For years, Giada De Laurentiis has welcomed people into her kitchen and shared a taste of her Italian heritage. From scrumptious sauces to perfect pastas, the Emmy Award–winning chef, author, TV personality and founder or giadzy.com is a trusted culinary authority. Through her recent collaboration with Peroni, De Laurentiis wants everyone to discover delicious takes on Italian traditions while sipping on a refreshing beer.
The iconic phrase about "La Dolce Vita" is more than just a celebration of the sweet life. In the Italian way, it is an encouragement to savor every moment to its fullest. From that Sunday supper to a leisurely afternoon sipping the care away, life is about experiences. Food and beverages flavor those moments.
The recent partnership between Giada De Laurentiis and Peroni will showcase ways to infuse some Italian traditions into everyday life. From beer-infused recipes to suggestions on how to take a moment to appreciate life’s simple pleasures, everyone will be ready to open a beer and toast to the good life.
Through her partnership with Peroni, Giada De Laurentiis graciously answered some questions for FoodSided.
Cristine Struble: Many people think about pairing Italian dishes with wine. What makes Peroni a refreshing food and beverage pairing choice? Is there a particular pairing that you enjoy?
Giada De Laurentiis: While wine is often the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about Italian food pairings, my go-to is Peroni Nastro Azzurro. As a premium Italian beer, it’s the perfect complement to a wide range of Italian dishes. What I love about Peroni is its crisp, refreshing taste that pairs seamlessly with everything from light appetizers like bruschetta to heartier dishes such as pasta or pizza. I find that it elevates the flavors and brings an extra layer of Italian flair to the meal. Nothing brings me more joy than sharing a delicious Italian meal with friends and family, and Peroni is always the perfect beer to pair.
Struble: At Pebble Beach Food & Wine Festival, you are hosting an Apertivo hour. What is special about this Italian Apertivo tradition? How do you think that the event will spark a conversation about food and beverage pairings?
De Laurentiis: Aperitivo is such an important part of Italian culture. It’s about slowing down, enjoying the moment, and savoring the flavors that bring people together. In Italy, it’s not just a drink—it’s an experience. At the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival, I’ll be hosting the Peroni Sunset Aperitivo Hour, where we’ll be showcasing the beauty of this tradition, paired with the crisp, refreshing taste of Peroni. I think this event will be a fantastic opportunity to spark a conversation about the art of food and beverage pairings, highlighting how beer can enhance a culinary experience and bring out the flavors of Italian cuisine.
Struble: Many people enjoy food festivals because it is the ability to see chefs they admire in person. What makes food festivals special for you? Is it fun to collaborate with brands and fellow chefs?
De Laurentiis: Food festivals are such a special experience because they bring people together to celebrate the love of food, cooking, and sharing a meal. It’s an opportunity for me to connect with fans, fellow chefs, and brands that share the same passion for quality ingredients and great flavors. I’m especially excited to collaborate with Peroni Nastro Azzurro this year and to bring the experience of Italy to food lovers everywhere with our shared heritage. Whether I’m sharing Peroni-infused recipes or simply enjoying the company of others, food festivals always feel like a celebration of life and good taste.
Struble: As an authority on Italian food, what misconceptions are you still trying to change about Italian cuisine and recipes? Do you ever get push back when you try to modernize classic Italian fare or are people open to the recipes evolving?
De Laurentiis: One of the biggest misconceptions about Italian cuisine is that it has to be strict and traditional, with no room for innovation. But Italian food is all about family, creativity, and enjoying what’s fresh and in season. In my new cookbook Super Italian, I took the time to explore Italian superfoods and ways to infuse them into my favorite dishes. I apply this same philosophy when pairing foods with beverages like Peroni Nastro Azzurro–it’s about complimenting and elevating authentic flavors, not restricting them. Whether it’s incorporating modern techniques or fresh ingredients, I believe that Italian recipes can evolve while still honoring their roots. While tradition is important, people are generally open to new ideas, especially when they honor the core values of Italian cooking—quality ingredients and joyful flavors. So, I’m always excited to bring a new twist to classic dishes and to show how versatile Italian cuisine can be.
Struble: What projects are you working on now? Where can fans see you next?
De Laurentiis: I’m thrilled to be teaming up with Peroni Nastro Azzurro for a year-long partnership in 2025, and we have so many exciting projects coming up. In addition to hosting the Peroni Sunset Aperitivo Hour at the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festival on April 12th, I’ll be teaming up with Peroni Nastro Azzurro throughout the year to bring delicious, Peroni-infused recipes and Italian culinary experiences, from my kitchen to yours. Tune in to both mine and Peroni’s social channels for all the fun, fresh ideas we have planned!
Looking to bring a taste of these Italian traditions to your table? Check out both Peroni's and Giada De Laurentiis' social media channels throughout 2025.