It has been an unusually wet spring and as the summer sun and heat arrives, the gardens and fields around us tell the story; happy farmers and vineyard owners celebrate a healthy start for their crops, the hillsides are awash with lush greenery, and in beautiful abundance as spring turns to summer are the poppies, exuberantly sprinkling splashes of red at every turn.
Read MoreA recent poll conducted by FIAT showed that two thirds of British adults want to ‘be more Italian’ in their approach to life, and to adopt that much sought-after essence of the slower pace of Italian life - La Dolce Vita.
Read MoreWinter, as always it seems, doesn’t really get going until mid January here. If it wasn’t for the fact that Villa Menaluna is closed during this time, it would be a wonderful time to welcome you!
Read MoreAs the harvest season approaches, anticipation fills the air and winemakers meticulously plan their strategies to ensure the finest quality grapes are collected. With its rolling hills, picturesque vineyards and historic villages, Piedmont offers a perfect setting for this annual celebration of nature's bounty and human ingenuity.
Read MoreOne of the great joys of living in the Monferrato region of Piemonte is that the rich soil and copious amounts of sun can give lavish life to the garden. What is difficult, however is keeping a fledgling garden alive as we battle the relentless and unforgivingly fierce heat.
Read MoreMeet English Perry and Italian Pipi - an integral part of our lives, and probably of your stay too at some point.
Read MoreIf, in the midst of a cold snap, and at the weary tail end of winter, your mind is turning to trips abroad, sunshine and stunning vistas, and glorious food and wine experiences, then Piedmont – a sometimes overlooked northern region of Italy - has a lot to offer. Come and discover Glorious Piedmont - Tuscany without the tourists.
Read MoreJust a 90 minute drive from Villa Menaluna and situated on a hill overlooking farmed plains at the mouth of the river Po and the Bronda and Varaita valleys, Saluzzo is the last major conurbation before the dramatic Cottian alps, and the stunning mountain views are dominated by majestic Monviso.
Read MoreWhilst March can be the bearer of the last touches of winter weather, with April comes the winds which seem to herald in the change of seasons, almost as if nature wants to blow winter back to where it came from.
Read MoreIt’s true that you can’t swing a cat in Italy without coming across a food market somewhere each day here. Watch any of the travel or cooking shows promoting Italy to overseas audiences from the likes of Stanley Tucci, Rick Stein, Nigella Lawson or the wonderful Alex Polizzi, and you’ll be sure to find them all at some stage effervescing about the draw of the weekly ritual of a market visit, with all the accompanying explosions of colour, hunger-inducing smells and inspiring array of fresh produce.
Read MorePiedmont is not one of Italy’s best-known regions. It has always been known best amongst oenophiles and foodies for its magnificent wines, white truffles and gastronomy, but perhaps not thought of as a ‘destination’ in its own right.
Read MoreWe’re being asked constantly ‘what does Menaluna mean?’ so we felt we should nail the explanation – and what a lovely explanation it turned out to be.
Read MoreEvery season in Piedmont has something unique to offer, some different set of sensory pleasures, foods and culture. In winter the surrounding hills and fields are magically transformed by mists creeping up the valley and frost and snow creating the most breath-taking storybook views.
Read MoreIn early September the days are still warm but as the evening arrives, a coolness and haze clearly marks out this as a different world to that of the dry, intense Mediterranean-like heat of summer. It’s almost as if a switch has been quietly flicked and the transition to a new season has begun on cue. Only three weeks ago, it had still been hot.
Read MoreTables, of course, are always places people come together, usually to enjoy good food and wine, so there is nothing revolutionary in this.
Read MoreWe’re all familiar with the need to recycle more these days and recycling furniture is no different. Giving and old piece a new life is immensely rewarding for many reasons.
Read MoreThroughout the summer in Piedmont, you’ll regularly see the striking sight of field after field of sunflowers, soaking up the intense sun and blazing with golden yellow.
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