Above: Tahiirah Habibi, third from right, founder of Hue Society, created in 2015, an “organization committed to creating access and resources for Black, brown, and Indigenous communities while providing enriching cultural wine experiences for consumers and brands alike” (see below).

It is with great pleasure that I share the following press release published yesterday by the Hue Society.

As Tahiirah recently told me, Hue Society is launching its first chapter in Italy. The Verona-based group is the first of its kind in the country (and possibly in Europe). I’m looking forward to partnering with them in the month leading up to Vinitaly and at the fair!

Vinitaly International Academy (VIA) celebrates a new collaboration with The Hue Society for the Ambassador Course in New York.

The Vinitaly International Academy will once again hold the prestigious Italian Wine Ambassador course in The Big Apple from 4-6 March 2024. This year’s event will include a collaboration with The Hue Society, with the inclusion of two fee-waiver candidates for Hue Society members.

Wine professionals from across North America will gather in New York City, hosted by Banville Wine Merchants in Manhattan, to participate in two days of tastings and seminars as they prepare for the rigorous exam on day 3 to become certified Italian Wine Ambassadors. VIA Faculty member Sarah Heller MW will be on hand to lead the tastings and a series of in-depth lectures, focusing on Italy’s most important wine-producing regions. This will be the 27th edition of the VIA course and the first time collaborating with The Hue Society, offering two fee-waiver opportunities for society members. The VIA Community now spans 46 countries around the world, with a membership of over 1300 people who have taken the course and 346 who passed the exam to become certified Italian Wine Ambassadors, of whom 16 are certified Italian Wine Experts.

Click on the link below and complete the application form. Hue Society members, please indicate your membership in the “Motivation” section.

https://www.vinitaly.com/en/training/vinitaly-international-academy/courses/via-new-york-2024/

About the Hue Society:

The Hue Society is a global award community-based organization committed to creating access and resources for Black, brown, and Indigenous communities while providing enriching cultural wine experiences for consumers and brands alike. While The Hue Society’s mission is the inclusion and education of all things related to Black, brown, and Indigenous wine culture, our most coveted benefits are reserved for our active members, who have access to exclusive perks and events meant to further enrich their wine knowledge and gain a direct connection to influential professionals reshaping the industry.