Join SA food identity Rosa Matto and friends together with WEA's wine tutor, David Crossman for this celebration of one of Italy's most diverse culinary regions, Veneto. From the fertile plains around Verona and Vicenza and the Alpine influences of the Dolomites, Rosa will present an engaging menu that tells the story of the region through its geography and history.Veneto is a land where mountains meet the sea, where merchants met farmers, and where every meal tells the story of trade, tradition and the changing seasons. Venice, itself, exists as part of the region and traditions but then again very much its own city with an extraordinary legacy from the Spice Roads. Venice became one of Europe's wealthiest cities by controlling trade with the East. So, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, raisins and pine nuts all found their way into Venetian cooking, which is why dishes like Sarde in Saor combine sweet and sour flavours and speak to us of Arabic traders. The Veneto region is Italy’s second-largest rice-producing region after Piedmont. The marshy plains around Verona and the Po Valley make rice cultivation possible, giving rise to celebrated risotto. Dishes include two small cicchetti, Tortina di Baccala, Savoury Cannoli, Pesce in Saor, Risotto All'Amarone , Duck sausage with polenta and radicchio and the sweet finale must be Tiramisu made by following a traditional Trevisano recipe with our own summer twist. Stimulate your tastebuds with a lively sparkling Prosecco from its place of origin. Enjoy a crisp Pinot Grigio Delle Venezie with its pear, lime and floral notes. Experience Bardolino, a unique blend of local indigenous red varieties and merlot. An experience not to be missed.

Your Tutor is Rosa Matto

Rosa Matto commenced with the WEA in 2014.

Rosa's career in teaching and hospitality spans four decades. 

Currently, her recipes appear in SA Life magazine. She is Leader of SLOW FOOD SA and holds very strong views on inclusivity regarding food sources and targeting food waste. 

Another of Rosa’s great obsessions is travel. So, her recipes and knowledge come from her years of leading travellers through Europe and SE Asia. Of course, her particular passion is the food, wine and culture of Italy where is has lived and travelled widely, over many years 

She is also a great gardener – and most of the produce she uses is from her own or her assistant, the very talented, Nancy Colarco’s, garden. Being a gardener influences her food – it is always local, seasonal and accessible. 

The recipes are carefully written and the classes offer great tips for adaptation, and transformation, for you and your family.

Your Tutor is David Crossman

David Crossman BA, Grad Dip Ed, Cert IV WTA has been teaching at WEA since 1994. 

David has a background in secondary school teaching, with a long-term interest in wine. While spending six months in France experiencing their wine culture, he developed an even greater enthusiasm. He was even invited to judge French wine at the Concours Agricole de Paris!

Since returning to Australia David has been involved in secondary education, adult education and wine activities. He has completed an Advanced Wine Studies course at TAFE, and has experience in wine sales as a wholesaler and retailer. He also has experience as both a teacher and administrator in adult education, and has taught the TAFE competency ‘Wine Evaluation’.

David truly believes that wine is made to be enjoyed, so his wine courses are designed to be enjoyable too.