CCR Wine Tasting: Great Italian Summer Wines - May 16, 2026

Refreshing! Light-bodied! Crisp! Discover the joy and versatility of a chilled Italian white, rose, sparkling and red wine. Sample the best wines for your meals and to share with friends on a hot summer day.

Where: Private residence (Corso Trieste area). Exact details will be sent to registered participants.

When: Saturday, May 16, 2026

Time: 6 p.m.

Cost: €35 for members (€45 for non-members). Advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda at canadarome@gmail.com.Payment by Monday, May 11th  Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead this CCR wine tasting. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Tasting: Abruzzo, Wines from the Apennines to the Adriatic – February 7, 2026

Join the CCR as we escape to the inland and coast of Abruzzo. A brief wine lesson will be followed by a guided tasting of 5 typical Abruzzo wines. As we journey through the region, we will savour crisp Trebbiano, unique Cerasuolo and structured Montepulciano. The wines will be paired with local cheese and charcuterie providing an authentic taste of this increasingly important Italian wine region. 

 

Sommelier Gilberto Gangarossa will guide the event. The tasting will be in Italian and English.

When: Saturday, Feb.7, 2026
Time: 7 p.m.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Monteverde Vecchio area). Exact address details will be sent to registered participants.
Cost: €35 for members (€45 for non-members). Advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.
RSVP to Linda at canadarome@gmail.com. Payment required by Monday, Feb. 2. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Wine Tasting: Rare Vintages from Humble Roots to Triumph - November 22, 2025

NB: Full/wait list open.

Italy possesses an extraordinary wealth of native grape varieties -- a living archive of viticultural biodiversity stretching back centuries. Yet for decades, many of these indigenous cultivars fell into obscurity and were overshadowed as Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other international varietals swept across the Italian countryside. Now, a determined group of winemakers deeply rooted in their ancestral terroir are reclaiming this legacy. They are reviving forgotten native grapes unique to their regions, coaxing them back from near extinction and crafting distinctive wines that capture the authentic character of the land. The result is a collection of rare vintages virtually unknown beyond Italy's borders, expressions that tell stories of place, tradition, and a commitment to the preservation of this wine heritage.

When: Saturday, Nov. 22, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. 

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, Nov. 17 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Canadian-Italian sommelier Cindi Emond lead this wine tasting in English. Following years of dedicated wine studies, Cindi completed WSET and three diploma levels, and has certifications from Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association. With her background in education and as a fine art and documentary photographer, Cindi combines technical knowledge with the gift of storytelling, making wine accessible and entertaining.

CCR Wine Tasting: The Story of Chianti Classico - March 8, 2025

Did you know that the name ‘Chianti’ referring to the wine dates back to at least 1398? Or that in 1716, Tuscan grand duke Cosimo III officially defined the Chianti wine area which, with a few changes, continues to exist to this day? In 2024, the Chianti Classico wine consortium, an organization which helps to protect and promote the quality of chianti wine, celebrated its hundredth year.

At our upcoming Chianti Classico wine tasting, the history and diversity of Chianti Classico wine region will be explored. We will also delve into the grape varieties and terroir that are so important to the region. After a short ‘lesson’ there will be a tasting of 5 Chianti Classico wines. Top Chianti producers will be showcased, with wines from each of the 5 different Chianti subregions.

Where: Residence of CCR members – Villa Patrizi area (exact details will be sent to registered participants).

When: Saturday, March 8, 2025

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday 3rd at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

Gilberto Gangarossa will be guiding the event. A licensed FIS sommelier since 2014, Gilberto has focused his wine knowledge with additional Master Class qualifications in several French and Italian wine regions, including Chianti Classico. He makes frequent trips to the Chianti region and has connections with several of the top producers in the area.

CCR Wine Tasting: Volcanic Wines of Italy - January 25, 2025

Some of the most exciting wines coming out of Italy have volcanic origins in their soils. A surprising number of great wines, from Veneto down to Sicily, hail from volcanic terroirs. We’ll be tasting volcanic favourites and new surprises.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Monteverde Vecchio area), exact details will be sent to registered participants.

When: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025

Time: 6 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Mon., Jan. 20 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead one of CCR’s wine tastings. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Lombardy - March 9, 2024

Everyone knows the wines of Veneto and Piedmont. But nestled in between is Lombardy, a region largely known for Franciacorta but also rich in a wide range of wine styles which we will discover together.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Monteverde Vecchio area), exact details will be sent to registered participants.

When: Saturday, March 9, 2024

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, March 4th at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead this CCR wine tasting. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

CCR Wine Tasting: Rare Indigenous Grape Varietals of Italy – February 3, 2024

NB Change of date.

