" The training activities represent a strategic investment for the Consortium: they help to train professionals who are increasingly better prepared to talk about Sicilian wine and to strengthen the dialogue with the world of sector associations" declares Camillo Pugliesi, Director of the Consortium for the Protection of Sicilian DOC Wines. "This commitment is part of the broader promotional program that we are carrying out in Italy, including the "Sicilia DOC Experience: harmonies and contrasts" events: a series of training meetings, in collaboration with the main sector associations, in the main Italian cities designed to explore, through tastings and moments of in-depth study, the richness and variety of the wines protected by our denomination ."
The competition is part of a training program organized by AIS Sicilia, which this year is called AIS Training Lab. This project, developed in collaboration with AIS Italia, offers participants a modern and dynamic in-depth look at wine communication as they prepare for the national competition.
As part of this project, the Consorzio di Tutela Vini DOC Sicilia will contribute by organizing three masterclasses, which will take place alongside the three in-person lessons. The meetings, organized by AIS Sicilia as part of the Training Lab, include winery tours, discussions with nationally renowned instructors, themed tastings, and in-depth discussions on wine and the region. This immersive format allows future sommeliers to strengthen their technical and communication skills through direct contact with Sicilian wineries and wines.
Leading speakers from the Italian sommelier scene will lead the meetings, while the final lesson will be held online with Claudio Di Maria, Best Sommelier Sicily and Best Sommelier Etna.
The Consortium's support will continue during the competition finale, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Syracuse, where the three finalists will compete on stage before an audience and industry professionals. On this occasion, the Consortium will provide Magnum bottles of Sicilia DOC, donated by participating producers and featured in the final rounds.
The final day will feature in-depth learning and tasting sessions open to the public, including tasting booths and a masterclass dedicated to Sicilian wines.
Through this collaboration, the Consortium confirms its focus on training and developing the next generation of wine professionals, recognizing the role of sommeliers as a key element in narrating and promoting Sicilian winemaking heritage in Italy and around the world.
