AMARONE FROM THE TERRITORY TO THE WORLD: CONSORZIO VALPOLICELLA INVESTS IN WINE SPECIALISTS TO ATTRACT NEW CONSUMERS. THE VALPOLICELLA EDUCATION PROGRAM (JANUARY 26–28) PAVES THE WAY FOR AMARONE OPERA PRIMA, THE INTERNATIONAL SHOWCASE OF THE 2021 VINTAGE (JANUARY 30, 31, AND FEBRUARY 1)
(Sant’Ambrogio di Valpolicella, January 23, 2026). Twenty-two candidates from 12 countries, with the United States, Brazil, and Canada leading in terms of origin, are vying for the title of Valpolicella Education Program (VEP) Specialist 2026. The program is scheduled for January 26–28 in the appellation area. Created in 2018 by the Valpolicella Wine Consortium, the eighth edition of the VEP, which serves as a prologue to Amarone Opera Prima (Gallerie Mercatali, Verona, January 30, 31, and February 1), includes an intensive training course with lectures, winery visits, study sessions, and masterclasses, culminating in a written exam and a blind tasting, both of which must be passed.
There are currently 75 certified and highly profiled Valpolicella Wine Specialists in 27 countries, from China to Canada, the United States to Singapore, Vietnam to Australia, Kazakhstan, Russia, and across Europe. Additionally, there are 906 Valpolicella scholars and 200 Valpolicella explorers who contribute to an international community dedicated to promoting the identity of Valpolicella wines to consumers and professionals in their respective markets.
According to Christian Marchesini, president of the Valpolicella Wine Consortium: “The Valpolicella Education Program has become one of the most important strategic tools for the international growth of the appellation, which is now present in 87 countries worldwide, with an export share of 60%. In this context, training plays a central role: investing in specialized and qualified professionals means strengthening the identity of our wines in the markets and, above all, attracting new consumers.”
The itinerant format of VEP 2026 officially opens on Tuesday, January 27, at Cantina Valpolicella Negrar, in the classic Valpolicella area, which will host three lectures by Maurizio Ugliano, professor of oenology at the University of Verona; Alberto Brunelli, oenologist at the Consortium; and Paolo Veronesi, legal advisor to the Consortium. To conclude, the 22 aspiring experts will visit the Albino Armani winery.
On January 28, the focus shifts to the Valpantena production area at Collina dei Ciliegi, with presentations by viticulture professors Giambattista Tornielli (University of Padua) and Marianna Fasoli (University of Verona), as well as a guided tasting led by wine educator and storyteller Filippo Bartolotta. La Grotta del Ninfeo, in Valpolicella DOC, will host the exams for the 22 students, who, after the exam sessions, will visit the Massimago and Roccolo Grassi wineries.
The VEP will then pass the baton to Amarone Opera Prima for the presentation of the 2021 vintage to the press, professionals, and wine enthusiasts.
https://www.amaroneoperaprima.it/it ; www.consorziovalpolicella.it
Valpolicella Consortium Press Office:
Tommaso Accordini and Alessandra Sgaggio (0457703194; areastampa@consorziovalpolicella.it)
