Context, organizer of critically acclaimed walking tours, will host a special event on wine and archaeology as part of its Tours in the Public Interest program, a special series of lectures, workshops, and private openings ranging from special access to archaeological sites in Rome to a hike along the Croton Aqueduct in NYC. These events take place from November to May in all the 25 cities and are underwritten by the Context Travel Foundation, and are offered for a nominal price.

The first event for the 2014/2015 season in Rome will be WINE AND ARCHAEOLOGY: A CULTURAL SYMPOSIUM to be held on TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 18TH FROM 5:00-7:00PM. A unique sensorial experience, it will explore wine past and present and examine how it has endured through the ages as one of the focal points of Italian culture. Beginning at the National Etruscan Museum housed in Villa Giulia, our docent, an archaeologist, will explain the symbolism expressed by the artifacts and the ritualistic uses of wine in the Etruscan world.

Moving to the British School at Rome, the experience carries on with a tasting led by a certified sommelier focused on wines from Cerveteri, an area outside of Rome which has been an important zone for the production of wines since the time of the Etruscans. Our docent will discuss the origins and historical importance of each varietal as we discover the terroir of Rome's Lazio region through the sensual nuances of the wines, taste, sight and smell. The cost of the event is 20 euro per person, with a maximum of 15 participants.

"Dedication to the place is one of the core values of Context." Said Paul Bennett, co-founder of Context Travel. "With this program we go back to that core principle, taking people away from overrun monuments and into lesser known, off-the-beaten-path sites. This allows us to unfold the complexity of our cities for the truly receptive visitor."

THE TOURS IN THE PUBLIC INTEREST PROGRAM, draws upon the expertise of Context's network in twenty-five cities, which includes historians,
archaeologists, architects and other specialists in areas of interest. As with all of Context's programs, groups are limited to a small number of participants. The walks will run once a month for a symbolic fee which is decided depending on the parameters and base costs of the
walk. Learn more at http://www.contexttravel.com/city/rome/walking-tour-details/tours-in-the-public-interest-wine-and-archaeology-a-cultural-symposium