Tuscany Study Trip - SOLD OUT!
We'll explore cultures and traditions through the lens of food and wine, cooking the foods of the region while tasting wines and learning the geography, history, and movement of people and ingredients that made Italian food what we know today. Our study trips are intimate and allow for around-the-clock learning. Scott is a certified Italian Wine Ambassador and Paula is a food anthropologist, and both earned master’s degrees in their respective fields while living and studying in Italy.
Brunello di Montalcino masterclass with Federico Delvai of Val di Suga
Grappolo Wine School and Wilson Daniels Present an Evening with Federico Delvai of Val di Suga.
Join Federico Delvai of Val di Suga and Scott Thomas of Grappolo Wine School for a discussion & tasting of the unique single-vineyard expressions of Brunello from one of the most historical producers in Montalcino.
Vertical Tasting & Small Bites included.
Details:
When: Monday, April 22nd, 2024
Time: 6:00-8:00 PM
Cost: $35
Where: Birch Road Social Club Highlands, 3845 Lipan Street, Denver, CO 80211
This event is free for the wine trade, please use Discount Code: VALDISUGA for a no-charge ticket.
Corks and Conversation: Beyond the Straw Basket
Join us for the third edition of Corks and Conversation as Pearl Wine Company teams up with Scott Thomas of Grappolo Wine School, for an evening of conviviality and engaging dialogue centered entirely on one grape variety...Sangiovese.
Many often associate Sangiovese with Chianti, but many do not recognize that Sangiovese is arguably Italy’s most important red grape. While Sangiovese is most certainly famous for Chianti, there is more to this variety that just one region. Sangiovese can be found across multiple regions producing wines in many shades and styles.
In this unique tasting journey we will traverse the iconic regions of Tuscany, from the renowned appellations of Chianti Classico to the esteemed vineyards of Montalcino. Our adventures will cross the rugged terrain of the Apennine mountains, unveiling the distinct flavors of Emilia Romagna, before descending into the picturesque landscapes of Umbria as we taste 6 Sangiovese-based wines showcasing how “terroir” (climate, winemaking, cultural influences) defines this beautiful variety.
Bava wine tasting featuring Giorgio Bava - Barbera Nizza Vertical
This experience is hosted by Restaurant Olivia where Grappolo Food and Wine School’s founder, Scott Thomas, is the wine director.
With a lineage dating back to 1600, Bava stands as one of the oldest wine families in Piedmont, rooted in Cocconato, a quaint village nestled in the Monferrato Astigiano. Their inaugural cellar, established in 1911, marks the foundation of their legacy. We are honored to welcome Giorgio Bava, the sixth generation of this esteemed family, who serves as the global export director.
Join Restaurant Olivia for an exclusive experience as Giorgio leads a mini-vertical tasting, spotlighting Piedmont's prized grape, Barbera, sourced from the newly designated Barbera-specific DOCG, Nizza. We’ll explore 4 vintages of the estate's renowned Pianoalto bottling, spanning from 2000 to 2016, each showcasing the inherent elegance and longevity of Barbera. Additionally, we have the rare opportunity to sample two vintages of Bava's limited-production Barolo Cru Scarrone, 2015 and 2016.
Prepare for an afternoon brimming with conviviality and engaging conversation, as we explore the essence of Piedmont's foremost grapes, guided by our spirited host.
Chef-curated charcuterie and cheese will be provided.
Wine Fundamentals Workshop 2.0
Discover the wonders of wine with our Wine Fundamentals Workshop
Are you curious about wine but unsure where to start? Get answers to all of the burning questions you've been too afraid to ask. In this class, you will learn the basics of wine, including how it's made, how to taste and talk about it, and how to decipher wine labels. The tasting session will feature six classic wines, emphasizing the wine's structure (i.e. - acid, tannin, alcohol, body, and sweetness) and wine vocabulary related to those structural elements. This class will give you understanding and the lingo to throw with the great somms of the world.
This session is a continuation of our first fundamentals installment held in January.
Our classes are intimate and convivial, with no more than 9 students around a family-style table.
Classes are held at the Birch Road Social Club in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver.
Must be 21+ to attend
$65 + Tock fee
Sangiovese 6 Ways - Birch Road Member Event
Fellow Birch Road member Scott Thomas, founder of Grappolo Wine School, will break down Sangiovese in a guided tasting and discussion. Scott is a passionate educator of wine and is excited to share that passion with other Birch Road members.
Leaning on his experience while living in Italy and as a certified Italian Wine Educator, Scott will lead a class exploring Italy's most-planted and well-known variety through the lens of terroir. Depending on climate and blending partners, Sangiovese shows multiple faces and personalities. We will travel from Tuscany, over the Apennine to Emilia Romagna and Le Marche, and down to Umbria tasting examples of the most important regions along the way.
$20 per person // Normal guest policy applies
Register guests online: https://birchroadcellar.coworksapp.com/events/60
The great wines of Piedmont—SOLD OUT!
