La Ciau del Tornavento: Where the Wind Carries Stories and Flavors
In the heart of the Langhe, in that patch of land where vineyards draw sinuous waves and ancient villages cling to the hills, there is a place that is not just a restaurant but a true guardian of stories: La Ciau del Tornavento in Treiso.
To understand the soul of this place, we must close our eyes and imagine it not only as it is today, with its stars and accolades, but as it was in the past. It is said that where the elegant structure now stands, there was once an isolated farmhouse, battered by winds blowing from the surrounding valleys. The "tornavento" (return wind) was not just a poetic suggestion but the reality of a panoramic point where currents met and chased each other, carrying with them the scents of earth, must, and hay.
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It is said that in that farmhouse, in a time of hard work and authenticity, there was always a fire lit, a "ciau"—which in the Piedmontese dialect means "key"—ready to welcome anyone who arrived. It wasn't a physical key, but a metaphorical one, made of human warmth, a glass of good wine, and a steaming plate of food offered with generosity. It was a place where weary farmers found rest, where travelers could exchange stories, and where laughter filled the air.
And the wind? The ever-present wind listened and carried away every whisper, every secret, and every recipe passed down through generations. It was a silent witness to the slow-paced life, marked by the rhythms of the land.
It was in this context, steeped in tradition and simplicity, that the vision of Maurilio Garola and his family took shape many years later. It was not just about opening a restaurant but about bringing that ancestral "ciau" back to life, transforming it into a place where food was not just nourishment but a bridge to the past, an expression of the land, and a tribute to authenticity.
With his masterful skill, Maurilio has been able to interpret and refine the Langhe cuisine once prepared in farmhouses, elevating it to peaks of excellence without ever losing touch with its roots. Every dish tells a story: of the truffles the generous land offers, of homemade pasta made with love, of meats that graze in nearby pastures, and of cheeses that hold the essence of the Alps.
Today, as you sit at the tables of La Ciau del Tornavento, your gaze wanders over the vineyards that change color with the seasons, and you have the feeling that the wind, the "tornavento," still blows. But now, in addition to the scents of the earth, it carries with it the echo of elegant laughter, the clinking of glasses, and the unmistakable aroma of dishes that are true works of art.
It's a place where tradition and innovation embrace, where history is breathed in every corner, and where every flavor is a journey. La Ciau del Tornavento is not just a culinary experience; it's an immersion into the soul of the Langhe, an invitation to discover how a simple key—that of generosity and passion—can open the doors to a world of unforgettable beauty and taste.
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The restaurant boasts one of Italy's most complete wine cellars, carved into the tuff of the hill. It houses over 65,000 bottles from approximately 5,400 labels, sourced from 450 producers worldwide. It's a true benchmark, especially for local producers, thanks to its extensive selection dedicated to the Langhe. Half of the collection is devoted to Barolo and Barbaresco, complemented by other red wines from Piedmont and Tuscany. White wines from various Italian regions make up about a tenth of the selection, completing an offer that spans wines from 13 different countries.
If you are looking for a place that tells the story of this land through its food, where the past and present merge in perfect harmony, then the "ciau" (key) of La Ciau del Tornavento awaits you.