A CHEF-LED IMMERSION INTO THE FLAVOURS AND CULINARY SOUL OF PIEDMONT
A CULINARY JOURNEY THROUGH PIEDMONT
WITH CRISTIANO GALLO
Hosted by acclaimed chef Cristiano Gallo, this immersive culinary journey offers an elegant exploration of Piedmontese cuisine through hands-on cookery, market discovery, and unforgettable dining experiences.
Scroll down the page to discover all the details of this unforgettable culinary adventure.
Immerse yourself in the flavours, techniques, and traditions of Piedmontese cooking. Designed to build confidence and refine skill, the week begins with classic Italian foundations before progressing to more expressive, market-led dishes and refined seasonal creations. From fresh pasta, delicate sauces, and comforting regional favourites to Mediterranean-inspired plates, slow-fermented pizzas, and elegant desserts, each session is a hands-on journey through Italy’s rich culinary landscape. With Cristiano’s expert guidance, a relaxed yet professional atmosphere, and unforgettable meals shared together, this is a week of cooking, discovery, and indulgence you’ll remember long after you leave.
The schedule is hosted entirely in English, and alongside the daily cookery classes led by Cristiano, your week will also include:
- Lunch at Mongetto Dre Caste restaurant in Vignale Monferrato
- An excursion to a local goat farm, followed by wine tasting at Cantina Corteranzo
- A morning visit to Casale food market, including a Krumiri producer and bakery stop
- A dedicated Pizza and Foccacia class ‘with in-house Pizza specialist Carla’
- A visit to Moncalvo market, followed by a hazelnut and saffron farm visit
- An afternoon at a boutique olive oil producer and a local risotto rice farm
- And plenty of time to relax by the south-facing swimming pool
CRISTIANO GALLO
I grew up in Italy surrounded by the rhythms of family cooking, local markets, and seasonal ingredients, which continue to shape the way I cook today. My approach is rooted in respect for tradition, but always with room for creativity, precision, and modern flair. I love guiding guests through the techniques and stories behind Piedmontese and Italian cuisine, helping them cook with confidence while enjoying the pleasure and simplicity of good food, beautifully made.
CRISTIANO GALLO
I grew up in Italy surrounded by the rhythms of family cooking, local markets, and seasonal ingredients, which continue to shape the way I cook today. My approach is rooted in respect for tradition, but always with room for creativity, precision, and modern flair. I love guiding guests through the techniques and stories behind Piedmontese and Italian cuisine, helping them cook with confidence while enjoying the pleasure and simplicity of good food, beautifully made.
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.
The Kitchen Experience
The atmosphere in the kitchen is intentionally relaxed, elegant, and welcoming. Instruction is guided, unhurried, and entirely pressure-free. Mistakes are part of the process – and quietly corrected with care and expertise. Classes are conducted in English, ensuring clarity and ease throughout. Guests are supportedat every stage, allowing creativity, curiosity, and enjoyment to take precedence over perfection. Relax in a Castello steeped in history, with private transfers, sunlit terraces, and curated excursions. From artisanal markets to local vineyards, each moment is carefully composed – offering time to savour, explore, and simply be.
Exquisite Ingredients, Timeless Flavours
Every dish celebrates the season and the region: sustainably sourced, ethically produced, and thoughtfully prepared. Leave not only with new skills but with memories, friendships, and the essence of Piedmont captured in every bite.
Rates and Details
- 8-day / 7-night Culinary Retreat
€4,525 per person
(Excluding flights, insurance, and personal expenses. All local taxes included.) - Shared Accommodation Rate
When two guests book and share a double or twin-bedded room:
€4,285 per person
A saving of €480 per couple. - For guests choosing not to participate in the cookery programme while joining the itinerary’s
excursions, a curated selection of alternative activities can be arranged, including private
cycling, golf, walking, and bespoke local experiences. Further details available upon request. - Deposit & Payment Terms
A deposit of €950 per person is required at the time of booking.
The remaining balance is payable 60 days prior to arrival.
Bookings made within 60 days of arrival require full payment at the time of confirmation.
Culinary Programme
All Courses are taught in English.
- Join this hands-on Italian cookery experience, guided by our team of accomplished celebrity chefs in classic and modern Italian cooking. Classes are fully hands-on, and take place in a dedicated professional kitchen reserved exclusively for these events. The kitchen has work stations for 12 persons, each equipped with preparation areas, utensils, and cookware. Hobs, ovens, and sinks are shared to encourage collaboration and conviviality.
- The emphasis throughout is on refined technique, enjoyment, and immersion – designed for guests seeking a relaxed yet elevated culinary experience, paired with exceptional accommodation, cuisine, and wine.
- Guests depart with a confident working knowledge of Italian baking and pasticceria, enriched by memorable excursions, meaningful encounters, and lasting friendships.
