Italian Wine Seminars

Italy produces the greatest variety of wines in the world with over 540 genetically identified grape varieties and an equal number that have not as yet been identified. Join Ian D’Agata, the world’s foremost authority on Italy’s native grapes for an educational, informative and comprehensive tasting of this regionally diverse country’s native grapes from Trebbiano Abruzzese to Garganega to Aglianico to Freisa to Zibbibo. Ian D’Agata has been writing and lecturing about food and wine for more than 25 years. He is currently the Scientific Advisor of Vinitaly International and the Scientific Director of the Vinitaly International Academy.

Nebbiolo is the star of northern Italy’s Piedmont region, Italy’s greatest native grape and one of the finest grape varieties on the planet. The grape that produces the famed and much heralded Barolos and Barbarescos is often referred to as Italy’s answer to Pinot Noir for its light colour, perfumed aromas, gracefulness, intensity and ability to translate the vineyard site in which it is grown. We will explore the different expressions of this noblest of grapes and discover why Nebbiolo is the grape of kings and the king of grapes. All the producers whose wines are presented in this seminar will be present to speak to their wines.

With so many different varieties growing in one country, it’s not surprising that they sometimes end up coalescing. In the very best of partnerships, the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Here we explore classic combinations behind some of Italy’s great wines as well as unique blends from inventive producers. Immerse yourself further in the world of Italy’s native grapes and discover what each brings to these happy marriages.

It’s no secret that the Italians have a fondness for bubbles and the world has an illustrious love-affair with Prosecco. Join us for this aperitivo of Italy’s scintillating sparklers from her most popular export to the hunger-inducing, palate-cleansing frothy red Lambrusco family. This seminar comes with a money back guarantee to put a smile on your face.

Among Italy’s hundreds of fascinating native grapes, Sangiovese tops the charts as most planted. While it’s grown throughout the country, the region of Tuscany is truly Sangiovese’s sweet spot. Here, a litany of denominations hang their hats on this noble grape like the famous wines of Chianti, Chianti Classico and Brunello di Montalcino as well as the lesser-known gems of Carmignano and Morellino di Scansano. Each offers its own unique expression. This is your opportunity to savour the nuances of Sangiovese in all its delicious guises and with some its most common blending partners.

Taste and explore the age-worthiness of some of Italy’s best known wines produced from some of the country’s most important native grape varieties. The age-worthiness of wines such as Barbaresco and Brunello di Montalcino is well known and documented, but don’t overlook the ability to age of wines such as Carmignano and Verdicchio. We experience the evolution and age-ability of these wines through this rare multi-vintage vertical tasting.