Sixty-two wine professionals and enthusiasts from around the world gathered in Verona to attend the Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador certification course in anticipation of Vinitaly 2025. This 32nd edition of the prestigious program marked the 10th Anniversary of the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA), celebrating a decade of in-depth and passionate Italian wine education and training. The event provided students with invaluable tools to navigate the complexity of Italy’s wine landscape, with its wealth of native grape varieties, distinct regional styles, and thousands of producers preserving centuries-old winemaking traditions while innovating for the future.
A Milestone for Vinitaly International Academy
The landmark 10th Anniversary edition of the course was a celebration of VIA’s mission: to train the next generation of Italian Wine Ambassadors with in-depth knowledge and a deep appreciation for Italian wines. Over four intense days of lectures and tastings, Vinitaly International Academy Faculty member Sarah Heller MW guided candidates through a rigorous program, with Andrea Lonardi MW joining as a guest faculty on days 3 and 4. The curriculum also featured 2 advanced seminars by VIA Chief Scientist Professor Attilio Scienza and 11 masterclasses hosted by distinguished Italian wine Consortia, who continue to be invaluable VIA Supporters.
On day 5, candidates faced a challenging 2.5-hour exam, which included a blind tasting of two wines, two short-answer questions and a detailed multiple-choice test. The exam ensures that only those with the most extensive knowledge of Italian wine become certified.
Unique Insights
As part of the program, the 11 VIA supporters provided candidates with firsthand knowledge of their wine regions through dynamic masterclasses led by authoritative representatives. This unique opportunity allowed participants to connect with industry leaders and gain insights into the latest trends and perspectives shaping Italian wine. Through these interactions, students not only deepened their understanding of Italian wine but also gained valuable knowledge of consumer preferences, essential for navigating the global wine market. Many of the wines tasted featured the 2015 vintage, in honor of the Academy’s 10-year anniversary.
The new appointed Italian Wine Ambassadors (IWAs) are:
- Julyana Fiorin
- Reiko Nakata
- Roland Muksch
- Samuel Hin Fun Luk
- Gabriel Riel-Salvatore
- Daniel Fitzgerald
- Wagner Erne
- Júlio César Kunz
- Luis Paulo de Barros Santiago
- Claire Cocks
- Yukari Goto
- Elizaveta Lazzaretto
- Daniele Assenza
- Mirela Soric
- Yegaspri Naidoo
- Shane Jones
- Jessica Sculley
- Laura Tamayo
- Chiaki Bascands Ishizu
- Edyta Janusik
- Luis Samuel Schachermayer
- Elianne Vink
- Walter Giomi
- Emma Mrkonic
- Angelo Minelli
- Sabina Ping Yang IWA
- Maxime Rusliakov
- Stephanie Johnson IWA
- Jack Liggett
- Asami Yoshikawa IWA
- Ettore Donadeo
A special recognition also goes to those who have earned the prestigious title of Italian Wine Experts (IWEs). We proudly congratulate Stephanie Johnson IWA, Jack Liggett, Asami Yoshikawa IWA and Ettore Donadeo for their dedication and achievement. A total of 31 candidates achieved the title of Italian Wine Ambassador, including 28 new recipients and 3 who renewed their certification.
Vinitaly International Academy Faculty Sarah Heller MW said: “I’m delighted by the success of our students this year, not only do we have a large class of ambassadors but also 4 new experts. Ten years in it feels like a mark of how far we have come as an Academy that students from around the world came prepared, familiar with the material and the tasting technique and ready to tackle an exam that remains as challenging, but hopefully rewarding, as ever.”
Stevie Kim, managing partner of Vinitaly and Vinitaly International Academy founder, remarked: “When we launched VIA ten years ago, we had a simple yet ambitious goal: to create the most rigorous and respected educational platform for Italian wine. Today, VIA has grown into a global community of passionate professionals who aren’t just studying Italian wine – they’re shaping its future. As we face new global challenges, from market shifts to potential trade barriers, it has become clear to us: our strength lies in people. VIA Ambassadors – certified or not – are the human connection between Italy and the rest of the world.”
VIA Pinning Ceremony & 10th Anniversary Celebrations
After the rigorous exam, the exciting Pinning Ceremony was held at the PalaExpo in Verona. Following the ceremony, all the participants were invited to the Bellavista winery in Franciacorta to celebrate their accomplishment and VIA’s 10-year anniversary at an unforgettable soirée, joined by some of the 5StarWines – the Book judges. The celebrations continued with recognition of Professor Attilio Scienza’s 80th birthday and the recent release of his new book, “The Art of Wine Storytelling.”
During the event, Holding Terra Moretti scholarship recipient Tawanda Marume from South Africa was awarded the prestigious ‘Holding Terra Moretti Vino Prize’ plaque and a magnum of wine, recognizing his potential as a promising wine professional. The award was presented by Holding Terra Moretti CEO Massimo Tuzzi and Vice President Valentina Moretti.
