Hear insightful talks about wine cultivation and drinking practices from experts in archaeology, classical history, literature, and science, then enjoy a sommelier-led wine tasting at a special outdoor reception.
Take advantage of late summer hours, when the Villa remains open until 9:00pm on Saturdays, to cap off the evening with a visit to the galleries where numerous Greek and Roman vessels for mixing and serving wine are on display. The July programs complement the exhibition Ancient Luxury and the Roman Silver Treasure from Berthouville on view through August 17, 2015.
Bacchus Uncorked debuts with two evenings in July
Travels with Bacchus: How an Enigmatic Wine-God Came to France, Saturday, July 11
The ancients believed that it was the wine-god Bacchus—or, to the Greeks, Dionysos—who first introduced the fruit of the vine and its fermented juice to humans. He traveled extensively from east to west, sharing his gift to all who would accept him. Join noted classicist and culinary historian Albert Leonard, Jr., as he sheds light on the early history of wine through ancient literature and modern archaeological evidence, and tracks Bacchus on his epic journey throughout the Mediterranean world. Following his talk, enjoy a reception and wine tasting led by certified sommelier Mark Botieff in the picturesque outdoor setting of the Getty Villa.
5:30–8:00pm in the auditorium and Café Terrace at the Getty Villa. Admission: $60; advance ticket required. Includes lecture, wine tasting reception, and parking. Call (310) 440–7300 or reserve online. Parking is $10 after 5:00pm
Vinum, Vidi, Vici: Wine, Culture, and Colonialism in Ancient Gaul, Saturday, July 18.
While France is known for its fine wine, it was the Etruscans in the 7th century BCE who first introduced the fermented beverage to ancient Gaul, forever changing the region. Anthropologist Michael Dietler takes a look at the role wine and viniculture played in transforming the cultural, social, and commercial landscape that would become modern France. The luxurious Roman silver wine vessels unearthed at Berthouville in northern France, which are currently on view at the Getty Villa, help deepen our understanding of the people who acquired and used them. After the talk, enjoy the summer evening with a reception and wine tasting led by certified sommelier Mark Botieff.
5:30–8:00pm in the Auditorium and Café Terrace at the Getty Villa. Admission: $60; advance ticket required. Includes lecture, wine tasting reception, and parking. Call (310) 440–7300 or reserve online. Parking is $10 after 5:00pm Generous support for these programs has been provided by the Villa Council.