Italian Wine Consultant Course

Grappolo Food and Wine is thrilled to introduce this groundbreaking certification program, designed to elevate the understanding and appreciation of Italian wine.

Next Course begins March 16, 2025

IMG_5155.JPEG
IMG_0656 (1).jpeg
IMG_1287 3.JPG
IMG_1261.JPG
IMG_1299.JPG
IMG_1302.JPG
IMG_5322.jpeg
IMG_7446.png
IMG_1835 2.JPG

Our Certified Italian Wine Consultant Course is a deep dive into the world of Italian wine culture, designed for professionals and enthusiasts alike who wish to elevate their understanding and representation of one of the most complex and celebrated wine
cultures in the world. As recognized authorities on Italian wine, we provide an unparalleled learning experience
that blends theory, practice, and passion.

Are you ready to catapult into the world of Italian Wine?

  • What is the Italian Wine Consultant Certification?

    This comprehensive multi-week 201 certification course delves into the richness of native Italian grape varieties, offering essential insights into the wines of Italy while exploring the culture, history, and terroir that shape their unique character. Participants explore Italy grape by grape, tasting the most important examples along the way, while gaining practical knowledge to apply to their careers or fuel their passion for Italian wine and culture. This program provides indispensable tools for continued success in the Italian Wine Ambassador, MW, WSET, CMS, or WSG organizations.

  • Who is this course for?

    Hospitality professionals, retail specialists, importers, distributors, wine buyers, educators, wine journalists and bloggers, as well as passionate enthusiasts. For those eager to delve into the intricate world of Italian wine, this course provides an excellent opportunity to enhance your knowledge and skills. Through focused study and engagement with various aspects of Italian wine culture, participants gain a deeper understanding of the diverse styles and histories that characterize one of the world's most celebrated wine-producing countries

  • Details

    Class Dates

    Spring 2025

    Classroom sessions: Sunday, March 16; Sunday, March 23; Saturday March 29; Sunday April 13

    From 9:00 - 4:00, with 1 hour break

    Final Exam date: Sunday, April 27

    Where: Restaurant Olivia - 290 S Downing, Denver, CO

    Investment: $925

  • What do we focus on?

    • Regional appellations

    • Autochthonous grapes

    • And a deep exploration of Italian wine and food culture

  • The instructor

    Italian Wine Ambassador, Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Educator, Certified Wine Educator, and Sommelier, Scott Thomas brings over 20 years of experience in the wine industry to this groundbreaking course. As a fine dining sommelier, passionate educator, former distributor sales manager, and current wine buyer, Scott offers a multifaceted perspective on Italian wine culture.

    Having earned a Master's degree in Wine Culture from the University of Gastronomic Sciences in Piedmont, Italy, where he lived for over two years and traveled extensively through its 20 wine regions, Scott combines professional expertise with deep producer knowledge, personal insights, and engaging anecdotes. This unparalleled learning experience is rooted in his profound understanding of Italian wine traditions and practices.

    Embrace the opportunity to learn from a seasoned educator who brings years of experience, passion, and an insider’s perspective to every session.

  • Learning Outcomes

    By the end of this course, you should be able to:

    Understand and explain the history, geography, regulations, and labeling of Italian wines.

    Identify and describe key factors influencing Italy's native grape varieties.

    Taste, evaluate, and assess the quality and traits of Italian wines.

    Explain production elements shaping regional Italian wine styles, including sparkling, dry, fortified, and sweet wines.

    Provide accurate, authentic, and credible guidance on Italian wine, including proper pronunciation and regional food accompaniments

  • You Receive

    24 hours of in-person masterclass sessions

    Guided tastings of more than 80 regionally-classic wines

    Course workbook, tasting grids, & lexicon

    Weekly review quizzes

    After passing a written exam, take-home, and blind tasting, earn the title "Certified Italian Wine Consultant”

    Certificate and pin

    Career-advancing knowledge and confidence representing Italian Wine

    Becoming a member of the vibrant Grappolo Food & Wine School Community

    Continual access to the course information

    Continual invites to special educational events

  • Testing Method and Grading

    • A 50-question multiple choice exam in one hour (60% of the final grade)

    • A blind tasting of two wines: one white, one red (30% of the final grade)

    • A take-home short answer portion demonstrating knowledge on an assigned subject (10% of the grade - due before the final exam date)

    • Students must achieve a minimum score of 70% in each section. Additionally, the weighted final grade must also be 70% or higher. This ensures a well-rounded mastery of all exam components for certification.

  • Syllabus

    Introduction Module: brief history, terms, wine laws (online before the first classroom session)

    Module 2: grape families, grape groups, Italian sparkling wines

    Module 3: Piedmont grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 4: Veneto & Valle d’Aosta grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 5: Friuli-Venezia Giulia & Trentino-Alto Adige grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 6: Liguria, Emilia-Romagna, Tuscany & Umbria grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 7: Le Marche, Abruzzo & Puglia grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 8: Lazio, Campania & Calabria grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Module 10: Sicily & Sardegna grapes, territory and primary DOC’s

    Business of Wine Module

    Final Exam + Blind Tasting

  • Master Key Grape Varieties and DOCs

    Gain comprehensive knowledge of Italy’s most significant grape varieties and their associated DOCs (Denominazione di Origine Controllata). Through guided tastings, we will explore regionally classic examples that bring the theory to life in every glass.

