Becoming an Italian Wine Ambassador with Vinitaly Academy: My Journey to Italy’s Finest Wines.
It’s been a whirlwind journey, but here I am—a proud Italian Wine Ambassador certified by the prestigious Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) in Verona. Let me take you behind the scenes of how I went from a curious wine lover to an official ambassador of Italian wine, all while meeting incredible people and having a lot of laughs (and, let’s be honest, a few stressed-out moments before exams).
The Beginning: WSET and Lifelong Friendships
It all started in 2017, when I decided to dive deeper into the world of wine by pursuing the WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) program. That’s where I met my mentor and now lifelong friend, Marcia J Hamm. She opened the door to my love affair with Italian wine, and I’ll always be grateful for her guidance.
A little later, I found myself at a brunch (as all great stories begin!) and met Bev, who became my wine buddy and partner-in-crime. Together, we completed our WSET Level 3 in Canada. We still laugh about our joke: “We loved Wednesday nights, but Thursday mornings—not so much!”
Italian Wine Maestro: A Passion Project Turned Dream
Our next adventure together was tackling the Italian Wine Maestro program, a mini version of the Italian Wine Ambassador course. It was the first of its kind in the world, and Bev and I were among its very first students.
Thanks to COVID-19, this became a long and winding road, but we stuck it out. And let me tell you—it was absolutely worth it. The Maestro program opened up my understanding of Italy’s rich wine culture, and it prepared us for the big leap into becoming full-fledged Italian Wine Ambassadors.
The Vinitaly Academy Experience
The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) is no joke—it’s as prestigious as it gets in the wine world. The program is designed for true wine enthusiasts and professionals, offering a deep dive into Italy’s 20 wine regions, 400+ native grape varieties, and thousands of years of winemaking tradition.
It’s intense, challenging, and incredibly rewarding. The exam is one of the most difficult in the industry, and studying for it requires dedication, passion, and a lot of wine tastings (not complaining about that part!). But walking away with the title of Italian Wine Ambassador feels like holding a golden key to Italy’s incredible wine heritage.
If you’re a serious wine lover ready to take on this challenge, I cannot recommend this program enough. You can learn more and sign up at Vinitaly Academy.
The Best Part: Sharing the Love of Italian Wine
Being an Italian Wine Ambassador isn’t just a title—it’s a community. From Sicily to Verona, I’ve connected with passionate winemakers, visited jaw-dropping vineyards, and shared unforgettable moments with friends like Bev. (We just got back from an amazing press trip in Sicily, and I’m still buzzing with inspiration!)
Italian wine is more than just a drink; it’s a story, a culture, and an invitation to explore. And as someone who has spent nearly a decade studying wine, I want to bring that passion to you.
Thinking of Exploring Italy? Let’s Do It Together!
Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just dipping your toes into Italy’s wine scene, I’d love to guide you. From Tuscany’s rolling vineyards to the volcanic soils of Sicily, let’s explore Italy’s wine regions together.
📩 Ready to sip your way through Italy? Contact me at Wine Fantasy Barcelona for custom tours that blend wine, culture, and unforgettable experiences.
Cheers to Wine, Learning, and Amazing Adventures!
Becoming an Italian Wine Ambassador has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. If you’re passionate about wine, why not take the leap with Vinitaly Academy? Who knows—you might just find yourself exploring Italy with me, glass in hand, ready to toast to the next adventure.
Salute!