Vinitaly unveils HK Wine Ambassadors

Vinitaly has unveiled three successful candidates to be honoured with the title of Italian Wine Ambassador for Hong Kong, which counts the largest number of people to have won the much-coveted title.

After four days of intensive classroom lectures and wine tastings, 55 candidates from around the world sat the gruelling two-hour, 100 multiple-choice question exam in a bid to become the next Italian Wine Ambassador or Italian Wine Expert.

Bestowed by Vinitaly International, the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) was designed to promote the diversity of Italian wine globally.

The certification course was held in March in Verona to train and certify wine professionals and educators and cover the complexities posed by the wine industry in Italy.

Out of the 55 candidates, only 26 hopefuls passed the exam with three emerging from Hong Kong as new Italian Wine Ambassadors: JC Viens, Tersina Shieh and Sarah Heller, demonstrating Hong Kong’s keen interest and enthusiasm for Italian wines.

Shieh said: “It was certainly challenging. I’m lucky and happy that I passed but I need to work harder to completely understand and master the subject.”

For those disappointed with their result, scientific director of VIA, Ian D’Agata offers consolation: “It’s no big deal. Should they still be interested they can resit the exam, just like they would if they retried the WSET or MW exams. The fact they were selected this time round means they are more than qualified to be a part of VIA and we would be happy to have them with us in the future!”