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The Aperitivo in Venice: History, Tradition, and the Perfect Spritz with Rachel Erdman

The Aperitivo in Venice: History, Tradition, and the Perfect Spritz with Rachel Erdman


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Join us for a virtual aperitivo in Venice as we look at all aspects of this local tradition from the history of the drinks that are served to how this relaxing ritual seamlessly fits into daily life and culture. Enjoy an in-depth look at what makes the aperitivo so inviting, from Prosecco and Bellinis to the many versions of the Spritz. Of course, it wouldn’t be an aperitivo seminar without a live demonstration of how to prepare the perfect Spritz.

We will begin by discussing the role the aperitivo plays in daily life in Venice, and then look closely at the favorite drinks themselves. We’ll start with a classic ombra of sparkling Prosecco, then move on to the elegant Bellini cocktail, discovering where and when it was created.

We will then become spritz connoisseurs, as we dive into the interesting history of this truly Venetian specialty, whose origins date back to the period under Austro-Hungarian rule. We’ll learn how the amari producers of Campari and Aperol have brought about the evolution of the spritz, and discover the Venetian spirits Cynar and Select. At the end of the seminar, Rachel will demonstrate the techniques for preparing the most classic versions of the Spritz as well as new variations.

Led by an expert on Italian wine, Rachel Erdman, this interactive seminar will provide an in-depth look at the traditions of the aperitivo in and around Venice. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased understanding of this local tradition and the skills to prepare these cocktails at home with quality ingredients

The Aperitivo in Venice seminar will include a demonstration of how to prepare the classic versions of the Spritz.  If you would like to follow along and prepare a drink or two at home, here is what you will need:

  • Prosecco DOCG  brut or extra dry to drink on its own
  • Prosecco DOC to use in the Spritz cocktails
  • One (or more) of the following bitter Italian liqueurs:
    • Campari
    • Aperol
    • Cynar
    • Select
  •  Seltzer Water or unflavored sparkling water or club soda
  • Orange and lemon slices
  • Large green olives

Rachel is a wine and food expert based in the Veneto region of Italy, her home for more than twenty-five years, and a graduate of Boston University. She received her sommelier certification in Italy in 2009 through the Associazione Italiana Sommelier. Rachel continued her studies to become a cheese taster (ONAF) a few years—and many cheeses–later. She has led wine tastings and gourmet walks for Context Travel in Venice and Padova since 2007. She co-founded www.venicedaytrips.com, which specializes in wine and food tours in northern Italy, to share her passion for Italian wine and artisanal cheese with visitors from around the globe.

Not suitable for children under age 13 (sensitive content).

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 33 reviews
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(33)
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P
Patricia (Mill Valley, US)
Cin Cin!

Rachel has ignited a passion in me for the Aperitivo! I took this same class many months ago, then took her other on the Aperitivo in Italy and have repeated both because I didn't listen well enough the first time! She is a superstar presenter and seems to update her presentations so that I keep learning new things. The first time through we were in the depths of Covid SIP and these Conversations were a light yet very informative way to learn more about Italy while stuck at home. Now, we are confirmed devotees of Aperitivi and they have, indeed, enhanced our lives!

J
Jan Sims (London, CA)
Fun and Informative

I really liked the combination of practical advice, historical perspective, and travel advice.

R
Robert Stalker (Halifax, CA)
Very well spent two hours.

I truly enjoyed this presentation by the very knowledgeable and erudite Rachel Erdman. I will not make a habit of drinking "up a storm" which is an expression often used here on the East Coast of Canada and my power just came on after Hurricane Elsa had knocked it out. I love drinking negroni and love the addition of a small amount of top quality white balsamic vinegar as recommended by Stanley Tucci in his recent six part series on CNN with his travels around Italy and I hope the next series starting soon, includes a stop in Venice (and how can it on if he is to be taken seriously)?

L
Lorrie Linquist (Golden, US)
The Aperitivo in Venice

Such a great presentation! Learned not only really interesting things about these various popular drinks in Venice but also lots of nuggets about Venice itself. Rachel was an excellent guide-tremendous knowledge, great pace and a very fun session.

C
Carolyn B (Brisbane, AU)
Fabulous

Great presentation, very informative and lots of fun!

Customer Reviews

Based on 33 reviews
100%
(33)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
P
Patricia (Mill Valley, US)
Cin Cin!

Rachel has ignited a passion in me for the Aperitivo! I took this same class many months ago, then took her other on the Aperitivo in Italy and have repeated both because I didn't listen well enough the first time! She is a superstar presenter and seems to update her presentations so that I keep learning new things. The first time through we were in the depths of Covid SIP and these Conversations were a light yet very informative way to learn more about Italy while stuck at home. Now, we are confirmed devotees of Aperitivi and they have, indeed, enhanced our lives!

J
Jan Sims (London, CA)
Fun and Informative

I really liked the combination of practical advice, historical perspective, and travel advice.

R
Robert Stalker (Halifax, CA)
Very well spent two hours.

I truly enjoyed this presentation by the very knowledgeable and erudite Rachel Erdman. I will not make a habit of drinking "up a storm" which is an expression often used here on the East Coast of Canada and my power just came on after Hurricane Elsa had knocked it out. I love drinking negroni and love the addition of a small amount of top quality white balsamic vinegar as recommended by Stanley Tucci in his recent six part series on CNN with his travels around Italy and I hope the next series starting soon, includes a stop in Venice (and how can it on if he is to be taken seriously)?

L
Lorrie Linquist (Golden, US)
The Aperitivo in Venice

Such a great presentation! Learned not only really interesting things about these various popular drinks in Venice but also lots of nuggets about Venice itself. Rachel was an excellent guide-tremendous knowledge, great pace and a very fun session.

C
Carolyn B (Brisbane, AU)
Fabulous

Great presentation, very informative and lots of fun!