The Ultimate Italian Wine Masterclass

Continue your wine journey with a masterclass that clarifies Italy’s complex mix of native grapes, regional names and local traditions, and shows you which red and white styles really shine with food — and why.

Level

Beginners

Duration

2.5 hours

Location

The Punch Bowl, Mayfair

Duke of Sussex, Waterloo

Italian-style Tapas and Wine Matching

Price

From £169 per person

Welcome to The Ultimate Italian Wine Masterclass

Italian wine can be complex. This masterclass gives you the clarity and confidence to understand the regions, grapes and styles that define it.

Italian wine can be complex. This masterclass makes it clear, enjoyable and easy to navigate — whether you’re a complete beginner or already familiar with the classics. You’ll explore what makes Italian wine so distinctive, tasting through a curated line-up that highlights the country’s most important regions, native grapes and iconic styles. From the structure of Tuscany to the aromatics of Piedmont and the vibrant wines of the south, you’ll learn how to recognise quality and understand the factors that shape flavour. Expert tutors — including Masters of Wine and regional specialists — will share practical insights that help you read labels with confidence, choose intelligently from a menu, and understand which Italian wines you genuinely enjoy. Italian-style tapas are served throughout to demonstrate how effortlessly these wines pair with food, helping you build the skills to enjoy Italian wine at home, in restaurants or while travelling.

What will I learn during the Course?

You’ll gain a clear understanding of:
Italy’s major wine regions and how they differ
key native grape varieties and the styles they produce
how climate, terroir and winemaking shape flavour
recognising structure, balance and quality in Italian wines
reading Italian labels and understanding the classification system
how to choose confidently in restaurants, wine bars and shops
practical food pairing principles using Italian-style tapas
where to find great value among Italy’s many regions
All wines are tasted blind at first to sharpen your instincts and focus on what’s in the glass.

Course Content

During the session, you’ll explore the breadth of Italy’s wine landscape — from the cool styles of the north to the richer wines of central and southern Italy. You’ll taste key native grape varieties such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Barbera, Corvina, Fiano and Nerello Mascalese, and see how climate, terroir and winemaking shape each wine’s character. Along the way, you’ll learn how Italy’s classification system works, how to match Italian wines with food, and where to find the best value across the country’s major regions.

Course Agenda

Start times may vary; please check your chosen date for the correct schedule.
Please arrive 5–10 minutes early to settle in before the class begins.

Your masterclass opens with a short introduction to blind tasting before you explore seven or eight Italian wines across the north, centre and south. Italian-style tapas are served throughout, helping you understand how naturally these wines pair with food. As you taste, your tutor will guide you through the key regions, native grapes and styles that define Italian wine — from the classic to the contemporary.

You’ll finish with a clearer feel for Italy’s flavours and traditions, and the confidence to enjoy Italian wine wherever life takes you.

You’ll begin with a brief introduction to blind tasting before exploring seven or eight Italian wines across the north, centre and south. Italian-style tapas are served throughout the session, highlighting how naturally these wines pair with food. As you taste, your tutor will guide you through Italy’s key regions, native grapes and wine styles in a clear, enjoyable way.

By the end, you’ll have a sharper sense of what you enjoy, a clearer understanding of Italy’s flavours and traditions, and the confidence to choose Italian wines with ease.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is the Ultimate Italian Masterclass for?

This masterclass is ideal for anyone who wants Italian wine to feel clearer, more enjoyable and easier to navigate. Whether you’re exploring Italian wines at home, choosing bottles for restaurants, or planning a future trip, you’ll leave with practical skills you can use straight away.

What should I wear or bring?

Smart casual is ideal — everything you need is provided on the day, including pens, tasting notes, wine and food.

How many wines will I taste during the day?

You will be tasting seven or eight premium Italian wines during the day.

What price points are the wines?

Wines tasted are typically between £18 and £45 a bottle retail.

Feature Venue

The Punch Bowl

Famously previously owned by Guy Richie and Madonna, The Punch Bowl is one of Mayfair’s most historic and celebrated pubs.

Feature Venue

The Duke of Sussex

The Duke of Sussex is a reflection of the needs of the local community - the food is simple and harks back to the days when the British Pub first came about.