Wine, History, Place
Classes, tastings, small-group experiences
Join a class • Book a tasting • Travel Experiences
Wine is more enjoyable when you understand the place it comes from.
Each Fieldnotes Wine experience connects wine to where it comes from—from landscapes and history to how it’s made—so it all begins to feel more natural and enjoyable.
You’ll recognize what you like, understand what you’re tasting, and feel more confident choosing wines you’re excited to drink.
Fieldnotes Wine Offerings
Classes & Tastings
Curated wine experiences that bring together tasting, history, and place. Offered as public classes, private events, and small-group sessions, these experiences explore wine through themes such as the ancient world, Italian regions, and systems of production.
Travel Experiences
Small-group programs in Italy that connect wine to landscape, history, and production. Through direct engagement with producers, guided exploration, and place-based discussion, participants experience wine as part of a broader cultural system.
Consulting & Institutional Work
Experience design and educational programming for wineries, organizations, and institutions. This includes refining visitor experiences, developing curated programming, and creating events that connect wine to place, culture, and audience engagement.
Upcoming class
Italian Wine Series: Ancient Worlds, Modern Wine
A guided series designed to help you feel at home with Italian wine—from volcanic landscapes to the classic regions you’ve heard of but might not fully understand.
Get to know Barolo, feel comfortable reaching for Chianti, and start to recognize the grapes and styles you actually enjoy—so you can walk into a wine shop, order with confidence, and even start planning that Italian trip you’ve been dreaming about.
Where wine becomes easier—and more fun
Fieldnotes Wine brings together wine, archaeology, and place in a way that feels engaging and genuinely enjoyable. My goal is to help you connect to wine in a deeper, more meaningful way—without making it feel complicated.
When you begin to understand the stories, histories, and landscapes behind what’s in the glass, wine becomes easier to remember, talk about, and enjoy. It’s okay to get a little nerdy about it. In fact, I encourage it.
Each experience will also help you understand how to taste wine—its aromas, structure, and what to look for—so you can approach it with more confidence and curiosity.
Dana Phelps is a PhD archaeologist (Stanford) and wine educator (WSET Level 3) who has spent years living and working in Italy, bringing a grounded and intuitive approach to how wine is taught and experienced.
Join the Fieldnotes Travel & Wine Circle
Receive occasional notes on wine, regional food, and archaeology (mostly in Italy and the Balkans) — along with early access to small-group journeys and private experiences.
