Colorado Grain Chain Apericena
with special guests Lisa Boldt, Nels Wroe, and Sarah Jones
hosted by Paula Thomas
Apericena (a-pair-ee-chaina) - a social hour that begins as an aperitivo and segues into a wine-filled dinner.
We can call this a sip and learn, a wine class, or just a great excuse to gather in conviviality as we explore wines.
Join us for the next chapter of our Apericena educational series—an immersive evening where wine, food, and conversation flow as easily as the stories behind them.
This edition features Lisa Boldt and Nels Wroe from the Colorado Grain Chain, a community uniting farmers, maltsters, millers, bakers, brewers, distillers, chefs, and food lovers in their shared passion for locally grown grains.
Lisa, the CGC executive director, and Nels, the CGC board president, will be on hand to share their insights into the importance and impact of the Colorado Grain Chain for today’s evolving markets. Joining them is Sarah Jones, co-owner of Jones Organic farms and co-founder of Rye Resurgence Project.
Colorado grains are a core of Olivia’s daily menu, from our breads, to pastas, and desserts, and we want to share this story and truly highlight the importance of the farmer's work across the state.
You’ll sip, taste, and explore the flavors of Colorado’s soil—discovering ancient grain varieties, regenerative farming practices, artisanal craft, and the vibrant character that local grains bring to every dish and glass.
Our Restaurant Olivia culinary team will guide you on a seasonal flavor journey, beginning with a welcome cocktail crafted from Dryland Distillers, followed by three thoughtfully paired courses, highlighting Colorado grains, complimented by beverages selected by our sommelier team.
By shortening the grain chain, the Colorado Grain Chain is revitalizing our economy, nourishing our soils, and creating delicious connections. Come taste the future of Colorado-grown!
*Please note, we are unable to accommodate gluten aversions with this experience.
Reception at 6:00, sit-down tasting begins at 6:15. 
Wednesday, September 10th
6:00pm reception
$225 + tax & 22% service charge
Seating is limited.
Host: Paula Thomas, Restaurant Olivia’s sustainability director
Paula is a food professional with more than 20 years of experience, from restaurants to teaching, and working with community-based organizations.
She has worked with communities at the local and global level, promoting community-based programs that support food sovereignty and environmental justice. She has visited farms in Mexico, Colombia, Greece, The Philippines, and many European countries, to understand diverse methods of food production with an emphasis on the connection between our food and the environment.
Her quest toward a more sustainable food system landed her a scholarship in 2022 to MAD Academy, the educational arm of Noma Restaurant (named the best restaurant in the world five years) for an intensive training in Environment & Sustainability with some of the most forward-thinking food professionals in the world.