Clay McLachlan
I am a photojournalist born in Vancouver and raised in San Francisco. My work has taken me to more than 50 countries, and my images have appeared in many publications including: Food and Wine, Saveur, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, Conde Nast Traveler, National Geographic Traveler, Departures, Time, People, Reuters, Sports Illustrated, The New York Times, The Boston Globe, and The Washington Post. Given my passion for food, wine, and travel, my work aims to bring exceptional depth and sensitivity to the subjects I love. I completed my fourteenth book in 2024. The book is about the Alta Langa region where the Villas are located.
I am currently based in Bonvicino (population 99) in the Alta Langa, Piedmont, Italy, where I have renovated two historic villas, planted a vineyard, and I am now honing my skills for the perfect pizza! My purchase of Villa San Lorenzo began as a dream. I was drawn to the region for its exquisite food, wine, and gorgeous view. The culture, food, landscape and people are magical.
Still working on making the perfect pizza!
I restored San Lorenzo with the intent to provide a peaceful and private retreat nestled within a short distance from great restaurants, wineries, the Mediterranean, and the Italian Alps. I then purchased a second property, Villa Bracchi, that I have entirely restored. I enjoy sharing all that Piedmont has to offer, there is a true sense of authentic living. Guests have told me that the experiences they have had while visiting the region with me should be on everyone's "bucket list".
This adventure is dedicated to my love of food and wine, travel and my desire to encourage others to indulge their taste buds and live their dreams.
You can find my books by searching "Clay McLachlan" at www.amazon.com
Clay's photography services: www.claymclachlan.com
Erika Zanlorenzi
I was born and raised in Piedmont and for more than a decade I have lived and worked in the Langhe. I have a degree in PR and I attended all three levels for Sommeliers managed by A.I.S. (Italian Sommelier Association).
I have built and fed my knowledge on wine and food by being in direct contact with local winemakers and chefs and most importantly by traveling to many wine regions of the world.
Between all my work traveling back and forth, I was kissed on the forehead and sent to the Langhe. Here I had a special baptism: Barolo Riserva 1937 and Monfortino 1958 by Giacomo Conterno. The meeting with Roberto Conterno and the beginning of my collaboration as his right-hand assistant created a watershed between before and after.
After Monfortino, I succumbed to the temptation of Nutella, becoming a part of Ferrero, the third largest confectionery giant in the world. I left Ferrero in 2019 to start my new “freelance” life. Now I work in the wine business as a broker, and as manager of our holiday homes in the Alta Langa. I particularly enjoy being the sommelier and personal concierge for our guests and taking care of everything that revolves around the tastings of food and wine. In addition to collecting bottles of wine, I listen to a lot of music and follow the geniuses of architecture. I have lived in Sarajevo, London, Copenhagen and New York. I have studied English, German, Serbo-Croatian & Danish.