We kick off Via Italia 2020 with one of Italy’s most famous regions, the home of its signature sparkler, Prosecco: the Veneto! The fun doesn’t stop there, though, because this area gives us so much more than festive fizz – from crisp whites to reds both light and full-bodied (and even a little sweet!). It’s the perfect way to begin a year’s exploration of Italian varieties, so be sure to start the new year the right way – by learning with us!

You’ve probably seen pictures of Cinque Terre and had some pasta Bolognese in your lifetime, but you might not have realized these areas are also churning out some noteworthy wines. Seafood-friendly Ligurian whites and hearty reds – including some sparkling! – from Emilia-Romagna are on the agenda for the April stop in our Via Italia. We can’t wait to see you there!

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This time of year calls for sun and sea – and what better way to celebrate that than by taking a look at the wines being produced on Italy’s two largest islands, Sicily and Sardinia? Though they’re both islands, the wines produced on each couldn’t be more different. Sardinia and Sicily each have created their own signature styles using different grapes, and they offer consumers some of the most flat-out delicious wines being produced anywhere. Live the island life with us – even for a couple hours!

We know you’ve been waiting patiently for this stop on our Via Italia, but there’s a reason we waited until October: truffle season! The premier Piemontese delicacy pairs perfectly with the powerhouse wines made here that are famous throughout the world. Zesty whites, spellbinding reds, and sweet sparklers are all found here, and this promises to be an exceptional class. Don’t miss out!

Ah, yes, Puglia: the heel to Italy’s boot. Bathed in sunshine and surrounded by azure waters, this is an area that for long was considered nothing but an area for cheap bulk production, but times have changed. Fine wines both white and red now are arriving on our shores from this sun-baked peninsula – and if you especially like big, bold red wines, this is a stop on our Via Italia that’s made for you.

Tucked away across the mountains from Austria, this is one of Italy’s secret weapons when it comes to fine wine. Whistle-clear white wines reign supreme in many ways, but it’s the interesting reds made from indigenous grapes that can often steal the spotlight when given a chance. Come join us and get in the know before the word gets out!

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Often forgotten, these central regions along the Adriatic coast offer a lot to the wine lovers of the world. And Pittsburgh just so happens to be one of the foremost destinations of Abruzzese immigrants years ago, so the wines produced here just might offer you or your friends a little taste of home. Come join us as we learn about the cheerful whites and juicy reds that are the signatures of these regions!

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Located at the southern tip of Italy on the “toe” side of the boot, Calabria is perhaps better known for is fiery chilies than its wine. Basilicata, just inland, may not even be a region you knew existed – but they’re both quietly making lip-smacking wines that we can’t wait to share with you. Take a journey with us off the beaten path and discover the quality happening here!

Tuscany elicits a lot of emotions from people as they consider its undulating hills, glorious cuisine, walled cities, and, of course, one more thing: the wines! This is a region that gives the world many of Italy’s finest classic bottlings like Chianti and Brunello, but it’s also the site of change thanks to the (in)famous Super Tuscans that have emerged a few decades ago. We hope you’re thirsty, because you’re in for a treat!

Neapolitan pizza, the Amalfi Coast, limoncello…Campania has a lot already going for it, but it’s time to shine the spotlight on the under-appreciated wines being made here! Rich, textural white wines are the Campanian calling card, but they’re not the whole story – some robust reds are making waves here, too! Come see what the fuss is all about as we dive into the wines meant for summer’s sun.

This area to the northeast of Venice is our sleeper pick for some of the most underrated wines anywhere on the planet, let alone within Italy. Many experts consider this, along with the Alto Adige, to be Italy’s premier destination for show-stopping whites, but don’t let that fool you – the reds here, often created from rare and indigenous grapes, pack a punch, too. Even more, they’re perfect wines as we transition to fall! 

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Prosecco is the most well-known sparkling wine made in Italy, but did you know there’s another, made in Lombardy, that gives Champagne a run for its money? December seems like the perfect time to toast to that – and while we’re at it, we’ll learn all about the other wines made here, both sparkling and still. Close out the Via Italia 2020 with style and join us!