Vinitaly names Italian wine ambassadors

The seventh edition of Vinitaly Hong Kong has closed with two students being named ‘Italian wine experts’ and another becoming a wine ambassador, following their participation in the organisation’s Vinitaly International Academy (VIA).

Vinitaly International, which organises its primary trade fair in Verona annually, launched the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) in February 2014 with the aim of “divulging and broadcasting the excellence and diversity of Italian wine around the globe”, co-ordinating a certification course to create new ambassadors of Italian wine.

Ian D’Agata, scientific director of VIA, conducted a number of seminars and educational tastings at this year’s Vinitaly Hong Kong, which took place from 10 to 12 November at the Hong Kong Wine and Spirits Fair, with VIA students living in Asia travelling to Hong Kong to their final oral exam.

Following the exam two VIA students, Jinglin Zhang (Beijing) and Wai Xin Chan (Singapore) were named Italian Wine Experts, while Shirley Tan (Shanghai) achieved level two Wine Ambassador.

“The level of proficiency that I witnessed during the oral exam of both Wai Xin Chan and Jinglin Zhang were nearly the best or best that I have seen since the academy opened,” said D’Agata.

“Perhaps the most wonderful aspect of VIA, is the community that is being created through the shared experience of Italian wine education- all over the world, VIA students are connecting and making lasting friendships.”

Wai Xin Chan, from Singapore, left a career in IT and dove into the wine world, where he has established himself as a successful wine communicator. Among his qualifications, Wai Xin is a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) and a French Wine Scholar (FWS).

Jinglin Zhang, left north eastern China to study in France. She holds a bachelor’s degree in International Business and went on to obtain a master degree in Marketing. She holds a WSET level 4 diploma, currently works at Berry Bros & Rudd in London and recently launched a new blog, “When Bach Meets Barolo”. 

Shirley Tan got her start in the wine business as a sales manager with Veuve Clicquot China. After six years with the LVMH group, she went on to launch a successful Wine import and distribution company, East Meets West Fine Wines (EMW) in 2003. After 10 years, she sold her shares in the company to found the China Knot Consulting firm.

“Spreading the gospel about Italian Wine in this part of the world is often challenging, especially compared with the wines from French or the New World, and hence can be aided by adding a touch of “La Dolce Vita”,” said Stevie Kim, director of Vinitaly International.