Vineyards Magazine

With a network of 60 official Ambassadors in France and in 17 other countries around the world, the BIVB was keen to expand its team. And to do this, 10 training experts – including several Masters of Wine – were selected from around 100 applications around the world. Six came from the USA, one from Canada, and for the first time, successful applicants also came from India, Australia, and Switzerland, counting one apiece.
They traveled across Bourgogne from north to south, widening out their experience and discovering all the richness of the region through theory lessons, landscape readings, estate visits, meetings with professionals, and themed tastings. This intensive training week was capped off with a demanding final exam requiring a high level of understanding.

All 10 applicants passed the test, thus obtaining the coveted title of Official Bourgogne Wines Ambassador. These passionate specialists are now entitled to promote Bourgogne wines in a variety of ways, such as by hosting masterclasses in their territory with market influencers or wine-loving consumers.

Here is a list of our newly-qualified Bourgogne Wine Ambassadors:
•   Mark Shipway (Canada)
•   Marianne Franz (USA)
•   Christian Oggenfuss (USA)
•   Robert Bath (USA)
•   Tanya Morning Star Darling (USA)
•   Liz Palmer (USA)
•   Andrea Pritzker (Australia)
•   Sonal Holland (India)
•   Timothy Magnus (Switzerland)
•   James Barlow (USA)

In October, it will be the turn of France to strengthen its network. A recruitment campaign is underway with the aim of attracting 10 candidates to the Bourgogne region next fall. The following are prerequisites: Being a trainer in the wine sector with a good level of knowledge of Bourgogne wines; having a network of market influencers; and being active on social media.