Old World Mastery
Italy
Nebbiolo, Sangiovese, and a galaxy of native grapes from Alto Adige to Etna.
18 lessons3,843 practice questions1 certification exam~8 hrs of reading
What you’ll master
Explain why Italy's viticultural diversity (350+ native varieties, 20 wine-producing regions) creates both challenges and opportunities for floor professionals
Describe Piedmont's geography, climate, and how the Alps and Tanaro River shape wine character across the region's major zones
Explain the historical origin and cultural significance of Barolo DOCG (including its royal associations, legal boundaries, and production requirements) in terms a curious guest will find engaging
Explain how Barbaresco differs from Barolo in aging requirements, commune structure, soil character, and typical wine style, and articulate those differences in guest-facing language
The curriculum
18 lessons01
Italy Overview: The Most Complex Wine Nation on Earth
25 min read207 practice questions
02
Piedmont Overview: Italy's Most Uncompromising Wine Region
23 min read213 practice questions
03
Barolo: The King of Italian Wines, A Complete Guide for Hospitality Professionals
25 min read222 practice questions
04
Barbaresco and the Other Voices of Piedmont: Reds, Whites, and the Art of Knowing When Not to Pour Barolo
26 min read220 practice questions
05
Tuscany: The Soul of Italian Wine, Chianti Classico and the Black Rooster
24 min read207 practice questions
06
Brunello di Montalcino + Vino Nobile di Montepulciano: Tuscany's Noble Heights
23 min read199 practice questions
07
Super Tuscans and Bolgheri: The Rebels Who Changed Italian Wine
20 min read179 practice questions
08
Veneto: Amarone, Valpolicella, and the Art of Appassimento
25 min read199 practice questions
09
Italian Sparkling Wines: Prosecco, Franciacorta, and the Northeast
27 min read224 practice questions
10
Alto Adige + Friuli-Venezia Giulia: Italy's Northeast, Where the Alps Meet the Adriatic
32 min read235 practice questions
11
Marche, Umbria & Lazio: Italy's Undiscovered Center
24 min read190 practice questions
12
Abruzzo and Campania: The Southern Turn, Where Italy Gets Serious Again
27 min read182 practice questions
13
Puglia: Italy's Boot Heel and Its Quality Revolution
27 min read254 practice questions
14
Sicily: Mediterranean Island, Ancient Civilization, Modern Revolution
24 min read200 practice questions
15
Sardinia: The Mediterranean Island With Its Own Rules
24 min read200 practice questions
16
Italian Sparkling Wine: The Complete Professional Reference
29 min read310 practice questions
17
Italian Dessert & Fortified Wines: The Undervalued Pinnacle of Italian Winemaking
27 min read231 practice questions
18
The Forgotten South: Basilicata, Calabria, Liguria, and the Wines Italy Left Behind
27 min read171 practice questions
Italy Mastery Exam
LockedComplete all 18 lessons to unlock the exam and earn the Wine Saint Certified: Italy credential. A free account tracks your lessons and holds your certificate.