Welcome back to our Italian wine series! This time, we're venturing northwest to the Piedmont region, which boasts the highest number of DOCG wines and has an agricultural history dating back to pre-Roman times. With its abundance of native red and white grapes, Piedmont is a wine lover's dream.
In this session, we'll delve into the region's essential red grapes, including Nebbiolo, Barbera, Dolcetto, Freisa, Grignolino, and Pelaverga, as well as the white grapes Arneis, Timorasso, Erbaluce, Cortese, and Moscato. As we sample eight unique wines, each capturing the essence of the grape and the region it represents, we discuss the history, grape etymology, and terroir of the area. Whether you are a novice or and avid enthusiast, you'll walk away from this class with an abundance of new information and a new outlook on Piemotese varietals.
Our host, Scott Thomas - Italian Wine Ambassador & Italian Wine Educator, lived just outside of the Barolo region for two years, thus this area holds a special place in his heart. He'll be sharing personal anecdotes, his top producers to visit, and even a proprietary travel guide if you choose to explore this region. We're thrilled to offer this session and consider it one of our favorites!
Our classes are intimate and convivial, with no more than 9 students around a family-style table.
Classes are held at the Birch Road Social Club in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver.
Must be 21+ to attend
$85 + tock fee
Italian Wine Maestro Certification Course
Grappolo Wine School is excited to bring this 201-level course of the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) study program to Colorado.
This multi-week certification course introduces the wealth of native Italian grape varieties essential to comprehending Italy’s fascinating wines.
Focusing on:
Regional appellations
Autochthonous grapes
And a deep exploration of Italian wine and food culture
Sundays: February 18, 25; March 3, 10
Final exam Saturday, March 30
9:00am - 4:00 each day
Where: Restaurant Olivia 290 S. Downing Denver, CO 80209
Investment: $925 (textbook excluded)
LEARN MORE HERE
REGISTER HERE
Keystone Winter Wine Weekend: Aroma Seminar
Friday Night: The Nose Knows Aroma Seminar
Embark on a self-guided, interactive, olfactory exploration of the senses led by Scott Thomas, the founder of Grappolo Food & Wine School. Learn how our sense of smell contributes to 80% of wine perceptions and discover the art of identifying over 1000 aromas through practice. Engage in a "blind smell" challenge with over 50 common aromatic components found in wine. As we delve into the world of wine, Scott Thomas, a Certified Wine Educator and Italian Wine Ambassador, will guide us through understanding primary, secondary, and tertiary aromas. This fun seminar includes tasting wines that highlight similar characteristics, allowing us to "close the loop" and train our brains to appreciate the nuances in each bottle.
Italian Wine 101 - MCA Denver
Discovering Italy: Italian 101 with Scott Thomas - a collaboration with Pearl Wine Company
Italy has long been a favorite of Pearl Wine Company. The country’s regions are extremely diverse stretching from the coast to the Alps, Islands, and plains. Not to mention the food. But when it comes to wine it can be intimidating and confusing!
Join us for the second part of our Corks and Conversation where Pearl Wine Company will team up with Scott Thomas for an introduction to Italian Wines. Scott Thomas is a Vinitaly International Certified Academy Educator. Italy can be intimidating to navigate with over 550 native grape varieties, hundreds of appellations and numerous labeling laws!
However, with a little guidance, understanding and deciphering the regions of Italy can become seamless. In this class, you will have the opportunity to taste key varieties, learn how to decode Italian wine labels, understand the rich history, and explore the unique factors that differentiate Italian wines!
Tickets are $40 per person
Must be 21+ to attend
REGISTER HERE
Italian Wine 101
Stretching from the coast to the Alps and the plains to peaks, Italy's wine landscape can be intimidating to navigate. With over 550 native grape varieties, hundreds of appellations, and numerous labeling laws, the subject of Italian wine can feel overwhelming.
However, with a little guidance, the process of deciphering these wines can be seamless. This class will help you decode Italian wine labels, understand the rich history, and explore the unique factors that differentiate Italian wines. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to sample six key varieties, such as Sangiovese, Nebbiolo, Trebbiano, and Garganega, that embody the essence of this beautiful country.
Led by Colorado’s only Italian Wine Ambassador and Certified Italian Wine Educator, Scott Thomas, this class promises to be informative, interactive, and unpretentious.
Our classes are intimate and convivial, with no more than 9 students around a family-style table.
Classes are held at the Birch Road Social Club in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver.
Must be 21+ to attend
Wine Fundamentals Workshop
Discover the wonders of wine with our Wine Fundamentals Workshop
Are you curious about wine but unsure where to start? Get answers to all of the burning questions you've been too afraid to ask. In this class, you will learn the basics of wine, including how it's made, how to taste and talk about it, and how to decipher wine labels. The tasting session will feature six different wines, emphasizing the wine's structure (i.e. - acid, tannin, alcohol, body, and sweetness) and its various styles and grape varieties. This is the perfect springboard into the vast world of wine.
Bubbles and Bollicine
How about ringing in the New Year with a BUBBLY bang?
Get ready to pop those corks and dive into a world of Italian bubbles, aka Bollicine! In this class, we’ll go on a journey exploring the different types of Italian sparkling wines made using the traditional method, aka metodo classico, which offers a solid alternative to Champagne (obviously they won't make you forget about Champagne, but it's fun trying).
