As the group departed Milan, Chief Product Officer and resident Slab Hunter Zach Epstein, along with Chief Sales Officer Lauren Cherkas and Chief Marketing Officer Michael Epstein, welcomed guests by sharing
insight on why this region of Italy is so important to the family-owned brand. Just past the source for San Pellegrino, the group arrived at the Cornalita
quarry. Overlooking the Brembana Valley, the quarry, owned by Marmi
Orobici Granati, is home to Arabescato Orobico. Guests witnessed the feats of strength and skill required to extract the richly veined marble from the mountain. Still reveling in the experience, guests dined al fresco right in the center of the action. The tour continued along the product journey to Marmi Orobici Granati headquarters to view their curated assortment in the gallery and the cleverly installed slabs throughout the space. From there, the group traveled to Verona, the legendary romantic city that blends marble and
limestone in a mix of Roman, Gothic and Renaissance architecture.
To showcase another side of Artistic Tile and our connection to natural stone, day two began with a private tour of Santa Margherita. For more than fifty years, the Valpoliciella-based factory has blended chips of marble with resin to create a modern interpretation of classic Italian terrazzo. Different sizes and colors are artfully mixed to create a variety of styles, including the exclusive blends for
Artistic Tile: Veronese Nero, Crema & Multi Colore. A tour of Italy would not be complete without pizza and lunch at La Strambata more than delivered. The afternoon was spent at Payanini, ogling vast aisles filled with exotic stone and
observing the custom finishing capabilities. As Zach shared, “Payanini is where I go to find the really unique, hard to find slabs”. Upon the return to Verona, guests had the opportunity to dive into the history of Verona with a guided tour of the famed city prior to dinner at Antica Bottega del Vino. With roots in the 16th
century, the charming destination boasted a custom menu that spotlighted the
region’s signature Amarone wine.
Day One
Day Four
The final day proved to be the most thrill-seeking as the group took three different modes of transportation to 5,000 feet above sea level to entrance of the Piastraio quarry at the top of the Apuan Alps. Heavily brecciated ivory and grey Arabescato Corchia is unearthed by meticulous diligence before it makes its way back down the mountain to be finished at Savema headquarters. From one of the excavation sites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the designers marveled at the extensive process from quarry to installation. Designer Jennifer Cohler Mason, who has Arabescato Corchia in her own home felt an especially strong connection to this part of the experience. Following the marble’s journey, the tour continued to Savema headquarters, allowing guests to witness the next part of the process, which includes cutting, finishing, and crating. With Aperol spritzes in hand, the group boarded the bus for the final leg of the journey to return to Milan. The journey offered a moment to savor and reflect on the extraordinary experience.
Day Three
Day Two
To showcase another side of Artistic Tile and our connection to natural stone, day two began with a private tour of Santa Margherita. For more than fifty years, the Valpoliciella-based factory has blended chips of marble with resin to create a modern interpretation of classic Italian terrazzo. Different sizes and colors are artfully mixed to create a variety of styles, including the exclusive blends for
Artistic Tile: Veronese Nero, Crema & Multi Colore. A tour of Italy would not be complete without pizza and lunch at La Strambata more than delivered. The afternoon was spent at Payanini, ogling vast aisles filled with exotic stone and
observing the custom finishing capabilities. As Zach shared, “Payanini is where I go to find the really unique, hard to find slabs”. Upon the return to Verona, guests had the opportunity to dive into the history of Verona with a guided tour of the famed city prior to dinner at Antica Bottega del Vino. With roots in the 16th
century, the charming destination boasted a custom menu that spotlighted the
region’s signature Amarone wine.
To showcase another side of Artistic Tile and our connection to natural stone, day two began with a private tour of Santa Margherita. For more than fifty years, the Valpoliciella-based factory has blended chips of marble with resin to create a modern interpretation of classic Italian terrazzo. Different sizes and colors are artfully mixed to create a variety of styles, including the exclusive blends for
Artistic Tile: Veronese Nero, Crema & Multi Colore. A tour of Italy would not be complete without pizza and lunch at La Strambata more than delivered. The afternoon was spent at Payanini, ogling vast aisles filled with exotic stone and
observing the custom finishing capabilities. As Zach shared, “Payanini is where I go to find the really unique, hard to find slabs”. Upon the return to Verona, guests had the opportunity to dive into the history of Verona with a guided tour of the famed city prior to dinner at Antica Bottega del Vino. With roots in the 16th
century, the charming destination boasted a custom menu that spotlighted the
region’s signature Amarone wine.
