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PREVIEW: A Wine and Food Tour of Southwestern Slovenia and Friuli, Italy
With Sommelier Katherine Haswell, October 2025

Come join Radius Workshops and Sommelier Katherine Haswell on a journey through the Vipava Valley and Goriska Brda in Slovenia, and Collio in the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region of Northeastern Italy. These bordering regions have been producing wines since Roman times and continue to produce some of the best wines to this day. We will visit and taste wine from mostly small, organic natural producers on both sides of the border and will explore the vineyards and cellars of the area, tasting and learning as we go.

Gastronomic Highlights
Friuli, Vipava, and Gorsika Brda are also well known for their original, locally inspired cuisine. There is a cluster in the area of Michelin-starred and rated restaurants. We will dine at roadside gos?lnas, cafes, and Michelin-rated restaurants. We will visit local prosciutto and cheese producers, search the forest for in-season Porcini mushrooms, and even participate in a truffle hunt.

Key Destinations
The group will explore Ljubljana, a jewel-box city and the capital of Slovenia, and the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with a vast underground canyon carved by the Reka River, among other sites. Katherine will share her expertise on the history and characteristics of the wines we will be tasting.

Group Leaders

Katherine HaswellKatherine Haswell
With over 20 years in the wine industry, Katherine brings a wealth of knowledge and enthusiasm as your guide. Her journey as a sommelier began in Gainesville, FL, and later took her to one of NYC’s top restaurants. Along the way, she became a wine bar owner, educator, and consultant for restaurants and private clients. She’s toured wine regions worldwide, building meaningful relationships with winemakers and learning the unique stories behind each bottle. Katherine believes wine should be fun, accessible, and a source of joy and connection for everyone. Join her for an unforgettable experience exploring the world of wine together!

Frederick Brown
Frederick Brown is a Florida-based chef and director of Radius Workshops. With more than 25 years’ experience, he has honed his craft working in New York, Finland, Italy, and France, including as Corporate Sous Chef and instructor for Bon Appétit Magazine. Fred has been coordinating and leading workshops in Europe since 2007. Fred was also the co-owner of Crane Ramen restaurants (Gainesville and Jacksonville, FL) and Madrina’s Cocktail Lounge (Gainesville, FL).

The Workshop Includes:

  • A comprehensive vinicultural workshop with Katherine
  • A truffle and mushroom hunt with a local expert, followed by a truffle snack
  • Cooking demonstrations
  • All internal transportation
  • Double-occupancy accommodations (Single occupancy may be available with a supplement)
  • Five dinners ranging from Michelin stars to roadside gostlinas
  • All breakfasts
  • Day trips to vineyards and food producers in Slovenia and Italy
  • Day trips to Ljubljana and Trieste, Italy

For more information, visit: www.radiusworkshops.com
Contact: Fred@radiusworkshops.com

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