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Bacchus Uncorked: Drinking and Thinking – Marcus Aurelius and Stoicism

GETTY VILLA

The Getty Villa

This is a past event

Romans took wine and conversation seriously, and at drinking parties often debated such topics as how to lead a good life. The Roman emperor Marcus Aurelius was a Stoic philosopher, and his personal writings still inspire today. Learn about Stoic thinking from philosopher Barry Smith then enjoy an evening of wine, appetizers, and conversation in the Villa’s Inner Peristyle garden. Sip a selection of modern wines from regions of the empire during Marcus’s time curated by educator Diego Meraviglia and engage with roaming philosophers about the meaning of life.

Tickets $90.
Includes hearty appetizers, beautiful surroundings, and friendly conversation.
Limited capacity. Guests must be 21+
Parking: $20; $15 after 3:00 p.m.

This program is inspired by a unique gold portrait bust of Marcus Aurelius in the exhibition The Gold Emperor from Aventicum, on view through January 29, 2024.

Museum galleries are open from 10:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. Lecture and wine presentation takes place in the auditorium starting at 5:15 p.m. followed by wine enjoyment in the Inner Peristyle garden from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m. The exhibition will be open for viewing between 7:30 and 8:30.


About the Speakers
Barry C. Smith is director of the Institute of Philosophy at the University of London's School of Advanced Study. He is also the founding director of the Center for the Study of the Senses, which pioneers collaborative links between philosophers, psychologists and neuroscientists. He is a philosopher of mind and language and his current research is on the multisensory interactions between flavor, taste and smell. He served as editor of Questions of Taste: The Philosophy of Wine and is a frequent contributor to The World of Fine Wine and the wine columnist for Prospect magazine.

Diego Meraviglia is president and director of education for the North American Sommelier Association. In 2008, Meraviglia obtained the Gold-Pin certification with the Italian Sommelier Association and the Worldwide Sommelier Association (WSA). He is a certified Master Taster and a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators in the United States. A native Italian, Meraviglia is passionate about archeology and ancient European history, with a focus on his native land's Celtic (Gaulish) heritage. Based in Los Angeles, he can be seen regularly around the US and Canada as a freelance consultant, speaker, and avid educator.

Bacchus Uncorked is a program series that explores art, wine, and culture in the ancient world. Hear experts give insightful talks about wine cultivation and drinking practices, then sip on a selection of wines specially curated for the program while enjoying the picturesque outdoor setting of the Getty Villa.