Congratulations to Darbi Invergo, IWS, for passing the Italian Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About Darbi:
I am a neurosurgeon with 2 small children and a wine enthusiast who recently relocated to California’s wine country. Prior to medical school I was a beer drinker but converted to wine because I thought it would be classier. After many years of transitioning from sweet whites to big fruity reds, I eventually discovered that I had an affinity for Italian wines. I did some self-study for quite a bit foolishly thinking that I knew anything about wine. Then during the COVID pandemic elective surgeries came to a halt and I had some time to take a formal wine class, so I jumped right in with the Italian Wine Scholar program. I found it exhilarating that no matter how much knowledge I gained, there seemed to be no end to what I could learn about Italy. I absolutely loved the comprehensive study of the history, climates, soils and of course the wines and culture. I must admit, I went down the rabbit hole and tried to learn as much as I could about every aspect of Italian viti/viniculture. The thirst for knowledge I felt, and still feel is reminiscent of that of a neurosurgery resident drinking from a fire hose of information.
After I was midway through the IWS program, I decided it would be a good idea to enroll in an entry level wine class. I passed WSET 1 the week before taking my IWS exam and took WSET 2 a few months later, passing with distinction. I’m currently enrolled in the FWS program and am considering taking a business of wine course as well as WSET 3. I would love to continue with more in-depth Italian wine studies if those become available and am looking at taking one of the study trips next summer.
During the IWS course I hosted a comprehensive Nebbiolo tasting for my wine group which has been together for over 30 years. I felt confident and knowledgeable teaching people who overall had more collective wine experience than I did. I received many compliments on the evening and have been asked to put together another Italian wine program.
Since IWS was my first wine class, it will always be the standard to which I compare everything else. I loved the integration of the information and how it was presented in a manner the was meant for understanding and not rote memorization. The IWS program has really amplified my enthusiasm for learning all I can about Italian wine and Italy in general. I have a passion for passing on what I have learned and would love to eventually start a 2nd career as a wine educator with a focus on Italian wines at some point in the future.
