The annual Flagship edition of the Vinitaly International Academy's Italian Wine Ambassador course is set to return to Verona from 27-31 March 2025. The event includes four days of tastings, masterclasses and seminars as participants prepare for the grueling exam to become the next certified Italian Wine Ambassador. A total of 11 Official Supporters will be on hand to deliver in-depth masterclasses, while Terra Moretti Holding joins as the program's official Educational Supporter, providing a generous scholarship to one deserving participant.
VERONA, Italy, Feb. 21, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- About 60 participants will gather from across the globe to participate in four days of tastings, masterclasses, and seminars as they prepare for the grueling exam to become a certified Italian Wine Ambassador. As well as a distinguished academic faculty, led by Chief Scientist Professor Attilio Scienza and Sarah Heller MW, a selection of top wine consortia will also be on hand to deliver a series of in-depth masterclasses, focusing on some of Italy's most important wine-producing regions.
These masterclasses provide a unique opportunity for candidates to delve deeper into the intricacies of these appellations and to explore the diverse range of Italian wines with those who know them best.
In addition to the previously announced Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino, Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco, Consorzio Vini Asolo Montello and Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC, Vinitaly International Academy is proud to add the Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG, Consorzio per la Tutela del Franciacorta, Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia, Consorzio Tutela Vini Torgiano, Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella and Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Irpinia to the list of Official Supporters of the event.
This year's program includes for the first time the involvement of Consorzio Tutela Vini Torgiano, Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC, Consorzio Vini Asolo Montello, Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Irpinia and Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella.
Lavinia Zamaro, Director of Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio, welcomed the new collaboration: "The Collio Consortium has chosen to support the VIA initiative for 2025 because it firmly believes in the power of education to promote and enhance Italian wine abroad. This initiative gives international professionals the chance to deepen their understanding of Collio's winemaking culture and traditions, creating a bridge of knowledge that helps drive the success and appreciation of our labels in global markets. It's an investment in Collio's future, where training Ambassadors—who represent the face of our producers abroad—becomes the key to forging an ever-stronger bond with the world."
Silvano Brescianini, President of the Consorzio per la tutela del Franciacorta, added: "Franciacorta is proud to continue its enthusiastic support for the Vinitaly International Academy's Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to VIA for its unwavering dedication to the global promotion of Italian wine. This collaboration is particularly meaningful to us, as it perfectly aligns with the Consorzio Franciacorta's mission to elevate Italian wine on the world stage. Through this partnership, we are excited to contribute to the ongoing effort to enhance wine education. In our masterclass this year, we look forward to sharing the distinctive characteristics of Franciacorta wines, providing participants with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the skill and passion that go into every bottle."
A special Educational Supporter
Vinitaly International Academy is thrilled to welcome Terra Moretti Holding as an official Educational Supporter for VIA Verona 2025. As part of this exciting collaboration, Terra Moretti Holding will award a scholarship to the deserving student Tawanda Marume and present the prestigious 'Holding Terra Moretti Vino Prize' plaque, along with a Magnum, during an exclusive ceremony at Bellavista winery. On the evening of March 31, after the pinning ceremony at PalaExpo Veronafiere, members of the VIA Community and 5StarWines – the Book Judges will gather at Bellavista winery for a memorable night of celebration and camaraderie.
Massimo Tuzzi, CEO Holding Terra Moretti says: "Terra Moretti is honored to support Vinitaly International Academy in its role as a global benchmark for wine education. Our Group has always invested in enhancing terroirs, pursuing excellence, and driving innovation, fully aware that knowledge and culture are strategic levers in elevating the value of Italian wine worldwide. In this context, we firmly believe in building a structured educational ecosystem—one that enriches individuals and strengthens companies' competitiveness in international markets. Giving space and voice to talent, fostering connections between diverse identities, and promoting a global network of qualified ambassadors are goals we share with VIA, driven by the conviction that the future of our industry relies on skilled, passionate young professionals with a cosmopolitan vision. Supporting the growth of wine means investing in knowledge, in people, and in a system capable of creating lasting value."
Full list of participating Consortia, confirmed as of today:
- Consorzio Vini Asolo Montello
- Consorzio per la Tutela del Franciacorta
- Consorzio del Vino Brunello di Montalcino
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Montefalco
- Consorzio di Tutela del Conegliano Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG
- Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Torgiano
- Consorzio Tutela Vino Custoza DOC
- Consorzio Tutela Vini Collio
- Consorzio per la Tutela dei Vini Valpolicella
- Consorzio Tutela Vini d'Irpinia
About: Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) aims to be the gold standard of Italian wine education. It offers a complete educational path with standardized courses that will teach professionals and educators to master the diversity of Italian wine in a rigorous, organized manner. VIA's main objective is to foster a global network of highly qualified professionals such as Italian Wine Ambassadors and Italian Wine Experts: in turn, they will support and promote Italian wine throughout the world. VIA was founded by Stevie Kim, Managing Partner of Vinitaly. The new VIA ecosystem avails of the guidance of Italian trade associations Federdoc, Federvini, Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, and Unione Italiana Vini as members of the Institutional Advisory Board. Italian vine genetics scholar, Prof. Attilio Scienza, oversees VIA's scientific and educational direction as the Chief Scientist. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW teaches the flagship Italian Wine Ambassador course. To date, there are 421 Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors of which 17 are also Italian Wine Experts.
Media Contact
Vinitaly International Media Dept., Veronafiere, +39 045 8101447, [email protected], https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/
SOURCE Vinitaly International Academy
Share this article