LITTLE WINE SCHOOL | Wines of the Extreme: Exploring Heroic Viticulture

Heroic viticulture is the practice of growing grapes in extremely difficult terrains, such as on steep mountain slopes, in high-altitude areas, on small islands, or on terraced vineyards. Because these environments are so challenging, modern machinery cannot be used for cultivation and harvesting, and all work must be done manually.The concept is defined by the Centre for Research, Environmental Sustainability and Advancement of Mountain Viticulture (CERVIM), an international organization created to promote and protect this form of agriculture.Key characteristics of heroic viticulture include:

• Manual labor: Almost all vineyard work, from pruning to harvesting, is done by hand. In some regions, grapes are carried up slopes in baskets by workers.
• Extreme locations: Heroic vineyards are often found on sites that feature one or more of the following conditions:
• • Steep slopes with an incline greater than 30%.
  • High altitudes over 500 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level.
  • Terraced landscapes with dry-stone walls.
  • Small islands with minimal infrastructure.
• High-quality, unique wines: The stressful conditions—including intense sun exposure, poor drainage, and large day-night temperature variations—can produce grapes with exceptional character and depth, resulting in unique and expressive wines.
• Preservation of heritage: Many heroic viticulture sites have a long history and cultural significance, with practices that have been passed down for generations. The effort preserves both the landscape and traditional knowledge.

Examples of heroic viticulture can be found in places like Italy's Cinque Terre, the Douro Valley in Portugal, and Spain's Ribeira Sacra. These vineyards are valued not only for their distinctive wines but also for the stunning, laboriously maintained landscapes they create, many of which are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Enjoy expert insights, tasting notes, and food pairings in a cozy and welcoming setting. Space is very limited, reserve your seat today!

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Details:

Tickets are $65 per guest (plus Eventbrite fee, non-refundable).Your ticket includes a guided tasting and wine education led by sommelier Jon Hays of The Italian Vine, snacks, along with exclusive pricing on featured wines.⁠

Please note any food allergies when reserving your ticket and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

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