TESTIMONIALS

At Castello di Montalero, we are immensely grateful for all the positive reviews that our guests have generously shared. Your words of appreciation and encouragement motivate us to continually strive for excellence. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all our guests who have taken the time to share their experiences.

Unforgettable Experience

I agree with every 5 star review! 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! 5 or 8 days is a must for all that is included in the itinerary. Staying in the castle was luxurious, very comfortable and absolutely magical. Somehow the Watkins family found a way to make you feel 100% comfortable and at home at a luxury cooking course while staying in a castle without any snobbery 😉… I absolutely can not wait to come back!

(Robin B, Nov 2025)

Amazing! A memorable life experience… real people, fabulous food…. Hosts so likeable. Would love to return! Thank you.

Exceeded expectations. Lovely guests where we shared cooking, eating, drinking and neighbourhood excursions to vineyards and markets. The Montenegro was perfect! Extremely comfortable! Thank you to the best hosts ever!

(Dana C, Sep 2025)

Far surpassed our expectations!

I could use up all the words from the Thesaurus related to ‘amazing’ and may still not have enough words to describe our stay! First-rate service began from the time they picked us up in Milan, to the day they took us back. The entire experience immediately felt more like you were visiting with old friends, rather than lodging with a group of strangers.

We were on the five day course which included several days of cooking, truffle hunting (as they were in-season), trips to local producers, and a Sunday brunch at a location our hosts have visited for 25+ years. The restoration of the Castello is an article in itself, but provided the backdrop for beautiful lunches on the veranda, multi-course dinners in their grand dining room, and instructional, hands-on cooking classes. The group size isn’t too large, and we met some wonderful people that helped make the experience even more memorable and unique!

The family is incredibly welcoming, set a great stage for their guests, and truly made us all feel special, we are absolutely planning on returning in 2026 to take the eight day course!

(TwoOhTravelers, Nov 2025)

Very special indeed

The Castello owners are delightful and created an experience we will never forget. The history of the Castello is in every room and feels like stepping back in time. Thank you to the owners for not “overrenovating” and erasing all that charm as I’m sure many would have been tempted to do. Views are amazing. Daytime guided visits of vineyards, towns and goat farms feel like you are meeting new friends, not just taking a standard tourist spin. Food and wine excellent.

(OnAir18502164720, Nov 2025)

Too good to pass up!

Truly such an incredible experience! Charlie and co are amazing hosts and do a wonderful job at catering the activities, food, and the entire experience to the desires of the group. Chef Beppe and all of the cookery lessons were highlights. The thoughtfulness of the food preparation (including aperitivo and digistivo) and the flow of the day was so thoughtful and holistic. Definitely a great bang for your buck. Feels like a once in a lifetime trip but I might just book a return trip!

(Megan F, Oct 2025)

Perfect vacation

My wife and I spent an incredible week being spoiled by the hospitality at Montalero. We have been to Italy 6 times before,all the way from Canada, but agree that THIS Italian experience was the very best. What do you call a world class cooking school, housed in a 1700’s castle….Rustic Luxury ! We did so much , learned so much, made excellent new friends from around the world, felt totally spoiled and relaxed. So many extras, touches, adventures, cocktails, wine, experiences….the final invoice for all this extra attention ?? Nada…what a pleasant surprise…no cost for all the things that made our week so special.

(Paul M, Sep 2025)

A Week of Culinary Magic and Heartfelt Connection at Castello di Montalero

From the moment we arrived, Castello di Montalero wrapped us in its charm and warmth. What began as a cooking class quickly became something far more meaningful—a week of laughter, learning, and genuine connection in a place that felt less like a castle and more like home. The Watkins family welcomed us with such grace and generosity that we felt instantly part of theirs. Their hospitality set the tone for a week filled with unforgettable moments—from bustling market visits and intimate winery tours to exquisite meals at local restaurants that showcased the rich culinary traditions of the Piedmont region.

The cooking classes themselves were masterfully curated, featuring three incredible chefs, each with their own flair and specialties. Their passion was contagious, and their guidance made every dish feel like a celebration. Whether we were kneading pasta dough, chopping vegetables, or preparing a decadent dessert, the joy in the kitchen was palpable. And then there was Charles—whose wit, encyclopedic mind, and love of storytelling added a delightful layer of insight to our journey. His anecdotes and cultural tidbits brought history to life in the most entertaining way.