- Only the highest-quality ingredients are used. Wherever possible, produce is sourced from local artisans who share our commitment to sustainability, ethical farming, and respectful animal care.
Airport Transfers
- Private transfers to and from Malpensa, Linate, or Turin International Airport are included at recommended arrival and departure times.
- Guests are personally met on arrival and transferred directly to the Castello by private minibus.
- On departure, transfers deliver guests directly to the appropriate terminal, with assistance provided for luggage trolleys and check-in areas, ensuring a seamless and unhurried conclusion to the retreat.
Saturday – Arrival & Culinary Welcome
- Step into the serene elegance of our Castello in Monferrato. Arrive at your leisure, enjoy a light Italian lunch, and spend the afternoon unwinding by the pool or strolling the lush gardens.
- As evening falls, gather under soft candlelight for a welcome dinner curated and prepared by star chef Cristiano Gallo, introducing you to the exquisite flavours of Piedmont with flair and artistry.
Sunday – Vineyard Journeys & Medieval Charm
- Begin the day with a simple Italian-style breakfast, savouring fresh pastries, local honey, and artisanal coffee. Explore Moncalvo, a medieval town steeped in history and cobblestone streets.
- Enjoy a long, leisurely lunch amidst the rolling vineyards at Mongetto Dre Caste in Vignale Monferrato. Later, experience a private tour of the Mongetto wine cantina and historic infernot, an underground cellar carved deep into stone, where vintages age to perfection.
- Return to the Castello to bask in the golden afternoon light by the pool. As night falls, enjoy a candle-lit dinner on the terrace, inspired by seasonal Monferrato ingredients.
Monday – Hands-On Italian Traditions
- After a leisurely breakfast, step into the kitchen for a morning cookery class with Cristiano Gallo | 9:30–13:00, mastering fresh pasta, delicate sauces, and traditional Piedmontese techniques.
- A leisurely lunch is served, showcasing the fruits of the morning’s work, then spend a free afternoon sunbathing, swimming, or exploring the gardens. Later, visit Casa Costa, a local goat cheese producer, followed by a tasting at Cantina Corteranzo.
- Return to the Castello for aperitivi and an elegant dinner featuring local seasonal flavours.
Tuesday – Market Discoveries & Mediterranean Flavours
- Start with a leisurely breakfast, then visit the vibrant Casale food market at 9:30, exploring fresh produce, herbs, and artisanal delicacies. Stop at a Krumiri biscuit producer and traditional bakery to gather ingredients for the afternoon session.
- Spend the free afternoon by the pool or wandering nearby vineyards. At 15:30–19:00, join Cristiano Gallo in a cookery class, turning market-fresh ingredients into Mediterranean masterpieces.
- Evening brings aperitivi and a dinner of your culinary creations, paired with regional wines.
Wednesday – Wellness & Pizza Under the Stars
- Awaken with an early morning yoga session to ensure ultimate relaxation.
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before joining Carla for a morning of Italian bread, focaccia and pizza making | 9:30–13:00.
- Lunch celebrates your creations.
- Spend the afternoon swimming, walking, or simply soaking in the scenery.
- Conclude with aperitivi and family dinner.
Thursday – Harvest Treasures & Sweet Creations
- Begin with a leisurely breakfast, then explore Moncalvo market with Cristiano followed by a visit to a local hazelnut and saffron farm, where the essence of Piedmont comes to life.
- Lunch celebrates the day’s discoveries. In the afternoon, join Cristiano | 15:30–19:00 for a cookery class, crafting delicate desserts and savoury creations for dinner.
- Evening concludes with aperitivi and a dinner of your handmade sweets and savoury dishes, enjoyed amid the Castello’s romantic ambiance.
Friday – Departure & a Fond Arriverderci
- Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, and, time permitting, one last moment by the pool before your private transfer to the airport or rail station. Depart with memories of a week immersed in culinary excellence, Piedmontese culture, and the artistry of Cristiano Gallo.
Come and stay with us
We’re Christopher and Kaarina Watkins and if you share our passion for Italian food, wine and culture, then we’d like to invite you to enjoy our Italian Food and Wine Experience in one of the country’s undiscovered regions – Monferrato. Monferrato’s part of Piemonte, 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 north-west Italy, we think its culinary heritage is just as rich. We discovered and fell in love with Monferrato more than 25 years ago and, after countless visits here, it’s where we now live in a romantic medieval castle – Castello di Montalero. And we hope you’ll join us here as our guest on one of our Italian Food and Wine Experiences.
Accommodation and Facilities
Our retreats are fully inclusive, offering 8-day / 7-night, 5-day / 4-night, or 3 day/3 night options, with all meals, beverages, escorted excursions, and private airport transfers included.
