Italy has the most impressive roster of grape varieties on the planet. Its unique geography, tapestry of distinct regional identities, and strong historical winegrowing tradition have given rise to a formidable cast of characters. Local specialties and obscure varieties can be found all over the country, offering near-endless potential for adventurous drinkers, and each one has a story to tell––but many of these grapes are effectively unknown in the greater wine world. Ren will share some of her favorite varieties from all over Italy with a lineup that goes way beyond Sangiovese and Nebbiolo, and she'll even help you pronounce them.
This class will begin at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 18 and run for approximately 90 minutes. Wines tasted in class will be available for purchase with a discount available to attendees only. Seating is limited.
Meet your instructor
Ren Peir
Ren Peir is a WSET III-certified wine curator and educator with a special interest in building community around wine for queer and trans people of color.
Ren's love of wine developed as a way to bridge the cultural and language gap with her father, and has since developed into a full-blown obsession complete with spreadsheets and graphs. In addition to teaching classes, Ren throws exclusive dinner popups and wine collaboration events all over the city. She loves advocating for wines made from sustainable and mindful farming practices.
Yvon Metras has long been Beaujolais' elusive man of mystery. To French winemakers (and drinkers) he is, along with neighbors Lapierre and Foillard, one of the "fathers of natural wine".
La is Lara Rochetti, Lu is Luisa Sala. Together they are Lalu, and today they make extremely sought-after Nebbiolo and Barolo. We have the Nebbiolo for you today.
These first few days of the new year, we all have New Year’s resolutions in mind. But not every resolution has to involve a gym membership, or a new diet, or taking up a new hobby — your resolution could be as simple as broadening your wine-drinking horizons. We’ve put together a little primer to help you do just that.