Sommelier Program in Fall 2010

at Epicurean Institute in Perugia, Italy

Perugia, Italy, January 4, 2010 – The Epicurean Institute in Perugia, Italy, is pleased to announce its Sommelier Program for the Fall of 2010.

The Sommelier Program is licensed and certified by Associazione Italiana Sommelier (AIS)-Umbria, the largest Sommelier association in the world. AIS was founded in 1965 and was officially recognized by the Italian government in 1973. Graduates of the Professional Sommelier Program not only gain Sommelier Certification with international experience, but also become members of this prestigious association.

The Sommelier Program is led by Sommelier Gabriele Ricci Alunni, current President of AIS in Umbria. With over 23 years of experience as a Sommelier, Mr. Alunni has fully immersed himself in the wine and food culture of the region.

The courses are taught in English and the cost of the 13 week program is $20,000 including lodging, books and supplies. The Program commences in the Fall of 2010, with graduation in December 2010.

According to Mr. Divij Lamba, a recent graduate of the Sommelier program, who is also a graduate of Cornell University, “The sommelier program gives a great comprehensive perspective into the world of wine. Right from exhaustive wine tasting sessions in intimate settings with highly knowledgeable instructors to multiple visits to breathtaking vineyards all over the region, the course paints the entire gamut of the wine world in interactive and greatly enjoyable brush strokes. I would greatly recommend this program to anyone with a professional or hobby interest in wine.”

About the Epicurean Institute

The Epicurean Institute is located in Perugia, Italy, the regional capital of the province of Umbria, considered the heart of Italy, and known for its picturesque landscapes, vineyards, olive oil, truffles, and most notably, the chocolates produced at the Perugina Chocolate Factory. The Epicurean Institute supports research and educational projects devoted to promoting the pursuits of pleasure in food, wine, and comfort.

In the Spring of 2009, the Institute began offering interactive educational experiences customized to serve both professionals as well as enthusiasts of wine and the culinary arts from diverse cultures and various levels of interest. Highly-regarded industry leaders work closely with students to ensure an unparalleled educational experience.

The Epicurean Institute also offers a 10-day AgriTurismo Experience that enables participants to share a unique interactive experience, living, learning and relaxing together at the Institute’s villa in the outskirts of Perugia, participating with local chefs to create meals that provide practical experience in food and wine pairings for tasting and judging. Experienced professors and a leading Sommelier help participants develop the skills to appreciate the complexities of wine, from how the grapes are harvested, to how wine brings out the flavors or different foods.

The Institute has attracted applicants and students from around the world including the United States, Italy, Dubai, other parts of the Middle East, India, China, Singapore, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, other parts of Asia and Europe, Russia, Australia, New Zealand, and other countries around the world.

Over the long-term, the American founders of the Epicurean Institute intend to develop it into a leading, boutique culinary and wine institute in the world that trains the world’s finest Sommelier’s, culinary and hospitality professionals and enthusiasts.

For further information and registration for the Sommelier Program for the Fall of 2010, or any of the AgriTourismo Programs, starting in Spring, 2010, please call 888-983-3948 in the US, or visit the website, epicureaninstitute.com.

“Combine your Italian Vacation with a Culinary Education” 888.983.3948