Strategic Consulting
Analysis and strategies to enhance every aspect of the wine world: from label selection to creating prestigious wine lists, from staff training to organizing exclusive events.
- Wine Selection
- Staff Training
- Exclusive Events
Giuseppe Vaccarini
Born in 1952 in Miradolo Terme (Milan), is a prominent figure and international reference point in the world of sommellerie. His extraordinary career began in 1972, when he obtained the qualification of professional sommelier, an achievement that marked the beginning of a path studded with successes.
The title of Best Sommelier of the World ASI and stellar career
The decisive turning point in his professional ascent came in 1978, when, at just 26 years old, Giuseppe Vaccarini conquered the prestigious title of Best Sommelier of the World ASI in Estoril, Portugal. This victory consecrated him in the Olympus of world sommellerie and marked the beginning of a career rich in positions of great importance. A path already started at the end of the 1960s, thanks to collaboration with Jean Valenti — founder of AIS, ASI and ASPI — at the renowned Gourmet restaurant, and subsequently with Franco Colombani of the famous Il Sole di Maleo restaurant, a recognized protagonist in Italian catering. From 1978 to 1983, Vaccarini held the role of sommelier and director at the very famous "Gualtiero Marchesi" restaurant in Milan, a pivotal experience in his professional affirmation.
Teaching and Academic Commitment: Training New Generations of Sommeliers
The passion for the profession and deep knowledge of the sector drive Giuseppe Vaccarini to also dedicate himself to training. From 1987 to 2010 he taught sommellerie at the Carlo Porta Hotel Institute in Milan, where he was the first in Italy to promote the establishment of a dedicated specialization, developed starting from the figure of the "junior sommelier" introduced in 1988. His commitment in the academic field continues with participation in prestigious university Masters, including those of SDA Bocconi (2008-2019) and the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Piacenza (2005–2007). Vaccarini is also the author of numerous manuals, many of which are collected under the name "Codex", for their distinctive characteristic: having codified operational techniques and tasting methodologies applied to a wide range of beverages, starting with wine. In 2002 he was awarded an honorary Doctorate in Enogastronomic Sciences, with specialization in Wine & Food Advice, from the Polytechnic in Business Studies of Lugano (Switzerland).
Influence and Leadership in Sommellerie Associations (AIS, ASI, ASPI)
Giuseppe Vaccarini's influence in the sommellerie panorama is profound and lasting. He actively participates in technical committees and presides over numerous juries in prestigious national and international competitions, including those for the title of Best Sommelier of the World ASI (Venice 1986, Paris 1989, Rio de Janeiro 1992, Tokyo 1995, Vienna 1998, Montreal 2000, Athens 2004, Rhodes 2007, Tokyo 2009, Antwerp 2021). He holds similar roles also in the Trophée Ruinart for the Best Sommelier of Europe, organized every two years between 1992 and 2006.
His authority is also reflected in numerous institutional positions: he was President of the Italian Sommelier Association (AIS) from 1999 to 2002 and, at an international level, he led the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) as President from 1996 to 2004, then continuing as Director until 2007. Since 2011 he has held the role of Director of the ASI Examination & Education Commission. In June 2007 he founded the Professional Italian Sommellerie Association (ASPI), a unique organization of its kind in Italy, official member of ASI, with exclusive rights, among other things, for the selection of Italian candidates for continental and world sommellerie competitions. Giuseppe Vaccarini's dedication and tireless contribution to the art of sommellerie have left an indelible mark, having been a pioneer in spreading the sommelier profession worldwide and a recognized ambassador of Italian wine.
- One must have dreams and make them come true
Expertise: Excellence in Consulting and Training
Advanced Training
High-level courses for professionals and enthusiasts, to deepen knowledge of sommellerie, sensory analysis, wine business and the most innovative pairings.
- Advanced Sommellerie
- Sensory Analysis of wine and beverages
- Innovative Pairings
Publications: A Journey into Wine Culture
Sommelier, from passion to profession
Hoepli, first edition 2025
Defined by a well-known food and wine journalist as "the book that wasn't there, and that was missing", the work represents a gesture of extraordinary generosity: the author has chosen to share his encyclopedic knowledge, the result of decades of study and field experience, making available to all an unparalleled cultural heritage.
Pairing Manual
Giunti, 2007 (new edition 2022)
In this rich and detailed food-wine pairing manual, the basic criteria for evaluating the perception of the main food sensations and their preparation are set out with a list of clear and precise recommendations for wine selection. The recipes of "starred" chefs for which Vaccarini signs an ideal pairing have not been forgotten, as well as the original contribution of Gualtiero Marchesi.
The Beer Manual
Hoepli, 2015
Giuseppe Vaccarini, named "first beer sommelier" by the Commanderie des Cordon Bleus de France in 1983, was also the first to introduce the beer topic in sommelier training courses in Italy. This Manual is an indispensable reference text for restaurant professionals and an extraordinary tool for promoting beer as a gastronomic beverage.
The Great Book of Grappa
Hoepli, 2017
Written by Giuseppe Vaccarini and Cesare Pillon, it is a fundamental work for those who wish to deepen their knowledge of grappa, the distillate symbol of Italy. The result of meticulous research work, interviews and comparisons with Italian historical realities, the volume offers a complete guide to the history and culture of grappa, from its origins to the present day.
Collaborations
Main Awards
Best Sommelier of the World ASI
1978 - Estoril, Portugal
Honorary Doctorate
2002 - Polytechnic of Lugano
First Beer Sommelier
1983 - Commanderie des Cordon Bleus de France
Prestigious Collaborations
Starred Restaurants
Consulting for the most prestigious starred restaurants, from wine list selection to dining room staff training.
Wineries
Strategic partnerships with the most important Italian and international wineries for the enhancement of their products.
Events and Exhibitions
Participation as expert and judge in the most important national and international food and wine events.
Institutions and Schools
Collaborations with universities, hotel institutes and training centers for the development of food and wine culture.
Contact Me
For consulting requests, course information or other collaborations, don't hesitate to write to me.
Email: giuseppe@vaccarini.net / info@aspi.it
Phone: +39 02 87383831