The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) will host its exclusive Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course in Chicago, USA, from October 19 to 21, 2024. This marks the 29th edition of the course, a globally renowned program known for its rigorous and comprehensive approach to Italian wine education.
The United States is one of the most important markets for Italian wine, with Italian wines making up 44% of all imported wines sold through the US on-trade market in the first three quarters of 2023. Chicago is an ideal location for this event, as it is a major center for US agribusiness and home to over 100 Italian companies. Additionally, the city's large Italian-American population and numerous Italian restaurants make it a fitting host for VIA's debut in the Midwest.
Sarah Heller MW, a VIA Faculty member, highlighted the significance of this course, inviting students to join a profound conversation about Italian wines. "This gives them new tools to communicate about these wines and a definite foundation to become true Ambassadors, promoting Italian wines around the world." The benefits of becoming a Certified Italian Wine Ambassador include enhanced career opportunities, increased credibility in the industry, and the chance to be part of a global community of wine professionals.
Participants in the VIA course will immerse themselves in two days of tastings and in-depth seminars that comprehensively cover Italy's diverse wine-producing regions. The course will culminate with a rigorous exam on the third day, ensuring that successful candidates are well-prepared to earn the title of Certified Italian Wine Ambassador.
Professor Attilio Scienza, the scientific advisor for VIA, emphasized the unique focus of the course on the native grapes of Italy, highlighting "the ethos behind the course is a sound scientific stress on the native grapes of Italy and thecharacteristics of the 20 regions' biodiversity, history, culture, and business."
The VIA certification course, recognized as the gold standard of Italian wine education, is carefully curated by Veronafiere and Vinitaly. The VIA Community, a global network that has grown to include over 1,300 participants from 48 countries, with 393 successfully passing the exam to become Certified Italian Wine Ambassadors, is a significant part of this journey.
Vinitaly USA will also debut in Chicago on October 20-21 at Navy Pier, coinciding with the VIA course. The VIA course is a separate event from Vinitaly USA, but both are part of the larger Vinitaly International Academy initiative. This event aims to host over 1,000 American buyers, including restaurant owners, importers, distributors, and other industry professionals, offering an opportunity to connect with Italian producers, attend panels, and participate in exclusive events.
Applications for the Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course in Chicago are now open. For more information, visit Vinitaly International Academy Chicago.