(16 – feb) The art of wine tasting is one of the typical Italian excellence and even in China this generates great interest. “Made in Italy” sommelier lessons in China, Italian wine training schools in Shanghai and Beijing, Italian language courses, educational materials and issueing of a degree by the Italian Association of Sommeliers. This is an ambitious project created to form of Chinese sommeliers. It is a collaboration between the University for Foreigners of Siena, Italian Sommelier Association and Enoteca Italiana with the intent to affirm the cultural value and quality of Italian wines in China. The agreement, sponsored by the Ministry of Agricultural, Food and Forestry Policies, was signed today by Massimo Vedovelli, dean of the University for Foreigners of Siena, Antonello Maietta, President of the Italian Sommelier Association, and Claudio Galletti, president of Enoteca Italiana. The first two courses will take place in cities of the project “100 Enoteche Italiane”: Shanghai and Beijing. In a second stage, will be identified other cities, in collaboration with universities, agencies or Italian consortiums in China. “The Italian Sommelier Association is flattered to be able to offer its contribution, together with two institutional, to spread the culture of a strategic product for the Italian economy – states Antonello Maietta, president of the Italian Sommelier Association -. We also believe that this partnership will bring undeniable benefits not only to the wine industry but to the entire Italian wine-food scenario, with significant implications for the national tourism industry”. (Roc)
