In December, the Carytown space that once housed River City Cellars became The Room at Secco. Between private event bookings, owner Julia Battaglini holds special classes with topics including wine, beer, cheese and gourmet food, to name a few. This month, The Room will be offering an Aperitif and Cheese Pairing class on March 19 from 6 to 8 p.m. Secco's Nicole Lang and visiting host Jake Parrott will guide guests through the tasting. Participants will also learn how to craft their own Cardamaro Manhattans and Secco Spritzers. Parrott represents Haus Alpenz, a spirits importer that recently received press as the sole U.S. supplier of Crème de Violette, an essential liqueur for a proper Aviation cocktail. Pairings will include aromatized wines, characterized by added herbs and botanicals, such as Cardamaro — a cardoon and thistle-based amaro —and several Dolin vermouths. "Many of the producers are over 100 years old, and the recipes are very closely guarded," Lang says. Tickets cost $50 per person and can be reserved by calling 353-0670.
