Dive into the captivating world of Italian wines with our immersive workshop on Italy's indigenous grape varieties! These "autochthonous" grapes are uniquely adapted to the specific soil, climate, and traditions of their region, resulting in wines that are truly distinctive. Italy is home to an impressive diversity of these grapes, with 545 officially registered varieties. Each one has its own unique flavor profile and a rich history that reflects Italy's deep-rooted winemaking heritage.
In recent years, Italian winemakers have been bringing back these nearly extinct grape varieties, creating wines that celebrate the authentic flavors of Italy's varied terroirs. In this workshop, you'll learn about these rare grapes and their fascinating histories, and, when possible, meet the passionate producers who are reviving them. We’ll provide printouts to enhance your learning experience, conduct tastings of these unique wines, and offer visits to Umbrian and Tuscan wineries
On the first day, you'll delve into the winemaking process, explore different types of terroir and their effects on wine, and learn how to properly assess wine using visual, olfactory, and gustatory senses, all under the guidance of a professional sommelier.
Then, on Friday, join us for an exciting overnight excursion to Montepulciano in Tuscany, where we’ll visit some of the region’s most renowned wineries, famous for producing the world-class Vino Nobile di Montepulciano DOCG. This trip offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Italy’s wine culture and understand what makes it so exceptional.
The workshop is led by renowned food and wine critic and sommelier, Rowena Dumlao. With her guidance, you'll explore wines from each of Italy's 20 regions. Rowena has meticulously selected 2 wines from each region, highlighting the country’s remarkable vinicultural diversity. Each day includes an informative presentation followed by a tasting session featuring 8 distinctive wines, allowing participants to sample over 50 different wines throughout the workshop.
For guests staying with us as well as for day-visitors, the itinerary is as follows:
Monday, August 19, Wines of: Umbria, Abruzzo, Marche, Tuscany
Umbria
Abruzzo
Le Marche
Tuscany
Tuesday, August 20, Wines of: Trentino-Alto Adige, Valle d’Aosta, Friuli-Venezia Giulia, Veneto
Trentino-Alto Adige
Valle d’Aosta
Friuli -Venezia Giulia
Veneto
Wednesday, August 21, Wines of: Piemonte, Liguria, Emilia Romagna, Lombardia
Piedmonte
Liguria
Emilio Romagna
Lombardia
Thursday, August 22, Wines of : Campania, Lazio, Basilicata, Molise
Campania
Lazio
Basilicata
Molise
Friday, August 23, Tuscany Wine Tour - we will visit the following, renowned Tuscan Vineyards:
Saturday: August 24, Wines of: Sicily, Sardegna, Puglia
Sicily
Sardegna
Puglia
Calabria
Throughout the week-long experience, participants will be housed in the remarkably well-preserved Umbrian hill town of Monte Castello di Vibio. The workshop package is all-inclusive, providing welcome and departure services and airport transfer from the Rome Fiumicino, Leonardo daVinci Airport (FCO). Aboard our comfortable private bus, single occupancy accommodations with spectacular views, 3 meals per day Monday-Thursday, Prosecco brunch and dinner on Saturday.
Of course, throughout your stay, 24/7 access to facilities and 24/7 bi-lingual support are provided.
Depart Monte castello 5:00 AM via private bus to the Rome/Fiumicino, Leonardo da Vinci International Airport (FCO) 5:30 AM
Regrettably our timetable will not support flights leaving by 10:30 - 11:00 AM
