This special tasting class will focus on the art of aperitivo – the delightful prelude to the art of Italian dining. The aperitivo course holds deep cultural and social importance in Italian meals as an appetite stimulant, a form of socializing, and a way to continue family traditions and recipes.

Wine and aperitivi go together as beautifully as you'd imagine, and this evening will feature a guided tasting of multiple pairings. From sparkling wine with bruschetta, through Pinot Grigio Ramato and bagna cauda, and all the way to inky Italian reds, you'll taste a delicious range of tradition.

Join us for a unique wine and food class that promises to transport you to the heart of Italian culinary culture.

WINE + APERITIVO MENU (tentative) Pét-nat + Bruschette giardiniera (mixed antipasto canape) | Pinot Grigio Ramato + Bagna Cauda (hot vegetable dip) | Dolcetto di Dogliani + Bagnetto (parsley pesto) roast seafood | Barbera d'Asti + Polpette di carne mista (Beef, pork & veal meatballs) with polenta | Nebbiolo di Langhe + Robiola a due latti (cow's + sheep's milk cheese) with fennel pepper crisps and dates

PLEASE NOTE Wine & food menus are subject to change based on availability, inspiration, and whimsy!

WHO SHOULD ATTEND This is a survey course for beginners and enthusiasts alike. It assumes some exposure to wine but little or no formal wine knowledge. This program is appropriate for both consumers and professionals in all wine, food, hospitality and service industries.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Students will learn technical wine tasting, the major wine grapes, wine and food pairing basics, and fundamentals of wine style. The emphasis is on providing an overview of wine and food, plus an deep understanding of pairing concepts.

REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS Guests & students must be at least 21.

JONATHON ALSOP is founder & executive director of the Boston Wine School, author of The Wine Lover’s Devotional and In Vino Veritas, and a commentator for National Public Radio on WGBH | Boston Public Radio and Under The Radar.

He began writing about wine, food and travel in 1988 and emerged as a wine expert through his syndicated wine column. He has contributed numerous articles to the Associated Press, Frequent Flyer Magazine, La Vie Claire, Beverage Business Magazine, Mobil Travel Guides, Fodor’s Travel Guides, Boston Globe, and many others.

Jonathon founded the Boston Wine School in 2000 where he teaches wine and food classes in a dedicated 100% snob-free zone. His new book Wine Life: A Collection Of Verses will be published in 2024.

GREAT AUNT LOUISE'S | greatauntlouises.com | Johnston RI

"I learned to cook from my many Italian relatives, but most of my time was spent in Great Aunt Louise’s kitchen. I was fortunate that Aunt Louise lived to be over a 100 years young. This gave me lots of time with her to learn and practice our family recipes together, and I am proud to share our family tradition with you." - Cassandra Birocco

GREENVALE VINEYARDS | greenvale.com | 582 Wapping Road, Portsmouth RI 02871

Greenvale Vineyards is a sixth generation farm producing small quantities of exceptional estate-grown wines. Settled along the Sakonnet River, the vineyard and tasting room experience integrates stunning wines with a breathtaking landscape.