We'll sip and savor our way through 8 wines and the primary metodo classico DOCs, including Franciacorta, Trento DOC, Alta Langa, and Oltrepo Pavese, and get a taste of the endless variety of sparkling wines made from native Italian grapes (yes, even Etna spumante!). This class is the perfect concoction of education and fun, making it a fabulous way to start the New Year celebrations!
Who is this class for: Everyone!!! From novices to experts.
Why in the middle of the day? Well, admittedly, we love bubbles any time of day. But the real reason is the light is perfect for photos, and by attending this class you are agreeing to have your photos taken around the table for our use as future marketing material.
Light salty snacks are provided
Led by Colorado’s only Italian Wine Ambassador and Certified Italian Wine Educator, Scott Thomas, this class promises to be informative, interactive, and unpretentious.
Our classroom is intimate and convivial, with no more than 10 students around a family-style table.
Classes are held at the Birch Road Social Club in the Berkeley neighborhood of Denver.
Must be 21+ to attend
$80
Zero Waste Cooking Class at CSU Spur
Join renowned chef Paula Thomas of Grappolo Food and Wine School and the Ecological Kitchen, and Rachael Storm, curator of Business and Industry Collections for History Colorado, as they delve into the rich history of the zero-waste movement, tracing its origins to the resource-scarce practices during World War II. Participants will learn about waste reduction tips and explore the history of pioneering individuals and communities who advocated for the concepts of reusing and recycling. Discussions will be interwoven to explore societal attitudes towards resource conservation and its lasting influence from the early stages of the zero-waste initiatives.
Reach out to csusystemspur@colostate.edu with questions.
This is a free session, advanced booking is required.
Exploring Sicily from Tip to Tip
Restaurant Olivia's tasting series continues as we explore Sicily.
Without a doubt, Sicily is Italy’s hottest wine region right now.
Thanks to the multitude of kingdoms and cultures that have occupied this triangle-shaped island, Sicliy represents Italy’s most exciting wine landscape. With sweeping mountains in the center, broad coastlines, and Europe’s highest and most active volcano, Sicily provides a wide array of wine styles in every shade and color.
In this class, we’ll wander from Mt. Etna to Marsala while tasting eight classic examples of Sicily’s vast amount of indigenous grapes, such as Grillo, Carricante, Nerello Mascalese, and Nero d’Avola. We’ll discuss Sicliy’s long and storied history, why there’s a trend toward volcanic wines, and understand just how the varied terroir affects each region.
A light snack is provided.
Masterclass Host: Restaurant Olivia wine director, Scott Thomas
Italian Wine Maestro Certification Course
The Italian Wine Maestro Certification is a 201-level course and the important precursor to the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) study program. Grappolo Wine School is the only provider in the Rocky Mountain region.
Wines for Festive Feasts: a part of REstaurant Olivia wine-tasting series
Restaurant Olivia's tasting series continues as we explore Sicily.
Join us for an afternoon of educational tasting as we explore wines for your festive feasts. From sparkling to rosé and from light to full-bodied reds, we’ll taste and discuss a unique lineup of wines that pair perfectly with the holiday season. Learn how to elevate your meal with the ideal bottle, impress your guests, and make your holiday celebration truly unforgettable with a few simple tips. You’ll even be able to purchase the wines that we sample. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or just starting to explore the world of wine, this class offers something for everyone while sipping hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path wines from around the world.
A light snack is provided.
Masterclass Host: Restaurant Olivia wine director, Scott Thomas
Steamboat Food and Wine: Italian Wines From The Alps to The Dolomites
The hills of Northern Italy are not a forgiving landscape for winemaking, but that is exactly the price high-altitude winemakers are willing to pay for the bold flavors of their wines. Sommelier Scott Thomas leads this seminar, where guests can taste the difference the added time, expense and effort make in perfecting wine from the Alps to the Dolomite
Steamboat Food and Wine: Italian Bollicine Seminar
Join Italian wine ambassador and educator, Scott Thomas as he takes you beyond prosecco to the wealth of knowledge behind Italian sparkling wine. Taste your way through Italy to determine how method and region determine the variety in texture, flavor, and sweetness.
Food Preservation Workshop
Ready to preserve the bounty of the summer harvest?
Join us for this hands-on preservation workshop where we’ll demystify fermentation and canning techniques through a didactic and fun approach.
You’ll prepare a batch of fermented hot chili sauce, sour pickles, and sauerkraut in class, followed by a demo on water bath canning tips & tricks for success, vinegar infusions, and dried herb blends.
Food and Wine Pairing Workshop
Join us for this interactive workshop where we explore the complex relationship between food and wine. This three-part class begins with a cooking demo, followed by an in-depth theory discussion, then tying it all together with a fun and dynamic food and wine tasting (trust us, this will be fun). We'll experience firsthand when pairings are seamless and or a total disaster.
A collaboration between Paula Thomas from the Ecological Kitchen and Grappolo Wine School