Planning Our 2014 Italy Piping Trip

[zack24]

If you guys followed our grand Italian excursion last year, we basically ate, smoked, and drank our way through the Amalfi coast. This year, we're starting in Paris, Genoa, Tuscany, and Milan.We want to visit some artisan pipemakers in each of the cities- what would be your suggestions?

 

[monty55]

Sounds like a blast.
How about Pipa Castello in Como, that's not far from Milan.

Also idk if your going down to Bologna, but if you do hunt down Claudio Cavicchi. He would be a great one if he'll see you.

 

[peckinpahhombre]

Not sure about artisans in those cities, but a visit to Al Pascia in Milan would be a must.

 

[zack24]

Yep- I have Al Pascia and Cavicchi on the list already...Should actually be a better as far seeing pipemakers- on the southern route I took last year, there were very few to be found...

 

[neverbend]

Castello, Radica and Ascorti are in the Como/Cucciago area.
Bonfigioli used to be in Bologna.

 

[mso489]

I think you are seeking the brilliant young carvers at the cutting edge, so this may be a misdirection,

but I have always been intrigued by Luigi Crugnola in Verese who, I believe, does high end pipes

as originals but also designs machine made pipes sold in the $55 to $60 range, at Cup O Joes and

Iwan Ries. His machine pipes are distinctive, and he seems like an interesting artist. I like his

being able to appeal to two entirely separate markets, which seems like a rare versatility. The machine

pipes are sold under the moniker GiGi.

 

[zack24]

Some great choices! I think I'll have to map them out and see what works....I'm leaning towards the small artisan operations...the Como area is full of them...