Ep. 2777 VIA Advanced Tasting Sessions with Sarah Heller MW | Masterclass US Wine Market

Want to improve your advanced wine knowledge?

In Episode 2777 of the Italian Wine Podcast Barbara Fitzgerald is in conversation with the internationally renowned wine educator and consultant, Sarah Heller MW.

In this conversation, Sarah provides insight into the VIA Advanced seminars and this year’s theme of defining quality in Italian wine, while discussing the value of advanced tasting, continued education, and the importance of staying curious and learning throughout a wine career—even after achieving the MW.

What is the Vinitaly International Academy (VIA)?

The Vinitaly International Academy is a leading wine education institution in Verona that trains wine professionals to master the complex diversity of Italian wines.

Key Takeaways:

• What VIA Advanced Tasting Sessions are, who they are for, and why they matter.

• How we define and recognise quality in Italian wine.

• Why wine education shouldn’t stop after achieving a certification—even the MW.

The VIA Advanced Tasting Session will take place in New York City on Tuesday 27 October 2026. You can apply (https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/courses/via-advaced-tasting-session/) at:

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/courses/via-advaced-tasting-session/. 

For more information about the Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador program visit:  (https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/)

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/academy/vinitaly-international-academy/.

More about the guest:

Sarah Heller MW is a U.S.-based Master of Wine and a leading voice in Italian wine on the global stage. She has been a faculty member of the Vinitaly International Academy since 2018, after being part of the first group of VIA Ambassadors to pass its inaugural edition in 2015. Sarah’s work explores wine’s cultural and sensory dimensions. Her Visual Tasting Notes and other artworks have been exhibited and published internationally. She speaks multiple languages, including Italian, French, German, Chinese, and English.

Connect:

Website: https://sarahheller.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/SarahHellerMW 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-heller-mw-96a9713/ 

More about the host:

With a career of nearly two decades in the wine industry, Barbara Fitzgerald specializes in D2C marketing and business development. She’s led roles from entry level to senior management, combining her extensive experience with data analysis, critical thinking and storytelling while driving revenue growth and brand recognition for California wineries. As a part of the 4th generation of an Italian-American family among the California wine industry pioneers, Barbara has spent her life around wine growing, production, marketing, distribution and hospitality. A Syracuse University graduate, she returned to California to gain diverse industry perspectives from a range of wineries.

As an Italian Wine Ambassador, she brings her expertise to the Italian wine market, known for its authenticity and consumer demand. Barbara now runs Apri La Creative Consulting, coaching wineries in Italy and the US to strategically develop their D2C channels in line with their brand values. Together with her husband, Barbara also owns and operates a boutique wine production company, and a small import company specializing in Italian wines to the US.

Connect:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barbarajeanfitz/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barbara-fitzgerald-iwa/

Website: https://www.aprilacreative.com/ 

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Until next time, Cin Cin!