The Piemonte, or Piedmont region, borders France and part of Switzerland in northwestern Italy. Known for world-class wines (Piedmont has no less than 18 DOCG wines, including Barolo and Barbaresco, both made from the Nebbiolo grape) and fall truffles, mountains with ski resorts—Monte Rosa is the second highest mountain in the Alps– and the city of Turin.

With its colder winter climate, it’s perhaps no surprise that bicerin (bee-che-REEN)– a unique traditional hot beverage from Turin made of espresso, drinking chocolate, and milk layered in the special glass from which the name derives—is a favorite tradition.  Caffee al Bicerin in Turin has been serving the drink since the 18th century.  

Piedmont is considered Italy’s leading truffle region, and as weather turns cold the world’s most expensive culinary treasure– the white truffle– is gathered from the woods and sold by the truffle gatherers to the Michelin-starred chefs who come to visit.