In the depths of winter but planning for summer

Greetings from a cold but sunny Piedmont.

Winter, as always it seems, doesn’t really get going until mid January here. Back in London we always saw December as the start of the colder months but now here in Piedmont and for what seems to be a reliable pattern, the weeks of December and early January are pleasantly cool with mostly clear blue skies, little wind and no rain. If it wasn’t for the fact that Villa Menaluna is closed during this time, it would be a wonderful time to welcome you!

We received just a dusting of snow before Christmas which then vanished almost as quickly as it came. Winter jackets, jumpers and thermals on, then off again. It was hard to keep up. Now in the middle of January, the threat of snow waning a little for now, I’m in the garden in ten-degree sun but it feels warmer. Not quite t-shirt weather for sure, but enough to enjoy a cup of tea and a slice of local Torta di nocciole al fresco with a cat on my lap, soaking up the rays with me.

But we take nothing for granted. February, as we learned the hard way six years ago, can arrive with a cold sting in its tail, so we ensure the wood piles are topped up, the stufe flues clean, and the cars prepped for a snowy trek, just in case. Not to mention my array of snow-moving machinery: a personal arsenal of weapons to win the battle, which I love to use but at the same time hope are never needed.

So for now, we sit tight and wait for the last weeks of winter to pass. I’m busying myself with the ‘day job’ as well as little projects at Villa Menaluna: deep-cleaning, weeding and pruning, touching up the paintwork or the bits I’ve missed - that kind of thing. Nick is back in full garden-planning mode as there’s lots to do still at Villa Menaluna to get ready for our guests this year, but with the ground solid and regular overnight frosts now forecast, we wait for spring. Until then we’re staying warm, cooking, eating, planning and painting, and when we can, grabbing some time in the sun and enjoying a wintry walk around the hills.

So, whilst Villa Menaluna is tucked up and sleeping, thoughts turn to warmer times ahead and all the beauty that a glorious spring and sultry summer brings to our part of Italy. If you’re considering a trip to Piedmont this year, here’s a small selection of the many events and festivals in our region which might interest you. We share much more also in our digital ‘guest book’ available to all our guests.

A presto!

21 + 28 April | Giro del Nizza

Tour the hills around Nizza and discover 40+ producers of the famous NIZZA DOCG

3-4 May | Giro d’Italia

Italy’s famous cycle race comes to the Monferrato region once again

11-12 May | Nizza e Barbera

Wine time again! This event is a must for wine lovers, this time all the producers come to Nizza Monferrato and take over the town for two days, where you can try wines from 80+ producers, sample local foods and enjoy the streets of Nizza with a glass of Barbera in hand

1 July | Tour de France

For the first time, the “Grande Départ’ of this iconic cycle race comes to Italy with Stage 3 passing through our local town of Nizza Monferrato

1 September | Palio of Asti

Let yourself be enchanted by the medieval atmosphere, the waving of flags and the sounds of trumpets to announce the entrance into the Piazza the horse and rider selected from towns across Piemonte.  Three heats and final make for a true spectacle!

12-13 October | Agliano Terme Fish Festival

This may sound odd, but the town comes alive with live music and traditional British Fish & Chips using Norwegian Cod and, yes 30+ wine producers will be there so you can sample wines and buy a bottle or two to enjoy for the evening