VIA Toronto 2026
The Italian Wine Ambassador Certification Course at Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) is structured in two modules. The first module includes a series of online theory lessons while the second consists of one day of in-person practical lessons.
The VIA Course was designed by the VIA Faculty with the goal of certifying qualified Italian Wine Ambassador. The course allows students to study indepth theoretical and practical material in order to become authoritative international ambassadors for Italian wine around the world. The two-part format allows students to obtain the best results in their studies, and those who obtain the title of Italian Wine Ambassador gain a valuable advantage in building a long-term career in the global wine sector.
Course format
VIA focuses on the study of native Italian grape varieties, region by region, with a deep attention to geology, history, terroir and denominations. Students are provided with a 360° experience, learning about geology, viticulture and winemaking and their connection to Italian food, wine tradition, history and culture.
Online theory module: the online sessions uploaded on the e-learning platform form the basis of the program and students are required to study this content before the start of the in-person course.
In-person practical sessions:
- The in-person sessions will take place at ARIA Ristorante, 25 York St, Toronto, ON.
- There is 1 class day of tasting sessions of selected wines followed by Q&A sessions with the VIA Faculty.
The course ends on the second day with the final exam consisting of:
- 100 multiple choice questions,
- 2 open questions with short answers,
- blind tasting of 2 wines,
- a group video project.
The timeline
- Student recruitment takes place within 8 weeks of the opening of applications.
- The selection results are communicated to each prospective student via e-mail on a rolling acceptance basis.
- Access to the course platform is permitted only after admission and payment of the registration fee.
- Practical lessons take place in person at the course location and on the dates indicated.
- The exam and the Pinning Ceremony take place on the second day of the course.
Mandatory textbook (available on Amazon.com)
For questions or further information, please contac: [email protected]