"Seeing the appellation of Lugana and our label Menasasso in the WSG's Italian Wine Scholar study manual has a profound meaning for me, it is one of the greatest recognitions achieved during my life in the world of wine and one of the most important achieved by the appellation I had the honor to lead."

Luca Formentini

Owner of Selva Capuzza and Vice-president of the Consorzio of Lugana

"Thanks to its complex orogenesis, topography and climatic variation, Italy boasts a combination of distinct terroirs and the largest number of indigenous grape varieties—some well-known and established, others lesser-known and even endangered.

Through the comprehensive Italian Wine Scholar manuals, the student of Italian wine is able to dive deeply into the diverse world of the wines of Italy and appreciate how the vine is intrinsically part of the Italian landscape and deeply rooted in Italian culture."

Gianmaria Trenti

Winemaker at Edmund Mach Foundation in Trentino

"The manual is superb, and has been very helpful to us. Especially the “Foundation Chapter”. We have used it extensively to better understand the Laws, especially recent changes and the EU impact on these changes.

We are extremely proud to be the importers of several important Italian producers, with new ones coming into the fold almost every month! Gaja, Il Poggione, Anselmi, Berlucchi, Nino Franco, Cusumano, Nonino, Simonit & Sirch, and just recently, Feudi San Gregorio. Angelo and Gaia Gaja have elected to change the nomenclature on several of their labels with the most recent releases, so this information from your extensive and well-put together research has been invaluable in understanding these changes.

The maps, photographs and illustrations are very well done, and help keep the material fresh and fun to read. Italian wine is a complicated topic and your fine work cuts through what could be an overwhelming course of study and makes it very approachable.

Cheers to a fantastic job on this. I sincerely hope we get to meet in person someday so I can thank you directly."

Timothy C. Clark

National Wine Educator at Terlato Wines

"This is a scholarly work that is amazingly approachable and accessible, especially considering its comprehensive, encylopedic nature. 

It exhibits an exquisite attention and precision to detail that is extraordinary.

Also rich in historical context fleshed out by informative, fun facts and trivia, it presents an enjoyable journey through the intricate, convoluted maze that is Italian wine."

Len Presutti CWE

Corporate Wine Educator at Martignetti Companies

"The first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is rich in details and a great read"

Chris So

Founder of WINELIST.HK, a wine media, education and consultancy company in Hong Kong

"This book is a must have for anyone seriously interested in getting to grips with Northern Italian wine regions, the main DOCs/DOCGs and most importantly the rich wealth of native grape varieties.

The book is very clearly set out, making this complex subject accessible and easy to read. The layout is simple to follow with brief paragraphs covering each region, its history, climate, soils and sub-zones as well as wine styles, key grape varieties and DOC/DOCGs.

I particularly like the beautifully illustrated regional maps with demarcated DOC/DOCGs at the beginning of each section. Plus the addition of lots of well-chosen photographs of vineyards, landscapes and wine labels helps bring to life the huge depth of technical and factual information this book contains. This is one of the most useful and accessible sources of reference material on Italian wines to be published recently which makes this invaluable for both the wine professional and dedicated enthusiast alike."

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Susan Hulme MW

Wine educator and consultant, judge for Decanter World Wine Awards (DWWA) and Italian wine expert

"For the student of wine no country is more challenging to learn than Italy.

The scale of regions, grapes, and styles of wine is overwhelming.

A thoughtful and concise manual like the Wine Scholar Guild’s “Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1” can be an invaluable tool vital to a student’s success in learning about the world’s most diverse wine country."

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Tim Gaiser MS

Renowned wine expert and Master Sommelier

"The Wine Scholar Guild has created an impressive and comprehensive curriculum in the ever-changing and always complicated world of Italian wine.

I loved how the book(s) were laid out with good, relevant, timely information and how easy it made learning about Italian wine.

The information is presented in such a way that the program is appropriate for beginning and advanced students of wine. Bravo – well done!"

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Alfonso Cevola

Corporate Director for Italian Wines for Glazer’s. Author of the award-winning blog “On the Wine Trail in Italy”

"The Italian Wine Scholar study manual is a comprehensive compilation of information for those who are truly interested in mastering Italian wines. 

It is tightly edited and focused, with a great collection of maps and other graphics as well."

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Paul Wagner

Balzac Communication & Italian Wine Marketing specialist

"Thanks so much for sending Unit 1:  The Wines of Northern Italy.

I’ve had the chance to look over it, and I have to say I really like it. 

It’s well-organized, well-written and very informative. It’s a superb resource to study and dig deep into the wines of Northern Italy. 

I’m looking forward to your release of Unit 2!"

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Gregory Doody

President & CEO at Vineyard Brands

"I have devoured the Italian Wine Scholar manual and found it incredibly well written, precise and comprehensive.

I think it will be a useful and great tool in the hands of many Italian wine lovers and wine professionals across the country that want to learn and understand more about Italy, and its geography, history, culture and definitely wines."

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Ciro Pirone

Director Italian Wines at Horizon Beverage Group (Boston, MA)

"I am very impressed with the first edition of the Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual which is well researched and thoughtfully laid out.

The dense information is well organized and includes graphs, color photographs and wine labels, making it both visually appealing as well as informative.

Given the sheer amount of information, it is a great idea to divide the course material into regions.

I would recommend the Italian Wine Scholar study program for anyone who really wants to learn about the complex and fascinating wine regions of Italy."

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Jeannie Cho Lee MW

First Asian Master of Wine and award-winning author, wine critic and educator. Contributing Editor for Decanter

"Committed students of wine will love the Italian Wine Scholar manual.

It’s exhaustive coverage of Italy’s regions, grape varieties and wine styles will only make you thirsty.

Plus, extensive use of images, labels and detailed maps helps bring everything to life."

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Peter Marks MW

Vice President of Education at Constellation Academy of Wine

"I am impressed by the thoroughness of research that has gone into the Italian Wine Scholar study manual, and by the clear way it is laid out.

I am sure that this course will prove very useful for the growing numbers of wine students wishing to improve their knowledge of wines in general and Italian wines in particular."

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Nicolas Belfrage MW

Author of the acclaimed books on Italian wines “Barolo to Valpolicella” and “Brunello to Zibibbo”

"The Italian Wine Scholar study manual on the wines of Northern Italy is simply the finest guide to this complex and important region to be published in recent memory.

It is an immediate must for the trade at all levels and for any interested consumer.  Bravo!"

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Martin Sinkoff

VP and Director of Marketing, Frederick Wildman And Sons

"In one word, the first edition of Italian Wine Scholar Unit 1 study manual is …..“Exceptional”!

It is the most comprehensive study guide I have seen on Northern Italy.

With the impeccable detail that is provided within each region it allows the student to truly master Italian wines.

From an educators perspective, separating the program  into two units allows the student to fully embrace comprehend Italy. Bravo!"

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Pam Kindel Connors

Human Resources Business Partner Director, Glazer's Louisiana

"The information is comprehensive, the writing is engaging and the format is easy to follow. Congratulations!"

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Craig Locascio

South Atlantic Director of Education and Sales Training, Breakthru Beverage Group