Bubbles and Bollicine 2024
How about ringing in the New Year with a BUBBLY bang?
Get ready to pop those corks and dive into the effervescent world of Italian bubbles—aka Bollicine! In this class, we’ll embark on a journey through Italy’s sparkling wines, focusing on those crafted using the traditional method (metodo classico). These wines provide a delightful alternative to Champagne (though let’s be honest, nothing really replaces Champagne—but discovering new favorites is half the fun).
We’ll sip and savor eight stunning wines while exploring the major metodo classico appellations, including Franciacorta, TrentoDOC, and Alta Langa. And because sparkling can be produced from any grape from any region, we’ll even venture as far as Sicily’s Mt. Etna. Along the way, you’ll experience the incredible diversity of sparkling wines made from Italy’s native and non native grape varieties. This class is the perfect blend of education and fun—a fabulous way to kick off your New Year celebrations!
Who is this class for? Everyone! Whether you’re a novice or a wine aficionado, this experience is designed to educate and engage your senses in a no-pressure environment.
Light salty snacks are provided.
Led by Scott Thomas, Italian Wine Ambassador, Certified Italian Wine Educator, and all-around enthusiast for making wine approachable and enjoyable.
Our classes are intimate, capped at 10 students, and held around a cozy, family-style table in a convivial atmosphere.
Location: Birch Road Social Club, Berkeley neighborhood, Denver
Cost: $75 (+ small Tock fee)
Age Requirement: Must be 21+ to attend
Tuscany Immersion Trip
Our Tuscany immersion food & wine trip takes you to the heart of Chianti Classico in Panzano. We stay at a renovated villa nestled in the rolling hills surrounded by vineyards and olive trees. We visit dear producer friends, eat at our favorite restaurants, and providing a direct connection to producers.
Zero Waste Cooking Practices at Denver Urban Gardens
Join co-founder of Grappolo Food and Wine School, Paula Thomas, as she leads a preservation series at Denver Urban Gardens.
Just in time for the holidays, learn how to turn your kitchen into an environmentally-friendly
space! In this class, we explore the different ways our kitchen can help us become more eco-friendly and reduce our carbon footprint, especially as the holidays approach. We discuss waste reduction tips, explore the concepts of reusing, recycling and composting, and cook two delicious dishes made with plant parts that usually end up in the compost bin.
During this hands-on two-hour workshop with chef and food educator Paula Thomas, you will learn:
Ideas and recipes to use parts of the plants we usually discard
Meal prep habits to help you utilize the same ingredients in different dishes
How to cook beans from scratch in batches to help you with meal prep
Tips to reduce food packaging waste
Habits to help you reduce food waste
Please note: Suggested workshop fee is $50. The material costs for this workshop are $20. Our pay-what-you-can pricing (with a minimum of $20) applies for this workshop.
Roundtable tasting with Enrico Rivetto
Grappolo Food & Wine School, Volio Imports, and Empire Distributors are thrilled to present an afternoon roundtable discussion and tasting with Enrico Rivetto.
A visionary for the Langhe region, Enrico's mission is twofold: to produce pure, exceptional wines while giving equally back to the environment. As the only certified biodynamic producer in the Barolo region, he is a passionate advocate for native grape varieties, immense biodiversity, and community education from his estate on Lirano Hill, with sweeping views of Serralunga d'Alba.
Join us as Scott Thomas of Grappolo Food & Wine School moderates this conversation, where Enrico will share his family’s deep-rooted history and vision for the future of conservation in the Langhe, while we taste through the incredible Rivetto lineup including all the Barolo’s, Barbaresco, Barbera, and Nascetta.
When: Wednesday, October 30; 12:00-1:30
Where: Volio Headquarters at the Enterprise Coworking space: 3000 Lawrence St, Denver. On-site parking.
A selection of light charcuterie will be provided.
Seating is limited - reservations are required. Tickets are free of charge for both consumers and trade thanks to the generous support of Volio Imports and Empire Distributors
**If you find that you're unable to attend after making a reservation, we sincerely request that you take a moment to cancel it. This simple act not only opens up the opportunity for someone else to participate but also ensures efficient planning and resource allocation on our end. Thank you kindly.
Intro to Fermented Vegetables at Denver Urban Gardens
Join co-founder of Grappolo Food and Wine School, Paula Thomas, as she leads a preservation series in conjunction with Denver Urban Gardens.
