I Vini del Piemonte returns to the Netherlands for an ongoing promotional campaign, in collaboration with the Amsterdam Wine Academy and our consortium’s ambassador, Fred Nijhuis.
Two masterclasses in Amsterdam and an interactive masterclass in Utrecht, dedicated to the producers of I Vini del Piemonte.
Noting a steady and growing interest in Piedmont and its appellations in the Netherlands, our Consortium is strengthening its presence in the Dutch market with a new and comprehensive format for the 2026 edition.
The goal is to strengthen the position of Piedmontese wineries through two key strategies: food and wine pairing in fine dining, and top-tier professional training.
This year’s program will unfold in two complementary directions:
The Interactive Masterclass in Utrecht: From Piemonte to de Watertoren, wine food at the highest level
October 5, 2026
On Monday, October 5th, we will be hosted by the renowned De Watertoren restaurant in Utrecht for an exclusive interactive masterclass, organized and led by our Ambassador to the Netherlands, Fred Nijhuis.
While great classics like Barolo, Barbaresco, Barbera, and Arneis already enjoy an excellent reputation on Dutch tables, the goal of this event is to showcase the extraordinary versatility of Piedmont’s entire wine heritage. We will shine a spotlight on whites like Timorasso, Nascetta, and Erbaluce, and on reds like Grignolino, Dolcetto, Pelaverga, and Ruchè, in addition to the great wines of Alto Piemonte.
The format will be highly innovative: we will not serve fixed pairings. A select group of industry professionals (chefs, sommeliers, restaurant managers, and opinion leaders) will be “challenged” to independently choose the perfect pairings between a refined selection of wines offered by the participating wineries and the chef’s fusion dishes.
A dynamic exchange and a shared tasting designed to encourage the addition of new wine styles to Dutch wine lists.
Masterclasses with the Amsterdam Wine Academy
October 2nd and 5th, 2026
To establish a strong presence in the Dutch capital, always a dynamic, receptive market that pays close attention to our appellations, the 2026 campaign is enhanced by a prestigious partnership with the Amsterdam Wine Academy (AWA).
Amsterdam Wine Academy bases its educational programs on international WSET materials and provides top-tier courses such as the Italian Wine Scholar (in collaboration with the Wine Scholar Guild).
The venue also houses a spot named “Best Wine Bar of the Year” in 2024. At the Academy, we will organize two Masterclasses dedicated to Piedmontese wines, led by James Cacace.
”Discovering Piemonte: From Alpine Valleys to Rolling Hills – The Diversity of Piemonte’s Wines”
October 2, 2026 | from 7:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Masterclass dedicated to advanced students and selected enthusiasts
October 5, 2026 | from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm
Masterclass dedicated to industry professionals
Masterclass Speaker: James Cacace
Raised in Italy, James Cacace has spent many years working in the hospitality industry in different countries, developing a strong passion for Italian food, wine and hospitality. In 2023, he obtained the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines, followed in 2025 by Langhe Ambassador Level 2.
Since 2023, he has been running his own catering company, specializing in authentic Italian cuisine and wines. Alongside Italian dinners and private and corporate events, he organizes Italian wine tastings for both companies and private groups, sharing the diversity, traditions and stories behind Italian wines.
More recently, he has also started importing wines from a small family-owned winery in Calosso, Piemonte, further developing his connection with the region and its wines.
This initiative offers wineries the opportunity to present their wines to an audience of Dutch professionals and future professionals (sommeliers and advanced students) who are highly trained and eager to expand their knowledge and exploration of the Piedmont region.
Promoting first-hand knowledge, combined with education on food and wine pairing, is the key to driving value growth and securing recognition for our premium positioning in the Netherlands.
