NASA Vice President Diego Meraviglia interviewed for grocery retailer giant, Kroger !

North American Sommelier Association Vice President and Director Of Education , Diego Meraviglia, has been interviewed to be featured on the shopping guide of one of America's grocery retail giants, Kroger.
The concise article focuses on suggestions for consumers to develop a palate and understand how they can navigate the overwhelming world of wine based on their food preferences.

Click on the image to read the article :

NASA sponsor of MASTER DEL SANGIOVESE in Italy!

The NORTH AMERICAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION has been featured as one of the main sponsoring entities for the MASTER DEL SANGIOVESE 2014.

Thanks to NASA Marketing Director Giammario Villa, this showcases the international presence and connection of NASA's curriculum, efforts and professionalism.

Organized by the consortium of Romagna wines, this well respected event is a yearly contest where the best Sommeliers from all over the world meet to compete on anything and everything involving one of the world's most loved grape varietals, Sangiovese. A splendid itinerary and program is available for all the public attendees that attend the event. (click image)

NASA NorCal District Manager MAURO CIRILLI interviewed!

The North American Sommelier Association beloved MAURO CIRILLI, NorCal District Manager and San Francisco Delegate, has been interviewed for an Italian Sommelier journal based in Veneto called 'Il Sommelier Veneto' (The Venetian Sommelier).

Congrats and kudos from all at NASA!

The interview is in Italian (click image below). Can be translated with google.

The interview is in Italian (click image below). Can be translated with google.

NASA / WSA certified Sommeliers featured in ground-breaking movie SOMM !

Many of you may have heard or even seen, the recently released reality-movie about the world of Sommeliers called SOMM. Although the brunt of the documentary focuses on the exam of another organization, the NorthAmerican Sommelier Association and its umbrella institution, the WSA (Worldwide Sommelier Association), also appear in 2 instances of the film.

Above, a WSA/NASA Gold-Pin Certified Sommelier as shown in the movie SOMM

Above, a WSA/NASA Gold-Pin Certified Sommelier as shown in the movie SOMM

Above, Franco Ricci (...now Worldwide Sommelier Association, President) interviewed in the movie SOMM.

Above, Franco Ricci (...now Worldwide Sommelier Association, President) interviewed in the movie SOMM.

We sincerely thank the production team of the movie SOMM for the inclusion and wish them the very best success with their creation.

NASA expands into Oregon!

The North American Sommelier Association has expanded into the beautiful wine region of Oregon with an initial offering of our signature Italian Wine Specialist course in Portland.

Partnering with the 'Wine & Spirits Archive', the course will be offered starting JANUARY 25th 2014.

Enrollment is already OPEN !

Go here for more info.

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A warm welcome to our newly Certified fellow Sommeliers!

Monday May 20th saw the graduation of the North American Sommelier Association Los Angeles Class of 2013. In a gorgeous Hollywood setting with the Hollywood sign as a backdrop to the patio, the following individuals have been heralded into the global family of Silver-Pin Certified Sommeliers belonging to the 'Worldwide Sommelier Association':

Blaine Brown
Cesare Vietina
Adrian Migliore
Irina Ponomarenko
Kristen Scott
Filippo Cortivo
Christina Reveles
Nader Kaiser
Sandford Frey
Afshin Behnia
Christopher Prewett
Raimondo Boggia

CONGRATULATIONS ! NASA would also like to thank VILLA SANDI and TRASTEVERE HOLLYWOOD.

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WSA ‘Best Sommelier in The World’ competition results

Monday 22nd of April saw the semi-final and final of the WSA Best Sommelier in the world competition, nestled in a gorgeous setting of an old London hotel (Park Lane Sheraton) and kissed by an unusually sunny and warm springtime weather for this world class city.

The Park Lane Hotel, London (UK)

The Park Lane Hotel, London (UK)


The semi-final consisted in a brutally intense series of examinations and trials leading to the 3 highest-scoring candidates to take the stage for the afternoon final. A sprint-timed written test of 50 questions from enology & viticulture to enography (wines of the world), blind tastings, food pairing, spirits, beers, producer & label recognition and an oral communication trial.

