We began our day in La Morra, first visiting Trediberri and then Roberto Voerzio. Davide Voerzio took us into one of the estates five vineyards and explained its low-yield philosophy. In order to maximize the quality of the grapes, bunches are kept close to the trunk and, at a later point, are cut in half. The wines were simply stunning – elegant, silky, beautifully perfumed and well-structured.

We then visited Maria-Teresa Mascarello, owner and winemaker of the famed Cantina Bartolo Mascarello. She not only gave us a tour of the property and presented us with her 2010, 2009 and 2005 Baroli. She also surprised our team with an incredibly generous gift: a magnum of 1986 Barolo, made by her father, Bartolo. This wine still leaves me speechless.

Our fourth visit was to Giuseppe Mascarello e Figli, one of the Langhe’s oldest and most respected estates. It was hard to believe that this building was once a place where ice was stored and sold, not wine. We met Mauro, his wife Maria Teresa, his son Giuseppe and his daughter Elena upon arrival. Elena guided us through the cantina and led us into the tasting room where we tasted through a series of the outstanding wines, including Monprivato Riserva Cà d’Morissio.

Our next meeting was with Roberto Conterno, of Giacomo Conterno. Every single wine that was presented was breathtakingly beautiful and seamless – ripe, silky fruit, refreshing acidity and incredible complexity. I was in love with both the Cerretta and Cascina Francia, but my absolute favorite was the 2008 Barolo Cascina Francia Riserva Monfortino.

Our last visit of this unforgettable trip was in Serralunga, at Giovanni Rosso. We were greeted by Davide Rosso, himself. We also met with his winemaker, Andrea and were given samples of his outstanding wines. Davide gave us a grand tour of his palatial new cantina as well as his vineyards – including a newly acquired hectare of Vigna Rionda (in 2011). Before we left, he graciously gifted each of us with a bottle of wine: the 2010 Barolo Cerretta and the 2010 Barolo Serra.

I have had the privilege to travel to many exotic and beautiful locations in my life, but I must say that our time in Piedmont was, without a doubt, one of my most memorable trips to date. We were in one of the most beautiful places on the planet – the photos truly do not do it justice; we were privileged enough to meet some of the world’s best winemakers, and we had the chance to have tasted their unbelievable wines. Personally, I’m counting down the days until we are able to return next year…

Read day one of Vanessa’s trip here.