To introduce you to the wine and food of Italia — or perhaps to refresh your memory — the LCBO is thrilled to partner with author, TV host and Italian food expert David Rocco to help you make “My Italy” your own. David is passionate about Italy and its wine and food. So we knew he was the perfect “tour guide” to take us on a journey to experience Italy’s regional flavours. His hit Food Network series and cookbook, David Rocco’s Dolce Vita, made him a food and travel celebrity. Now he’s out with a gorgeous new cookbook, Made in Italy, and a new series that will air on The Food Network this fall called David Rocco’s Amalfi Getaway. Let’s go with David to learn about wines like Chianti, Amarone and Barolo and how to pair them with his delicious recipes

TIME FOR A COCKTAIL For Italians, David says, “having a drink is about community and flavour.” THE socialenetwork Aperitivo is a social phenomenon all over Italy. Friends and colleagues gather for a cocktail, a glass of Prosecco, a beer — “just something to sip and enjoy while chatting.” The must-have cocktail for aperitivo is the Aperol Spritz. It’s made with sweet yet bitter, orange-flavoured Aperol liqueur, Prosecco and soda. In fact, aperitivo without Aperol is like a meal without olive oil!