Celebration and Cure: The Role of Wine and Grappa in Renaissance Italy

The Italian Renaissance has long been celebrated for its novel art and literature, shrewd political spirit, and economic innovation. This specific time and place are also tied to wine, a drink which fueled the artists, statesmen, and merchants who drove such grand cultural change. Wine was present at nearly every celebration, whether hosted by the wealthiest ruling families or modest peasants. Wine was used to heal the sick and fortify the weak. The grapes which yielded such precious wine were so valued that even the leftover skins and pulp were distilled into a spirit similarly consumed for celebration and cure: grappa.

In this presentation, culinary historian Dr. Sarah Kernan will consider the cultural history of wine and grappa in Renaissance Italy. She will focus on how and why these drinks were consumed, as well as their connections to wine and distilled spirits throughout Europe.

$45 ticket includes private access to the event, lecture, light snacks, three drink tickets (wine and beer). Non-alchoholic beverages will also be available.

Special thanks to St. Ignatius College Prep and for supporting this event. Guests who wish to dine at Peanut Park Trattoria before or after the lecture will be treated to a 10% discount off their bill. Just show your ticket! We highly suggest you make a reservation.

Sarah Peters Kernan, PhD, is an independent culinary historian. Her research focuses on cookbooks and culinary activity in medieval and early modern England. With Helga Müllneritsch, she co-edited Culinary Texts in Context, 1500-1800: Manuscript Recipe Books in Early Modern Europe, just published by Amsterdam University Press in 2024. She is an editor of The Recipes Project and host of the podcast, Around the Table. Sarah teaches a variety of culinary history courses in continuing education and lifelong learning programs. Also through these programs, she presents virtual cooking demonstrations of historic recipes. Sarah collaborates frequently with the Newberry Library in Chicago, assembling modules on food history topics for Digital Collections for the Classroom and teaching programs on culinary history for teachers.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

1019 S May St, 1019 South May Street, Chicago, United States