In The Grape

11/14/2025

YALLA FEST is back on November 22nd for it's second year and we hope you will join us at this celebration of Lebanese Food, Music, & Culture, AND Lebanon's Independance Day!

I will be there with Château Ksara pouring some delicious wines, and will be displaying.

The event is hosted by the only and only Edy Massih from , everyone's favorite Greenpoint 🇱🇧 hangout!

Get your tickets here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yalla-fest-tickets-1853608375549

11/04/2025

SUPER excited about this dinner at SAWA restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn! I will be on hand to share stories about this amazing winery. In addition to their already fantastic list of Chateau Ksara Wines, SAWA brought in some additional bottles just for the occasion. Hope to see you there.
Reservations through Resy:
https://resy.com/cities/new-york-ny/venues/sawa?date=2025-11-05&seats=2

06/03/2025

So what exactly can a Wine Ambassador do for you? For your wine brand? For your wine region? Is there value in it? Well, my short answer is a resounding YES! Listen to my conversation with Barbara Fitzgerald, IWA, that we recorded for the Episode 2370 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In it I explain the numerous benefits I bring to my clients and the advantage my presence in this market brings them. There are many valuable take-aways that can benefit brands and regions alike.

https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/Episodes/ep-2370-barbara-fitzgerald-interviews-may-matta-aliah-of-in-the-grape-inc-masterclass-us-wine-market/

'With nearly two decades of experience, May Matta-Aliah is a respected voice in the New York City wine and spirits scene. She represents leading wine regions and brands as an educator and ambassador, bringing depth, clarity, and charisma to every seminar and presentation she leads. Her work spans industry training, high-profile conferences, and consumer-facing events—always with a passion for translating complex topics into engaging, relatable stories.'

Ep. 2370 Barbara Fitzgerald interviews May Matta-Aliah of In The Grape Inc | Masterclass US Wine Market - Italian Wine Podcast

05/28/2025

Do you love wine 🍷 but sometimes feel like there's a secret language you haven't quite learned when you taste, or feel like you are just not getting that "aha" moment? Well, get ready to transform your wine experience.

I'm thrilled to announce a series of wine classes I'll be teaching at Astor Center, specifically crafted to empower you to understand what you're tasting and, more importantly, why it tastes that way!

My mission is to demystify wine, giving you the vocabulary, confidence, and framework to truly articulate your sensory experiences, helping you decode complex aromas and flavors and grasp the impact of terroir ⛰️, grapes 🍇, and winemaking 🧑‍🌾. More than just learning, these classes are about unlocking a more rewarding connection with every bottle, so get ready to elevate every sip into a moment of true understanding and appreciation!

List of my upcoming classes: https://www.astorcenternyc.com/instructor-may-matta-aliah.ac

Discover Your Wine Style
(Wednesday, Jun 4 6:30 PM)

Sparkling Wine Uncorked: A Bubbly Adventure
(Wednesday, Jun 11 6:30 PM)

BRAND NEW: Beyond Taste: Engage in the Architecture of Wine
(Tuesday, Aug 5 6:30 PM)

02/24/2025

Did you know that New York is leading the way in sustainable wine growing 🍇 ?

This week wine lovers all over the city will have the opportunity to experience the results firsthand through an exciting series of events running from Monday, February 24th through Sunday, March 2nd as part of the New York Wines Sustainability Week, and I am delighted to be playing a small part in supporting my home state wines!

Here is where you will find me this week so stop by, say hi and taste some amazing wines with me!!!

Feb­ru­ary 25 (4:30 – 7:00 PM): 67 WINE
179 Colum­bus Avenue

Feb­ru­ary 26 (5:00 – 8:00 PM): UNION SQUARE WINES
140 Fourth Avenue

Feb­ru­ary 27 (5:00 – 8:00 PM): ASTOR WINES + SPIRITS
399 Lafayette Street

March 1 (2:00 – 4:00 PM): FLATIRON WINES + SPIRITS
873 Broad­way

March 1 (5:30 – 8:30PM) PM: BOWERY + VINE
269 Bow­ery

Check out the full schedule of events here and enjoy wines that don't compromise our future!

https://nywinesustainabilityweek.org/schedule
67 Wine & Spirits Astor Wines & Spirits Flatiron Wines & Spirits Bowery & Vine Wines and Spirits Union Square Wines and Spirits

New York Wine & Grape Foundation

&GrapeFoundation

10/21/2024

Join me and members of Les Dames d'Escoffier New York for an Italian Culinary Fest this Fall! 🍂🇮🇹✨

Celebrate the season with an incredible evening honoring women chefs, food inclusivity, and supporting two amazing charities—Refettorio Harlem and Les Dames NY. 🎉 All proceeds go to these worthy causes!

Savor five exquisite courses of Italian-inspired cuisine, paired with beautiful Italian wines, while enjoying live music, art installations, and an unforgettable atmosphere of elegance and joy. 🎶🎨

I will be there pouring some delicious Franciacorta wines🍾

Grab your friends, snag a seat at the table, and experience a magical night of food, fun, and purpose🍾🍽️🍷

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/an-autumn-night-of-italian-elegance-tickets-1023016579127

10/03/2024

Once again 🇱🇧 find themselves making wine under bombs. An interesting article about how the current situation in Lebanon is impacting the wine industry.

As missiles pound their vineyards, Lebanese winemakers are once again caught up in a war not of their making. Read the latest wine news & features on wine-searcher

08/28/2024

Most people can easily describe their food preferences, but when it comes to wine, things get trickier. Discovering your unique "wine style" is simpler than you think! Join me Astor Center on Wednesday, September 4th for a 2-hour workshop where you’ll taste a variety of exciting wines, find your new favorite, and enjoy a lively Q&A session. Get ready for a grape-tastic adventure and cheers to discovering your perfect pour! This class typically sells out, so grab your tickets while you can and I look forward to seeing in wine class 🍷 !
https://www.astorcenternyc.com/class-discover-your-wine-style.ac

06/19/2024

You snooze you lose. Looking forward to my 'Sold Out" class tonight! Astor Center

05/03/2024

I was delighted to be invited to be part of this Noonionnogarlic shoot that took place 's Kiosk on Pier57. The video highlights this newest food concept by the Sahadi team and if you scroll to the 9 minute marker you will hear me sharing some words of wisdom about Château Ksara wines in the typical mix of Arabic + English that my country folk are notoriously known for.

Sahadi's Kiosk at Pier 57, Manhattan New York City.https://www.instagram.com/sahadis/.Location:https://maps.app.goo.gl/tQNr5WXhS2Kes1N4A.Video Playlist of Le...