Terracotta kylix (drinking cup), Makron, about 480 BCE, Greek. Terracotta. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Rogers Fund, 1920 (20.246)
Bacchus Uncorked: The Ancient Greek Drinking Party
GETTY VILLA
Saturday, Sunday, July 13 - July 14, from 5:15 pm - 8:30 pm
The Getty Villa
Advance ticket required
Do wine and truth really go hand-in-hand, as the Greek poet Alcaeus said? Join archaeologist Kathleen Lynch as she takes us back in time to explore the cultural role of the symposium (drinking party) in ancient Greece. The inebriating effects of wine created bonds among drinkers and stimulated conversation, while the setting, etiquette, and specially crafted vessels emphasized the importance of the social gathering to guests. Then celebrate the ancient origins of wine with a curated selection from wine educator Diego Meravigila. Enjoy a summer evening of wine, food, and conversation while taking in the flora and architecture of the Villa's gardens.
Tickets: $90. Includes a thematic selection of wine, hearty appetizers, beautiful surroundings, friendly conversation.
Limited capacity. 21 and over.
No refunds.
Parking: $25; $15 after 3:00 p.m.
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 Outer Peristyle garden from 6:30 until 8:30 p.m.
PRESENTERS
Kathleen M. Lynch is a professor of Classics at the University of Cincinnati. Her research focuses on ancient Greek wine drinking and the pottery made to facilitate it. She has studied pottery from sites in Greece, Turkey, Albania, and Israel. Her book, The Symposium in Context (2011) won the Archaeological Institute of America’s Wiseman award for the best archaeological publication. At Cincinnati, she won the Cohen Teaching Award and has shared her enthusiasm for the ancient world with generations of Mythology students.
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 wine specially curated for the program while enjoying the picturesque outdoor setting of the Getty Villa Museum. Generously supported by the Getty Villa Council.