IN collaboration with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS) or the Italian Sommelier Association and Winehub Inc., with the sponsorship of Etihad Airways, the Embassy of Italy in Manila launched a special initiative. The first Italian certified sommelier course in the Philippines represented an extraordinary wine experience that captured the attention of wine enthusiasts and lovers of Italian culture as well as professionals of the sector.AIS was one of the oldest and most prestigious sommelier associations in the world, whose primary purpose was to qualify the figure and profession of sommelier as well as enhance the culture of wine. The educational path proposed by the AIS was structured in three distinct levels and would award the participants with an internationally recognized certificate at the conclusion of the course.AIS instructors Professor Michele Mastropierro and Professor Luca Radicchi traveled from Italy to share their extensive knowledge and mentor the participants with care and passion about the secrets of the fine art of wine appreciation, respectively for the first and second level. The course started with its first level on Aug. 7, 2023, dedicated to the role of the sommelier, the artisanal approach to wine production and the significance of the terroir. The participants were guided through a hands-on experience of tasting specific wines, nurturing their ability to discern and value the subtle intricacies within wines.The second level took place at the new Italy Visa Application Center in Taguig on Feb. 5 to 9, 2024, in the large area dedicated to the promotion of "Made in Italy" and intended to host cultural, economic and social initiatives.The enthusiastic participants had the opportunity to learn the techniques of evaluating and tasting different types of wine. The initial 3 days focused on exploring and tasting wines from Northern, Central and Southern Italy. The fourth day broadened horizons with wines produced in other European countries and other parts of the world. The culminating fifth day saw all participants involved in a written and practical test to evaluate the acquisition of the skills and information shared during the week.The third level of the course would take place in the second half of 2024, promising a distinctive focus on food-wine pairing, which was not exclusive to Italian dishes. Filipino cuisine would also be incorporated, showcasing the rich tapestry of culinary experiences. This inclusive approach aimed to highlight the varied flavors and nuances that emerge when combining exquisite wines with both traditional Italian and Filipino gastronomic delights, offering participants a comprehensive understanding of the art of food and wine pairing.Considering the potential development of the wine market in the Philippines and the great wealth of expertise that Italy has as one of the world's most ancient and prolific wine making countries, the Embassy supported this initiative with the intent to align with the potential increase in trade between Italy and the Philippines in this flourishing sector in the years to come.By fostering such cultural initiatives, the Embassy, sought to share the Italian world-renowned expertise, to strengthen the connection between the two countries and to capitalize on the expanding interest in premium wines within the Philippine market, paving the way for increased collaboration and economic exchange between the two nations in the dynamic landscape of the wine industry.
IN collaboration with the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS) or the Italian Sommelier Association and Winehub Inc., with the sponsorship of Etihad Airways, the Embassy of Italy in Manila launched a special initiative. Register to read this story and more for free .
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