APCI NORTH AMERICA BRINGS THE SPIRIT OF CHIANTI TO CANADA
Two immersive masterclasses in Montréal and Vancouver strengthen the connection between Italian wine culture and the North American hospitality industry
APCI North America, in collaboration with the Consorzio Vino Chianti, successfully concluded two exclusive editions of the immersive masterclass experience “Chianti in Vigna – Between the Rows”, held in Montréal and Vancouver during May 2026.
Designed as professional tasting and networking experiences dedicated to the promotion of Chianti DOCG wines in the Canadian market, the events brought together importers, buyers, sommeliers, chefs, hospitality professionals, media representatives, and wine enthusiasts for a journey through the flavors, aromas, and traditions of Tuscany.
The first masterclass took place on May 4th at the historic Casa d’Italia in Montréal, while the second was hosted on May 11th at Locanda Dell’Orso in Vancouver. Both events featured guided technical tastings led by professional sommeliers Omar Pengue and Nazanin Gheitasian, accompanied by curated culinary pairings inspired by Tuscan cuisine.
In Montréal, Chef Paolo Evoli, Quebec Delegate of APCI North America, created a refined tasting menu designed to highlight the versatility and gastronomic adaptability of Chianti wines. The canapé selection included:
Wagyu beef tartare on crispy rice paper chips with grated cured egg yolk
Charcuterie, pecorino and honey brûlé fig skewers
Norcina-style arancina with cacio e pepe sauce
Meatball with roasted tomato sauce
Fresh ricotta and spinach raviolo with quail egg
Duck breast with potato purée and acorn-smoked Chianti sauce
Ricotta, pear and dark chocolate basket on sesame chips
In Vancouver, our International Coordinator, Chef Giovanni Trigona, together with Chef Daniele Navarria and Chef Aubrey Aliggayu, curated a Tuscan-inspired culinary experience featuring elegant and rustic pairings designed to complement the structure and aromatic profile of the wines presented. The menu included:
Crostino with ricotta, chestnut honey and walnut
Beef tartare crostino with capers and orange zest
Crostino with semi-aged pecorino and red onion jam
Chicken liver pâté crostino with Vin Santo gel
Mini bruschetta with braised beef cheek
Crostino with finocchiona and pecorino cream
Grilled crostone topped with fried polenta, thyme-sautéed porcini mushrooms and whipped ricotta cream
The immersive atmosphere played a central role in both events. Guests were welcomed into spaces transformed to evoke the Chianti countryside through vineyard-inspired décor, including hay bales, fresh grape trellises, aromatic Mediterranean herbs, wood elements, and fragrances recalling rosemary, cherry, balsamic notes, and Tuscan earth.
Featured wineries included producers such as Agricola Ludus, Tenuta Setteponti, Marchesi Gondi, Uggiano, Cecchi, Melini, Villa Travignoli, Buccia Nera, Borgo Macereto and several others representing the stylistic diversity and authenticity of the Chianti denomination.
According to APCI North America, the goal of the project was not only to showcase Italian wine excellence, but also to create tangible commercial and cultural connections between Italian producers and the North American hospitality industry.
“The response from the public exceeded expectations,” stated APCI North America representatives. “Importers, restaurant operators, and wine professionals showed genuine interest in introducing several of the wines presented into their wine lists and commercial portfolios. The events demonstrated how strongly the Chianti denomination resonates with the Canadian market when presented through authentic storytelling, technical education, and gastronomy.”
Both masterclasses also generated important networking opportunities before and after the formal tasting sessions. Special recognition was given to Casa d’Italia Montréal and Locanda Dell’Orso Vancouver for providing welcoming environments that encouraged dialogue and relationship-building among industry professionals.
Through initiatives such as “Chianti in Vigna – Between the Rows,” APCI North America continues to strengthen its role as a bridge between Italy and North America, promoting authentic Italian food and wine culture while supporting meaningful business development opportunities for Italian producers abroad.
