I’ve eaten my way through many of Italy’s 20 regions. Lovely lemon pasta in Calabria, fried sea creatures in Veneto, fabulous stuffed olives in Le Marche. I could ooze delight for days reimagining unforgettable food experiences in the Bel Paese.

I had failed, however, to pay much attention to the unpretentious mega-star region of food and wine: Piemonte. With over 341 recognized specialty items, Piemonte (or Piedmont) is an outstanding destination for exquisite dining experiences and superior wines enjoyed amongst dazzling natural beauty.