Celebrating Italian Wine: A New Era of Ambassadors and Iconic Women
March 12, 2025, 11:06 pm
Italian wine is more than a drink; it’s a story, a culture, a legacy. In recent years, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) has become a beacon for wine education, shining a light on the rich tapestry of Italy’s vineyards. The recent appointment of new Italian Wine Ambassadors and the celebration of women in Barolo are pivotal moments in this evolving narrative.
On March 1-2, 2025, New York City played host to the 31st edition of the Italian Wine Ambassador certification course. This event marked a significant milestone for the VIA, which has been nurturing wine professionals since its inception. The academy welcomed nine new ambassadors and one expert into its fold, bringing the total number of certified ambassadors to 147. This is not just a number; it’s a growing community of passionate individuals dedicated to promoting Italian wine globally.
The VIA has redefined wine education. The latest course format is a masterclass in efficiency. It condenses lectures and tastings into a single day, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the world of Italian wines without sacrificing their professional commitments. This innovative approach is like a fine wine—complex yet accessible. It invites candidates to explore the depths of Italy’s diverse wine regions while honing their expertise.
Led by Sarah Heller MW, the course is rigorous. Candidates dive deep into the nuances of Italian viticulture, culminating in a challenging 2.5-hour exam. The pressure is palpable, but the reward is sweet. The pinning ceremony at Banville Wine Merchants is a celebration of achievement, where new ambassadors are recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Among the new ambassadors are names like Natalie Volpe and Jeremy Shaw. Each brings a unique perspective to the table, enriching the VIA community. This network is not just about education; it’s about collaboration and growth. The VIA fosters connections that extend beyond the classroom, offering opportunities for field trips, industry events, and continued learning.
As the VIA prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, the excitement is palpable. The upcoming flagship course in Verona promises to be a grand affair, coinciding with the renowned Vinitaly Exhibition. This event will gather wine enthusiasts from around the globe, reinforcing the academy’s role as a leader in wine education.
Meanwhile, the narrative of women in Italian wine is gaining momentum. The 4th edition of the Iconic Women in Italian Wine series will take place during the Vinitaly Exhibition in April 2025. This year, the spotlight is on six remarkable women from Barolo. These trailblazers are not just participants; they are pioneers reshaping the landscape of Italian winemaking.
Barolo, often dubbed the “King of Wines,” has long been a male-dominated domain. Yet, women have quietly influenced its evolution. Chiara Boschis, the first female winemaker in Barolo, broke barriers in the 1980s. Her modernist approach paved the way for future generations. Silvia Altare, daughter of a legendary winemaker, embodies innovation while honoring tradition. Each woman on the panel brings a unique story, a testament to resilience and creativity.
The Iconic Women Masterclass promises to be an immersive experience. Co-moderated by Michaela Morris DipWSET and Stevie Kim, the session will delve into the personal journeys of these women. Attendees will not only taste exceptional wines but also gain insights into the philosophies that drive these producers. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of heritage and modernity in Barolo.
The event is more than a tasting; it’s a celebration of the evolving role of women in wine. Each woman represents a legacy, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for the future. The stories shared will resonate with wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the importance of family and tradition in shaping their careers.
As the wine world continues to evolve, the contributions of women in Barolo cannot be overlooked. They are not just participants in the industry; they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers. Their voices are essential in crafting the narrative of Italian wine.
In conclusion, the Vinitaly International Academy and the Iconic Women in Italian Wine series are at the forefront of a wine renaissance. They are fostering a community of ambassadors and celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in the industry. As we raise our glasses to these achievements, we also look forward to the future. The world of Italian wine is rich and diverse, and its story is far from over. With each new ambassador and each iconic woman, the legacy of Italian wine continues to flourish. Cheers to the journey ahead!
On March 1-2, 2025, New York City played host to the 31st edition of the Italian Wine Ambassador certification course. This event marked a significant milestone for the VIA, which has been nurturing wine professionals since its inception. The academy welcomed nine new ambassadors and one expert into its fold, bringing the total number of certified ambassadors to 147. This is not just a number; it’s a growing community of passionate individuals dedicated to promoting Italian wine globally.
The VIA has redefined wine education. The latest course format is a masterclass in efficiency. It condenses lectures and tastings into a single day, allowing participants to immerse themselves in the world of Italian wines without sacrificing their professional commitments. This innovative approach is like a fine wine—complex yet accessible. It invites candidates to explore the depths of Italy’s diverse wine regions while honing their expertise.
Led by Sarah Heller MW, the course is rigorous. Candidates dive deep into the nuances of Italian viticulture, culminating in a challenging 2.5-hour exam. The pressure is palpable, but the reward is sweet. The pinning ceremony at Banville Wine Merchants is a celebration of achievement, where new ambassadors are recognized for their hard work and dedication.
Among the new ambassadors are names like Natalie Volpe and Jeremy Shaw. Each brings a unique perspective to the table, enriching the VIA community. This network is not just about education; it’s about collaboration and growth. The VIA fosters connections that extend beyond the classroom, offering opportunities for field trips, industry events, and continued learning.
As the VIA prepares to celebrate its 10th anniversary in 2025, the excitement is palpable. The upcoming flagship course in Verona promises to be a grand affair, coinciding with the renowned Vinitaly Exhibition. This event will gather wine enthusiasts from around the globe, reinforcing the academy’s role as a leader in wine education.
Meanwhile, the narrative of women in Italian wine is gaining momentum. The 4th edition of the Iconic Women in Italian Wine series will take place during the Vinitaly Exhibition in April 2025. This year, the spotlight is on six remarkable women from Barolo. These trailblazers are not just participants; they are pioneers reshaping the landscape of Italian winemaking.
Barolo, often dubbed the “King of Wines,” has long been a male-dominated domain. Yet, women have quietly influenced its evolution. Chiara Boschis, the first female winemaker in Barolo, broke barriers in the 1980s. Her modernist approach paved the way for future generations. Silvia Altare, daughter of a legendary winemaker, embodies innovation while honoring tradition. Each woman on the panel brings a unique story, a testament to resilience and creativity.
The Iconic Women Masterclass promises to be an immersive experience. Co-moderated by Michaela Morris DipWSET and Stevie Kim, the session will delve into the personal journeys of these women. Attendees will not only taste exceptional wines but also gain insights into the philosophies that drive these producers. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of heritage and modernity in Barolo.
The event is more than a tasting; it’s a celebration of the evolving role of women in wine. Each woman represents a legacy, a commitment to excellence, and a vision for the future. The stories shared will resonate with wine professionals and enthusiasts alike, highlighting the importance of family and tradition in shaping their careers.
As the wine world continues to evolve, the contributions of women in Barolo cannot be overlooked. They are not just participants in the industry; they are leaders, innovators, and storytellers. Their voices are essential in crafting the narrative of Italian wine.
In conclusion, the Vinitaly International Academy and the Iconic Women in Italian Wine series are at the forefront of a wine renaissance. They are fostering a community of ambassadors and celebrating the remarkable contributions of women in the industry. As we raise our glasses to these achievements, we also look forward to the future. The world of Italian wine is rich and diverse, and its story is far from over. With each new ambassador and each iconic woman, the legacy of Italian wine continues to flourish. Cheers to the journey ahead!