Perhaps the most unexpected joy was the camaraderie among classmates. Strangers became friends as we cooked, dined, and explored together. The shared laughter, the clinking of wine glasses, the late-night chats—it all added up to one of the most cherished vacations we’ve ever had. If you’re considering signing up, don’t hesitate. Castello di Montalero isn’t just a cooking school—it’s a place where food, family, and friendship blend into something truly magical. We left with full hearts, new skills, and memories that will last a lifetime.

(David B, Jul 2025)

10/10 Cannot Wait to Return to Castello di Montalero!

This trip was the best thing I have ever done hands DOWN. The castello is absolutely stunning. My room felt like it was fit for a queen and the amenities were all I could ever ask for. The Watkins family truly took us in like family – Charlie toured us around the region with expertise, bringing us to spots we wouldn’t have otherwise ever discovered. (A goat farm! Vineyards, wineries, and infernots! Tiny ancient villages! A hazelnut and saffron farm! Local restaurants and shops!) I also absolutely loved the cooking classes. They were thoughtfully prepared and executed and I definitely left feeling more confident cooking Piedmontese dishes. I could not recommend Castello di Montalero more!!!

(Renna G, Aug 2025)

Simply the experience of a lifetime!

As the title states, my five day stay at Castello di Montalero was simply the experience of a lifetime. I have been fortunate in my life to travel the world and enjoy culinary experiences/classes in over 189 countries, but this tops them all. I had planned this trip before COVID but had to delay it until everything got back to normal, and Chris and his team were more than accommodating. From arrival to departure, we were made to feel like family and especially enjoyed the evenings spent with everyone over some great food and wine. The instructors were absolutely top notch and truly masters of their craft. The classes, themselves, can be as immersive as you wish. You can either get right in there and master dough making, etc, or sit back and watch…it’s totally up to you. The accommodations are wonderful, cosy, warm, and inviting. This castle is literally almost 1000 years old, and the history and legacy is present everywhere to be seen and enjoyed. The “field trips” are incredible and well off the beaten path, so to speak, so if you are looking to get away from crowds of tourists, then this is the experience for you. This is a unique and truly Italian experience, and I’d recommend it to anyone who loves good food, history, and a wonderfully immersive travel experience. My thanks to Chris, Kaarina, Charlie, and Edward…we left feeling like we now have a wonderful Italian family!

(Thomas C, Mar 2025)

Wow, Wow and Wow, if you love Italian cuisine and wine, you Must go

I have done other cookery courses in France, but this is the ultimate 1 to experience, I can’t recommend this experience enough. I Will definitely return for a 5 or 8 day course.

The setting is in a partly but sympathetically restored genuine castle in a beautiful setting nestled above a peaceful valley in between Turin and Milan. The Watkins family ( English/Finnish) have created an amazing experience with a cookery course squeezed in, you are welcomed with open arms ( I chose to drive from the UK, 800 odd miles, I wanted to shop for genuine Italian foodstuffs and wine etc). You can of course fly or go by train. You will be collected by minibus and driven back ( no additional cost).

Saturday is the start, a welcome lunch and relaxing time until dinner, hot and cold drinks, both soft or alcoholic are available at any time. Saturday evening starts with a welcome aperitif , antipasti and introduction, then an amazing 4 course dinner served with locally sourced ingredients as much as possible and local quality wines. After dinner we relaxed in the lounge with a roaring log fire served with liqueurs and petit fours . There didn’t seem to be any limits on the wine, it seemed like the family wanted you to experience the best local wines and drinks. Our host Charlie ( son) is a truly wonderful man, he took care of us in every way, a drinks host, a travel guide (par excellence), incredibly generous and knowledgeable about the area it’s history and local culture. He accompanied us on all our trips and adventures, you don’t have to learn Italian as he’s fluent. So ask questions, he will help.

Sunday is another day out visiting local places, I think different locations in tune with local culture as seasons. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday and based around cookery in true Italian style, if you aren’t cooking , either AM or PM, then there are other local attractions pre-arranged to visit ( I doubt you can do these yourself as the family have built up an incredible relationship with some of these local producers). I was lucky to visit local food markets, a goat farm who provides some of the breakfast yoghurts and cheese. 2 x local vineyards, truffle hunting. So varied and all well worth visiting.

Every meal is very special, breakfast was served on a balcony overlooking the valley, beautiful, lunch and dinner were served either from our efforts during the day or supplemented by the chef’s and the team. Chef’s: Beppe – an absolute character, his style is so entertaining and enjoyable. Valaria – a vegetarian chef, (as a committed meat lover), this was an education not to be missed. Carla – the pizza/ focaccia dough bakery chef was an inspiration, she fine tuned what I already thought was good enough!

An amazing experience, if you love your food, this is THE PLACE TO GO.

(Paul T, Oct 2025)