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. Facciamo l’aperitivo!

Join us on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at the Milford House to taste the differences between blends and 100% varietal wines from the rolling hills of central Italy. The wines— from San Biagio Vecchio winery of Romagna and Colle di Bordocheo winery of Lucca—will be accompanied by Italian-style small bites. The ever entertaining Pierina Bianchini from Emotion for Passion will present.

About the presenter

Pierina Bianchini’s dream since childhood has been to become an ambassador and to travel the world. Today, that dream has evolved to be an ambassador for promoting Italian culinary traditions in the U.S.

In 1992, her personal journey abroad began in Maryland, where she was hosted by an amazing Indian family who quickly became her second family. In 1998, she was led from International Studies into the fascinating world of the wine industry.

Since then, she has visited special places and met amazing producers. They all had a common denominator: they were all different, with a unique story to tell, lots of love for their “terroir,” and they were trying their best to be true to their beliefs. Each of them had a personal journey, and Pierina wanted to be their voice, bringing their wines to the other side of the ocean. That is why Emotion for Passion project was born in 2015.

“When I drink a glass of wine, I like it only if it inspires in me an EMOTION, that emotion is the reflection of the PASSION and LOVE the producer had when he made that wine,” Bianchini says.

She is a hybrid entity, working six months in Italy at the wineries and six months in the U.S. with distributors and importers. She follows the wines from when they are born to when they get poured in the glass.

Date: Tuesday, October 24, 2023

Time: 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.

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

Price: $30 ICCC Members | $35 Non-members

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge the following: I understand that I am reserving a spot, and reservations for this event are nonrefundable. If I am unable to attend, I understand that I can transfer my ticket to a friend.

Click here to become a member of the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston.