Vinitaly International Academy's New Italian Wine Ambassadors Take the Stage

Building Italy's Wine Influence Worldwide

The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) recently celebrated a significant milestone by certifying 32 new Italian Wine Ambassadors during an intense five-day training session held in Verona. This edition, which took place from April 15 to 19, 2026, featured an impressive lineup of 164 benchmark wines and attracted 64 wine professionals from over 28 different countries.

The program, which is now in its 34th year, continues to set the standard for Italian wine education. Participants engaged in a comprehensive curriculum that delves into Italy's complex wine landscape, marked by its hundreds of native grape varieties and unique regional styles. The teaching methodology combined lectures and tastings, giving candidates a full-spectrum understanding of Italian viticulture and winemaking traditions.

A Rigorous Training Experience
Led by renowned instructors, including Sarah Heller MW, the course not only covered various wine styles but also involved two advanced seminars by VIA’s Chief Scientist, Professor Attilio Scienza. The curriculum was further enriched with 11 masterclasses conducted by leading Italian wine consortia, who provided firsthand insights into their regions and production methods.

Participants faced a demanding examination on the final day, comprising a blind tasting, short-answer questions, and a multiple-choice section—only those demonstrating exceptional depth of knowledge were able to earn the coveted title of Italian Wine Ambassador. Following the rigorous assessments, a ceremonial pinning event took place at the PalaExpo in Verona, marking the official recognition of these candidates.

A Global Network of Wine Professionals
Among those certified this year were diverse international candidates from countries such as the USA, Australia, China, Taiwan, and many others, reflecting the global appeal and growing interest in Italian wines. This year's Best Student award was presented to Joe Turnaturi from Australia, and notable awards for exam performance went to others, exemplifying outstanding dedication and knowledge within the group.

Stevie Kim, Managing Partner of Vinitaly and founder of VIA, emphasized that this initiative transcends just obtaining a diploma; it’s about fostering a global community of wine enthusiasts who can effectively communicate the nuances of Italian wines. As Kim articulated, the ambassadors' experiences will bridge cultures and serve as a conduit for promoting Italian wine to the world.

Building Connections in the Wine Community
With the recent addition of these new ambassadors, the VIA community has reached an impressive total of 494 certified Italian Wine Ambassadors, joined by a growing network of over 1,500 members globally. This vibrant community not only encourages professional growth but also facilitates ongoing engagement through events such as academic field trips across Italy, participation in wine competitions, and networking opportunities.

Each year, VIA students come from varied backgrounds, including educators, journalists, and hospitality professionals, enriching the program with diverse perspectives. The educational framework developed by VIA underscores its commitment to building a solid foundation for the future of Italian winemaking and appreciation.

In Conclusion
The Vinitaly International Academy continues to play a pivotal role in advancing the knowledge and appreciation of Italian wines worldwide. The certification of this year's new ambassadors reinforces VIA’s mission to cultivate well-informed advocates for Italian wine, creating a robust network that celebrates one of the world's most cherished culinary heritages. Congratulations to all who achieved this significant honor, marking the beginning of their journey as ambassadors of one of Italy's finest traditions.