The Ambassador of Italian Wine to the World: Ian D’Agata
On May 24, Tenuta Santa Maria had the honor of participating in Vino100 Selected, one of the most exclusive events on the international wine scene. Held in the elegant setting of the Pullman Shanghai Central Hotel, the event brought together 100 outstanding Italian wineries, handpicked by Ian D’Agata, and welcomed a prestigious audience of wine professionals, buyers, and journalists from across Asia.
Ian D’Agata: between Science and Wine
Today, to speak about wine is to speak about territory, identity, and culture. But it also means being able to tell that story with knowledge, passion, and vision. That’s exactly what Ian D’Agata has been doing for over thirty years: a world-renowned wine writer, award-winning author, and tireless educator. He has contributed to leading publications such as Vinous, Decanter, The World of Fine Wine, and Le Figaro Vin. Beyond writing, Ian D’Agata has served as a consultant for institutions and consortia, founded cultural initiatives like Indigena World and the TerroirSense Wine Review, and regularly teaches advanced wine education programs around the globe.
What makes Ian D’Agata such a key figure in the wine world is his lifelong dedication to promoting Italy’s native grape varieties—a unique heritage that was once at risk of being forgotten, and which he has helped to preserve and elevate. With encyclopedic knowledge—not only of the country’s renowned appellations but also of its hidden micro-zones and rarest grapes—D’Agata has given voice to lesser-known terroirs, defended the identity of historic denominations, and helped promote Italian wine quality on a global scale.
His mission is clear: to educate without oversimplifying. To reveal that behind every great wine are agricultural, geological, and cultural choices—and that Italian wines, thanks to their extraordinary biodiversity, deserve to be understood, appreciated, and celebrated like no other.
Ian D’Agata in Wine Literature
Ian D’Agata is the author of two landmark works that have become essential for understanding Italy’s extraordinary ampelographic richness. These publications combine scientific rigor, a multidisciplinary approach, and a unique sensitivity for what makes each terroir one-of-a-kind—all conveyed with a technical yet accessible style.
Native Wine Grapes of Italy (University of California Press, 2014; ISBN-13 978-0520272262)
A monumental work cataloguing more than 500 native Italian grape varieties—including those cultivated in Valpolicella—analyzed through the lenses of history, genetics, sensory profile, and winemaking potential. The book was awarded the Louis Roederer International Wine Book of the Year, establishing itself as the definitive reference for anyone wishing to explore the richness of Italy’s vineyards.
Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs (UC Press, 2019; ISBN 978-0520290754)
In this second volume, D’Agata shifts the focus from grape varieties to their places of origin, offering an in-depth analysis of Italy’s major wine regions. He describes how climate, soil, and tradition influence the expression of native grapes. Valpolicella is highlighted as a prime example of a complex and distinctive terroir.
A Natural Affinity: Ian D’Agata and Tenuta Santa Maria
In today’s globalized wine industry, the work of Ian D’Agata is an invaluable compass for those of us who strive every day to produce authentic wines that tell the story of our land, our heritage, and the hands that nurture it. His contribution is not only technical or educational—it’s a genuine cultural mission that celebrates Italy’s varietal richness and strengthens the identity of historic wine denominations.
Ian D’Agata’s international outlook, combined with his deep local expertise, aligns perfectly with the winemaking philosophy of Tenuta Santa Maria. In our daily work, we share his scientific and methodical approach to enhancing the value of Valpolicella’s native grape varieties. We grow 18 different varieties, including Corvina, Corvinone, Rondinella, and Oseleta, through sustainable practices, full traceability, and a deep respect for our winemaking identity.
We see Ian D’Agata as a valuable ally in our shared mission to protect native Italian grapes and to present wines as genuine expressions of their terroir.
Discover the Valpolicella Wines of Tenuta Santa Maria
At Tenuta Santa Maria, being part of this story gives even greater meaning to our daily work. We invite you to discover our Valpolicella wines—including Amarone, Ripasso, Valpolicella Superiore, and Recioto—the result of a centuries-old tradition and a constant dialogue between grape and terroir.
Don’t miss the chance to taste our wines directly at the winery.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Ian D’Agata is an internationally acclaimed Italo-Canadian wine writer and educator. He is the founder and president of Ian D’Agata Wine Culture, one of China’s leading wine education platforms, which includes the Ian D’Agata Wine Review and the Ian D’Agata Wine Academy. Over his 30+ year career, he has served as editor at Stephen Tanzer’s International Wine Cellar, contributing editor at Decanter, and senior editor at Vinous. A passionate advocate for native grape varieties, Ian was inducted in 2015 into the prestigious Accademia della Vite e del Vino and is currently Vice President of the Association Internationale des Terroirs.
His publications include: Native Wine Grapes of Italy, Italy’s Native Wine Grape Terroirs, Italy’s Grapes and Wines: The Definitive Compendium Region by Region, The Ecco Guide to the Best Wines of Italy, and his most recent work, Barolo Terroir.
Vino100 is an international wine event curated and hosted by Ian D’Agata, featuring a hand-selected portfolio of 100 top Italian wineries. It is designed to showcase the diversity and excellence of Italian wine to a global audience.
