Celebrating Italian Wine: The 33rd Edition of the Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course
VERONA, Italy, Oct. 6, 2025 — The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA), renowned for its commitment to wine education, recently held its 33rd edition of the Italian Wine Ambassador certification course on October 5-6, 2025, at Navy Pier in Chicago. This immersive program certified six enthusiastic Ambassadors, contributing to the growing community of Italian wine advocates.
A Rigorous Learning Experience
This edition attracted 20 candidates from ten different U.S. states, eager to deepen their Italian wine knowledge under the expert guidance of VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW. The course encapsulated an intense day filled with lectures and the exploration of 45 different Italian wines, prepping candidates for a challenging two-and-a-half-hour exam scheduled for the following day.
Adolfo Rebughini, CEO of Veronafiere, welcomed the participants on the first day, underscoring the importance of the course in fostering a rich appreciation of Italian viticulture. To mark their achievements, he officiated a pinning ceremony, celebrating the candidates as they embarked on their journey as wine educators.
Success and Achievement
After the exam, six candidates successfully earned the prestigious title of Italian Wine Ambassador, with one member proudly confirming their title. This accomplishment not only signifies a personal achievement but also marks a significant step in promoting Italian wines globally.
The VIA Community
The VIA certification program is recognized as the gold standard in Italian wine education. With over 1,500 candidates having participated in the program since its inception in 2017, 464 have achieved the title of Italian Wine Ambassador, among which 22 are also certified Italian Wine Experts. This community extends beyond formal education; it creates a supportive network where wine professionals and enthusiasts can foster meaningful connections, share insights, and even access career opportunities.
Participants from the VIA community benefit from year-round events, ranging from field trips across Italy to prestigious gatherings such as judging at 5StarWines – the Book and attending OperaWine and wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum. The opportunity to collaborate with fellow ambassadors enriches the experience, allowing members to continuously expand their knowledge and professional networks.
Meet the New Ambassadors
The certified Italian Wine Ambassadors stand as representatives of a new wave of wine evangelists committed to sharing the beauty and intricacies of Italian wines. VIA Faculty Sarah Heller MW spoke highly of this year’s cohort, noting how their enthusiasm and insight during discussions were particularly inspiring. She highlighted the course’s growing recognition as a definitive achievement in Italian wine education.
Recognizing Excellence
The Chicago edition also celebrated top-performing students, with a special acknowledgment going to Logan Chambers IWA, who received a commemorative plaque and a magnum of Franciacorta Docg Riserva Extra Brut “Franco Ziliani” 2008, presented by Romina Castelletti, Marketing Director at Guido Berlucchi & C. SpA. This gesture not only honors individual achievement but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit of the winemaking community.
Looking Ahead: Future Courses
Exciting opportunities for aspiring ambassadors lie ahead, with the next annual flagship course scheduled to take place in Verona from April 15-19, 2026. This course, following the Vinitaly International Wine and Spirits Exhibition, will accommodate 60 candidates. Additionally, satellite courses scattered globally will be announced throughout the year via VIA’s social media and website, offering even more opportunities for wine professionals to gain esteemed credentials.
A Commitment to Excellence
The Vinitaly International Academy, founded by Stevie Kim, is dedicated to establishing itself as the gold standard in Italian wine education. Collaborating with esteemed trade associations like Federdoc, Federvini, and Vignaioli Indipendenti FIVI, as well as under the scientific direction of Prof. Attilio Scienza, VIA is poised to foster a new generation of Italian wine ambassadors. With Sarah Heller MW leading the flagship courses, the academy ensures that its participants receive rigorous and well-organized training that prepares them for a successful career in the wine industry.
Explore more about this prestigious academy and its initiatives at Vinitaly International Academy. This journey into Italian wine continues to flourish, empowering a global community of wine lovers.