Vinitaly International Academy Officially Launches in Canada, Certifying 35 New Wine Ambassadors

Vinitaly International Academy Launches in Toronto, Canada

The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) has officially made its debut in Canada, certifying a total of 35 new Italian Wine Ambassadors at its inaugural course held in Toronto. This event, which took place on June 22-23, 2026, at ARIA Ristorante, gathered an enthusiastic crowd of wine professionals and enthusiasts, marking an important milestone in the promotion of Italian wine culture.

A New Dawn for Italian Wine Ambassadors

In total, 31 new Ambassadors were certified along with 4 reconfirmed members who opted to take the exam again. The course was thoughtfully organized by Veronafiere and Vinitaly in collaboration with the ITA (Italian Trade Agency). Over two intensive days, participants engaged in comprehensive educational experiences focusing on the rich and diverse landscape of Italian wines.

Leading the program was Sarah Heller MW, an accomplished educator, assisted by John Szabo MS. The certification process began with an opening address by Carlo Angelo Bocchi, Director of ITA Canada, followed by an introduction from Matteo Zoppas, President of ITA - Italian Trade Agency.

Exploring Italy's Wine Heritage

During the course, candidates delved into Italy's vast viticultural regions, studying native grape varieties, regional identities, and effective communication techniques for marketing Italian wines in global markets. Participants had the opportunity to taste a remarkable selection of 43 Italian wines through guided tasting sessions, deepening their appreciation for Italy's wine heritage.

The course concluded with the Italian Wine Ambassador exam, which assessed candidates through a blind tasting, short-answer responses, and a comprehensive multiple-choice assessment. Those who succeeded were formally welcomed into the VIA community during a special Pinning Ceremony held at ARIA Ristorante, with notable attendees including Federico Bricolo, President of Veronafiere, and Giulia Romani, Acting Consul General of Italy in Toronto.

Enhancing the Connection Between Italy and Canada

Federico Bricolo expressed the importance of the VIA in strengthening connections between Italian wine producers and the Canadian market. He remarked, "Through Vinitaly International Academy, Veronafiere is investing in the development of wine professionals who serve as vital links between Italy and Canada. Their outreach efforts will bolster the presence of Italian wine in this dynamic market."

Sarah Heller MW added, "Bringing VIA to Canada for the first time has been incredibly rewarding. The enthusiasm shown by the 55 participants reflects a growing momentum for Italian wine in this region, instilling confidence in its future success."

Networking and Future Opportunities

As part of the Toronto event, Vinitaly organized a series of networking opportunities for Italian wine professionals. On June 22, ITA Toronto hosted a welcome cocktail at the Italian Chamber of Commerce of Ontario, facilitating connections between agents and industry professionals. A closing dinner at ARIA Ristorante on June 23 capped off the experiences of the VIA participants, featuring John Szabo MS as Master of Ceremonies and a presentation seeking to promote Italian wines more broadly in Canada.

The certifications also saw several special awards for standout performances in various categories, celebrating excellence among the new Ambassadors. Honorees included Ana Bertha Gallegos Barcenas, Gianluca Alaimo Di Loro, and Winston Sullivan, among others.

Looking Ahead

The VIA certification course in Toronto marks just the beginning, with the next session scheduled for New York at Banville Wine Merchants on October 25-26, 2026, continuing VIA's commitment to expanding Italian wine education in key international markets.

Vinitaly International Academy continues to establish itself as a gold standard institution for Italian wine education, fostering a growing global network of wine professionals dedicated to sharing and promoting the unique profiles of Italian wines. As VIA builds a vibrant community exceeding 1,600 members worldwide, the future looks bright for Italian wine enthusiasts and professionals alike.

For wine lovers and industry insiders, VIA’s commitment to innovation and education beckons a deeper understanding of Italian wine culture, creating exciting opportunities for everyone involved.