Preserve the abundance of produce coming out of your garden or the farmers market through fermentation. If you have always wanted to learn how to make your own sauerkraut, sour pickles, or fermented sauces but feel nervous about the process and don’t know where to start, this class is for you.
During this hands-on two-hour workshop with chef and food educator Paula Thomas, you will learn:
Safety and sanitation practices to ensure success
The science behind vegetable fermentation and the different applications through two simple and delicious recipes–sour pickles & spiced kraut
What to look for as your ferment ages on your kitchen counter, expected shelf life
of ferments, and different uses for fermented vegetables
Please note: Suggested workshop fee is $50. The material costs for this workshop are $20. Our pay-what-you-can pricing (with a minimum of $20) applies for this workshop.
Wine World Cup: France vs Italy Seminar - Steamboat Food and Wine Festival
Gain insight into the cultural and historical influences that have shaped the winemaking practices of France and Italy, from ancient Roman vineyards to medieval monasteries and beyond. Learn how factors such as climate, soil composition, and winemaking techniques contribute to the flavor profile and aging potential of each wine. Celebrate the rich tapestry of flavors, aromas, and stories that define these iconic wine-producing nations. Santé! Salute!
Unearth Volcanic Wines Seminar- Steamboat Food And Wine Festival
Join us as we uncork the mysteries of volcanic terroirs and celebrate the remarkable wines that emerge from these dynamic landscapes. Through guided tastings and insightful commentary, Scott Thomas will lead you on a journey through the diverse regions and grape varietals associated with volcanic winemaking. Whether you’re a seasoned oenophile or simply curious to learn more about volcanic wines, this seminar promises to be an engaging and enriching experience for all.
Brunello di Montalcino Masterclass: exploring Montosoli with Capanna
Broadbent Selections and Grappolo Food & Wine School present a special evening with Daniele Marconi, featuring the renowned wines of Capanna.
Sommelier Bootcamp: 2-day - 2024
Our Sommelier Bootcamp is back!
Join us for a 2-day immersive experience into the craft of a sommelier, featuring engaging tastings, insightful lectures, and hands-on activities. This 6-hour boot camp offers practical, in-person learning led by Scott Thomas, a wine industry expert with over 20 years of experience. Scott will guide you through dynamic sessions on the sensory analysis of twenty classic wines from various regions, covering theory, cause and effect, service, storage, and wine vocabulary. No topic is off-limits in this comprehensive exploration. Prepare for a comprehensive exploration as no topic is off-limits.
Fermentation Workshop at The Urban Farm
Intro to Lacto-fermentation: If you want to make your own fermented vegetables but don't know where to start or feel nervous about the process, this class is for you.
During this two-hour workshop, you will learn:
Safety and sanitation practices to ensure success
What is lacto-fermentation and the different applications through three simple and delicious recipes–sour pickles, fermented hot sauce & summer kimchi
What to look for as your ferment ages on your kitchen counter, the expected shelf life of ferments, and different uses for fermented vegetables.
Seaside Sips: Exploring Italy’s Coastal Whites
With more than 4,700 miles of coastline, Italy boasts a wide range of styles and important white grape varieties located in close proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.
Join Scott Thomas, Italian Wine Ambassador and founder of Grappolo Wine School, for this epic guided tasting journey around the Italian boot, exploring some of the key sun-kissed grapes and regions, from large islands to the rugged mainland where the mountains fall into the sea. Wines will be paired with small regional bites to showcase their versatility and importance in Italian seaside culture.
Trade Only - Orvieto Masterclass and Tasting
Grappolo Wine School presents, in conjunction with the Consorzio Vino Orvieto, an in-depth, trade-only masterclass on the historic Orvieto region.
Official Orvieto Ambassador, Scott Thomas, will first lead an hour-long masterclass covering the terroir, DOC regulations, history, and unique physical features of the region, followed by an hour-long live virtual tasting with several producers from Orvieto.
This is a unique opportunity to taste a range of Orvieto wines, from dry to sweet, shipped directly from the Consorzio, showcasing the diverse styles within the denomination. Several of these wines are not available in our market and may be seeking Colorado representation.
When: Monday, June 17
Time: 11:00-1:00
Where: Birch Road Social Club - 3845 Lipan St, Denver
Please arrive on time as we will commence right at 11:00.
Space is limited, so if you find that you're unable to attend, we sincerely request that you take a moment to cancel your reservation. This simple act not only opens up the opportunity for someone else to participate but also ensures efficient planning and resource allocation on our end. Thank you kindly.
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.