Valpolicella Explorer Course
Your first step to becoming a Certified Valpolicella Wine Specialist
New online course
March 5 and 12, 2025
2 live classes
Online study
$199
Course Overview
Created in collaboration with the Consorzio Valpolicella, the WSG Valpolicella Explorer program is your gateway to the Valpolicella Educator Program (VEP®) and first step in achieving the coveted Valpolicella Wine Specialist Credential.
Guided by the industry's foremost authorities in Italian wines, the Valpolicella Explorer program allows you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of Valpolicella.
Designed for wine lovers and Italian wine aficionados, this two-part, online course introduces the region of Valpolicella to the world: from the delineated geographical areas and terroir to the many distinct wine styles and characteristics. Students learn to distinguish Valpolicella DOC wines, describe them accurately and pair them with confidence in the real-life situations.
Theoretical lesson includes the following topics:
- Terroir
- Native grape varieties
- Appassimento - a specialized winemaking technique unique to Valpolicella
- Key characteristics of Valpolicella wines including Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC, Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG, and Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
- Historical facts, market overview and other key aspects of the category
An online multiple-choice exam consisting of 30 questions can be scheduled at a time that suits you, within three months of your last class. Successful candidates receive a digital certificate and official recognition from the Consorzio Valpolicella.
This achievement sets you apart as a recognized explorer in the world of Valpolicella wines and enhances your industry reputation. Successful candidates will also receive information regarding the upcoming Valpolicella Wine Specialist Course to be held in Verona, Italy in 2025.
Upcoming Course Dates
The Valpolicella Explorer program takes place over two online sessions and includes e-learning activities and live tastings. The first live class will focus on theory, while the second live class will include a tasting and discussion. Students will be able to schedule the exam at their convenience after completing both classes.
Show course times in:
Theory: March 5
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Tasting & Discussion: March 12 at
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How It Works
Become a Valpolicella Explorer in four easy steps!
Step 1
Register for the next session.
We realize that you have a busy schedule, and this course is designed to reflect that. While we would love for you to join our live sessions in person, we also provide recordings of sessions after they have aired so that you can view the material at your convenience.
Step 2
Source your Valpolicella wines.
What's better than live tasting with your instructor? Purchase three easy-to-source Valpolicella wines prior to the second live session to get the most out of your Valpolicella Explorer experience. Participants simply need find at least three different styles of Valpolicella wine (Ex. one Valpolicella Superiore DOC, one Valpolicella Ripasso DOC and one Amarone della Valpolicella) from a local or online retailer. We encourage students to check out the list of cantinas belonging to the Valpolicella Consorzio and choose wines from the producers selected. Learn more here.
Note: Cost of wines is not included in the course registration fee.
Step 3
Join the two online classes and take the exam.
Connect with your instructor and classmates online for two live classes. Take advantage of the supplementary e-learning modules and review resources. Schedule the online exam at your convenience, within 3 months of your last class.
Step 4
Become a Valpolicella Explorer upon receiving a passing score.
Successful students will receive a digital certificate* and be one step closer to becoming an official Valpolicella Educator. For those who do not meet the passing requirements, you will have the option to re-sit the exam for an additional fee of $50.
*The names and email addresses of successful candidates will automatically be shared with the Consorzio Tutela Vini Valpolicella who will issue the digital certificate via email.
Study with Confidence
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What's Included
The course includes engaging two live classes: one live theory session and one live tasting of Valpolicella wines with your instructor and a representative from the Consorzizo. You also receive interactive e-learning modules, review resources and one online exam attempt. Each component is thoughtfully designed to cultivate a deep knowledge of the Valpolicella region.
Two Live Classes with Andrea Eby, Italian Programs Director and Certified Valpolicella Educator
The program consists of two online classes, each of which includes approximately one hour of instruction on the viticulture, winemaking, aging and diversity of the region. Students will also learn about food pairings and the best ways to serve Valpolicella.
Tasting of Three Valipolicella Wines
This course requires the purchase of a minimum of three wines that are easy to source. Participants are asked to purchase the wines prior to joining Session Two so that they may fully benefit from the speakers' comments. Participants simply need purchase at least three different styles of Valpolicella wine (Ex. one Valpolicella Superiore DOC, one Valpolicella Ripasso DOC and one Amarone della Valpolicella). We encourage students to check out the list of cantinas belonging to the Valpolicella Consorzio.
Learn more here.
Valpolicella Explorer E-Learning
Two interactive e-learning modules will be available to enrich your learning process. They have been designed with rich imagery, videos, maps and detailed infographic materials. Each module is designed for maximum content retention and utilizes an interactive approach.
Valipolicella Exam & Certificate
The exam includes 30 questions, to be scheduled within three months of your last class. The exam can be scheduled at your convenience. The award of Valpolicella Explorer will be given to those with a passing score of 75%. This Certificate of Achievement will be signed and issued by the official Valpolicella Consorzio Tutela Vini.
Meet your instructor
ANDREA EBY
ITALIAN PROGRAMS DIRECTOR
It was a love of history and geography that first lured Andrea Eby away from a formal teaching career to her current role as wine educator at WSG. Here, she helps others discover their own path traversing the wine regions of Italy.
As a self-confessed lover of Italian culture, food and wine; Andrea happily compares herself to a bottle of Fiano –full-bodied, slightly nutty, and growing ever more fascinating with age.
A woman of the earth, Andrea’s childhood spent on a farm bestowed her with a unique skillset and practical wisdom which perfectly complements her wine and viticultural expertise. Andrea has worked as a wine buyer, cellar hand and is an accomplished wine educator, writer and judge at competitions such as the International Wine & Spirits Competition, International Wine Challenge and Vinitaly 5 Star Wines.
Andrea is the Italian Programs Director for Wine Scholar Guild and co-author of the WSG Italian Wine Essentials program. She is also a DipWSET, Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador, Certified Sommelier and Stage Two Master of Wine student—the ultimate testament to her dedication and love for wine, not just as a libation, but as a connector of people and stories. For Andrea, there is an unspoken understanding that the true essence of wine lies in the moments and people it's shared with.