About Dammi Vino

Our public classes are primarily held at the Dammi Vino Family home in Franklin, TN, a place that embodies the charm and warmth of an authentic Italian residence. Nestled on a secluded hilltop, this Tuscan-inspired haven transports you to the rolling hills of Umbria. With its exquisite decor, heartfelt attention to detail, and a genuine passion for Italian culture, the home provides an immersive setting for our culinary and wine experiences. As you step through the door, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported to a picturesque Italian retreat, making each class a memorable journey into Italy’s rich traditions and flavors.

Our private events bring the elegance of Italian dining directly to your home, offering a luxurious and hassle-free experience. We handle all the details, from gourmet ingredients and fine wines to expert preparation and service, ensuring a seamless and memorable evening. With everything brought to you, your home transforms into an intimate Italian retreat, allowing you to savor exquisite flavors and enjoy the ambiance of Italy without leaving your doorstep. Whether it's a special celebration or a cozy gathering, we create a personalized experience tailored to your preferences, bringing the essence of Italy straight to your table.

Eric’s family is Lebanese and Irish, with a deep love for family and food. His father, Donald Kevin Rowan, was an incredible cook, and Eric learned much from him. When his father became ill, Eric stepped in, discovering his love for cooking and bringing people together.

Eric left engineering to attend culinary school in Tennessee. He worked as a chef in assisted living and co-founded The American Cafe in Nashville, which flourished until the pandemic hit in 2020.

I grew up in a large Italian-American and Slovenian-Slovak family. With three siblings and countless extended family members, the kitchen was always the heart of our home. Whether it was helping my mom, aunts, and nana cook or enjoying endless feasts, food was a central part of our lives. My grandfather, Rosario Anthony Lombardo, and grandmother kept our family strong, always bringing us together around the table.

On my father’s side, my grandmother, Veronica Zorich, was the glue that held us together. She ran a catering hall with ease, and at home, she taught me to make traditional dishes like pierogis, halushki, and stuffed cabbage. My father, Paul Zorich, along with his lifelong friend and my mentor, Walter Wirth, ventured into homemade winemaking, which planted the seeds of my wine passion.

Eric and I, inspired by our family traditions, started creating new recipes together. In 2019, I left my hospital job and began working at Arrington Vineyards, where my love for wine blossomed. Eric and I decided to share our passion with others, and Dammi Vino was born.

We both continued to grow in our respective fields, even during the pandemic. I became certified through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and Eric became an expert in craft beers and whiskey. Our time at Red Dog Wine & Spirits allowed us to build connections and prepare for the future.

In 2021, we took a life-changing trip to Italy, meeting partners, touring vineyards, and cooking with locals. This trip fueled our passion even more. Recently, my mother received her Italian dual citizenship, and I am in the process of obtaining mine as well. This deepens our connection to our heritage and the Italian wine culture we are so passionate about.

In 2022 life gave us the best thing we would ever make together, our sweet Dino Bambino! And once again we stepped away to put our family first. To raise our future sous chef in training and not miss a moment of him. That brings us to today…Our Dino Bambino is almost 2 and he is quite the sous chef! His joy in the kitchen is a true gift to experience. It has been more than a blessing to take off this time with him and instill in him at such an early age the traditions and passions that were instilled in us as children. Now feels as good a time as any to jump back into Dammi Vino and once again share of love of food and wine with our community!