About Life in Vino

So many people I talk to are craving connections with friends, to unwind and have fun. Are you one of them?

Life in Vino wine tastings are the cure.

I’ve been gathering people across the world over a glass, or two, and found that magic is happening. And it’s not just because of my fancy bookshelf backdrop, either.

When you taste wine – it brings people closer.

When everyone is invited and can feel seen and heard – it nourishes you.

When a caring expert guides you – you get that “aha” moment.

At Life in Vino, Alicia and I set out to create more laughter, more friendships, more joy. We want to help you build a life you relish... a Life in Vino.

JOIN one of our virtual wine tastings and you'll see the difference.

DINI "VINO" RAO

I started by hosting weekly wine tastings in my college dorm room in '96. I loved how it brought people together and how much fun we had.

That turned into a passion and for the past 20+ years I've been on a quest to help people fall in love with wine, with life.

This quest has taken me all over the world where I've led wine tastings for British Royalty and celebrities and hosted a party with Julia Child.

Even though I've had some of the best wines on earth like the 1st vintage of Dom Perignon ever made or wines used to toast the Declaration of Independence, I keep coming back to what I love most about wine tasting - a way of life.

I learned that my favorite part is inspiring people to relish wine and through it, life -- a Life in Vino.

Now I'm bringing my expertise from Christie’s wine auctions, as a sommelier, starting Amazon Wine, and my Harvard MBA to start Life in Vino.

ALICIA TOWNS FRANKEN

As a former wine director and now a mom of two teenagers, wine has been a daily part of my life for the last 25 years.

Fortunately for me, and all those who know me (I am a great house guest and an even better hostess), I believe wine can play a role in every stage of your life. I even christened both of my children with a dab of Krug Champagne moments after they were born. Welcome to the Wine Life!

Recently, when working on the tasting notes for an annual holiday Champagne party for clients, my daughter walked by my desk that was heavy with champagne bottles and stated the obvious --“you are obsessed with Champagne”.

She is almost correct. I am obsessed with Champagne, but also with any wine that brings people together. I love the connections and community people can form over a bottle of wine. Wine does more than just fill your glass, it can enrich your whole day and your whole life.

Now, as an event planner and wine educator, I use my background in the food and wine industry to help people discover their Wine Life, all while staying actively engaged in my community. I serve on the boards of The Esplanade Association, The Learning Project Elementary School, the Board of Advisors of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, and the Leadership Council of The Posse Foundation. And for the record, every meeting that ends with a glass of wine is a good meeting!

PARTNERS

I love it when you find great people to work with!! This site and business was made possible through MANY helping hands - especially Veronica Collignon - at www.veronicacollignon.com who did the gorgeous artwork and Hannah Cohen - www.hannahcohenphotography.com who did all the inspired photography (except this one of Alicia).

If you are a winery, sommelier, wine shop or other cool person interested in partnering with us on our live tastings or tasting parties, contact Alicia at alicia@lifeinvino.com