This will be a tasting with a difference! As wines from rare indigenous grape varietals are seldom exported, they are hard to find outside their country of origin. Mostly grown at very small and specific locations, the vines on which these grapes are grown often face extinction due to neglect. The opportunity to taste these Italian wines is especially interesting because of their scarcity and limited production.

Where: Residence of CCR members (Villa Ada area, details will be sent to registered participants).

When: Saturday, Feb. 3, 2024

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda at canadarome@gmail.com; payment by Mon. Jan. 29. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

Ken Hayden, born in Quebec City, will lead this tasting. He is the Founder and Director of Appellation Wines, a wine agency registered in Ontario since 2000. In 2009, to distinguish his work from that of the competition, Ken decided to sell rare indigenous varietal wines exclusively, becoming the only company to do so in Canada. In 2017 he set up the Autoctovino platform, which features ongoing research on rare indigenous varietals found globally, listing both wineries and importers that share this interest. A wine enthusiast since the 1980s, Ken completed the International Sommelier Guild Program in 1997, followed by two additional sommelier programs focused on Italian wines.

CCR Wine Tasting: Wines from Marche, Abruzzo and Molise - May 19, 2023

Join us in discovering hidden gems from some of Italy’s lesser known regions for wine. This tasting will take us from Marche, a relatively undiscovered territory for wine lovers, to the flourishing grape-growing Abruzzo, to the little known Molise.

 

Where: Residence of CCR members – outdoor terrace weather permitting, indoor if rain (Villa Patrizi area -- details will be sent to registered participants).

When: Friday, May 19, 2023

Time: 7 p.m. 

Cost: €35 for members (€40 for non-members); advance payment required to confirm your place. A light dinner will follow the wine tasting.

RSVP to Linda; payment by Monday, May 15 at canadarome@gmail.com. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

We are pleased to have Marco Lori, Italian sommelier and wine master, lead one of CCR’s wine tastings. Marco’s sommelier training in 1995 sparked his passion for wine and set in motion years of study. In 2014 he earned the “Italian Sommelier Executive Wine Master” status, recognized by the Worldwide Sommelier Association. He is the founder of “Off the Vine,” a gastro-tourism venture in Italy.

Wine Social - March 3, 2023

We're having a social at a great wine bar and wine cellar in Rome! The Enoteca Peluso in the Ludovisi neighbourhood periodically holds excellent events featuring selected wines paired with light apéritif and dinner items, and we've booked a table to take advantage of this opportunity. Join us for an informal but informative evening as we socialize over great food and wine. 

This event will focus on three red wines from the Poggio Landi winery of Tuscany, including the renowned Brunello di Montalcino. A sommelier will be serving and although there won't be a formal presentation, they will be happy to answer all our questions.

Where: Enoteca Peluso, Via Sardegna 36A (Ludovisi/Via Veneto/Villa Borghese area)
When: Friday, March 3, 2023
Time: 8 p.m. 
Cost: €30 by reservation only. Advance payment required to confirm your place.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda and payment by noon on Monday, February 27. Please note that you are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Online Wine Class: Bubbles and Pairings for a Bright Start to 2023 - February 18, 2023

This online tasting will be dedicated to the various styles and varieties of sparkling wine that Italy has to offer. We will look at different styles of production and why various wines can be simple and light or rich and structured. We will go beyond Prosecco and Franciacorta to other emerging wines made with native grapes from regions all over the country. Not only will we taste some lesser known wines, but we will also look at value for money, quality, and Italy's place as a star in the international sparkling wine market. 
 
Prior to the class, our sommelier will recommend wines and food pairings. Participants can then purchase whichever wines they wish to taste and gather in small groups at home for this wine class. Coordinating will allow you to pool your purchases and taste a larger range of wines.

When: Saturday, February 18, 2023
Time: 7:30-9:00p.m.
Where: on Zoom
Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed. February 15, 2023. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.
 
Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Italian Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a Professor of Italian wine and culture. She is the Host of VOICES, covering DEI in the wine industry every Wednesday for the Italian Wine Podcast, and a contributing author and editor in the recently published Wine Democracy (2022) and Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 (2023). She has her own consulting business, Cynthia Chaplin Wine, and she works with Vinitaly International as Project and Events Manager, as a WSET Certified Educator, and as Editorial Manager and Coordinator of Vinitaly International Academy.

Genzano Art & Wine TAKE TWO! - June 5, 2022

Our first, very small-group visit to Palazzo Jacobini filled up so quickly that we've decided to do a second take and give more members and friends the opportunity to go on this outing to the Castelli Romani for some fabulous wine, art and fun socializing!

...

