Course Details

972: Vines of Spain: A Historical and Modern Journey Through Wine

July 7-8
11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
In-Person

Embark on an enriching journey through the history of Spain, exploring its rich tapestry of politics, religion, and commerce intertwined with the evolution of its renowned wine industry. Tracing back from Phoenician influences to the emergence of Spain as a global wine superpower, discover how Spain's heritage has shaped its viticulture identity, and influenced worldwide tastes. By the end of this course, participants will have gained a high level overview of Spain's intricate history as seen through the lens of its wine culture. Salud!

Class Type: Lecture and Discussion

Class Format: In-Person

Hours of Reading: No reading

Study Group Leader(s):

Vivian Vasallo

Vivian Vasallo is interested in helping others learn more about Spain, its history, and its wines, aiming to bring people together and foster connections reminiscent of history binding us to our ancestors and each other.

A lifelong lover of travel, Vivian fell in love with the study of wine through visits to beautiful vineyards around the world. Her attraction to the industry stems from its rich cultural tapestry, timeless allure, and sense of community. She has explored wine regions extensively across North and South America, Europe, New Zealand, and Australia, even tasting in Kakheti, Georgia, the birthplace of wine, and sharing her insights through a published article in the Washington Post.

Her particular focus lies in the unifying power of wine, transcending cultural boundaries, and its deep historical significance. She holds certifications including the Wine and Education Spirit Trust (WSET) Level II, Spanish Wine Scholar (SWS) from the Wine Scholar Guild, and is an avid student at the Capital Wine School, having completed the Anatomy of the American Wine Business studying wines from around the globe. Currently pursuing her Rioja Wine Academy Certificate, her affinity for Spanish wine is rooted in her family history. Vivian has also lived in Barcelona and studied in Madrid.

Reading List:

¡Vino!: The History and Identity of Spanish Wine (Karl Trybus) | 0: | Recommended