UNFORGETTABLE CULINARY EXPERIENCES LED BY CELEBRITY CHEFS

CELEBRITY CHEF EXPERIENCES

Discover a new series of exclusive culinary events designed to inspire, delight, and bring people together around exceptional food here at the Castello.

Our Celebrity Chef Experiences welcome some of the most exciting names in cooking – alongside the talent already at the heart of our kitchen. From August 1st, 2026, we’re proud to launch the series with Ursula Ferrigno. Guests can also join Giuseppe, past Bake Off winner, for Montalero Bake Off Week – choosing between a sun-soaked summer escape or a cosy Christmas adventure. Expect hands-on baking, Italian flavours, and joyful moments, from rustic focaccia to indulgent gianduja cream. Completing the experience, our much-loved permanent chef Cristiano Gallo will host a dedicated culinary week, celebrating the creativity and flavours that have made him a firm guest favourite.

Each experience is immersive, personal, and unforgettable – a celebration of food, craft, and the people behind it.
Find out more about each celebrity chef experience below.

 

“ITALY: THE LAND WHERE EVERY MOMENT OF THE DAY IS LIVED”
(Lisa Duff Gordon)

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT EACH EXPERIENCE

MONTALERO
BAKE OFF

Giuseppe Del’Anno

Choose from a sun-soaked summer escape or a cosy Christmas adventure and join past Bake-Off winner Giuseppe for Montalero Bake Off Week – a hands-on, flavour-filled journey through Italy’s baking traditions, from rustic focaccia to gianduja cream.

ITALY’S RICH
FOOD CULTURE

Ursula Ferrigno

Known for her warm, engaging style and passion for simple, beautiful food, Ursula invites guests to cook alongside her, learn time-honoured techniques, and enjoy an unforgettable culinary experience inspired by Italy’s rich food culture.

21ST-CENTURY
MASTER CHEF

Cristiano Gallo

Join 21st-century master chef Cristiano Gallo, whose modern approach and bold flavours have made him a favourite with guests at Castello di Montalero, celebrating contemporary techniques, seasonal ingredients, and the joy of cooking.

CASTELLO DI MONTALERO

During your vacation, you will stay at the historic Castello di Montalero, in the heart of the Monferrato region in Piemonte. ​​Castello di Montalero is a beautiful building with much history going back to the 11th century, although the present building was reconstructed around the old castle around 1700.

The Castello was originally built for the Marquis di Casale, Teodore II Paleologo in 1188 whose family ruled the fiefdom of what was then Mons Laurus, becoming Montalerius, and nowadays Montalero, until 1634. Through marriage, the Castello and its estate passed through the Mazzetti family who, in 1656, successfully defended the Castello from an attack by troops of the Duke of Modena, in the pay of the French, during many local feuds and minor wars of that period.

CASTELLO DI MONTALERO

During your vacation, you will stay at the historic Castello di Montalero, in the heart of the Monferrato region in 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 ruled the fiefdom of, what was then Mons Laurus, becoming Montalerius and nowadays Montalero, until 1634. Through marriage, the castello and its estate passed through the Mazzetti family who, in 1656, successfully defended the castello from an attack by troops of the Duke of Modena, in the pay of the French, during many local feuds and minor wars of that period.

Wonderful Experience

This was an amazing experience. Wonderful learning baking and cooking with Giuseppe and other great chefs. The castle is comfortable and full of warmth. We can’t wait to visit again.

(Brain H, Dec 2025)

Unforgettable

I spent the week eating the most delicious food, drinking the most delicious wine, making friends, and always laughing with Charlie around…oh I forgot, and pinching myself the whole week!

(Robin B, Nov 2025)

Magically and Memorable

Let me start by saying that I would never have found this amazing destination were it not for my travel buddy Sue, who has visited several times and written reviews of her visits to this amazing family owned and operated establishment.

(WestTravelTreats, Nov 2025)

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