Italy – Xavier Pijnacker

Italy 2023

During this trip, I embarked on a journey to explore the enchanting Piemonte region of Italy, renowned for its picturesque landscapes, rich history, and, of course, its delectable cuisine. As seen in the image at the top of the page, I slept at a beautiful wine house, nestled amidst the rolling hills and vineyards that characterize the region.

My visit to Piemonte was not merely about sightseeing; it was also a reunion with friends who had been working in the area for the past six months. Together, we immersed ourselves in the beauty of the countryside and the warmth of Italian hospitality.

From the wine house, we set out to explore the surrounding villages, each with its own unique charm and culinary delights.

But the highlight of our journey was undoubtedly our visit to Barolo, a village known for its world-class wines. Here, amidst the picturesque vineyards, we were treated to a behind-the-scenes tour of a local winery, where we learned about the art of winemaking from passionate vintners.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, we gathered around a table laden with bottles of Barolo wine, sharing stories and laughter long into the night. And as I looked around at the faces of my friends, illuminated by the soft glow of candlelight, I realized that the true beauty of Piemonte lay not just in its landscapes or its flavors, but in the bonds of friendship forged amidst its rolling hills and vineyards.