The Italian Sommelier Association -AIS- (link) has unveiled in Florence the first-ever English edition of the Vitae Wine Guide — a groundbreaking initiative designed to reach trade professionals, media, and wine enthusiasts across global markets.
Florence, November 2025 – In its 60th anniversary year, the Associazione Italiana Sommelier marks a historic milestone: Vitae Wine Guide goes international with the launch of its very first English-language edition, presented on November 15th at Stazione Leopolda in Florence.
This new international edition stems from a clear market demand: a large share of Italy’s fine wines are sold and consumed abroad, where professionals, trade, media, and sommeliers seek reliable, accessible tools for navigating Italian wine Available online in digital format (link), Vitae International offers an up-to-date and comprehensive overview of Italian oenology, mapping key appellations, benchmark producers, and signature wines through a curated selection of the country’s finest expressions.
The aim is to make the complexity of Italian wine more accessible to those who buy, serve, and write about it in key markets — from London to New York, from Hong Kong to Sydney — while positioning Vitae Wine Guide as a trusted international reference for enthusiasts, buyers, and professionals seeking independent evaluations of Italian wines.
“With the 2026 edition, we are bringing the uniqueness of our method to the world,” declares Sandro Camilli, National President of AIS. “We are not merely presenting a digital English-language volume with 400 special selections; we are exporting the value of our collective authority. The strength of Vitae, what makes it stand out from any other guide, lies in its vast, in-depth work — the synthesis of the expertise of thousands of professional sommeliers who live and breathe every corner of our wine-growing territories.. It is this depth of analysis that we offer to international buyers.”
The guide introduces readers with an opening note by Sandro Camilli, current AIS National President, followed by a detailed explanation of the editorial criteria, structure, and consultation methods.
The evaluation methodology mirrors that of the Italian edition, based on tastings conducted by AIS regional commissions. Scores are expressed on a 100-point scale and accompanied by the same signature “vines” visual markers.. The English edition focuses exclusively on excellence, presenting a curated selection of 400 wines divided into four key categories: 100 Great Italian Wines, 100 Wines of Terroir, 100 Revelation Wines, and 100 Best Value Wines.
With this edition, the Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS) — Italy’s largest and most influential network of wine professionals — brings the richness and diversity of Italian wine to a global audience. Through a rigorous and independent methodology, AIS offers the international market a trusted and authoritative reference for understanding the excellence of Italian oenology.
The presentation event at Stazione Leopolda brought together more than 300 producers featured in the guide, alongside members of the press and industry professionals from Italy and abroad.
THE ITALIAN SOMMELIER ASSOCIATION (AIS)
The Italian Sommelier Association is a Third Sector Entity (ETS) and non-profit organization. For 60 years, it has served as Italy’s leading institution for the promotion of wine culture and the sommelier profession. Through its nationwide network and high-level educational programs, AIS trains professionals and enthusiasts alike – contributing to the global diffusion of knowledgeable, quality-driven wine appreciation