If your family had a tradition of making its own award-winning wine that dated back to 1680 only to be interrupted during the Second World War, wouldn't you dream of reviving it? Those were exactly the sentiments that motivated the Carafa Jacobini family to embark on the shift from being part of a wine grape-growing coop to being sole producers once again. Now the 2021 vintage of "Jacobini IGP Lazio" organic white wine is ready to be shared with us, too!

Nina and Alessandro in their vineyard

So we're heading to Genzano, in the Castelli Romani hills, for a very special experience. Alessandro Carafa Jacobini and Nina Farrell will welcome us into their family's private 17th-century home, Palazzo Jacobini, in the centre of Genzano, and we'll view the art collection Alessandro's family has assembled over the decades. During our visit, we will taste Jacobini wine and make an aperitivo of it in the Sala Pio IX room, where the wine will be paired with local artisan cheese, meats and breads, along with a tasting of their organic olive oil.

Just 3300 bottles have been produced of their 2021 vintage. Starting in 2019 they selected the best Procanico plants (a variety of Trebbiano Toscano) by hand from their Poggio del Cardinale vineyard. The final product reflects the volcanic terroir of the Castelli, producing a fresh, crisp but balanced white. At the end of our visit it will also be possible to purchase the wine at a special price for CCR members.

After our lovely art visit and aperitivo, we'll stroll over to a nearby restaurant for a set meal including a primo, a secondo, wine (another local organic Trebbiano -- for the sake of comparison!) and water. Nina and Alessandro can provide suggestions if you'd like to explore the area further on your own after lunch.

When: Sunday, June 5, 2022
Time: doors open at 11 and tour starts at 11:15 sharp

Where: Genzano centre; the exact address will be sent by email to confirmed participants.
Transportation: by your own means.
Cost: €40 per person including the art tour, wine tasting, aperitivo, and set lunch. CCR members and guests of members only. Advance payment is required.
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com

Verona Wine Tasting Trip - March 19, 2022

We're going to wine and dine in Verona! If you love Amarone, Ripasso, Valpolicella and other fine wines from the Veneto region, this is your chance to indulge. Our sommelier, Cynthia Chaplin, has organized a wonderful wine tasting and dinner for us at a lovely little osteria off the beaten track in Verona, where we'll have a private space and fabulous food during a very special exploration of wines from the area. She'll guide us as we taste 5 to 6 Veneto wines and enjoy a set menu – a generous tagliere (charcuterie board) to share for a starter, a choice of two primi, a choice of two secondi, and dessert. It promises to be an fascinating and unique wine tasting experience.

Easy to reach from Rome by fast train, Verona itself is famed for its history and romance, so make a long weekend of this opportunity! Participants can organize their own transportation and accommodation, but we'll coordinate once there to maximize our culinary explorations. The set wine tasting and meal event will be on a Saturday evening.

Space for the wine tasting dinner is limited, so book soon!

When: Saturday, March 19, 2022
Time:  evening – exact time to be confirmed
Where: Verona – details on the restaurant for the tasting will be sent to confirmed participants separately.
Cost: €75 person – includes wine tasting guided by Cynthia (5-6 wines) and dinner. Advance payment for the set wine tasting dinner required. 
RSVP to canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by COB on Fri. the 11th of March. Green Passes/Proof of vaccination will be checked and COVID-19 containment measures will be respected.

Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and with the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a professor of Italian wine and culture. Besides writing articles about wine for magazines and websites, she judges at international wine and sake competitions, and she consults with restaurants and enotecas on developing their wine lists and food pairings. Cynthia is currently a Project Manager and Educator for Vinitaly International Academy, and host on the Voices Series for The Italian Wine Podcast.

CCR Online Wine Class: Deep Dive into Sangiovese - February 19, 2022

Find out what’s new about Sangiovese, Italy’s best known and much loved indigenous grape. Known for its versatility, Sangiovese is the most cultivated red grape variety in Italy and has given birth to many famous wines. In this lecture and wine tasting with our sommelier, Cynthia Chaplin, we’ll delve deep into Sangiovese and take a look at this famous grape both inside and outside of Tuscany.

When: Saturday, February 19, 2022
Time: 6-7:30p.m.
Where: on Zoom
Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed. February 16, 2022. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.
 
Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and with the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a professor of Italian wine and culture. Besides writing articles about wine for magazines and websites, she judges at international wine and sake competitions, and she consults with restaurants and enotecas on developing their wine lists and food pairings. Cynthia is currently a Project Manager and Educator for Vinitaly International Academy, and host on the Voices Series for The Italian Wine Podcast.