The list of semi-finalists represents the best the world has to offer from 21 different countries that adhere to the WSA (Worldwide Sommelier Association) "umbrella":

Albania: Sokol Mdreko
Belgium: Carlo Ferrigno
Brazil: Athila Ross, Diego Dequigiovanni
Canada: Andrea Tonicello
China: Cheng Yi Chen
Czech Republic: Stepan Zraly
France: Jonathan Fillion
Germany: Vasilica Marinella Ardelean
Italy: Andrea Balleri, Dennis Metz, Luca Martini
Latvia: Maksims Merkulovs
Mexico: Juan Carlos Flores Mazon
Peru: Fernando Cubas
Russia: Denis Ovcharenko, Novikov
Romania: Claudiu Stefan Timofti
San Marinio: Elida Sota
Singapore: Matteo Lussana
Slovenia: David Vasiljevic
South Korea: Oliver Brandeburg
Switzerland: Angelo De Raimondo, Giuseppe Albaceli
USA: Diego Maraviglia
UK: Sam McDonald

Representing the USA and NASA (North American Sommelier Association) was our Vice President & Director of Education DIEGO MERAVIGLIA, who ranked 5th in the overall end results.

"It was heavy! This was one of the most challenging tests I have ever taken and I am very satisfied with the result ! My bad, I ran out of time in the written test and did not answer the last 60-point question which would have most likely resulted in a higher ranking. It was a fantastic experience though and I would do it over again. I ran into old friends, met new colleagues, made new friends and had a great time. I am happy with my ranking and I will try it again in 2 years ! Kudos to the winner Luca Martini (Italy) and to all the other candidates that came from around the world...this took a lot of courage and being there in the semi-final is a great honor for everyone and anyone. I deeply thank the WSA and its President Franco Ricci, VP Antonello Maietta, the local organizers of the event Andrea Rinaldi (UK Sommelier Association) and all the jury as well as all the great Somms that were there to compete...thanks for making it a memorable day ! FOr me this was a victory nonetheless and I dedicate it to all our members, my supporting friends and family as well as the recent victims of Boston."

NASA's Diego Meraviglia with the star-spangled banner

NASA's Diego Meraviglia with the star-spangled banner

The next WSA 'Best Sommelier In The World' competition will take place in 2015 in Cancun, Mexico. NASA will run a national selection competition for the 3 best candidates to represent USA for this prestigious title, towards the 2nd half of 2014. Stay tuned !

North American Sommelier Association

THE ‘BEST SOMMELIER IN THE WORLD’ COMPETITION

WORLDWIDE SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION, LONDON 2013 : PRESS RELEASE.

On Monday 22nd April 2013, The Park Lane Hotel in London will host the finals of the Competition that will crown the Best Sommelier in the World of the Worldwide Sommelier Association.

 

Arguably one of London’s finest examples of Art Deco, the hotel’s listed, 11,000-square foot Ballroom complex in the heart of London’s Piccadilly, will be the magical backdrop for a unique programme that will bring together and compare the professionalism of Sommeliers from 31 Countries. Three finalists will be selected out of these Sommeliers and presented at 4.00 pm on Monday 22nd April 2013. Promptly after the three finalists’ selection, we will witness a series of very interesting and captivating challenges and performances that will end in the proclamation of the "Best Sommelier in the World 2013". Immediately after the winner is selected, the announcement will appear on the website www.worldwidesommelier.com

Some well-known producers such as Gaja, Tenuta San Guido Sassicaia, Berlucchi, Antinori, Cantina Terlano, Jermann, Bellavista and Feudi San Gregorio will be showcasing their fabulous wines (see the full list of participants below). Mr. Franco Ricci, the President of the Worldwide Sommelier Association, the largest Association of Sommeliers with over 100,000 members, has declared his enthusiasm in organising the foremost competition in the World of Wine, in the best possible location: London, an internationally renowned leading business centre, and cultural melting pot for global food and wine. Co-hosts will be the UK Sommelier Association, headed by the President Mr. Andrea Rinaldi and his General Manager Ms. Federica Zanghirella. Their main duty will be overseeing the smooth running of the day’s events as well as being the crucial contact for all logistics.

