Past Events
I think it’s safe to say most Seattlites have at least heard of Canlis restaurant. If you’ve been lucky enough to dine there in the last four years you may have seen Linda Violago cruising through the dining room as the first female wine director in the restaurant’s 70+ years of business. She’s known for putting special emphasis on the people and stories behind the wine, in a way that most Sommeliers of her caliber do not. Linda has moved on from Canlis and for some crazy reason wants to come hang with us at the shop!
Since she’s a stickler for pronunciation, we’ve decided to open bottles tonight that are from some unusually named grapes…you know, just a couple of weirdos pouring some weirdo wine! Really, tonight is about trusting the pros - break out of your box, try something new, get a little uncomfy! Pronounce Schioppettino on your own before we help you. It’s a safe space.
21+ only
$25 tasting fee (wine club members get to bring a free buddy)Thursday, October 23, 2025
5:00 PM 7:00 PM
An Evening of Wine Discovery with Linda Milagros Violago - The Itinerant Sommelier
$25.00
Wednesday, October 22, 2025 at 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM PDT
WeRise Wines
Join us for an unforgettable evening of wine tasting and conversation with one of the most dynamic voices in the world of wine: Linda Milagros Violago.
A first-generation Filipino-Canadian and true global citizen, Linda has built a remarkable career spanning 13 countries, from acclaimed restaurants to intimate wineries and sake breweries. Most recently, she made history as the first woman to lead the prestigious wine program at Canlis—Seattle’s legendary, third-generation fine dining institution—where she oversaw a team of six and a cellar of over 22,000 bottles.
Known as “The Itinerant Sommelier,” Linda brings not only deep knowledge but a storyteller’s soul, making each glass a passport to culture, craft, and place. She’s a lifelong learner, and on this special evening, she invites you to learn, taste, and explore right alongside her.
Expect thoughtful selections, compelling stories, and a fresh perspective on wine that transcends borders.
Space is limited—reserve your spot soon.
*You will not receive a ticket, we will check you in at the door
Topi Topics: Where Code meets the Kitchen
This salon-style evening will bring together AI founders, CPG disruptors, restaurateurs, and investors to explore how technology is reshaping the future of food..
Monday, Oct. 6, 2025
5pm-8pm
Rice Rice Baby
@industrysessions: We’re back! 💥
🍶Join us for Rice Rice Baby!!
Class is MONDAY the 18th via Zoom at 5 PM PST /
8 PM EST!!
Spots are limited - RSVP ASAP!! ⚡️
🔗 Link in bio!
You will receive digital materials, a Zoom link, and instructions on where and when to pick up wine before class.
👉🏾 Please note, wines and class attendance is prioritized for our BIPOC colleagues. If you are not a BIPOC, we kindly ask that you do not RSVP for the donated wines and delivery at this time. It is of the utmost importance to prioritize the safety and leadership of our BIPOC colleagues in the wine industry. We ask all students to do the same.
💰Want to help keep Industry Sessions going?!
We’re powered by donations which cover packaging, delivery costs, and wine for future classes.
Every little bit helps!
Thank you for all your support! 🙏🏽✨
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Happy International Woman’s Day!
This month, CAPS Manitoba celebrates women with a virtual tasting led by Linda Milagros Violago of Grazing a Trail Consulting.
The truth is the future is now with more women in service as sommeliers, leading wine programs, making wine, and running and/or owning wineries.
We will travel around the world in our glasses to visit these women and their wines:
Mackenzie Brisbois, Canada – Trail Estate Barrel-Fermented Riesling
Elisabetta Foradori, Italy – Az. Ag. Foradori Teroldego
Marelise Niemann, South Africa – Momento Grenache
Marie Thibault, France – Marie Thibault “Premier Nez”
In the spirit of thinking of the future, proceeds from this event will be donated to Villa Rosa. Villa Rosa’s mission is to provide support to mothers, babies and their families during and after pregnancy.
Please email domerrafael@gmail.com to sign up.
March 29th @ 6pm. The cost for CAPS members is $50+GST
*Many thanks to Desiree from @thewinoshop for allowing us to use her photo of this awesome t-shirt.
It can be purchased here:
https://thewinoshop.com/collections/apparel/products/the-future-of-wine-is-female-tee
Linda Milagros Violago grew up in Winnipeg but could not stop moving (until recent times, that is). She has worked as a sommelier and buyer at top tables in 13 countries, among them Charlie Trotter’s in the US, Mugaritz in Spain, Geranium in Denmark, and many more in between. Sake has often appeared on her wine lists and beverage pairings.
Forever curious, Linda has staged and eaten at even more restaurants around the world, visited breweries, distilleries, and wineries, worked four harvests, and spent a short but grueling stint at a sake brewery.
In this masterclass, you will be introduced to the history of sake and explore the basics of production and appreciation through the lens of many glasses. There will be a range of styles and regions to taste.
This is a trade-only event with a limited number of spots.
NEW DATE! Due to the province’s new restrictions regarding the size of public gatherings, this event has been moved online. THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT
Monday, Feb. 22, 1-3pm
$75 pp, incl. GST + $10 bottle deposit
For more information: contact@grazingatrail.com
August 10, 2020
In this popular tasting, we use familiar ingredients such as black tea and lemons to explore the tactile sensations of tasting wine such as tannin and acid. Suitable for all levels.