Piedmont

Nestled in the breathtaking embrace of the northwest Italian landscape lies Piedmont, a region adorned with the majestic Alps and bordered by Aosta Valley, Liguria, and Lombardy. Aptly named "the foot of the mountains," Piedmont, or Piemonte in Italian, beckons to lovers of alpine beauty, offering a haven for skiing enthusiasts in winter and a playground for hikers and climbers in summer.

At its heart lies Turin, the region's capital and former capital of Italy during the Savoy dynasty until 1864. Turin bears witness to its illustrious past through its architectural marvels, showcasing a fusion of renaissance, baroque, and neoclassical styles. The Residences of the Royal House of Savoy stand as enduring testaments to its grandeur, alongside the iconic Mole Antonelliana, originally conceived as a synagogue and now home to a towering museum, a symbol of Turin's cultural richness.

However, Piedmont's allure extends beyond Turin's boundaries. Vercelli boasts a cathedral and synagogue, while Asti echoes with the whispers of ancient Romans amidst its ruins. Verbania, nestled along the shores of Lake Maggiore, adds a serene touch to the region's mosaic of wonders. Yet, perhaps Piedmont's most enticing aspect lies in its culinary landscape. Birthplace of the slow food movement, the region hosts the renowned Salone del Gusto, a celebration of gastronomic delights and exquisite wines that draw connoisseurs from around the globe.

Piedmont's gastronomic heritage is as rich as its landscapes. Alba reigns supreme as the epicentre of truffle culture, with its coveted white truffles fetching astronomical prices on the global stage. But Piedmont's culinary prowess extends beyond truffles; it is a land of vineyards and orchards, producing a wealth of wines and delicacies. With approximately 40% of Italy's DOC and DOCG wines hailing from its vineyards, Piedmont stands as a vinicultural powerhouse.

From the iconic Barolo and Barbaresco to the robust Barbera and the effervescent Asti, Piedmont's wines captivate palates worldwide. Meanwhile, its culinary treasures, such as the prized Piedmont IGP hazelnuts, lend their distinctive flavors to an array of local sweets and desserts. These hazelnuts, celebrated for their exceptional quality, find their way into artisanal chocolate creams and myriad culinary creations, enriching Piedmont's cuisine with their distinctive taste.

In Piedmont, every dish tells a story, every sip evokes a sense of place, weaving a tapestry of flavors that reflects the region's rich cultural tapestry and its enduring love affair with food and wine.

If you find yourself in the charming city of Asti, we highly recommend a visit to Tacabanda, a delightful restaurant with a compassionate ethos. Tacabanda not only offers exceptional cuisine but also serves as a beacon of inclusivity by providing employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Witnessing these individuals thrive in their roles and contribute to the restaurant's vibrant atmosphere is truly heartwarming. Moreover, Tacabanda boasts an impressive cellar, complementing its delectable offerings. Even if Asti isn't on your itinerary, you can still support Tacabanda's admirable mission by considering a donation through their website. Your contribution will help empower individuals with disabilities, allowing them to learn, grow, and shape their futures.