The MacNay Travel & Wine self-guided walking programme

You can view MTW’s portfolio of self-guided walks here.

As well as flexibility around group sizes, walking pace and start dates, you know you’re enjoying the best possible views and the ideal walking route, because we have spent a lot of time and used our local knowledge researching it and writing the detailed walking instructions.

You also have the pleasure of knowing that your bags will be waiting for you in the next hotel, and that our Local Manager – whom you’ll meet for a pre-trip briefing – is just a phone call away.

Our walks happen in three regions of north west Italy: the high Alps of Valle d’Aosta, the wine hills of Piemonte, and the Riviera coastline of Liguria.

Walking in the Italian Alps

In Valle d’Aosta there are two walks. One is called The Five Days of the Matterhorn. This walk starts in full view of the Monte Rosa glacier and concludes in the elegant, walled Roman city of Aosta. Along the way you enjoy spectacular views, come into contact with the ancient Alpeggio farming culture, and, as the name suggests, spend a lot of time taking in the Matterhorn (Cervino).

The second walk of the region, which is called Heart of the Italian Alps, departs from Aosta and finishes at the foot of Mont Blanc, where a return ticket on the Skyway cablecar to the top of the massif – Europe’s highest point – is included your trip fee. This is more wine-focussed, taking in the rich vineyards of the central valley and walking through Europe’s highest white wine vineyards at Morgex. Two wine tastings are included in the trip price and the accommodation includes two nights in a five-star luxury Relais in full view of Monte Bianco. Both walks are physically demanding, with the Five Days being slightly the more challenging of the two.

Walking in the Barolo hills

In Piemonte we explore the Barolo hills with our Borderlands trio of walks. These explore the UNESCO world heritage scenery, wines and cuisine of the extraordinary Langhe hills. Borderlands I takes in the wild woodlands and vineyards of the Roero; Borderlands II is a five-night circular walk around the world-famous vineyards and villages of Barolo; Borderlands III departs from Alba westwards, exploring Barbaresco and the rolling hills of the Monferrato. All the walks are a gastronomic and wine lover’s delight. The walking is challenging, although the climbs are not as long as in the mountains.

Walking to the Riviera

The final walk is not yet on our website as we are working on it now. This one takes in the vineyards and hills around Gavi and Tortona, the high, wild Ligurian Appenines, and the eastern salt roads to Genova. There is an extension along the Riviera coastline which can be completed on foot, by train or by boat. This walk is called Creuza de Ma, an evocative phrase in the Genovese dialect describing a narrow mule-track between buildings to the sea. It is also the subject of a song which kept the idea of a return to Italy alive in our imagination, by Fabrizio de Andre.

Liguria in wine – a short introduction.

Take a look at James’s latest article on the MacNay Travel & Wine website. It’s a very brief look at the coastal region of Liguria, the Riviera. MTW will travel there in 2025 – enquire today.

From Cuculo you can buy Ligurian wines made by the Terre Bianche winery, which is above the picturesque, medieval town of Dolceacqua. Buy the white Pigato here and the red Rossese here. There are case discounts for both labels.

A brief introduction to Sardinia.

Cinzia is with a group of customers in Sardinia at the moment, so James wrote a brief introduction to the history of grapes and winemaking on the island. You can link to the article on the MacNay Travel & Wine website here.

Two central Italian rosés, under £16.

Cantele Rosato bottle image

Negroamaro Rosato Salento IGT 2023 by Cantele (Puglia)

Cantele’s rosé is a long-standing and hugely popular presence on the Cuculo shelves. This wine is from Puglia, one of Italy’s wine heartlands, where Negroamaro rules. The deeply coloured black grape makes soft, rich, savoury reds (and while you’re about it, you should try the Cantele Salice Salentino Riserva £16.95 to take out) but, when left with the skins for just a short period, makes a lovely wine with the same pink/salmon the hue of red onion skin.

This wine shows a great red fruit (strawberry, redcurrant) flavours and has a delightful freshness and medium body. At £15.95 (take out price) it is great summer drinking and excellent value.

• Bottle: £15.95 (take out)
• Case of 6: £90
• Case of 12: £170

You can order the wine here.

Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo DOC 2021 by Tiberio (Abruzzo)

Let’s head to Abruzzo, now, on the Adriatic coast.

Our winemaker is Tiberio, a second generation family estate who have been garnering plaudits in the international press for several years.

Being one of the few Italian appellations specifically designated as rosé, Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo is quite niche. This wine is made with a minimum 85% Montepulciano, and is darker in colour compared to many other rosés.

It is fuller-bodied than, say, the Tiberio, with a higher alcohol (14%). Nevertheless it is juicy and fruity (cherry, woodland fruits, strawberry).

• Bottle: £15.45 (take out)
• Case of 6: £85
• Case of 12: £165

You can order the wine here.

Tracklements tasting in-store!

Next Saturday – 20 July 2024 – join us for a tasting of award winning Tracklement condiments at Cuculo 11.30 – 13.00. Delicious cheeses from our counter paired with chutneys, jams, marmalades and fruit cheese

To whet your appetite, here are some great recommendations from Tracklements for ideal cheese and condiment pairings this month.

Stop in at Cuculo for a special tasting of ‘Tracklements’ premium quality chutneys and pickles.

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