Aperitivo Italiano: Barbera from Vine to Glass

Join us at the historic Milford House for an aperitivo italiano featuring Barbera wines from Piemonte. With all the accolades given to the “Big B’s” of Piemonte, Barbera, the “Other B” is often overlooked by wine lovers outside of Italy. As the most planted grape in Piemonte, the production of Barbera exceeds the total amount of wine produced in Barolo and Barbaresco combined. Join Rob May CWE, IWS, owner of the indie wine shop Killer Vino Brix and Mortar for an entertaining dive into Italian history and explore some great examples of Barbera from the most important regions in Piemonte dedicated to the production of wines from this underappreciated varietal. As always, we'll be serving Italian inspired appetizers to accompany the wines.

When: Tuesday, December 2, 2025 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

Where: Italian Cultural & Community Center, 1101 Milford Street, Houston, TX 77006

Tickets: $30 ICCC Members | $35 General Admission

About the presenter

Rob May, CWE is the owner of Killer Vino, a Houston-based boutique wine shop and event space located in West Houston near the Memorial Villages.

Rob has worked in luxury wine sales for over 15 years. In 2014, he resigned from his position at a well-known Houston wine retailer. He didn’t leave with the intention of starting a wine business. But, at the behest of his customers, who “bought wine from him, not the store where he worked”, he formed Killer Vino Corp.

In the early days, Killer Vino operated exclusively as a virtual wine shop, customer outreach was achieved through email offers and an online store. During the pandemic lockdown, Killer Vino was an “essential business” and experienced exponential growth by providing wine delivery services throughout the city. In 2021, Rob opened a storefront, Killer Vino Brix and Mortar. “Brix”, as it is affectionately called by people “in the know”, is nestled in an enclave near the Memorial Villages that is home to neighborhood restaurants and boutique businesses. “Brix” is now considered one of the premier resources in Houston for wine acquisition and personalized service.

As a Certified Wine Educator “CWE” (via the internationally renowned Society of Wine Educators), Rob also sources a wide range of wines for his clients and tailors his selections to offer them wines for nearly any occasion. Whether fresh, quaffable Prosecco for a weekday dinner with friends or a fine Super Tuscan or Barolo for a special evening, he takes care of all of his clients’ wine needs.

Please visit www.killervino.com for more information and to sign up for the Killer Vino e-letter that features mailing list only offers, upcoming events, and entertaining asides that have absolutely nothing to do with wine.

What does aperitivo italiano really mean?

An aperitivo (or apéritif) is often described as being similar to the American happy hour, but in reality, it’s so much more than that. An aperitivo is a ritual, joyous and mood-lifting. It relaxes you after a day of work and prepares you for the night to come. The aperitivo has long been a staple in Italy, and in recent years, has been gaining more appreciation around the world.

By purchasing a ticket to this event, you acknowledge the following: reservations for this event are nonrefundable. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your tickets to a friend.

Click here to become a member of the Italian Cultural & Community Center of Houston. As a member, you'll receive discounts on tickets and access to exclusive, members-only events!

The Italian Cultural & Community Center is funded in part by the City of Houston through Houston Arts Alliance.

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