstation. Hobs, ovens, and sinks are shared. They use the highest quality seasonal ingredients, many of which you probably won’t have tasted before, and all are part of the experience. Most come from local producers who share their values when it comes to sustainable methods of production and animal care.
Meals
Breakfast each morning will typically include brioche, fresh bread, homemade and locally produced organic honey, jams and marmalades, local salamis and hams, local cheeses, cereals and muesli, fresh fruit, juices, herbal and regular teas, Italian, American, or decaffeinated coffees.
Lunches are included and will be largely dependent on the selected itinerary. For example, in cookery courses, they prepare lunches during the morning courses. A typical lunch might include fresh pasta or risotto, salads, vegetables, etc. For walking tours, the itinerary can be planned to include lunch at a local osteria, or a packed lunch and wine can be provided and taken with the accompanying minibus.
Dinners are included and will be served at the house most evenings. Dinners include several courses of locally sourced ingredients. Drinks and apperitivi are offered prior to dinner. Typically, dinner will include antipasti, pasta or risotto, meat, or fish course, followed by desserts typical of the region and local cheeses.
On one evening, guests will be taken to a local trattoria or osteria serving Monferrato specialties. Please send an inquiry for some examples of their favorite and most traditional local restaurants.
On the Sunday following arrival, lunch will be at Mongetto Dre Caste in Vignale Monferrato, following a wine tasting at Gaudio Wines. All wine, bottled water, soft drinks, aperitivi, digestive, and light refreshments throughout the vacation are included.
Where available, organic produce is used in all dishes prepared at the house. Italian cookery courses use the highest quality ingredients for all food and wine experiences. They source most of their ingredients from local producers who share their values in using only sustainable methods of production and animal care. Food allergies, vegetarianism, and other dietary needs can be catered for. Please advise details with your booking.
The following meals are included:
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Snacks
- Drinks
The following drinks are included:
- Water
- Coffee
- Tea
- Soda
- Alcoholic beverages
The following dietary requirement(s) are served and/or catered for:
- Vegetarian
- Regular (typically includes meat and fish)
- Other dietary requirements on request
If you have special dietary requirements it's a good idea to communicate it to the organiser when making a reservation
What's included
- 7 nights of luxury accommodation with chambermaid service each morning, except Sundays
- Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, light refreshments, wines, bottled water, soft drinks, aperitivi, and digestivi for the 8-day course
- 4 3.5-hour hands-on cookery lessons
- All excursions are detailed in the itinerary (Subject to change and to weather conditions)
- Morning truffle hunt with an experienced guide and hounds
- Lunch and wine at a local restaurant
- Dinner and wine at a local restaurant
- Diploma of completion of the Montalero 8-day Italian cookery course
- Personalized apron
- A printed booklet of recipes learned during the course
- Roundtrip Malpensa International Airport (MXP) transfers
- All local taxes
What's not included
- Flights
- Personal expenses
- Travel insurance (it is recommended that you take out adequate travel insurance)
- Travel outside of the course itinerary
How to get there
Recommended Airports
MXP
Milan–Malpensa Airport
71 km
Transfer included
Arrival by plane
Please arrange your flight to arrive at Milan–Malpensa Airport (MXP). Transfers to and from this airport (1 hour and 20 minutes) are included in all of the tours at recommended pick-up and departure times. Guests will be met on arrival and taken by minibus for direct transfer to the Castello. Return transfers will take guests directly to the departure terminal, with assistance in locating baggage trolleys and check-in areas.
Airport: Milan–Malpensa Airport
Airport transfer included: Milan–Malpensa Airport
No additional charges. You can request this in the next step.
Cancellation Policy
- A reservation requires a deposit of 25% of the total price.
- The deposit is non-refundable, if the booking is cancelled.
- The rest of the payment should be paid 60 days before arrival.
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