Luxury Rooms
- Nine spacious double rooms (approx. 35m² / 350 sq.ft.) with en suite bathrooms.
- Choice of double or twin beds, sofa, reading lamps, mini-fridge, and tea & coffee facilities.
- Individually controlled heating and air conditioning.
- Bathrooms with large showers, twin basins, bidet, WC, heated towel rails, and seating.
- Daily chambermaid service (excluding Sundays).
Shared Spaces & Amenities
- South-facing 14m x 6.5m pool, with loungers, steamer chairs, and parasols.
- Expansive terraces for al fresco dining, plus a traditional private dining room for cooler months.
- Elegant drawing room with drinks tray—perfect for reading, relaxing, or conversation.
- WiFi throughout the Castello and pool area.
Solo Guests Welcome
Our retreats are perfectly suited for single travellers seeking connection, indulgence, and inspiration.
The Kitchen Awaits
Step into a space where curiosity is celebrated and creativity flows freely. Under the guidance of our team of professional chefs you’ll craft various Piemontese and Italian dishes with confidence and joy. Classes are hands-on, intimate, and entirely in English, with support at every stage. Here, mistakes are part of the experience – and every success is savoured.
A Retreat in Every Detail
Relax in a Castello steeped in history, enjoy private transfers, sunlit terraces, and curated excursions. From artisanal markets to local vineyards, every moment is designed for immersion, enjoyment, and discovery.
Exquisite Ingredients, Timeless Flavours
Every dish celebrates the season and the region: sustainably sourced, ethically produced, and thoughtfully prepared. You’ll leave not only with new culinary skills but with lasting memories, friendships, and a true taste of Piedmont captured in every bite.
Cook with the Best Ingredients
Step into a 1,000-year-old castle, yet work in modern, fully equipped kitchens designed for hands-on learning. Each workstation is complete with prep space, utensils, and shared hobs, ovens, and sinks. Every ingredient is carefully selected for quality, seasonality, and authenticity – many of them new to your palate. Most come from local producers who share our commitment to sustainability and ethical practices, ensuring every bite tells the story of the region.
What’s Included
Accommodation & Facilities
- 7 nights in luxury en suite rooms, each with fridge, coffee & tea facilities, hairdryer, and air conditioning.
- Use of the saltwater pool and newly opened fully equipped gym.
- Private airport transfers from Malpensa, Linate, Turin airports, or rail stations.
Culinary Experiences
- 4 hands-on Italian baking lessons (3.5 hours each) with Cristiano Gallo
- 1 masterclass in Italian bread and pizza (3.5 hours each)
- Farmers’ market visit with Ursula
- Dinner with Ursula on one evening during the course
- Complimentary ‘Montalero Cookery’ apron and corkscrew
- Complimentary 2025 Montalero Recipes Book (100+ regional recipes)
- Diplomas and prizes for all participants
Wellness & Leisure
- 1 morning yoga session
- 1 massage session (additional treatments available at extra cost)
Excursions & Tastings
- Visits to local dessert wine producers and bakery ingredient artisans
- Sunday lunch at Mongetto Dre Caste, Vignale Monferrato
Meals & Drinks
- Breakfast: Freshly baked breads and pastries, locally sourced cheeses, cured meats, organic honey, jams, muesli, fresh fruit, juices, teas, and coffees
- Lunch: Typically prepared during morning classes, featuring fresh pasta, risotto, salads, and seasonal vegetables
- Dinner: Multi-course meals showcasing locally sourced ingredients, including antipasti, pasta or risotto, meat or fish courses, regional desserts, and cheeses.
- Aperitivi and drinks are included before dinner
- Unlimited quality wines, spirits, soft drinks, and coffee/tea throughout your stay
- Organic produce is used where available
- Dietary needs (vegetarian, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated – please advise when booking
Not included
- Flights.
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Travel outside of the curated course itinerary
Participants Single Occupancy
- All inclusive (except flights, travel insurance and personal expenditure)
- Luxury accommodation
- First class instruction & ingredients
Participants Double Occupancy
- All inclusive (except flights, travel insurance and personal expenditure)
- Luxury accommodation
- First class instruction & ingredients
Excellent Experience
Chef Beppe Sardi Cuoco is fine chef and a wonderful teacher. I learned a lot, met new friends, and had a wonderful birthday trip. It was an incredible and memorable experience.
(Susan R, Nov 2023)
First-rate food travel
You are transported to a truly special place, where time seems to move a little slower and each view is more stunning than the last. Comfortable accommodations, delicious meals and the opportunity to try new wines.
(Jennifer S, Oct 2023)
Not just cookery!
Yes the views were amazing but nothing can compare to the warmth and hospitality of the family run castello! This is a most special and memorable place to visit! And can’t wait to return! Thank you Chris, Kaarina and Charlie!
(Jane T, Oct 2023)