An interview to the discovery of the distinctive features of a top wedding destination in Italy, Piedmont. To illustrate them Maria Virginia Tiraboschi, the new Wine&Wedding 2018 testimonial, General Manager of Relais San Maurizio, a refined former monastery of 1619, now a five star hotel owned by the Gallo family and carefully restored with a dedicated renovation of 4 years. The 36 rooms and suites are spread across the monastery, in the former monk’s cells, overlooking the cloister, next to the ancient chapel, in the attic below the bell tower, or in the former stables. Home to a Michelin-starred restaurant and an award-winning welnness&medical spa, it is an idyllic location for magical and memorable events.

Which are the main features of a wedding in perfect Original Italian Style?

They say love is all we need. Indeed, we believe weddings are the most special days as they are a celebration of love, full of hope and happiness. It is important to choose a venue that relates to the bride and groom, somewhere meaningful, with a sense of place and character, where they can celebrate with their loved ones and feel fully at ease.

Which elements cannot be missed?

The ceremony where the bride and groom exchange vows is probably the most magical moment for the couple, so the location is crucial, as it has to be intimate but also large enough to host all the guests. The reception, especially in terms of food and wine, are also very important, which is why we pay particular attention to every detail: fresh and local ingredients in our menus, delicate flower arrangements in the frescoed chapel of 1619, fireworks overlooking the vineyards and valleys…. We believe that the small things make the difference.

What do you think of Wine&Wedding and what do you wish for the future?

Wine&Wedding is an amazing project and a great source of inspiration. Italy is a country full of character and history, an ideal location where to celebrate love and happiness and share it with beloved ones, surrounded by great food and wines.