By Charlene Peters
Beer and pizza. Wine and pizza. But sake and pizza?
If there was one person qualified to justify the combination of sake with pizza, it would be Marina Giordano, sake educator at Commonwealth Wine School in Harvard Square, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
Marina holds a WSET certification as a Sake Educator with a WSET Wine and Spirits Diploma. And her credentials don’t stop here. Additionally, she completed the Sake Scholar Course, Japan Sake and Shochu Academy, and has earned the title as Advanced Sake Professional with the Sake Education Council. Marina is also a Certified Specialist in Wine with the Society of Wine Educators.
Accompanied by officials of the National Research Institute of Brewing, Marina has spent considerable time in Japan studying sake production in multiple regions. And if this roster doesn’t keep her busy enough, her role as an EMMY Award-winning television director for 7 NEWS at Boston’s WHDH-TV surely does.
Due to her early morning television role, it’s a rare occurrence for Marina to teach a public class at Commonwealth Wine School. But on Saturday, June 4 from 6:30-8pm (ET), Marina is teaching a Sake & Pizza tasting class at the school, located at 35 Dunster St. in Cambridge. For those who can’t make it in person, you can choose to take the class online. It’s up to you, but everyone who signs up will be in good company in that most people think of sake and sushi as a pairing.
Marina is ready to break out of the box and see how the unique elements of sake pair well with pizza! She plans to discuss the distinctive styles of sake and offer up pairings with some of your favorite kinds of pizza.
If you’re not in the Cambridge, Massachusetts area, you can choose to take this course online and will be provided with tasting lists so that you may purchase sake to taste along at home. Cost to attend is $49 Online / $100 In Person – sign up HERE.
If you can’t make the June 4 class, there’s another upcoming class on June 25, titled “Sake for Wine Lovers.” This class will be held from 6:30-8pm (ET) in-person at the Cambridge school or online, and also taught by Marina. Her goal is to shed some light on wine lovers who aren’t sure about sake. Marina will introduce styles of sake that are similar to your favorite wines, such as lean whites, bold reds, sparkling, Sherry & dessert wines. You’ll walk away with knowledge of this ancient beverage and find a new favorite sake! Cost to attend is $49 Online / $85 In Person – sign up HERE. You can choose to take this course in person at Commonwealth Wine School or online. If you choose the online option, the school will provide you with tasting lists so that you may purchase sake to taste along at home.
“Our goal is to make it easy for people to learn more about wine, spirits, and sake at any level,” says Jessica Sculley, director of Commonwealth Wine School (CWS). “We’re proud to offer an array of public tastings, trade events, private events, and certification courses led by instructors who are experts in their fields.”
Commonwealth Wine School, located in Harvard Square, Cambridge, is dedicated to providing the best in wine, spirits, and sake education for all levels of interest. If you’re seeking a place where you can enjoy a fun experiential wine class before heading to dinner on the weekend, or if you’re on a serious track to earning a Wine Scholar Guild or WSET certification, view the calendar of events online at www.commonwealthwineschool.com.
