Finocchiona

 Every two years in Turin (Italy), Slow Food hosts the Salone del Gusto. This is the mother of all food events and draws over 150,000 visitors. The program for the 2010 event (October 21-25) was recently released so I wish to highlight this excellent food event.

This event is special as the stars of this food expo are the small-scale food producers from all over the world that showcase their products. Moreover, it is about the people just as much as it is about the excellent food as the event enables like-minded producers and buyers to connect in the search for quality food.

Visitors can discover and taste Finocchiona Slow Food Presidia products and cuisines from all over the world, attend some of the hundreds of Taste Workshops, participate in conferences and learn from chefs in the Theatre of Taste program.

Definitely worth highlighting is the Sala Slow Wine which is held every day of the event, from 11am to 10pm, with the last entrance at 8.30pm. This consists of an enoteca dedicated to wine lovers who will have the opportunity to choose from 300 well known labels for tastings. Every day international wine makers will host presentations and famous chef Davide Scabin, from Combal.Zero restaurant in Rivoli, will introduce his creations. The €50 ticket gains you access and allows you 15 tastings.

Other highlights are:

- L'eredita del Barolo - October 21 at 7pm €45

The next generation of 4 of the main Barolo producers present this tasting event, comparing previous vintages, and introducing some new ones: Augusto Cappellano - Barolo Rupestris 2004 and 1998; Roberto Conterno - Barolo Cascina Francia 2006 and 1996; Maria Teresa Mascarello - Barolo 2005 and 1995 (magnum bottle), Pietro Ratti - Barolo Rocche 2007 (preview, though not commercially available until 2011) and 1997.

- Barbaresco d' autore - October 21 at 4pm €30

A retrospective view on the work of Alberto di Gresy, in charge of La Martinega winery in Barbaresco since 1973. The workshop will focus on how he transformed a relatively small family run winery into one of the main Barbaresco labels. Tastings of: Langhe Rosso Virtus 1998, Barbaresco Gajun 1999 e Barbaresco Camp Gros 1990, all in magnum bottle.

- Salami d'Italia - October 22 at 4pm €20

Every region in Italy has its own salame. This workshop provides an introduction and overview of the best regional products: salame delle valli tortonesi, salame di Fabriano (Presìdi Slow Food), ventricina del Vastese, fiorettino reggiano, sopressa di Fagagna, finocchiona di San Miniato, soppressata calabra.

- I magnifici Novanta di Sandrone - October 22 at 7pm €45

A tasting and tribute to Luciano Sandrone, one of the most celebrated and well-known Barolo wine producers. This event will be extra special as Luciano will personally guide you through some of his best Barolo Le Vigne vintages from the 90s': 1993, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999.

- Parmigiano Reggiano e Porto - October 23 at 7pm €25

Two symbols of the best European gastronomy will meet and you will be shown how time changes and affects these products. Four releases of Parmersan (15 months, 22 months, 28 months and the well aged 36 months) will be put together with the best Port, different vintages and types, presented by the Instituto dos Vinhos do Douro e Porto.

If you are interested in participating in any of the workshops etc, I strongly recommend you book way in advance as these events gets sold out well ahead of the opening.

Salone del Gusto is held simultaneously with the Terra Madre world meeting of food communities.

TorreBarolo is a renovated 17th century tower that is available to rent as a self-catered property. It is an ideal escape for those seeking the amenities and privacy of a private home, yet wanting an authentic Italian countryside experience while on holiday.

From its elevated position in the village, guests can enjoy sweeping views of the vineyards and medieval hill top towns that contribute to the charm of the Langhe Valley. Guest also can enjoy the ease of having many of Barolo's restaurants and wine bars within a 5 minute walk from the tower. A short drive from Barolo, guest have many options such as dining in Alba on white truffles shaved over egg pasta or sampling the latest the Piedmont wine region has to offer, such as Barolo, Barbaresco or Barbera d'Alba wines at the numerous regional enotecas.