Aperitivo Italiano: The Wines of Umbria & Puglia

Join us at the historic Milford House for an aperitivo italiano featuring wines from the vineyards of Marchesi Antinori, a company with 26 generations of winemaking heritage. Guided by guest speaker Patrick Bayne of Vinattieri1385, our tasting will feature two wines from Puglia and two from Umbria, all produced by the iconic Marchesi Antinori family. As always, we'll be serving house-made Italian appetizers to accompany the wines.

When: Tuesday, October 28, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Italian Cultural & Community Center, 1101 Milford Street, Houston, TX 77006

Tickets: $30 ICCC Members | $35 General Admission

About the presenter

Patrick Bayne’s journey into the world of fine wine and spirits didn’t start in a vineyard, it started in a cubicle. After earning his Finance degree from Florida State University in 1991, he quickly realized that crunching numbers all day wasn’t for him. He craved something more dynamic, something tangible. That’s when fate (and maybe a little luck) led him to a sales rep role at Premier Beverage in Pensacola, FL, where he discovered his passion for wine and spirits while selling to the picturesque beachside restaurants and bars along the Florida Panhandle.

However, selling to a market that ran mostly on “Chateau Miller Lite” had its limitations. Seeking bigger opportunities, Patrick set his sights on Texas, where he started from the ground up as a Merchandiser with Republic National Distributing. His drive and expertise quickly earned him promotions, and in 1998 and 1999, he was crowned “Salesperson of the Year.” Soon after, he moved into leadership as a Retail District Manager, further sharpening his skills in wine sales and team management.

After six years on the distributor side, Patrick “jumped the fence” to the supplier world, taking on the role of South Texas District Manager for Trinchero Family Estates. Over the next 24 years, his career flourished with key leadership roles at Ste. Michelle Estates, Beam Wine Estates, Constellation Brands, and E.&J. Gallo Winery. During his tenure at E.&J. Gallo Winery, he earned his WSET III, CSW, and CSS certification, deepening his wine & spirits expertise and reinforcing his commitment to continuous education in the industry.

In 2024, Patrick joined Vinattieri1385, as the South Texas / Louisiana Market Manager representing the iconic wines of Marchese Antinori. He now focuses on curating exclusive wine experiences throughout Houston, introducing both connoisseurs and newcomers to highly acclaimed brands like Antinori, Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Col Solare, Guado Al Tasso, Tormaresca, Prunotto, Pian Delle Vigne, Castella Della Sala, and Haras di Pirque. Whether he’s hosting an elevated tasting event or sharing the stories behind some of the world’s most prestigious vineyards, Patrick’s passion for wine remains as strong as ever.

What does aperitivo italiano really mean?

An aperitivo (or apéritif) is often described as being similar to the American happy hour, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. An aperitivo is a ritual, joyous and mood-lifting. It relaxes you after a day of work and prepares you for the night to come. The aperitivo has long been a staple in Italy, and in recent years, has been gaining more appreciation around the world.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge the following: reservations for this event are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your tickets to a friend.

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The Italian Cultural & Community Center is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

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