The Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) has officially opened applications for its 2025 course in Chicago, coinciding with the renowned Vinitaly.USA and the wine2wine Vinitaly Business Forum.
Set to take place at the iconic Navy Pier, this unique convergence offers participants an exceptional opportunity to engage with Italian wine producers, importers, and buyers over two days dedicated to celebrating Italian wine.
This edition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time in its ten-year history that the wine Business Forum will be held outside its traditional venue in Verona, Italy, directly targeting the U.S. market—a timely decision as the global wine industry seeks to foster collaboration and strategic dialogue.
Sarah Heller MW, a faculty member at VIA, shared her enthusiasm about last year’s event in Chicago, highlighting the diverse participation from students across the U.S. and internationally. She noted, “We were absolutely delighted to bring the Vinitaly International Academy to Chicago alongside Vinitaly.USA. It was inspiring to welcome students not only from across the United States but also from overseas. The caliber of participants was exceptional, and the success rate was one of the highest we’ve seen in years of running the course—possibly even unprecedented.”
VIA, founded in 2014 by Stevie Kim, aims to train a new wave of highly qualified Italian Wine Ambassadors and Experts around the globe. With a robust curriculum blending scientific rigor and cultural insight, the Academy has certified 458 Italian Wine Ambassadors to date, of which 22 have achieved the distinguished status of Italian Wine Experts.
The educational approach of VIA emphasizes hands-on tasting experiences, regional storytelling, and a deep dive into Italy’s native grape varieties. This immersive learning style has never been more crucial, especially during a time when global wine consumption faces challenges. To reinvigorate interest in Italian wine, VIA emphasizes the need to transcend technical knowledge and instead weave narratives, cultural contexts, and emotional engagement into their training—a central aspect of their philosophy.
Navy Pier stands out as an ideal backdrop for this significant event, being one of Chicago’s most beloved landmarks. Beyond its picturesque views of Lake Michigan, the Pier is a vibrant cultural and culinary hub that attracts millions of visitors annually. Its expansive dining, entertainment, and event spaces provide an inspiring environment for participants to learn and celebrate Italian wine.
Applications for the VIA Chicago 2025 course are now open to wine professionals and advanced students from around the world. However, interested individuals should act quickly as spaces are expected to fill rapidly.
The opportunity to be part of this pivotal event aligns well with the growing recognition and demand for quality Italian wines in the American market. By applying for the VIA course, participants will gain valuable insights and make meaningful connections within the wine industry.
For more information and to apply, prospective students can visit the official VINITALY website at the following link: [VIA Chicago 2025](https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/courses/via-chicago-2025/).
With its focus on excellence in Italian wine education, VIA continues to be the gold standard for those aspiring to master the rich diversity of Italian wines, fostering a global network of advocates dedicated to promoting Italian wine across all corners of the globe.
As VIA prepares for its next chapter in the Windy City, the anticipation for the insights and discussions that will unfold continues to grow.
image source from：prweb
