Vinitaly International Academy (VIA), renowned for its commitment to Italian wine education, hosted its 29th Italian Wine Ambassador certification course from October 19-21, 2024, at Chicago’s Navy Pier. A distinguished group of 21 candidates from across the globe gathered for an intense, three-day immersion in Italian wine, culminating in a comprehensive exam on the final day. Sixteen participants earned the prestigious title of Italian Wine Ambassador, while one advanced further to Italian Wine Expert.
A Rigorous Journey into Italian Wine
Led by VIA Faculty member Sarah Heller MW, this intensive program included two full days of lectures and tastings of 45 carefully selected Italian wines. The final day featured a challenging two-and-a-half-hour exam that tested participants’ knowledge and tasting skills. This VIA session marked the second course of 2024, following a successful program in New York City in March.
Our Chicago edition of VIA was a resounding success, producing a bumper crop of new Ambassadors from all across North America and as far afield as Japan as well as a new Italian Wine Expert. To me, this seems a testament to the raised awareness of and deepened knowledge about Italian wine and culture across these critical markets, showing the great potential of Italian wine – including its many unique regional specialties – in this part of the world.
Sarah Heller MW
The 2024 Graduates: New Italian Wine Ambassadors and Expert
Seventeen students successfully completed the course, with sixteen awarded the title of Italian Wine Ambassador:
- Patti Robinson
- Jeannie Boutelle
- Carmine Caravaggio
- Filippo Marsala
- Rebecca Severs
- Yoshihiro Nagase
- Susan Wilson
- Anthony Rostock
- Luca Tarantino
- Michelle Keene
- Jamie Gump
- Donatella Polizzi
- Bo young Northcutt
- Naoko Suzuki
- Jean Marc Lazo Rodriguez
Torrence O’Haire achieved the advanced certification of Italian Wine Expert, joining the ranks of just 17 individuals worldwide who have reached this distinguished level. Massimo Serradimigni also reconfirmed his standing as an Italian Wine Ambassador, symbolizing the dedication of VIA alumni to continuous growth.
The Global VIA Community and Future Courses
Since its inception in 2017, the Vinitaly International Academy has built a global community of over 1,400 students, with 409 officially certified as Italian Wine Ambassadors and 17 advancing to Italian Wine Experts. This extensive network, unified by a passion for Italian wine, continues to engage in annual events such as 5StarWines – the Book, OperaWine, and the wine2wine Business Forum in Verona. These gatherings enable participants to deepen their understanding of Italian wine, expand their professional networks, and partake in special field trips across Italy.
In addition to marking new certifications, this Chicago event coincided with Vinitaly USA, the first U.S.-based Vinitaly wine expo organized by Veronafiere, held at Navy Pier from October 20-21.
Looking ahead, the 30th edition of the Italian Wine Ambassador certification course is scheduled for November 16-18 in Almaty, Kazakhstan, marking VIA’s debut in Central Asia. The annual flagship course will return to Verona from March 27-31, 2025, just before the Vinitaly Wine and Spirits Exhibition, welcoming 65 candidates. Additional courses in other global locations will be announced later through VIA’s social media channels and website.
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