Drink In Life
Savoring Life, Writing Through It
A Special Return to Roero: Receiving the Premio Giornalistico del Roero
Travel writing has taken me to some interesting places over the years, and every once in a while it brings an experience I never saw coming. My recent return to Roero was one of those times. What began with my first visit to this artisanal wine region in Piedmont, and the articles that followed, came full circle this September in Montà where I earned international recognition by accepting the 39th Premio Giornalistico del Roero.
The 2026 awards ceremony had taken place in July, but unfortunately, I wasn’t able to travel to Italy to attend. The invitation to accept this honor in person at a later date gave me an unexpected opportunity to spend more time in this alluring region.
A few days after returning home, I discovered that the Italian news outlet TargatoCN had published a story about my visit to Montà. Seeing my name and Drink In Life in an Italian headline while sipping my morning coffee was a beautiful reminder of that evening—and of the incredible passion of the people who call this corner of Piedmont home.
The 39th Premio Giornalistico del Roero
The Premio Giornalistico del Roero has been celebrating journalists and media professionals who tell the stories of Roero for nearly four decades. Now in its 39th year, the awards honor local, national, and international journalism covering the region’s wine, food, landscape, culture, and traditions. This year’s ceremony on July 24 in Santo Stefano Roero brought together journalists, producers, and local officials, all sharing a deep connection to the region.
For Drink IN Life, this accolade carried an extra-special meaning. The organization described my international recognition as an unprecedented award for an American blog, something I admit I had to read more than once to fully believe. TargatoCN also pointed out that the honor went far beyond my articles on Roero wine, highlighting my broader coverage of the environment, local honey, fruit, and agricultural traditions that make up daily life in Piedmont’s most underrated wine region.
One of those articles, “A Progressive Feast Through Roero,” followed a day of traveling through the region one course at a time, with each stop adding another piece to the story of Roero and its rich bounty. That broader look at the territory has been part of my writing about the region from the beginning.
An Evening in Montà for the Premio Giornalistico del Roero
On September 20, my husband and I headed to Montà for a special dinner at Ristorante Marcelin with Gian Mario Ricciardi, President of the Jury; Marina Marsaglia of the historic Marsaglia winery in Castellinaldo d’Alba; and Annalisa Palluda of Azienda Agricola Negro Angelo & Figli in Monteu Roero. After writing about a progressive feast through Roero on my first visit, it felt incredibly fitting to find myself enjoying another multi-course celebration, talking about the land and celebrating this special honor.
Marcelin also gave us a chance to experience Chef Thomas Balocco’s creative approach to Piedmontese cuisine. His cooking stays deeply rooted in regional ingredients while allowing him the freedom to bring his own unique vision to the plate. The restaurant is recognized by the Michelin Guide, and many of the vegetables used in the kitchen come directly from its own nearby garden.
The People Behind the Premio Giornalistico del Roero
The dinner also gave me the chance to spend time with some of the people who have been part of the award for many years. This includes Gian Mario Ricciardi, a longtime journalist and former Director of RAI’s TGR Piemonte, who now serves as President of the Jury.
Giovanni Negro, President of the Association and the person who created the award, wasn’t able to be with us that night, so his daughter-in-law, Annalisa Palluda, joined us in his place.
Photo Credit: Angelo Negro
Even though Giovanni couldn’t be there in person, he called during dinner to congratulate me personally. Hearing from him that evening was an unexpected and very thoughtful part of the celebration.
Midway through the meal, Gian Mario and Marina Marsaglia formally presented me with the international recognition. Receiving the award right there in Roero was a wonderful conclusion to an evening spent with some of the people closely connected to it.
A Recognition I’ll Always Remember
Receiving the Premio Giornalistico del Roero was an unexpected milestone in my journey as a travel and wine writer, and one I am very proud to have achieved through my work with Drink In Life. Having the opportunity to return to Roero to accept the honor in person was memorable and confirmed my feeling that it would not be my last trip to the beautiful Left Bank of the Tanaro River.
I’m grateful to Gian Mario Ricciardi, Giovanni Negro, the Consorzio di Tutela Roero and everyone involved with the association for the acknowledgment and for welcoming my husband and me so warmly in Montà. After nearly four decades of celebrating journalism about Roero, I’m honored that Drink In Life now has its own small place in the history of the award.
About Elaine
Elaine is an international award-winning travel writer, wine writer, photographer, and WSET Level 3 wine professional who believes every destination has a story worth telling. Through Drink In Life, she explores wine, travel, gardens, books, food, and the quiet moments that make a life well lived.
All text and images © 2017–2026 Elaine Luxton and Drink In Life LLC. Photography by Elaine Luxton / Drink In Nature Photography. International French 75 Day™ and French 75 Day™ are trademarks of Elaine Luxton. All rights reserved.
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2 Comments on “A Special Return to Roero: Receiving the Premio Giornalistico del Roero”
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Welcome to Drink In Life. I’m Elaine Luxton, an international award-winning travel writer, photographer, wine expert, and founder of International French 75 Day. Through stories of wine, food, culture, history, and travel, I explore the people and places that give every destination its unique character. I’m glad you’re here.
WSET Level 3 with Merit
American Wine Expert
Oregon Wine Expert-Napa Valley Wine Academy
Member of
Professional Reader
What a wonderful experience for you..I’m so proud and you are so deserving of this. Your words, as you experience these moments allow us to go on your journey and experience places we can only dream about. Thank you for sharing your lifetime achievements.
Thank you so much. This means more to me than you know. Being able to share these experiences through my writing and bring others along with me is such an important part of why I continue to do this. I’m very grateful for your kind words and for always being there cheering me on. ❤️