Valpolicella Explorer (VEP)
Online | Live Session
September 26, 2026
English
Price €160
€120 without samples
6 samples of 50 ml
Valpolicella Education Program (VEP) – Valpolicella Explorer
The Valpolicella Explorer course is created in collaboration with the Valpolicella Consortium and provides an official certification available on Tooscans Wine Academy®. It is a first step toward the Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP) and educator path.
Valpolicella Explorer Qualification
Intermediate Level Online Course
Valpolicella Explorer is a part of the official Valpolicella Education Program (VEP®). This course is designed for wine enthusiasts, sommeliers, and professionals. It introduces participants to Valpolicella, covering everything from the region’s unique characteristics to its distinctive wine styles, including tasting sessions. Upon completion, you will receive an official certificate issued by the Valpolicella Consortium. You will also become a member of the international VEP® community, where you can stay updated on news related to the denomination and events. You will have access to the online course content for one year, which includes video lessons.
Laguage: English
Format: Online (available) | Live session and self-study
Level: Intermediate
Live session: September 26th, 2026 (recorded session is available)
Time: 10:00 am -12:00 pm (Rome Time)
Availability: limited places with samples
Access period: one year
Price: €160 incl. samples (120 without samples)
Exam: online multiple-choice exam consisting of 30 questions
Certificates: Digital, issued by the Valpolicella Consortium
Devices all digital devices (computer, tablet, smartphone) at every time.
Live session
The theoretical part includes the following topics:
– Territory and denominations
– Native grape varieties
– Appassimento and Ripasso techniques.
– Main characteristics of Valpolicella wines
– Some historical curiosities, an overview of the market and the key aspects of traceability.
The practical part includes the tasting of 6 samples.
For any further information contact us via e-mail at info@tooscanswineacademy.it
Valpolicella Wine Specialists (VEP) and Official Educators
Irina Mihailenko DipWSET, MW Student and Valpolicella Wine Specialist
Originally from Latvia and based in Italy for more than 30 years, for about twenty, I worked as a food and wine consultant. I am a professional sommelier of the two Italian associations, AIS and FISAR, WSET Diploma (London School), MW Candidate, Valpolicella Wine Specialist (VEP), Wine Judge, Official Port, Madeira, Sherry and Cava Educator, Langhe Wines Ambassador, Spanish Wine Specialist and SSA Certified Sake Sommelier.
I am a founder and project manager at Tooscans, e-commerce and offline distribution. I created the Sparkling Life website, which is published in three languages, and TWA®. I have a Master’s Degree in Digital Marketing (University of Florence), so I deal with digital marketing & branding strategy. Found out more: Irina Mihailenko
Chiara Sieni DipWSET. Italian by birth I have lived in London for 14 years now, where my passion for wine began and where I earned my French Wine Scholar and Italian Wine Scholar cerificates with West London Wine School. While the WSET Diploma brought me closer to different aspects of the wine industry, also making me passionate about Branding and Marketing. I am a Wine Judge and Ambassador for London Competitions, Langhe Wines Ambassador and Valpolicella Wine Specialist. I work in London for an APP – Amathus- where I will soon begin my role as an Educator. I am also a freelancer for a small Italian wine distribution company, Dolce Vita, and work part-time at Decanter, where I have performed numerous roles, from preparing The Wines for the Decanter World Wine Awards competition to verifying The Wines that won gold medals and recently to consolidating the ratings on the wines themselves.
LinkedIn profile: Chiara Sieni DipWSET
Tasting Pack
Example wines* (6 samples of 50ml):
– Valpolicella DOC
– Valpolicella Superiore DOC
– Ripasso della Valpolicella DOC
– Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG
– Amarone della Valpolicella Riserva DOCG
– Recioto della Valpolicella DOCG
*Samples may change based on the wine stock, and appropriate alternatives will be provided.
Shipping is not available to some countries, e.g., Russia, Ukraine, US, Turkey, Mexico and is free within the EU. For non-EU countries, a destination-based fee will apply and will be verified at checkout. The recipient will pay any eventual customs fees. In this case, we encourage you to source the indicated samples independently. You need at least three different styles of Valpolicella wine (e.g. Valpolicella DOC, Valpolicella Ripasso DOC and Amarone della Valpolicella DOCG) available in your market. Check out the list of producers from the Valpolicella Consortium. Please find out more on this page:
MODULES
Valpolicella M1 Territory
Valpolicella M2 History
Valpolicella M3 Viticulture
Valpolicella M4 Grape Varieties
Valpolicella M5 Denominations
Valpolicella M6 Appassimento
Valpolicella M7 Vinification
Valpolicella M8 Ageing
Valpolicella M9 Consortium
Valpolicella M10 Tasting
Valpolicella M11 Service
Valpolicella M12 Pairing
Valpolicella M13 Wine Business
Valpolicella Explorer General Resources
Valpolicella M14 Final Quiz
HOW IT WORKS
Register for the next session. You will receive immediate access to the study materials and the link to join the scheduled live session. If you are unable to attend, you will have access to the recording. Tasting pack will be shipped about ten days before the live session.
The tasting pack is included in the price of the course. The tastings will be held during the live sessions. Shipping is not available to certain countries, e.g., Russia, Ukraine, and Turkey, and is free within the EU. For non-EU countries, a destination-based fee will apply and will be verified at checkout. The recipient will pay any eventual customs fees.
The online multiple-choice exam consists of 30 questions, and you have two attempts at your disposal.You can schedule the exam within one month of your last session. Eligible candidates will receive a digital certificate from the Valpolicella Consortium. If you do not pass the test, you can retake it for an additional fee of 30 euros.
Please note that the names and e-mail addresses of candidates who pass the exam will be shared with the Valpolicella Consortium, which will issue your certificate via e-mail. The certificate is usually sent within 15 days. In case of non-receipt, please contact us via e-mail.