Texas BBQ and Italian Wine seminar, always a sold-out favorite at Taste of Italy.

March 7, 2024

It’s become a genuine Houston tradition.

Ever since Taste of Italy first presented its “Texas BBQ and Italian Wine” pairing seminar, the popular event sells out within a day of being made available online.

For the Taste of Italy 2024 in Houston last month, pit master Ara Malekian (above, right), owner of the legendary Harlem Rd. Texas BBQ, returned to lead attendees through a tasting of classic Texas smoked meats and six Italian wines.

He was joined by Tom Dobson (above, left), Italian wine buyer for Spec’s, one of the largest retailers of fine wine in the U.S., and Dale Roberston, wine writer for the Houston Chronicle.

Italian food and wine historian and educator Jeremy Parzen moderated the panel.

In another era, noted Jeremy, American wine lovers often claimed that Italian wine only tasted good when paired with food.

That’s exactly the point, said Tom, a native Texan. Even though he has access to plenty of Californian, French, and other wines from around the world, Italian wines are what he typically reaches for when enjoying Texas smoked meats.

Winemakers in Italy grow and vinify their wines with food in mind, added Dale, a longtime fan and collector of Italian wines.

Of the six wines poured at the event, each was greatly appreciated by both the panelists and attendees. And each wine, ranging from lighter in body to richer and more concentrated, brought out different nuances in the smoked meats that Chef Ara had prepared especially for the occasion.

For those interested in learning more, please see the flight of wines below.

And for those who would like to attend next year’s tasting and seminar, please be sure to sign up promptly: The seats go fast for what is a standing-room-only gathering each year!

Thanks to everyone who participated and warm thanks to our panelists who shared their insights into what makes Italian wine one of the greatest pairings for Texas BBQ.