Extra Virgin: Aperitivo Club
An immersive Italian tasting experience hosted by The Foodie in Extra Virgin, with spritz cocktails, olive oils, and pasta insights onboard Virgin Voyages.
Event Info
Extra Virgin: Aperitivo Club is a paid tasting event hosted by The Foodie from Virgin Voyages’ Happenings Cast. It takes place in the bar area of Extra Virgin, the ship’s upmarket Italian restaurant, and focuses on the Italian aperitivo tradition: the early-evening habit of drinking, snacking, and socializing before dinner.
The session is built around three spritz cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, and Limoncello Spritz. Each drink is introduced with context around its ingredients, flavor profile, and place within Italian drinking culture. Rather than simply serving the cocktails, the event uses each pour as a way to explain how spritzes vary by region, sweetness, bitterness, and garnish.
Food is also central to the event. The spritzes are paired with traditional aperitivo snacks including breads and olives, alongside two olive oil tastings that were exclusive to this event during our sailing. The session also includes light mini games connected to the handmade pasta served in Extra Virgin, giving sailors a more detailed look at the restaurant’s Italian food offering.
Event Details & Pricing
Extra Virgin: Aperitivo Club was priced at $50 per person during our sailing. The ticket included three spritz cocktails, aperitivo-style snacks, two olive oil tastings, and the hosted activity led by The Foodie. Pricing and availability can vary by ship and sailing, so sailors should check the Virgin Voyages app once onboard for the most current details.
Guests are seated in the bar area of Extra Virgin, where The Foodie guides the group through each drink and food pairing. The format is conversational, with enough explanation to make the tasting informative without turning it into a formal class.
What to Expect
- Three included spritz cocktails: Aperol Spritz, Hugo Spritz, and Limoncello Spritz.
- A guided explanation of each drink’s ingredients, flavor profile, and cultural background.
- Traditional aperitivo snacks including breads and olives.
- Two olive oil tastings that were exclusive to this event during our sailing.
- Mini games introducing sailors to handmade pasta varieties served in Extra Virgin.
- A seated tasting format in the bar area of Extra Virgin.
- Hosting by The Foodie from the Happenings Cast.
Highlights Include
- A structured introduction to Italian aperitivo culture.
- Comparison of three different spritz styles, from bitter and citrus-led to sweeter and lighter variations.
- Food pairings that connect the drinks to traditional Italian pre-dinner snacks.
- Exclusive olive oil tastings not usually available as part of a standard Extra Virgin meal.
- Light interactive elements linked to the restaurant’s handmade pasta.
- A closer look at Extra Virgin outside of a regular dinner reservation.
How to Book
Extra Virgin: Aperitivo Club can be booked through the Virgin Voyages app after boarding the ship. As with many paid onboard events, spaces may be limited and availability can vary by sailing. Early booking is recommended if the event appears in the app. For more information about making and managing onboard reservations, see the Booking Events & First Come First Serve Events guide.
Overview
The format is more educational than a casual bar crawl, but it remains relaxed and social. The Foodie provides enough background to explain why each drink and pairing has been selected, while the restaurant setting keeps the event closely tied to Extra Virgin’s wider menu. For sailors interested in Italian drinks, light food pairings, or a more detailed look at one of the ship’s most popular restaurants.
