I’m beyond excited to invite you to the very first wine tasting and wine class of the new year, and it’s a particularly special one for me.

Last July, I had the pleasure of visiting Umbria, and I completely fell in love - with the land, the people, the incredibly stunning landscape of rolling hills, and of course, the olive oil. That experience inspired me to create this class and share a region that remains mostly unknown to many wine drinkers, yet quietly produces some of Italy’s most soulful and expressive wines.

During this class, we will taste through five different natural wines from Umbria, a region perfectly nestled in central Italy, bordered by Tuscany to the west and Marche to the east. Umbria’s wines reflect its rustic charm, deep agricultural traditions, and strong connection to the land - often made from indigenous grape varieties and crafted in small quantities by passionate farmers.

I’m also thrilled to introduce you to my dear friend Angela Cordoni of Cordoni Maser winery, who, together with her husband, splits her time between Knoxville and Umbria, where they produce their own organic wine and olive oil. We’ll have the unique opportunity to taste both during the class, adding an especially personal and meaningful touch to the experience.

Throughout the evening, I’ll guide you through some of my favorite Umbrian wines, all made by small, independent producers who practice organic, biodynamic, and regenerative farming. We’ll explore the history of the region, its native grapes, natural winemaking philosophies, and what makes Umbrian wines so distinctive and expressive.

After studying and drinking wine for more than a decade, I’m incredibly excited to bring these wines to Knoxville and share not just what’s in the glass - but the stories, places, and people behind them.

What’s Included:

• Tasting of 5 different Umbrian wines

• Cheese and charcuterie boards

• Two hours of in-depth wine education in a small-group setting

• An unlimited amount of fun

Each class accommodates 16 people, so space is limited.

This class series will take place at Zero Zero Natural Wine Bar.

Tickets are non-refundable. If you’re unable to attend, you’re welcome to pass your ticket along to a friend or someone who would enjoy tasting and learning about wine.