Greetings from Piemonte!! The weather is glorious and the fields and vineyards are rich with fruit. Many things are happening in the Langhe this summer and fall. Restoration at the Monastero di Cherasco is continuing, and most of the exterior work is nearing completion. The crew will have an Italian August holiday and will return in September to continue working the interiors. We again appreciate everyone’s patience in this very time-loving project. We find it more entertaining than aggravating, and admire and respect the passionate expertise that is being utilized in this project.

We have the pleasure of being able to invite everyone to a special Italian evening of food, wine, friends, and conversation about the Monastero di Cherasco, on August 8th and 9th. Chef Francesco Volpe, from Milano, Italy is flying over to Fall City, Washington, to compose a dramatic 5 course dinner. The dinner is being presented at the home of Maria and Kevin Downey. Their home will be transformed into an elegant dining room/kitchen with white tablecloths and sparkling glasses to become the “Dirt Road Dining” venue. Kevin coined the “Dirt Road Dining” name because of his many wanderings through the Italian countryside looking for, “that little Ristorante”. Driving down dirt roads to the point of giving up, the sight of a little dimly lit house would appear. Walking through the front door he would be greeted by a lovely dining room, gracious hosts, and delicious aromas. The multi-course dinner will benefit charity, and Maria and Kevin are requesting a minimum of $100/person , which will be forwarded 100% to the organization. Thank you Maria and Kevin for opening your home, and for giving Monastero di Cherasco the opportunity to gather and enjoy Italian food and wine in a marvelous setting.

If you are interested, please contact Holly@PiedmontPlaces.com

Upcoming Events in Piemonte:

18-27 July- Festa Patronale di S. Bonaventura
A week of Festivities in Montelupo Albese
Markets, food, music in Montelupo

19-28 July- Festa Patronale di Saint’Anna in Castiglione Falletto
A week of folklore, wine, gastronomy, theatre, and music.

June 6th-August 2nd – Monforte d’Alba Jazz Festival
The annual Monforte Jazz Festival takes place in the hilltop outdoor ampitheatre. A beautiful location. www.monfortearte.net for schedule.

July 18-August 3rd-Alba Summer Music Festival
www.albamusicfestival.com/welcome_eng.lasso
The Alba Music Festival stages concerts in the most prestigious places in Alba, including dozens of majestic castles and intimate churches that are the heart of the region’s uniqueness. A spectacular journey in a thousand-year-old framework, the Festival is host to a magical meeting between rich history, stirring scenery, and music, “Making Musica Bella” .

October 4th-November 9th – The White Truffle Fair
The annual festival of the White Truffle in the Centro Storico in Alba. Truffle Auction, Market, and fair. Music, food, folklore.
www.fieradeltartufo.org/it/

Previous Post on Hotel Monastero di Cherasco

Does the idea of owning your very own luxurious hotel suite in a 300 year old monastery in Piedmont, Italy excite you? Then make sure to check out Hotel Monastero di Cherasco!

The 750 year old medieval town of Cherasco is centrally located between Milan, Monte Carlo, the Alps and Mediterranean attracting visitors from all over the world looking to enjoy the fabulous food, festivals/markets, Borolo & Barbaresco wines, Tartufo Bianco (white truffles), remarkable history and Le Langhe’s gorgeous countryside.

Hotel Monastero di Cherasco will feature 20 hotel suites ranging between 400-500 SF and priced between $300k and $375k. Hotel amenities include a swimming pool, formal and casual dining, a wine bar, onsite boutiques, lush gardens, a professional management staff and much more. Because the hotel is located on the northwest corner of Cherasco many suites will also enjoy the panoramic sunsets and views of Mt. Viso and the Alps…what more could you ever ask for!

Each homeowner will receive their own Euro bank account where 60% of the suite revenue will be deposited every month. The hotel will be professionally managed by an experienced team who also own/manage a hotel in a nearby town so you will never have to worry about your vacation getaway. Monthly dues will be $250-$275 and estimated completion is set for late 2008.

This is a very unique opportunity to work with a Seattle-based group of investors looking to make a dream into a reality!

If you are interested in learning more about Hotel Monastero di Cherasco, please let me know and I will be happy to send you additional information. There are only 7 reservations left!