Italian Wine Essentials Course
One of the most diverse wine countries in the world –overflowing with indigenous grapes – Italy boasts over 400 authorized varieties in production. Here, we will provide a thorough introduction to these legendary wines, the country’s rich cultural history, and it’s wholly unique labeling system.
This intermediate-level course is ideal as either a stand-alone introduction to the wines of Italy, or to lay the groundwork for those continuing on to the Italian Wine Scholar program.
What’s Included?
Two days of fun and interactive learning guided by a phenomenal educator
Guided tasting of classic Italian wine styles to amplify your learning
Course textbook complete with maps, photos and detailed content shipped to you before your course begins
An optional 50-question exam with certificate upon passing
Dates/Locations:
Seattle Cohort: Sundays, September 14 and 21, 2025; 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Optional exam: Sunday, September 21 (end of class).
Location TBA, Seattle, WA.
Portland Cohort: Saturday/Sunday, January 24/25, 2026; 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Optional exam: Saturday, February 21, 10am.
The Wine & Spirit Archive, 3319 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR.
One of the most diverse wine countries in the world –overflowing with indigenous grapes – Italy boasts over 400 authorized varieties in production. Here, we will provide a thorough introduction to these legendary wines, the country’s rich cultural history, and it’s wholly unique labeling system.
This intermediate-level course is ideal as either a stand-alone introduction to the wines of Italy, or to lay the groundwork for those continuing on to the Italian Wine Scholar program.
What’s Included?
Two days of fun and interactive learning guided by a phenomenal educator
Guided tasting of classic Italian wine styles to amplify your learning
Course textbook complete with maps, photos and detailed content shipped to you before your course begins
An optional 50-question exam with certificate upon passing
Dates/Locations:
Seattle Cohort: Sundays, September 14 and 21, 2025; 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Optional exam: Sunday, September 21 (end of class).
Location TBA, Seattle, WA.
Portland Cohort: Saturday/Sunday, January 24/25, 2026; 10:00am to 4:00pm.
Optional exam: Saturday, February 21, 10am.
The Wine & Spirit Archive, 3319 SE 50th Ave, Portland, OR.
Who should take this course:
This is perfect for both the inquisitive wine enthusiast, as well as the aspiring wine professional. Accessible to all levels, it will provide the foundational knowledge for the enthusiast or an ideal infrastructure to those continuing their Italian wine education.
About the Instructor:
Tanya Morning Star is a VIA Italian Wine Ambassador and Orvieto Wine Ambassador. She regularly leads students on educational tours of Italy’s wine regions and teaches in-depth and investigation-rich wine courses through her Seattle-based wine school, Cellar Muse. We are so thrilled to have Tanya join us in Portland for this course. There is no one better to lead us on this journey!
