Ten students (unfortunately three had to reschedule due to unforeseen work commitment necessities and of seasonal flu-like illnesses) attended the inaugural IDWA Advanced course in Montalcino that Ian D’Agata stated “…it will go down in memory as one of the most fun and exciting wine courses I have ever been associated with. The knowledge level of the students was quite high, with Relais and Chateaux somms, Ivy league wine educators, published wine book authors, and the likes. But most importantly just super-nice people who liked each other’s company and who are extremely passionate about Italian wines. It made for three really nice days I think all of us wished didn’t have to end”. Highlights of the course included the tasting of exactly 100 wines from all over Italy (68 in the course and the remaining wines in the course’s corollary activities); a marvelous evening at the Col d’Orcia winery in the presence of Francesco Marone Cinzano and ten of the eleven Moscadello di Montalcino wines still made. The event featured a special masterclass on Moscadello, followed by dinner with ten 2020 Brunellos from the same producers; a special tasting of fourteen different Verduno Pelaverga wines kindly offered by the Verduno è Uno producer association; last but not least two winery visits, of Castiglion del Bosco and Argiano with a tasting of all the new releases and some old vintages of the estate wines and their olive oil, including a visit to a private museum of the area that holds a truly remarkable art collection.

All in all, it was an amazing three days that will live long in the memories and hearts of all those who were lucky enough to attend. We now all look forward and eagerly await our Advanced 2 Level course to be held in Montalcino in April 2026!.

All of us at the IDWA wish to extend a VERY special and heartfelt thank-you to the Castiglion del Bosco winery, the Castiglion del Bosco wine resort, Simone Pallesi, Carolina Bracalente, Gemma Grieco and the rest of their exceptional staff members, for all their support and help in setting up these amazing three days.