CCR Online Wine Class: Italy vs France - January 15, 2022

Italy and France are two of the finest wine producers in the world. What is unique about each? Is one better than the other? Our sommelier, Cynthia Chaplin will take us on a ’wine tour’ of these two great wine producing countries from the comfort of our homes. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. Join us in discovering, enjoying, and learning more about wine. 

 
When: Saturday, January 15, 2022
Time: 6-7:30p.m.
Where: on Zoom
Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed. January 12, 2022. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.
 
Cynthia Chaplin is a Vinitaly International Academy certified Wine Ambassador, a professional sommelier with Fondazione Italiana Sommelier and with the Worldwide Sommelier Association, a member of Le Donne del Vino, and a professor of Italian wine and culture. Besides writing articles about wine for magazines and websites, she judges at international wine and sake competitions, and she consults with restaurants and enotecas on developing their wine lists and food pairings. Cynthia is currently a Project Manager and Educator for Vinitaly International Academy, and host on the Voices Series for The Italian Wine Podcast.

CCR Talks: Italy, the Land of Wine! - January 19, 2022

It is safe to say that for a couple of millennia now Italy's name has been closely associated with wine. Both its production and consumption have been identified with a certain Mediterranean lifestyle, which other peoples -- be they contemporary Canadians or 3rd-century BC Gauls -- have embraced with gusto. In this lecture we shall delve into some recent research, carried out using innovative techniques, into the very first phases of wine-growing. They are revealing the rich and enterprising world of early winegrowers -- and their valiant consumers!

When: Wednesday, January 19, 2022
Time: 6 p.m. (lecture duration is approx. 75 minutes)
Where: on Zoom
Cost: €10 for members and €15 for non-members.
RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Joe by Saturday, January 15, 2022. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

CCR Online Wine Classes: Wine and Women - March 13, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes.  This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

 

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from. 

The Third class – Wine and Women

International Women’s Day is celebrated in March and we will mark the day with a ‘wine celebration’ showcasing women wine producers in Italy. More and more women are joining the ranks of a new generation of innovative Italian wine makers. And although still in a minority, women are taking over the business of some of Italy’s top vineyards.

When: Saturday, March 13, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: Your Place! Online meeting platform: Zoom.

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed, Mar. 10, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation. Book soon, as the number of participants is limited for this interactive class.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

 

The classes will be given in English.

CCR Online Wine Classes: Malvasia with a Valentine's Twist - February 13, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes.  This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from.

The Second class – Malvasia with a Valentine's Twist

We’ll learn about the history of this important grape and how it expresses itself across the country. Beginning with a wine for the northeast and moving to more full bodies and fruitier wines in the central and southern Italy, we will look at how this grape changes due to terroir, how it works in blends, and its potential to regain prestige on the international market. And Cynthia will have a few surprises in celebration of Valentine’s Day!

When: Saturday, February 13, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: Your Place! Zoom meeting platform

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed, Feb. 10, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

 

The classes will be given in English.

CCR Online Wine Classes: An Italian Wine Fly-By - January 16, 2021

Our sommelier Cynthia Chaplin has put together a special series of online wine classes.  This is an exceptional opportunity to discover, enjoy and learn about Italian wine and culture from the comfort of our own homes. There will be something new for both novices and for those familiar with Italian wines. We’ll let Cynthia know in advance who is joining so that she can best meet the needs of the participants.

Each class will cover a specific theme and include a bit of history, information about grape varietals, soil, climate, location, and how all those elements affect the final result in the glass. And then we will taste a wine (or two) based on the theme presented. Prior to the class, Cynthia will recommend a selection of wines, allowing participants to purchase whichever ones they wish to taste. She will suggest the type of wine and the region it is from. 

The first class - An Italian Wine ‘Fly By’

 

More than an introduction, this session will give a brief background history of wine in Italy plus current trends and events in the sector. Wine styles in Italy compared to those found around the world, a look at the differences between wines in the north and the south, as well as a discussion of premium Italian wines versus those which are excellent quality, good value for money and lesser known internationally. We will drink a white and a red.

When: Saturday, January 16, 2021

Time: 6-7:30p.m.

Where: Your Place! Online meeting platform.

Cost: €10 for members, €12 for non-members; advance payment required to confirm your place. 

RSVP: canadarome@gmail.com ATTN Linda by Wed, January 13, 2021. You are financially responsible for your reservation.

 

Cynthia Chaplin, professional sommelier, member of Le Donne del Vino and professor of Italian wine and culture will give the classes. In Rome she works with embassies, corporations and private clients, creating and presenting tastings, events, seminars, and in-depth courses. Cynthia is a wine writer and a judge at international wine competitions.

 

The classes will be given in English.