Everything was just wonderful -
you spoiled us.” – Alan Berman,
Archetype Studio
Artistic Tile's journey through Italy's North offered a transformative and unforgettable exploration of the region's natural beauty, exquisite materials, and rich cultural heritage. The designers left with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry behind the products we work with.
The next clients we source slabs
for are going to get an entire earful.” – Eneia White
After one last walk across the Ponte Pietra over the Adige River in Verona, day three of the tour kicked off with a visit to Caseificio Montecoppe. The group learned the traditional art of producing Parmigiano Reggiano against the backdrop of Boschi di Carrega Natural Park. With the taste of the rich, aromatic cheese still lingering, the journey to the Cava Calacata n ° 10 in the Carrara region began. The bus snaked through the charming nearby village, taking guests as far as possible before transferring to four-wheel drive vehicles built to make the journey to the entrance. Donning rain boots and neon yellow construction vests, guests enjoyed another delightful lunch al fresco before entering the quarry known for Zebrino Macchia Vecchia and Manhattan Dark. Founded by the Fabbricotti family in 1722, the quarry exhibits an impressive system of machinery and ingenuity to extract the distinctive range of marble.
The journey back down the mountain brought guests to the charming seaside town of Forte dei Marmi. A toast in the sun-soaked gardens of the exquisite Augustus Hotel & Resort and a leisurely bike ride along the coast made for a delightful start to the evening. The group enjoyed their last exceptional meal together at Osteria del Mare, enjoying the local seafood of the region.
The final day proved to be the most thrill-seeking as the group took three different modes of transportation to 5,000 feet above sea level to the entrance of the Piastraio quarry at the top of the Apuan Alps, where heavily brecciated ivory and grey Arabescato Corchia is unearthed by meticulous diligence before it makes its way back down the mountain to be finished at Savema headquarters. From one of the excavation sites overlooking the Mediterranean Sea, the designers marveled at the extensive process from quarry to installation.
Following the marble’s journey, the tour continued to Savema headquarters, allowing guests to witness the next step in the process, which includes cutting, finishing, and crating. With Aperol spritzes in hand, the group boarded the bus for the final leg of the journey to return to Milan. The ride back offered all a moment to savor and reflect on the extraordinary experience.
It was an incredible experience that we’ll remember.” – Claus Rademacher, Claus Rademacher Architects
As the group departed Milan, Artistic Tile owners Zach Epstein, Lauren Cherkas, and Michael Epstein welcomed guests by sharing insight on why this region of Italy is so important to the family-owned brand. Just past the source for San Pellegrino, the group arrived at the Cornalita quarry. Overlooking the Brembana Valley, the quarry is home to the exotic and beautiful marble known as Arabescato Orobico. Guests witnessed the feats of strength and skill required to extract the richly veined marble from the mountain. Still reveling in the experience, the group dined al fresco in the quarry, right in the center of the action.
The tour continued, following the product journey to a unique gallery where a curated assortment of freshly finished marble slabs was displayed. From there, the group traveled to the romantic city of Verona, where marble and limestone are blended in a mix of Roman, Gothic, and Renaissance architecture. A welcome toast preceded a leisurely walk through the ancient streets to dinner at Trattoria I Masenini for a decadent meal featuring their signature Fiorentina steak.
To showcase another side of Artistic Tile and our connection to natural stone, day two began with a private tour of Santamargherita. For more than fifty years, the Valpoliciella-based factory has blended chips of marble with resin to create a modern interpretation of classic Italian terrazzo. Different sizes and colors are artfully mixed to create a variety of styles, including the exclusive blends for Artistic Tile: Veronese Nero, Crema, Multi Colore & Verde Perlino.
After visiting another special slab gallery, the group returned to Verona, where guests had the opportunity to dive into the history of Verona with a guided tour of the famed city prior to dinner at world-famous Antica Bottega del Vino. With roots in the 16th century, the charming destination boasted a custom menu that spotlighted the region’s signature Amarone wine.
Artistic Tile's journey through Italy's North offered a transformative and unforgettable exploration of the region's natural beauty, exquisite materials, and rich cultural heritage. The designers left with cherished memories and a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry behind the products we work with.
