Annual Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship Celebrates Legacy of Piedmont Wine Champion

Introducing the Annual Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship

Somm.ai, in collaboration with the Consorzio di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani and Colangelo & Partners, has launched the annual Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship. This initiative aims to honor the life and legacy of Ben Oberto, widely known as "The Barolo Guy," by providing an immersive educational experience for U.S.-based wine professionals.

Ben Oberto was a passionate advocate for the wines of Barolo and Barbaresco. His presence in the American wine community was profound, serving as a mentor and an enthusiastic connector between the Piedmont region and U.S. wine lovers. His untimely passing in November 2024 left a significant gap in the community but also sparked a collective resolve to propagate his spirit of generosity, humility, and passion.

The scholarship, fully supported by the Consorzio, will enable one wine professional from the U.S. to travel to the Langhe region in January. This experience includes participation in Grandi Langhe, the region's premier trade tasting event in Torino, along with enrollment in the Barolo Barbaresco Academy Langhe Wine School. Here, the recipient will engage with leading producers and educators, gaining firsthand insights into the wines and the land that Ben cherished.

"Ben strongly believed that the true essence of Barolo and Barbaresco could only be grasped by traversing the vineyards and interacting with the people behind these remarkable wines," stated Jeremy Hart. Through this scholarship, the team aims to continue his vision and inspire future generations of wine professionals.

Grandi Langhe is a recognized showcase that attracts over 500 producers and 5,000 attendees yearly, making it an ideal platform for the scholarship recipient to immerse themselves in the local culture and winemaking traditions. Sergio Germano, President of the Consorzio, highlighted the significance of this event as not only a showcase but also as a hub for education and relationship-building with the U.S. market.

The Barolo Barbaresco Academy hosts an extensive course of study that blends structured academic learning with cultural experiences, including guided tastings, geological seminars, and vineyard visits, thereby providing comprehensive exposure to the region's wines.

Gino Colangelo, President of Colangelo & Partners, remarked, "This initiative encapsulates everything Ben stood for. As interest in Langhe wines continues to grow in the U.S., it is crucial to equip professionals with the necessary resources to enhance their knowledge and passion for these iconic wines."

Applications for the scholarship will be accepted starting June 30, 2025, until August 15, 2025. Eligible candidates must be U.S. wine trade professionals with a minimum of five years’ experience in Barolo and/or Barbaresco wines who have not previously enrolled in the Barolo Barbaresco Academy. Applicants will complete both multiple-choice and open-ended questions to demonstrate their knowledge of the Langhe appellations and personal motivation for applying.

A selection panel comprised of representatives from the Consorzio, Somm.ai, and Colangelo & Partners will review all applications. Full details about the application process are available on the Ben Oberto Memorial Scholarship website.

The Consorzio, Somm.ai, and Colangelo & Partners extend their heartfelt appreciation to the Oberto family for their ongoing support of this scholarship. This initiative not only preserves Ben Oberto's legacy but also fosters a deeper connection between the Langhe region and U.S. wine professionals, ensuring that his passion for Piedmont wines is shared for generations to come.

About the Organizations

Somm.ai is a premier data intelligence platform tailored for the beverage alcohol industry, offering analytics, pricing data, and insights for industry stakeholders.
The Consorzio Di Tutela Barolo Barbaresco Alba Langhe e Dogliani has advocated for the protection and promotion of these prestigious wine denominations since 1934, focusing on quality and authenticity within the winemaking process.
Colangelo & Partners is a leading integrated communications agency specializing in fine wines and spirits, helping brands achieve visibility and engagement through innovative and effective strategies.