From its valleys and rolling hills to the clear, luminous foothills of the Alps, picturesque Piedmont is a region famed for its fine food and wine. Perhaps in part due to its close proximity to neighbouring France and Switzerland, Piedmontese cuisine is known in particular for its sophisticated elegance, with rich flavours and refined techniques playing a part throughout many of its most famous dishes.

Piedmont is one of Italy’s largest rice growing regions – almost half the rice consumed in Italy is from Piedmont – producing, among others, Carnaroli, Vialone Nano and Maratelli varieties. Much of this growing takes place in the provinces of Novara and Vercelli (on the Lombard border), and it is here that culinary siblings the Costardi Brothers’s much-loved Michelin-starred restaurant, Ristorante Christian e Manuel, sits.

Piedmont has no shortage of breathtaking views, but for a perfect combination of romantic vistas and exquisite fine dining look no further than Lake Orta. Here Antonino Cannavacciuolo’s Villa Crespi, a hotel and restaurant with two Michelin stars, offers superb luxury and an unforgettable experience.