[Journal] Who Wants To Be The Next Italian Wine Ambassador?

Vinitaly International Academy returns to NYC to host the 31st Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course on March 1-2, 2025.

If I had a bottle of wine for every time I’ve been introduced as, “Anthony Giglio, Italian Wine Expert,” I might have a wine collection that rivals the legendary one at Bern’s Steak House, in Tampa, Florida. Not that I’m complaining—I’m quite proud of my Italian ancestry, tracing all eight of my great-grandparents back to the Campania and Basilicata regions in Southern Italy. Growing up in Jersey City in the 1970s, my family poured plenty of Italian wine, many of them seared in my childhood memories: Bolla Soave Classico, Fratelli Bellini Chianti (wrapped in the classic straw flask), Riunite Lambrusco, and, on special occasions, Gancia Asti Spumante. In fact, it was during those raucous, endless Sunday lunches that I learned that wine and food belonged together, elevating the experience of whatever was on our plate with whatever was in our glass. In other words, there were no perfect pairings, just good ideas, great food and loud conversation.

All to say that when it comes to my level of expertise in wine, the truth is that I studied with the Sommelier Society of America back in 1992 and received a ‘Diploma in Service’ after rigorous study of winemaking around the world. The course, taught by local NYC legends Master Sommelier Roger Dagorn and Renzo Rapacioli, did not focus solely on Italy. So, while I certainly developed a love for wine based on affordable vini Italiani, and while I certainly have a name with lots of vowels, that doesn’t make me an “Italian Wine Expert,” per se.

Why am I telling you this? Because a recent invitation from Stevie Kim, Managing Director of VinItaly International, to become an Italian Wine Ambassador, got me thinking: How many of Italy’s 430+ indigenous grape varieties do I really know? The answer (to myself) is: Not that many! So, I’m going back to school! And for the next month leading up to the exam, I’ll have my head buried in the course’s Bible: Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0, written by a team of professionals, including famed agronomist Attilio Scienza, professor at the University of Milan in the Department of Agricultural and Food Sciences, with a preface written by Stevie Kim, the Managing Director of VinItaly International, who sums up the book this way: “This book is a truly collaborative effort, one that has been inspired and shaped by an international community of Italian wine lovers who, in many cases, have spent a lifetime studying and enjoying Italian wine. And that’s really who this book is aimed at – those who are studying or are simply passionate about Italian wine and want to get deeper into the subject. In addition, we had our own team of in-house editors, educators, and designers working on the project, as well as Professor Atillio Scienza, who provided academic clout with his depth of knowledge and cutting-edge research. We hope everyone finds something to learn from this second edition, no matter where they are on their Italian wine journey.”

So: Who’s with me? It’s not to late to enroll. More info below, and after you’re up to speed, you’ll be one click away from the application. Andiamo!

What is VIA | The VIA certification course is recognized as a gold standard in Italian wine education. Since its inception in 2015, VIA has amassed over 1500 dedicated members, of whom 421 have now achieved the title of Italian Wine Ambassador and 17 are qualified as Italian Wine Experts.

Who is the VIA Community | Comprised of all students who have studied the program since its creation, the VIA Community forms a supportive and professional network that extends far beyond the limits of the classroom to include lasting friendships, an open forum for sharing wine information, as well as travel and career opportunities.

A New Course Format | This year introduces a new compressed course format designed to enhance the experience and provide a deeper exploration of Italian wines. Day One is fully dedicated to instruction, offering an immersive journey into the diversity of Italy's wine regions, grape varieties and appellations, by tasting approximately 40 wines, with whites in the morning and reds in the afternoon.

The 2.5-hour Exam will take place on Day Two and consists of: 

• • Blind Tasting of 2 wines

• • 2 Short Answers Questions

• • 100 Multiple Choice Questions

Following the exam, the much-anticipated pinning ceremony will take place, where we’ll celebrate the newly appointed Italian Wine Ambassadors and Experts!

Why New York, Why Now | The U.S. is a key market for Italian wines, accounting for nearly 29% of Italy's global wine exports in the first half of 2024.

With New York at the heart of this market, hosting the VIA certification course in Manhattan highlights the importance of equipping U.S. wine professionals with the knowledge and tools to confidently and effectively promote Italian wines.

For the second year in a row, Banville Wine Merchants in Manhattan will host the course. “We at Banville Wine Merchants are very happy to support the VIA because the education of Italian wines in the North American market is a fundamental focus of ours,” says Lia Tolaini Banville.“The VIA is at the forefront and has quickly become the standard for excellence in Italian wine education.”  

The course will be led by VIA Faculty member Sarah Heller MW at Banville Wine Merchants, located at 126 E 38th St in New York City.

The Vino Bible: Italian Wine Unplugged 2.0 is a complete revision of the original 2017 tome, .