Wine Passport Series with Claudia Chamberlain: The Wine of Italy (3/22-23/2025)

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the world’s most celebrated wine regions in the Wine Passport Series, an immersive and enriching experience led by the esteemed Claudia Chamberlain, a highly accomplished wine educator. Each session is designed to transport you to a renowned wine region, unraveling its unique terroirs, winemaking traditions, and iconic varietals, while discovering the perfect harmony between wine and food.

Each 2-hour class features expertly curated wine tastings guided by Claudia, paired with dishes thoughtfully crafted by Skillette's own Michelin-trained chef Rachel Bindel. These pairings highlight both classic and unexpected combinations, enhancing your understanding of how flavors interact and elevating your sensory experience. Through engaging discussions and hands-on tastings, you’ll develop a deeper appreciation for the artistry of winemaking, as well as practical knowledge to identify and pair wines with confidence.

This experience is perfect for wine enthusiasts of all levels, whether you're refining an existing passion or just beginning your exploration. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the featured region’s wines, learn tips on identifying flavor profiles, and discover new ways to approach food pairings. Beyond the technical knowledge, you’ll leave with memorable moments shared with like-minded wine lovers, a more refined palate, and an elevated ability to bring the magic of food and wine pairings into your own home.

Italian Wine Regions Part 1: Northern Italy

Saturday, March 22, 12:00 - 2:00 pm
In this session, we’ll travel to Northern Italy, exploring Piedmont, Lombardy, Veneto, and Alto Adige. Taste the renowned Nebbiolo grape in Barolo and Barbaresco, and discover the sparkling beauty of Franciacorta. From the crisp white wines of Soave to the powerful reds of Valpolicella, you’ll learn how climate and soil influence these wines. Plus, we’ll explore the alpine wines of Alto Adige and the unique white wine traditions of Friuli, focusing on how terroir and ancient soils shape these diverse wine styles.

Featured wines: 

1. Barolo
2. Barbaresco or Langhe
3. Franciacorta
4. Soave
5. Amarone
6. Alto Adige Pinot Grigio
7. Friuli- orange wine
8. Prosecco 

Italian Wine Regions Part 2: Central & Southern Italy

Sunday, March 23, 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Complete your Italian wine journey with a dive into the heart of Central and Southern Italy, from Tuscany to Sicily. Explore Tuscany’s iconic Sangiovese wines in Chianti and Brunello di Montalcino, before venturing into the bold reds of Puglia and the volcanic wines of Mount Etna. We’ll also uncover the indigenous grapes of Sardinia, finishing with an understanding of how soil, climate, and tradition shape these distinctive Italian styles.

Featured Wines:

1. Chianti Classico
2. Brunello di Montalcino
3. Montepulciano d’Abruzzo
4. Greco di Tufo
5. Primitivo di Manduria
6. Etna Bianco
7. Etna Rosso
8. Cannonau di Sardegna

About Claudia Chamberlain

Claudia Chamberlain brings an impressive array of credentials and experience to Skillette. Based in Washington, D.C., she is the Mid-Atlantic Region Manager for Jackson Family Wines and a WSET educator at the prestigious Capital Wine School. Claudia holds the WSET Diploma in Wines and WSET Level 3 in Spirits, as well as certifications as a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) and Certified Spirits Educator (CSE) from the Society of Wine Educators. She is also an Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a WSET-certified instructor for both wine and spirits, and a Master Sommelier candidate. Currently pursuing Stage 2 of the Master of Wine program, Claudia is one of the foremost wine educators in the industry.