The Italy-America Chamber of Commerce Texas (IACC) and the organizers of the Houston Italian Wine Ambassador Competition wish to share their congratulations with the winners of this year’s event.

Candidates participated in two exams: General Theory of Italian Wines and a Deductive (Blind) Tasting of Italian wines.

Awards and prizes were given out based on the candidates’ exam scores. The first-place winner obtained the highest score for both exams. Awards were also given for the highest scores obtained in each exam, including a $500 stipend. The Competition has also been possible thanks to the support of the Pinot Grigio delle Venezie Consortium.

The winners:

David King, first place (winner of a free trip to Italy).

Arlon Crosthwait, winner, theory ($500 stipend).
Andres Blanco, runner up, theory (magnum of a Prosecco).
Frank Riccioli, second runner up, theory (Riedel decanter).

Carlos Rosa, winner, tasting ($500 stipend).
Isabel Hernandez, runner up, tasting (magnum of Prosecco)
Omar Lozano, second runner up, tasting (Riedel decanter)

The IACC would also like to share its heartfelt thanks with Houston-based sommelier Sergio Valladares, who ran this year’s competition.

Thanks to Sergio’s excellent and tireless work, the Houston Italian Wine Ambassador Competition achieved its mission of promoting Italian wine education throughout the city of Houston and the state of Texas.

Sergio, we couldn’t have done it without your vision and hard work!

Special thanks to the following wineries who provided wines for the Deductive Tasting: Citra, Viticoltori Senesi e Aretini, Capo Zafferano, La Guardiense, Abbasico di Busco, and Rifugio del Vescovo.