The Perfect Trip for Food Lovers: an Alpine Culinary Tour de Force

Whether you're looking for private tastings or hands-on culinary experiences, the Alpine region is a must for every discerning gourmand.

When it comes to luxury travel in 2026, food tourism is rising at an unprecedented rate, with 81% of travellers stating that "exploring local foods and cuisines" is the highlight of their travels (American Express Travel Global Trends), and 50% of global travellers now securing restaurant reservations before they have even booked their flights (Hilton 2025 Travel Trends Report).

Given the gourmand's desire for rustic, authentic experiences, as well as innovative culinary mastery, it can be a challenge finding both to make the food lovers' trip perfect—unless you’re in the Alpine region. Be it truffle foraging in South Tyrol, wine tasting in Lyon or Verona, artisanal cheesemaking experiences, honey and pollen tasting, or the ultimate Michelin finery, the region has all the ingredients needed for the perfect bespoke culinary journey.

The hunt for "black gold": truffle foraging through emerald forests

The best time to go for black winter truffles is between December and March.

The journey begins on the forest floor. In the Eppan forests of South Tyrol, you’ll join a licensed trifulau (truffle hunter) and their highly trained dogs for an exclusive search for the region’s prized truffles. This isn't just a walk in the woods; it’s an education in soil, season, and tradition. The reward? A tasting of your finds freshly shaved over artisanal bread and local cheese, right there amidst the trees.

Private vertical tastings: in lush vineyards and a 350-year old cellar

Enjoy private wine tastings in sun-drenched vineyards.

There’s something quite special about sampling wines at the very place the grapes were grown and the wine was made. Your itinerary might take you to the Château de La Chaize in Beaujolais for a private vertical tasting in a cellar that has stood for over three centuries. Alternatively, you can head to the Swiss Valais region to sample celebrated high-altitude wines that are a true insider’s pleasure due to their limited production and rare varietals. Meanwhile, Amarone fans can enjoy a delicious afternoon tasting vintages in Verona’s Allegrini winery.

Hands-on Alpine cheesemaking (and tasting)

Make–and taste–your own cheese at local dairies.

Meet and work with local dairymen in a private cheesemaking experience, be it in the Engadin or Appenzell. You’ll learn the ancient techniques of Alpine production, connecting with the artisans who maintain the region’s culinary heritage, before enjoying a private cooking session using the very ingredients you've just seen being made.

For those visiting the region in September, there is the Chästeilet ritual—a 300-year-old tradition in which local farmers divide up and distribute the mountain cheese. Alternatively, enjoy a cheesemaking session and relaxing herb walk with the Emmental farm families.

The nectar of the Alps: artisanal honey tasting

The flavour of the honey in the Alpine region can vary depending on the specific flora of the locale, from lavender to mountain pine.

High-altitude honey is a revelation of flavour, capturing the essence of Alpine wildflowers and herbs. For a full nature immersion, enjoy a honey and pollen tasting at a local apiary or beekeeper in a secluded meadow in the Engadin. These tastings reveal how the specific flora of different valleys—from lavender to mountain pine—creates a unique flavour profile for each distinct honey.

Alternatively spend an afternoon at Plattner Bienenhof, a beekeeping museum where you can partake in honey and preserve making masterclasses.

The grand finale: Michelin-starred masterpieces

The Alpine region has its ample share of Michelin-starred restaurants.

The culinary journey concludes at the pinnacle of fine dining. You might find yourself at Schloss Schauenstein in Switzerland, where three-Michelin-starred chef Andreas Caminada transforms humble local ingredients into avant-garde art. Or, cross into Italy for a multi-course tasting menu at Piazza Duomo in Alba, where the artistry of modern Piedmontese cuisine is celebrated through exquisitely prepared dishes. If you're feeling adventurous, Restaurant Ikarus in the Red Bull hangar in Salzburg features a new guest chef collaboration every month.

Whether you want to focus on the vineyards of France or the remote farms of Italy, the high-altitude wines of Switzerland or the Michelin gems in Austria, the Alpine region is a must for every discerning gourmand.

Come for a taste of the Alps

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