Malvasia: The Mediterranean Muse
Five Wines. Four Regions. One Fascinating Grape Family.
I am so excited to announce that Wine Forté wine classes are back! And this time, we have a beautiful new home at Waiting Room, Zero Zero’s new sister wine spot tucked inside Knox Base in Knoxville!
For our first gathering in this cozy new space, I wanted to take you on a very special journey through the Mediterranean, following one of its most fascinating and expressive grape varieties: Malvasia.
Malvasia has been captivating winemakers and wine lovers for centuries, taking on wonderfully different personalities as it travels across Mediterranean landscapes. From the coastal vineyards of Slovenia and Croatia to the sun-drenched hills of Italy and the island of Mallorca, this ancient grape family has inspired an incredible diversity of wines and styles - each telling its own story of place, tradition, and craftsmanship.
For me, this tasting is especially personal. I was practically born and raised with Malvasia! Growing up in Slovenia, this grape was part of my wine world long before I became a sommelier. Over the years, I’ve become endlessly fascinated by its versatility and the extraordinary range of wines that can be created from grapes sharing the Malvasia name.
And now I can’t wait to share this delicious grape with you!
Together, we’ll explore five different wines from Slovenia, Croatia, Italy, and Mallorca, Spain, discovering five unique expressions of Malvasia. Along the way, we’ll dive into the stories, terroirs, winemaking traditions, and little surprises that make each wine so distinctive.
Expect a fun, relaxed, and intimate evening filled with delicious wines, lively conversation, new discoveries, and plenty of Mediterranean inspiration!
We’ll also have a lovely selection of cheeses, charcuterie, delicious pickled goodies, and fresh sourdough bread to nibble on as we taste. You’ll receive your own tasting sheets and maps to capture your impressions and take home.
Event Details:
Date: Wednesday, November 18, 2026
Time: 6:30–8:30 PM
Location: Waiting Room at Knox Base, Knoxville, TN
Investment: $85 per person
What’s Included:
A guided tasting of five distinctive Malvasia wines from four Mediterranean regions
A delicious selection of small charcuterie and cheese bites, pickled delicacies, and sourdough bread
Personal wine tasting sheets to make notes and take home
Two hours of wine education, storytelling, discovery, and fun with your host, sommelier and wine educator Maja Roy of Wine Forté
A cozy and intimate atmosphere at Knoxville’s new Waiting Room wine bar
Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned wine lover, this evening is all about discovering something new, expanding your palate, and enjoying the magic of wine together.
I can’t wait to welcome you back to the tasting table and share a little piece of my Mediterranean wine world with you!
With love and wine,
Maja 🍷