  • Communicate Like a Pro

    Learn how to effectively communicate about Italian wine with confidence. This includes mastering proper pronunciation of grape names and regions, understanding Italy’s geography and its influence on terroir, and appreciating the historical context that shaped Italian winemaking traditions.

  • Develop Expert Tasting Techniques

    Refine your tasting skills with an Italian-centric approach. Learn a unique Italian wine lexicon and gain the ability to connect your theoretical knowledge to practical applications. This training will empower you to draw logical conclusions during blind tastings—a skillset essential for sommeliers and serious wine enthusiasts.

  • The Business of Italian Wine

    For those in the industry, we offer a dedicated module that provides the tools to excel in the business of Italian wine. Learn how to build an effective wine list or cellar, communicate with customers, sell in the distribution setting, and recommend Italian grape varieties that align with international preferences. This module also covers the journey of Italian wine to the U.S. market, including the three-tiered distribution system and practical strategies for navigating it successfully. Additionally, explore current market trends and gain insights into the future of Italian wines, helping you stay ahead in an evolving industry.

  • Why Choose This Course?

    Graduates of our program leave with an arsenal of skills to excel in representing Italian wines. Collectively, these skills will make you a specialist in Italian wine. Whether you’re a wine professional seeking to elevate your career or a passionate enthusiast eager to deepen your knowledge, this course equips you with:

    A nuanced understanding of Italy’s most iconic wines.

    The confidence to discuss and present Italian wines authentically and persuasively.

    The ability to connect historical, geographical, and cultural insights to enhance your wine expertise.

    Join us and transform your appreciation for Italian wine into a mastery that sets you apart. Embrace the opportunity to learn from a seasoned educator who bring years of experience, passion, and an insider’s perspective to every session.

  • FAQ's

    What if I miss a module or a day?

    No problem! All course materials, including review quizzes, will be available for you to study at your own pace. We're here to support you if you need help or don't feel confident with the content. However, please note that you will miss the tasting portion for that week, and unfortunately, we are unable to provide a makeup session for it.

    Who is the certifying body for this course?

    This course is proprietary to Grappolo Food and Wine School, making us the certifying organization. It is built on years of expertise, personal knowledge, and the latest factual information to ensure a comprehensive and high-quality learning experience.

    Do I need any other wine certifications to take this course?

    No prior certifications are required. While previous experience or certifications may help with understanding concepts like winemaking, cause and effect, and terroir, they are not necessary. We’ll cover these topics as the course progresses, making it accessible to all levels of wine enthusiasts.

    Can I take this course remotely?

    While we’d love to welcome students from all over the world, our current model is designed for in-person, experiential learning. This approach ensures the best possible experience, particularly for wine tastings and hands-on engagement.

    I do not work in the industry. Is this course for me?

    Absolutely! Whether you're passionate about Italian wine or simply eager to deepen your wine knowledge, this course is perfect for you. Many wine enthusiasts with no industry background have thrived in our programs and found them both enriching and enjoyable.

  • Specific Questions?

    Drop a note here with any questions or inquiries.

    Contact us

READY TO SIGN UP?

Next Course begins March 16, 2025

Testimonials

  • "Scott is an excellent educator. The materials were well put together and relevant to both the test and to my career as a wine industry professional. From a practical standpoint, he helped synthesize and clear up a lot of the issues I was having with discussing Italian wines prior to taking the course. The tasting section was particularly informative as I don’t always have the opportunity to taste that many Italian wines side-by-side for typicity."

  • "My career will absolutely benefit from what I’ve learned. I’ve already started selling more unique Italian wines at work, and I enjoyed the connections made during class."

  • "I would highly recommend taking Scott’s class. Not only do you get the benefit of his years of expertise and knowledge, but you get inspired by a kind, passionate human being to learn more about Italy. It’s extremely well organized, and I’ve always felt encouraged to ask questions. Molto bene! "

  • "I love the deep dive into the regions, geography and mapping out all the wines. It was a great tool for memorizing all of the grapes."

  • "This class was a highlight of my career. Scott was the GREATEST teacher I have ever had!! The class was very challenging and there was a ton of information but the way Scott would break it all down was AWESOME! We were given quizzes, maps, class slides and got to taste sooooooooo many wines. The class was a great size and I just cannot say enough positive things."

  • "The class moved quickly. There was a lot of information packed into each class. Honestly wish it would have gone on much longer. So much fun but I appreciate how much we got from each session."

  • {highlights were}..."the exposure to lesser-known indigenous grape varieties and regions was exciting, and tasting benchmark examples of more famous regions was critical as well."

  • {benefits to your career}..."Not only on my resume but my confidence in structurally blind tasting wines will surely help in any wine related position in my future."

  • "The sessions were great. I think working through the grid as a group and talking about the tastings felt significantly more educational than just doing it on our own and moving through it quickly."