What Italian wine regions will be covered in the masterclass?

The masterclass explores Italy from north to south — covering the structure of Tuscany, the aromatics of Piedmont, and the vibrant wines of the south, with tastings drawn from key regions across the country.

What do DOC, DOCG and IGT mean on an Italian wine label?

These are Italy's wine quality classifications. DOCG (Denominazione di Origine Controllata e Garantita) is the highest tier, covering small areas with strict production rules. DOC covers a broader range of traditional styles with regulated production. IGT (Indicazione Geografica Tipica) allows winemakers more flexibility — some of Italy's finest wines, including many Super Tuscans, carry the IGT designation. The masterclass explains how to read and use these classifications confidently.

What native Italian grape varieties will be tasted during the masterclass?

You'll taste a number of key native varieties of Italy, including but not limited to, Sangiovese, Nebbiolo and Barbera.

What does 'Riserva' mean on an Italian wine label?

Riserva indicates that the wine has been aged for longer than the standard version — the exact period varies by region and wine type. It generally signals a wine of greater complexity and structure, often worth cellaring further. This and other key label terms are covered in the masterclass.

Is Italian wine good value compared to French wine?

Italy offers outstanding value across many of its regions. While iconic names like Barolo and Brunello command high prices, there are exceptional, affordable wines from regions like Sicily, Puglia, Campania, and the Veneto. The masterclass highlights where to find the best value across Italy's major regions.

What is blind tasting and why is it used in this masterclass?

All wines are tasted blind at first — meaning without knowing what they are — to help you focus on what's actually in the glass rather than being influenced by the label or price. It's a professional technique that sharpens your instincts and builds confidence in your own palate.

Do I need prior wine knowledge to attend?

Not at all. Our courses are designed to be approachable and jargon-free. Beginners are always welcome, and our more advanced masterclasses are perfect if you already have some experience.

The Ultimate Italian Wine Masterclass

Q: Why is Italian wine so confusing to navigate?

Italian wine is notoriously confusing to navigate because it is a blend of massive variety, deeply rooted regional traditions, and complex, often inconsistent, labeling laws. With over 20 distinct wine-producing regions and hundreds of native grape varieties, the system relies on geographical naming conventions that differ from the grape-focused labels common in many other countries

Q: What is the difference between Barolo and Chianti?

Both are iconic Italian reds, but very different in style. Barolo comes from Piedmont, is made from Nebbiolo grapes, and is full-bodied, highly tannic, and built to age for decades. Chianti comes from Tuscany, is made from Sangiovese, and is typically lighter, more food-friendly, and more approachable when young. Both styles are explored during the masterclass.

Q: What are Super Tuscans and why are they significant?

Super Tuscans are premium wines from Tuscany that blend Sangiovese with international varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot — originally outside Italy's traditional DOC rules, which is why many carry the IGT designation. They emerged in the 1970s and helped put Italian fine wine on the world stage.

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

Rated 4.6 out of 5 – based on 82 Google reviews
Read our reviews on Google

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.

The Ultimate Italian Wine Masterclass is a 2.5-hour immersive wine experience at The London Wine Academy in central London, priced at £169 per person. Established in 1993 and rated 4.6 on Google, the Academy is one of the UK’s longest-running independent wine schools, with courses in Mayfair and St James’s for over 20 years. Part of the Voyager Masterclass series — each one designed as a journey into the heart of a wine region — this session takes you across Italy’s diverse wine landscape, from Piedmont and Tuscany to Sicily and the Veneto. You’ll taste wines from key Italian regions alongside a 4-course tapas menu, learning about native grape varieties, regional traditions and how Italian wine and food work together. All tutors hold a WSET Diploma, Master of Wine qualification or Master Sommelier certification. Experience-led, independently curated and a practical way to understand one of the world’s most exciting wine countries.

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

Why is Italian wine so confusing to navigate?

Italy has hundreds of grape varieties and regional styles, often labelled by place rather than grape. It can feel complex — but once you learn a few key regions, it starts to make much more sense.

What Italian wine regions will be covered?

What is the difference between Barolo and Chianti?

Barolo, from Piedmont, is made from Nebbiolo—structured, powerful, age-worthy. Chianti, from Tuscany, is based on Sangiovese—brighter, more approachable, with lively acidity.

What do DOC, DOCG and IGT mean?

These are Italian quality classifications. DOCG is the highest level, DOC is just below, and IGT allows more flexibility. They help guide style, origin, and quality expectations.

What are Super Tuscans and why are they significant?

Super Tuscans are high-quality wines from Tuscany that broke traditional rules—often using international grapes like Cabernet Sauvignon. They helped modernise Italian wine and gained global recognition.

What native Italian grape varieties will be tasted?

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.

How does Italian wine pair with food?

Italian wine pairs best with food by balancing high acidity and savory tannins with complementary dishes, often following regional, “what grows together, goes together” principles. Pair light, acidic whites (Pinot Grigio) with seafood, robust reds (Chianti, Barolo) with pastas and meats, and sparkling options (Prosecco) with antipasti.

How many wines will I taste and is food included?

Through the Italian Wine Masterclass, you will taste six or seven distinct Italian wines, paired alongside a four-course, tapas-style, Italian-inspired meal.

How much does the Italian Wine Masterclass cost?

The Italian Wine Masterclass costs £169 per person, and is covered over 2.5 hours

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.