In 1997 ICIF, Institute of Cuisine, Culture and Oenology of the Regions of Italy, inaugurated its prestigious headquarters in the medieval Castle of Costigliole d’Asti.
A whole floor of the Castle was restored for the Institute and for its culinary training activities, thanks to a contribution of the European Union that will be paid out by the Regione Piemonte, setting up, in this way, an educational facility allowing the development of a teaching program worth of a Culinary University. Beside the classrooms fitted with the most sophisticated equipment for a modern educational activity, a Wine Cellar and an Olive Oil Display Room were set up, where the best Italian producers can display their products. Next to it is located a state-of-the-art tasting room.

• The  practical laboratory offers 24 individual work stations, each fitted with all the necessary equipment, glass-ceramic cooking flat-tops and ventilated electric ovens.
• The lecture hall is used for both theoretical cooking, pastry, products classes and for practical demonstrations. It can seat 40 students in its amphitheatre structure and boasts a cinema-like wide multi-screen.
• The fresh pasta and confectionery classroom is equipped with all the equipment necessary to any type of baked products.
• The tasting room, serving both the Wine Cellar and the Oil Display Room, is equipped with 20 individual stations and is used for wine classes, tastings of oils and for comparative analysis on different products.
• The dining-room, next to the main kitchen, is used for both the students’ meals and for official events and luncheons.
• The main kitchen serves the restaurant and offers large spaces and equipment suitable to a high-level performance.
• A leisure-time room is at the students’ disposal and is equipped with computer aids for the use of the Internet and with books and magazines on Italian cuisine and confectionery.

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ICIF, Institute of Cuisine, Culture and Oenology of the Regions of Italy, the prestigious Culinary School for professionals of the sector, has its headquarters in the Castle of Costigliole d’Asti, a small town amidst the most beautiful hills of Monferrato, at the threshold of the Langhe, in a land with a strong farming vocation, famous for the production of Barbera and Moscato wines.
The Castle, one of the most imposing and best preserved in the province of Asti, overlooks the town; built around 1000 years ago, it still boasts some remains of the original stronghold. Its lay-out kept being modified over the centuries, till it reached its highest splendour  in 1700, when it was restored by architect Filippo Juvarra.
A large portal located at the top of a double-flight of stairs opens in the western wing of the building, owned by the town: this is ICIF entrance.

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The students attending our cooking and wine courses are lodged at ICIF Guest-house called Cascina Salerio, located in the town of Costigliole d’Asti, facing the suggestive medieval stronghold, in a green residential area.
It contains 14 independent mini-apartments measuring 55-60 square metres each, made-up of two bedrooms (each with one, two or three beds) and a bathroom. On the ground-floor are located the common areas, along with a laundry-room in the basement. Tidying up of rooms, change of bed linen and towels and breakfast are included (except on Sundays and on Italian national holidays).
Possible internet access through wireless connection.

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ICIF -  Institute of Cuisine, Culture and Oenology of the Regions of Italy - is located in Costigliole d’Asti, 15 km. from the town of Asti. For those arriving by car from the A21 Torino Piacenza motorway, the suggested exit is Asti Est.
You should then continue towards Alba on the 231 State Road till you reach the Isola d’Asti exit; cross the village of Isola d’Asti and keep going for 5 km. following the directions to Costigliole d’Asti.

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