The NORTH AMERICAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION is proud to announce that our Vice President and Director Of Education DIEGO MERAVIGLIA will be representing NASA in this acclaimed international competition.

We wish him the very best of luck !

A big applause to our NorCal district manager MAURO CIRILLI !

NASA NorCal district manager MAURO CIRILLI, Sommelier / Master Taster and Wine Director at the San Francisco famous PRESS CLUB, was featured in the Tasting Panel magazine for his innovative and pioneering wine program featuring one of the most ingenious tools ever invented in wine.

NASA expands into Canada!

It is with great pleasure that we announce that the North American Sommelier Association has finally expanded into the Canadian territory. Thanks to the hard work of our National Chapters Liaison Officer, Silvio Di Silvio, & the treasured cooperation of our Montreal delegate, Carmine Caravaggio, NASA will open its services in the Canadian hub of MONTREAL with our signature 'Italian Wine Specialist Certification' !

The course dates are : MARCH (2013) 9th, 10th, 16th, 17th & exam on the 24th

Enrollment will open soon !

The North American Sommelier Association looks forward to a promising and exciting 2013 in Canada.

NASA awarded by the City of Los Angeles !

The North American Sommelier Association was awarded the prestigious City of Los Angeles Certificate of Recognition by mayor Villaraigosa. The award was presented to NASA President Alessia Botturi in occasion of the VIVA VINO 2012 launch event, held at Caffe Roma in Beverly Hills, CA.

VIVA VINO is the signature event of the North American Sommelier Association in partnership with the Italy-American Chamber of Commerced West and Please The Palate.

Everyone at the association is extremely grateful for to the city of Los Angeles for its support and recognition and looks forward to further successes in the years to come.

SAN FRANCISCO ITALIAN COURSE : RESCHEDULED !

San Francisco, the upcoming Italian Wine Specialist class has been cancelled and rescheduled for September due to a last minute emergency. New dates will be announced shortly. The North American Sommelier Association apologizes for the inconvenience and invites all students to contact us for re-enrollment. Thank you for your understanding.

VIVA VINO LA is coming!

VIVA VINO LA The Italian wine week in LA!

VIVA VINO LA is the largest Italian wine event staged on the West Coast. From seminars to tastings to dinners, VIVA VINO LA offers an exceptional array of events for consumers and trade to experience Italian wines made with native grapes.

Partnering with a carefully selected group of restaurants and retailers that represent the best of Italian culture in the Los Angeles area, VIVA VINO LA offers a variety of events to throughout the city to engage and entertain.

A great array of events from May 14 thru 1

Vegas baby, Vegas!

The North American Sommelier Association has officially opened it's LAS VEGAS chapter, with a 1st Italian Wine Specialist Certificate course scheduled for June 2012.

The chapter is represented and managed by GINO FERRARO Ferraro's Restaurant and Wine Bar, a staple in the city of Las Vegas.

NASA is honored and grateful to have them on board and we look forward to many events, seminars, courses and activities for the las Vegas wine community!

Welcome Houston!

Our new branch is officially open and the first Italian Specialist course in Houston has been successfully completed.

Hail James King, our Houston Chapter Director!

Hail James King, our Houston Chapter Director!

NASA Expands to San Diego

NASA has recently expanded in California by adding the 3rd major urban center for the State and namely the 2nd largest community of SoCal. The procedure to officially open the chapter is underway ! In the meantime, the 1st course has been scheduled and booked in the sun city of California ! SAN DIEGO will see the North American Sommelier Association’s signature certificate course ‘Italian Wine Specialist’ debut in April of this new year.

FOR COURSE DETAILS AND ENROLLMENT CLICK HERE