Tasting the food and wine of north east Italy

Melbourne restaurant owner Mark Protheroe and Epicurious travel’s owner, Jennifer Wilkinson have shared their passion and knowledge of Italy in designing a tour in the north east region focusing on the food and wine from Milan across towards Trieste and from Verona north to Bolzano. Led by Mark and Jennifer, the journey offers some exceptional private winery visits and tastings, exquisite food from simple bars and trattorias to stellar restaurants along with some wonderful cultural activities and magnificent scenery. And of course in true Epicurious travel style; unique and stunning accommodation, a small group of up to 12 guests and an inimitable experience.

The tour commencing in Milan journeys to Franciacorta, the location for the best sparkling wines of Italy, before travelling north to the shores of Lake Garda where we enjoy a night overlooking this superb lake. We travel on to the Trentino – Alto Adige/South Tyrol region and the delightful city of Bolzano. Surrounded by medieval castles, lush pastures, vineyards and snow-capped peaks, this lively small city has an interesting mix of Italian and Austrian history which is evident at every turn.

From here we head south to the Veneto staying in the small city of Verona one of Italy’s most historic and beautiful cities. We enjoy its delicious cuisine and the spectacular soave and valpolicella regional wines. Finally we head east to the region of Friuli Venezia Giulia a stunning area wedged between the Adriatic Sea and the Italian Alps. This region delivers spectacular landscapes, fascinating small towns and some of the best white wines in Italy.

Accommodation is of the highest quality including the Mandarin Oriental in Milan, Hotel Castel Hörtenberg in Bolzano, a stunning Relais/Villa on the edge of Verona and a stylish design hotel with sleek contemporary interiors close to the vineyard of Friuli.

Mark Protheroe has a remarkable history in the hospitality industry from working in a small restaurant in Beechworth as a teenager, to being the sommelier at some of Melbourne’s best restaurants and now joint restaurant owner and consultant sommelier. He has a great love for Italy and its food and wine. His unassuming approach when sharing his wine knowledge along with his incredible connections in the industry, brings a precious element to this tour.

Jennifer’s passion for Italy goes back to her mid 30s when she first travelled to this glorious country and her love and interest has never subsided. Her deep and ongoing research for her Food, wine and walking in Northern Italy tour and the more recent tour in Piedmont has given her close connections within the Italian travel and hospitality industry ensuring a seamless travel experience and welcoming hospitality.

Don’t miss this fabulous opportunity!