Aperitivo Italiano: A Sommelier's Guide to Christmas Wines

Join us for a curated tasting journey through Italian wines, perfect for celebrating the holiday season.

A Sommelier’s Guide to Christmas Wines features four distinctive Italian wines, each showcasing the character and traditions of Italy’s diverse wine regions. We’ll begin with the freshness and delicate red-fruit notes of Carpenè Malvolti Sparkling Rosé from Veneto, an elegant choice for holiday aperitivo, followed by Firriato Cavanera Ripa di Scorciavacca Etna Bianco, a distinctive Sicilian white that reflects the volcanic terroir of Mount Etna through its vibrant acidity and refined minerality.

From there, we’ll transition into the world of Italian reds with Visconti della Rocca Montepulciano d’Abruzzo Riserva, offering depth, dark-fruit character, and structure, before concluding with Il Palazzo Moro Rosso Toscana IGT, a rich and expressive Tuscan red blend with layers of ripe fruit and spice.

Discover how these four wines bring something special to the holiday table, with distinctive flavors and styles to complement festive gatherings and seasonal meals. Raise a glass and celebrate the magic of Christmas through the art of Italian winemaking!

A TOAST TO AN ITALIAN CHRISTMAS! 🥂🎄

📅 Tuesday, December 8, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:00 p.m.
📍 Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston

Meet the Presenter

Riccardo Guerrieri is a Certified Sommelier and President and co-founder of VinSanto, a Houston-based wine bar, shop, and bistro dedicated to making the world of wine approachable, engaging, and enjoyable.

With experience spanning wine importing, wine buying, and hospitality management, Riccardo brings a well-rounded perspective to wine discovery. At VinSanto, he focuses on introducing guests to distinctive boutique wines and exploring the stories, regions, and traditions behind every bottle.

Passionate about continually expanding his wine knowledge. Riccardo is back at the ICCC of Houston for A Sommelier’s Guide to Christmas Wines; he will lead guests through four distinctive Italian selections, sharing his insights into their regional character, tasting profiles, and the art of choosing wines for the holiday season.

What does aperitivo italiano really mean?

An aperitivo is more than an Italian version of happy hour; actually, it is a cherished Italian ritual that brings people together over wine, conversation, and small bites before the evening begins.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge the following: I understand that I am reserving a spot, and reservations for this event are nonrefundable. If I am unable to attend, I understand that I can transfer my ticket to a friend.

This event is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

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