The Course

For thousands of years Italians have been producing wine, an essential part of Italian culture and daily life. But with a myriad of diverse indigenous grapes and wine styles (sometimes in the same town!) and a strong culinary history linking regional cuisine to wines Italy can easily become be a very confusing and daunting place.

Over a delicious interactive day in a small group, we'll help you explore and familiarise yourself with this picturesque and romantic country, from north to south, by tasting a hand-picked selection of some of Italy's finest wines. 

Through a hands-on and informative itinerary, we'll focus on key regions individually and look at features that set its wines apart from other regions of Italy and other parts of the world. 

We'll take a look at food and wine pairing suggestions as we go, highlighting wines to go with everything from seafood to pizza, and sample some great Italian cheese and charcuterie throughout the day.

So whether you have a serious interest, or just enjoy a glass of wine after work, hosting dinner parties or visiting Italian restaurants this is a superb opportunity to expand your knowledge, awareness and appreciation of Italian wines.

COURSE ITINERARY

• 11am - Welcome and Introduction to Italy

• 11.10am - Italian Sparkling Wines & The White Wines of Italy - Part 1

• 12.15pm - Break

• 12.25pm - The White Wines of Italy - Part 2

• 1.25pm - LUNCH

• 2.30pm - The Red Wines of Italy - Part 1

• 3.30pm Break

• 3.45pm The Red Wines of Italy - Part 2 & The Sweet Wines of Italy

• 4.45pm - Summary and Q&A’s

• 5pm - Finish

Examples of some regions we'll look at include:

Northeast Italy: The regions of the Veneto, Friuli-Venezia-Giulia, and Trentino-Alto Adige are home to some of the most famous white wines in the world such as Pinot Grigio and Soave, as well the popular sparkling wine Prosecco and a host of decadent rich reds.

Tuscany: One of Italy’s most popular tourist destinations, and home of Chianti and other great Sangiovese wines recognized for their high quality and their ability to pair easily with food.

Sicily: Some of Italy's most intriguing wines come from the volcanic soil in Sicily (from nearby Mount Etna). Sicily’s most prominent red grape variety is Nero d’Avola, but by no means its only one!

Please note: Places on all of our courses are limited, and often sell out - so early booking is always advised to avoid disappointment!

THIS COURSE MAKES A PERFECT GIFT! 

You will be given an option to select your purchase as a gift in our checkout area, we will then send you a gift certificate by email to present to your guest.

Should the date be unsuitable, your guest can change the date booked to another course provided we have a minimum of 10 working days notice before the course.

Please note: Places are limited and early booking is strongly advised.

Course Tutor

This course is run by friendly wine tutor Tristan Darby, who has certified wine knowledge and over 20 years experience in both the catering and wine trade. He is the founder and tutor of Bristol Wine School, drinks columnist for The Bath Magazine, and has judged for The Great Taste Awards, Bristol Good Food Awards and Bath Good Food Awards. A former cookery school manager, Tristan also trains wine and hospitality professionals, consults for bars, restaurants, national and international drinks brands, and hosts dinners and events with some of the region's top chefs.

He is passionate that the world of wine shouldn't be a pretentious, elitist place and has earned a great reputation for imparting his knowledge in an entertaining, un-stuffy, non-patronising and approachable way. He'll answer questions as you go, and hopes to give you the confidence and tools to break habits, expand horizons and explore new and interesting wines.