“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others, drink the whole bottle.”
“AIS of Lucca”, “Italian Association of Sommelier”
If you love wine, a sommelier experience with the “AIS of Lucca” (Italian Association of Sommelier”) Tuscany, is a chance of a lifetime:
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- To explore the world of the wine;
- To learn how to build your own cellar:
- To study food & wine pairings;
- To share your passion enjoying life with friends!
What is the “AIS of Lucca” ?
“AIS of Lucca” is one of the several “Italian Sommelier Association” branches in each region of Italy. The “AIS” or “Italian Sommelier Association” is an Italian non-profit organization founded in Milan on July 7, 1965, officially recognised and legally acknowledged by the Italian government on April 6, 1973.
Its founding members were :
The “Italian Sommelier Association” is part and founding member of the “Worldwide Sommelier Association” (“WSA”) , which is officially recognized across the world.
The “AIS “ is one of the oldest and actually the largest sommelier association in the world, featuring more than 30.000 members only in Italy!
Which is the aim of “AIS”?
The aim of “Italian Sommelier Association” , as stated in the third article of its charter, is:
- To qualify sommelier’s role and profession, therefore adding value to wine, traditional specialties and gastronomy culture;
- To promote, even in the legislative branch, the introduction of its didactic approach in hospitality related schools, as well as to endorse the sommelier’s professional role, international recognition and esteem.
Without any doubt, my educational experience at “AIS of Lucca” has ensured me to have all I need to take my passion about wine to a high level!
My graduation as a sommelier
I studied hard for three years, and finally last summer I became a sommelier at “AIS of Lucca” ! After my exam in June , I celebrated the special occasion with other colleagues and friends at “Berlucchi Winery “ in Franciacorta (Brescia)
My wine course at “AIS of Lucca” was an incredible journey for : rounding out my knowledge about wine and expanding my palate. It was something more than connecting the dots between a flavour, such as clove and vanilla in a sample Pinot Noir!
There are two types of certified sommeliers: those who currently work in the industry, and those who go through the certification process to learn much more than wine, that is the area in which is produced. That’s me!
My adventure in the world of wine!
I started my adventure in the world of wine by chance. Because dealing with tourism, attending a sommelier course in Lucca was an unconventional way to know better Tuscany with all its beauty, art and culture.
I recognize that to be a sommelier without working in the industry is much harder, since you’re not working with wine every day, you have to carve out time in your schedule to practice and to dedicate to wine. One option isn’t better than the other–you just need to know which category you’ll likely fall under before you become a sommelier.
The life of a sommelier!
In order to make it through the long class schedule and nerve-wracking final exam, you should have an ultimate end goal in mind from the beginning.
Some sommelier students drop out before the courses are complete, sometimes because they underestimate the amount of studying required to pass the exam. And sometimes because they only liked the idea of being a sommelier, without having a plan to use their education for a specific purpose.
To be a sommelier is not onòy a state of mind!
You need to have a purpose in mind when you receive sommelier certification! Becoming a sommelier is only the tip of the iceberg. The reality is that wine education never ends, even for those who are fully certified with every program.
Getting certified is only one method for growing a greater understanding of wine, and it’s not necessary for every wine ‘fan’. Before you pressure yourself into becoming certified, it’s important to ask yourself why you want to go through the experience, and whether it’s truly the right choice for you!
Wine is to discover a territory!
My fortune was to have clear ideas why to be a sommelier and to run into “AIS of Lucca” for my certification.
Studying for being a sommelier meant to meet wine Professionals who loved exploring the best about wine & food tradition in Tuscany. Nowadays, I ‘m really able to give useful tips for visitors who want to experience Italian kife style and who want to discover this awesome region with my services in www.WeLoveItaly.eu
Why studying about wine so important ?
Recently, a friend asked why a person should invest in a wine class instead of purchasing a few bottles and having a liquid study session at home. I think it’s a great question!
Learning about wine seems a foreign concept to many, but it’s actually a great deal of fun as well as financially rewarding – the more you know about wine, the better your wine purchases will be. You need to know at least enough to understand what makes you happy.
Wine makes you happy!
I know, wine makes you happy. But, which wines make you happiest? Until you try a well-curated selection, how do you know? Learning the “AIS” systematic approach to tasting will give you great insight into how your palate works.
In the “AIS” course, I tasted top wines from different parts of and from all over the word. I got great tasting experience there.
Wine is like a friend!
Of course, I could taste wine at home, but the difference is that in the “AIS” course my tasting was focused and guided. It was tasting with a purpose and even after a one day class, my tasting abilities and my appreciation of what I tasted was considerably greater.
I can guarantee that “AIS” is not only a a great place to get all your answers about wine with other like-minded wine lovers, but above all a possibility to make friendships with interesting people.
Wine is a passion not a business!
I love travelling and tasting good wine. Wherever I go, I always try to find the most unique label , the best food , and good people to have fun with!
So, why love wine? There are so many reasons! Through wine, you can :
- Meet great people: Yes, there are so many great people behind and around wine!
- Celebrate life: Yes, don’t you have wine when you’re celebrating a birthday, a wedding, Christmas, or a graduation?
- Eat great food: Wine without food is not really wine, don’t you agree with me?
Above all , thanks to wine you can see the world! Yes, wine is international, with it you discover new countries and regions, along with their history and culture. It’ s like a micro time travel machine, because has this magic ability to transport you to the time (and place) they were made. Of course, not all of them! For some wine drinkers, this is the real difference between a good and a great wine!
Sharing a glass of a well made and properly-aged wine can build bridges in friendships and help with discoveries of the soul, or just give you the nerve to open up your heart to those around you. It is a beverage to share, a beverage to savor, and a beverage to enjoy. And like many good things, it carries a responsibility to enjoy in moderation!
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