Culinary Guests

Join these food enthusiasts for the culinary adventure of a lifetime

Michael Cimarusti

Michael Cimarusti

Chef & Restaurateur

2 Michelin Stars in Los Angeles

Meet Michael

Katie Parla

Katie Parla

Culinary guide and writer

An American living the Italian dream

Meet Katie

Franklin Becker

Franklin Becker

Chef Owner

Top Chef Master in NYC

Meet Franklin

Greg Vernick

Greg Vernick

Chef Owner

Redefining the concept of American Dining in Philadelphia

Meet Greg

Joe Sasto

Joe Sasto

Chef/Creator

The Pasta Maestro

Meet Joe

Dominic Piperno

Dominic Piperno

Chef owner

Contemporary wood-fired cuisine in New Jersey

Meet Dominic

Missy Robbins

Missy Robbins

Chef owner and cookbook Author

The excellence of Italian cuisine in NYC

Meet Missy

Anthony Giglio

Anthony Giglio

Sommelier & Journalist

Contributor, Food & Wine Magazine · Wine Director, American Express

Meet Anthony

Colin Lynch

Colin Lynch

Chef Partner

Masterful Coastal Italian Cooking

Meet Colin

Nicholas Elmi

Nicholas Elmi

Chef Owner

Philanthropic Top Chef

Meet Nicholas

Michael Scelfo

Michael Scelfo

Chef Owner

Celebrated Boston Chef with Long Island Roots

Meet Michael

Mike Lata

Mike Lata

Chef Owner

The Slow Food Champion

Meet Mike

Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman

Andy Ticer & Michael Hudman

Chef Owners

Masters of Innovative Italian Cooking in Memphis

Meet Andy and Michael

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Guitarist, Chef, and Sommelier

The Musician Chef

Meet Paul

You feel like a true family member everywhere you go. Winemakers, cheesemakers, prosciutto makers, chefs, farmers, agriturismo proprietors, musicians all welcome you with very generous open arms like you've known them forever to share their talents, secrets. Their passion for what they do is contagious as is Jeff's love of Italy and his infectious smile and ability to connect everyone in the group to each other and bring out the adventurous spirit in all of us.
Already booked another trip for next year!

Mr. Gerard P. – Friuli & Slovenia 2022

The trip we took to Piemonte exceeded my expectations. It was clear from the start that at every place we went, the chef, owner, guide had a deep relationship with Jeff and they all went out of their way to make the trip one of the most memorable I have ever taken. La Via Gaia carefully put together the right blend and flow of activities to make every day perfect. I wouldn't change a thing

Mr. Mark F. – Piemonte 2021

LA VIA GAIA highly curated experience in Piemonte was executed flawlessly with Jeff whisking us from cheese caves to wineries to unique dining experiences that would typically only be available to those in-the-know. His knowledge combined with command of the language and culture enables a plunge into Italian culture that cannot be obtained elsewhere. Bring your appetite, sense of adventure, and passion for luxury meets farm to table. Highly recommended...!

Mr. Sroge – Piemonte 2019

While over the top gastronomic experiences were expected and delivered what was most surprising was the laughter and friendships that flowed in even greater quantities that the exceptional wines and will last far longer.

Mr. Richard S. – Bergamo/Lake Iseo/Milan

This was one of the most remarkable trips we have ever taken. What made it so special was Jeff's over-sized, charming personality and the personal touches that went into the trip. From his intimate knowledge of the Bergamo & Lake Garda area's wineries, cheese makers & restaurants, the way he related to & looked out for the needs of everyone on the trip, to the extraordinarily special times like lunch at his mother-in-law Pina's to eating a home-cooked meal with the family that runs an olive oil business. Loved it all!

Mrs. Carol S. – Bergamo/Lake Garda/Verona 2019

A private trip with La Via Gaia in Piemonte was an adventure I didn't even know I was missing! I was hesitant to go on an expensive trip with my colleagues but after the amazing comradery, wineries with views, a cheese tour/tasting, beautiful balloon ride, truffle hunting, vespa and convertible fiat driving, three Michelin restaurants, chef led cooking classes, shopping in Milan, Turin and Alba, incredible local restaurants, three amazing guides, and lots of fun I deem this trip priceless.
The warmth exuded by Jeff and Claudia Michaud, and their guest Sommelier Matteo Donadoni added to a jam-packed itinerary (with some relax time included). Anyone can go to Northern Italy but these three shared their love of Italy with all of us.

Cinta B. and David R. – Private trip to Piemonte 2022

La Via Gaia's culinary and wine tour is not to be missed. Chef Jeff Michaud and his beautiful wife sparkle as they share their love of all things Italian. Days are filled with private tours of wineries and a Parmigiano-Reggiano aging cave, a hot air balloon ride, a drive through the gorgeous Piemontese countryside, and a tour of Turin. The meals include simple regional dishes shared by local cooks, dinner made by the group participants during a cooking lesson at a winery, and spectacular dinners prepared by Michelin starred restaurants. Truly fantastico- grazie!

Arlene and Mark B. – Private Piemonte trip 2022

La Via Gaia has taken us on 2 unique and unforgettable trips filled with amazing food, wine and experiences. The key is Jeff Michaud’s infectious love of Italy, its people, its culinary traditions, and Italian life in general. The warm relationships he has built over the years with chefs, wine makers and shop owners flow onto the group and make us feel we are cared for in a way we have never experienced with any other trip.

Mrs. Claudia N. – Bergamo/Lake Iseo 2022

Jeff and Claudia have thoughtfully created a traveling and eating experience that opens the window into the world of Northern Italy. It builds on their personal relationships and experiences, accumulated over many years of living in there. It is not a sterile tour, one lived out of a bus. Rather it is meeting the people that make Italy come to life on a daily basis.

Mr. Thomas B. – Bergamo/Lake Garda 2019

Jeff and Claudia have created an experience like no other for folks who are truly passionate about food and wine. Jeff is the consummate host and, for one week, you are part of his family which includes not only your fellow travelers, but all of the amazing artisan producers and talented chefs that go to great lengths to make your time with them very special and memorable.
Jeff's passion for everything culinary, along with his well established relationships, are what make this trip unique.
This is more than a culinary tour - this is an immersion into the very best of what Italy has to offer.

Mrs. B. Smith – Piemonte 2023

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