Five limited Nebbiolo wines from Italy’s Piedmont region featured on seasonal, farm-to-table menu
September 28, 2026 — Alessia Travaglini will share the story of her 5-generation winemaking legacy based in Gattinara. It is a small town in the heart of the eponymous Italian wine region known for producing Nebbiolo wines of great complexity, elegance and freshness. While Trattoria Stella has poured wines from this producer in the past, this marks the first major consumer event to feature Travaglini’s newest releases.
“The coolest part about this dinner is that all of the wines are made from a single grape: Nebbiolo!” said Amanda Danielson, co-founder of Trattoria Stella and advanced sommelier. “We are showing the range this variety offers, especially from a unique microclimate like Alto Piemonte where you stand next to an olive tree in full view of Monte Rosa.”
WHEN
5 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2026
Dinner begins promptly at 6 p.m.
WHERE
830 Cottageview Drive, Ste. G-01, Village at Grand Traverse Commons in Traverse City, MI 49684
INTERVIEWS
- Co-Founder and Advanced Sommelier Amanda Danielson
- Executive Chef and Co-Founder Myles Anton
- Culinary Operation Director Elise Curtis-Dull
- Executive Sous Chef Austin Lowe
- Deputy Beverage Director Kristen Warba
WINES
Five wines have been carefully chosen and paired with fresh, local fall ingredients as imagined by the team at Trattoria Stella in Traverse City. All five are limited production wines crafted from 100 percent nebbiolo grapes grown on the Travaglini estate in Gattinara, in northern Italy’s Piedmont region.
- 2020 Nebbiolo Coste della Sesia DOC – Nebbiolo aged 4 months in stainless steel tanks then 10 months in Slavonian oak, this full-bodied wine has intense flavors of cherry, raspberry and spice with a long, smooth finish.
- 2022 Gattinara DOCG – Nebbiolo aged for 30 months in Slavonian oak and the perfect complement to red meat, game or hard cheeses. Expect a full-bodied palate, with aromas of red fruit, blackberry, plum and licorice with hints of vanilla and leather.
- 2020 Gattinara Tre Vigne DOCG – Nebbiolo aged for 4 years, 3 of them in Slavonian oak casks and another year in barriques then blended. Expect aromas of ripe berries, bitter cherries and complex flavors like smoke, spice and mushroom.
- 2017 Nebolé Riserva Spumante Metodo Classico – Nebbiolo from the only region where it grows on volcanic soil. A celebration wine with aromas of noble pastry, hazelnut cream, bread crust and coffee, along with apple and white flowers.
- 2019 Gattinara Riserva Vigna Ronchi DOCG – Nebbiolo is hand-harvested then aged 30 days in steel, 48 months in Slavonian oak with a portion in barrique and concrete for depth. Expect ripe cherry, plum, floral nuances, spice, and volcanic mineral notes; velvety tannins and vibrant acidity.
MENU
Tuna Tartare
Castelvetrano olive, Aleppo chili, crushed pistachio, fermented licorice root, agliata and extra virgin olive oil paired with 2020 Nebbiolo Coste della Sesia DOC
Beef Tartare
Cured egg yolk, minced fennel & red onion, pecorino, black pepper, Calabrian chili oil, fennel pollen paired with 2022 Gattinara DOCG
Duck Ragu
Slow-cooked duck leg & liver, butternut squash pappardelle, walnut & sage gremolata paired with 2020 Gattinara Tre Vigne DOCG
Shaved Salad
Beet, carrot, radish, kohlrabi, shallot, chive, caper, shaved parmesan, citrus vinaigrette, parmesan curls paired with 2017 Nebolé Riserva Spumante Metodo Classico
Elk Tenderloin
Roasted, veal caul fat, wild mushroom risotto, wine reduction, grated white truffle, paired with 2019 Gattinara Riserva Vigna Ronchi DOCG
Cacio e pepe biscotti with gorgonzola crema
TICKETS
$185 per person
PURCHASE ONLINE
https://resy.com/cities/traverse-city-mi/venues/trattoria-stella/events/travaglini-wine-dinner-2026-10-13-6?date=2026-09-15&seats=2
**Cancellations for a full refund accepted up to 72 hours prior to the start of this event. A gift card will be issued for the full amount after that time. No refund or gift cards are issued for cancellations on the day of the event.
ABOUT TRATTORIA STELLA
Trattoria Stella was established in 2004 at the Village at Grand Traverse Commons. It was notably the first business to open following the redevelopment of the historic property, which dates back over 140 years. Trattoria Stella has set a high standard for farm-to-table cuisine, focusing on locally-sourced Italian dishes including house made pasta, charcuterie and burrata. The dining experience is complemented by an inventive cocktail and world-class wine program that highlights both its Michigan and Italian roots. Learn more at https://www.stellatc.com.
