During Queen Victoria’s yearly visit to Venice, the Bar and Sommeliers teams had the unique opportunity of visiting the headquarters of one of Italy’s most important family owned wineries, Zonin 1821, located in Gambellara, Italy.
With almost 200 years of history and seven generations of family, Zonin is a leader in the industry, known internationally for the quality of their wines and their entrepreneurial dynamism.
The day began with a vineyard visit which included an explanation of the vine growing practices by the wine makers. The tour then continued to Zonin’s wine museum, as well as the bottling facility, followed by wine tasting paired with some traditional Italian snacks.
As Zonin 1821 is not only about delicious Prosecco, but also a great wine producer, with nine other different estates across the country, the team had the opportunity to learn more on the brand diversity and tasted some wines present on Cunard’s extensive wine list:
Starting from the tour location, in Friuli, a region located in the northern eastern side of Italy, there was the Tenuta Ca’ Bolani, Cabernet Franc, Refosco, Savignon and Traminer, as well as the 1821 Prosecco. Moving towards the central region of the country, Tuscany, there was the Chianti Classico Castello di Albola and Calasole Vermentino from Rocca di Montemassi. The tasting finished with wines from a New World wine region, Virginia, where Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Viogner from Barboursville Estate were served.
“This experience really enhanced our knowledge and created great commercial awareness shared amongst all. A day we shall not forget. It was a White Star moment. Kudos!” said Dinesh Kathiresan, Queen Victoria’s Bar Manager.
“The diversity of training structure and delivery of the White Star Service academy is crucial to keep our team inspired and up to date with the latest trade trends; training is not only about sitting in a class, but about experiencing our products, meeting the producers, gaining an interest into the superb products that we have available on our fleet.”- Claudia Carrozzi, Fleet Beverage Developer Specialist, Cunard.