#USA #New York #Italian Wine #Vinitaly Academy #Wine Ambassadors

Vinitaly International Academy Certifies New Wine Ambassadors in New York

On October 28, 2026, Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) proudly proclaimed the certification of 27 new Italian Wine Ambassadors at a prestigious event in New York City. This milestone took place during the 36th VIA Italian Wine Ambassador certification program held on October 25 and 26 at Banville Wine Merchants. This event saw a wonderful convergence of wine enthusiasts and professionals, all eager to deepen their knowledge of Italian wine.

The two-day course was not just a certification process but an immersive educational experience that highlighted the diversity of Italy's wine regions. Hundreds of wine lovers gathered to explore Italy’s native grape varieties, the distinct regional identities, and effective ways to communicate the richness of Italian wines in competitive international markets. Participants engaged in tasting methodologies through guided sessions featuring 47 different Italian wines.

Having previously launched in Toronto, this edition in New York also aligned with the Vinitaly.USA and the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum, making it a key event in the wine industry calendar. According to Sarah Heller MW, a leading figure at VIA, the event not only attracted an impressive group of wine professionals, but also encouraged several candidates to return for a second opportunity to succeed in the examination requirements.

The rigorous certification process included a blind tasting of wines, short-answer questions, and a thorough multiple-choice exam. Each of the new ambassadors was formally welcomed into the VIA community during a Pinning Ceremony led by Sarah Heller MW, at the Brooklyn room of Pier 36, as part of the thriving wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum. Sarah reflected on the event’s success, noting how heartening it was to see both new students and seasoned ambassadors come together to foster a enriched community.

The distinguished new Italian Wine Ambassadors include:

• - Lindsay Wicka
• - Surasak Thangwiriyachaikul
• - Gonzalo Moraga
• - Pietro Buttitta
• - and many more inspiring figures in the wine industry.

VIA recognized excellence during the event, with special awards for the best performances across various assessment components. Allison Sheardy took home the award for Best Blind Tasting, while Pietro Buttitta won for Best Multiple Choice Exam. The title of Best Student of the VIA New York 2026 edition was awarded to Keith Mattrick, applauded for his remarkable performance throughout the program.

With over 550 certified Italian Wine Ambassadors currently active, the VIA community continues to expand globally, uniting wine professionals from over 57 countries. This network not only provides education but encourages collaboration and knowledge sharing among its members. From academic trips in Italy to judging at cherished competitions like 5StarWines, the community fosters growth and connection within the wine industry.

As the event concludes, excitement builds for the next VIA Italian Wine Ambassador certification course scheduled for April 14–18, 2027, in Verona, Italy. This will serve as another opportunity to promote Italian wine education on a global scale, ensuring that professionals continue to hone their skills and spread the love for Italian wines far and wide.

About Vinitaly International Academy:
VIA aims to be the gold standard in Italian wine education, providing standardized courses designed to help professionals master the intricate world of Italian winemaking. Founded by Stevie Kim, the organization emphasizes collaboration with Italian trade associations, educational institutions, and expert guidance to foster a robust environment for learning and sharing the love for Italian wines.