The Great Wine Regions Series – Part 8: Southern Italy and the Islands

Part Eight of our 12-part masterclass: The Great Wine Regions Series, Southern Italy and the Islands – Sun, Volcanoes, and Indigenous Grapes

Southern Italy is where sunshine meets serious identity. These regions produce wines with depth, character, and a strong sense of place, shaped by heat, altitude, sea breezes, and volcanic soils. From the structured reds of Campania to the rich, dark fruit of Sicily and the wild landscapes of Sardinia, this masterclass explores why Southern Italy and the Islands are now among Europe’s most exciting sources of quality and value.

Led by Radu Vasile, our in-house wine educator, this session makes Southern Italy easy to navigate. Expect clear frameworks, side-by-side comparisons, and plenty of “aha” moments as we connect indigenous grapes, climate, and winemaking traditions to what you taste in the glass.

About the Masterclass

This structured three-hour session blends guided tasting with deep-dive learning into Southern Italy’s most important regions and styles. You will explore how altitude and coastal influence preserve freshness, how volcanic soils shape aroma and texture, and why indigenous varieties are central to the region’s identity.

With Radu’s guidance, you will refine your tasting technique, learning how to assess ripeness, tannin quality, alcohol balance, acidity, and the distinctive savoury notes often found in Mediterranean wines. To bring the regions to life, we will enjoy Southern Italian-inspired nibbles alongside the wines.

What to Expect

• Taste 8 wines spanning Southern Italy and the Islands, showcasing key regional styles and indigenous varieties
• Understand the main grapes and what they bring to a blend or single-variety wine (such as Aglianico, Nero d’Avola, Nerello Mascalese, Fiano, Greco, and Vermentino)
• Compare mainland vs island expressions and the role of sea breezes in balance and freshness
• Explore volcanic influence (especially around Etna and Campania) and how it changes structure and aroma
• Learn how tradition and modern winemaking shape today’s best examples
• Develop tasting skills focusing on ripeness, tannin grain, acidity, savoury complexity, and balance

Who Is This For?

Series Loyalty Bonus

Attending more than one event? Get 10% off your next tasting in the series. Learn more, taste more – spend less.

Event Details

When: Saturday 27th June 2026, 12:30 pm
Where: Loki Wine, Edgbaston
Duration: 3 hours
Tickets: £60 per person
Capacity: Limited to 20 guests

Refunds available up to 30 days before the event. Tickets are transferable up to 14 days before the event. Due to limited capacity, no refunds or transfers within 14 days of the event.