Level 1 Honey Sensory Certification now available in the U.S. through The American Honey Tasting Society
C. Marina Marchese, master honey sommelier, author and founder of the American Honey Tasting Society, has achieved yet another significant milestone in her illustrious career. Marchese is now the first American to be recognized as an Official Instructor with The Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey.
With this prestigious title, Marchese can teach the Level 1 Honey Sensory Analysis certification course with official accreditation from The Italian National Register at The American Honey Tasting Society in Connecticut. This course is the first step to becoming a professional honey sommelier, a role that is crucial in promoting the diversity, quality, and sustainability of honey.
This rapidly growing profession is gaining traction in various parts of the world — from urban centers with thriving food scenes such as New York, London, and Tokyo, to regions with a strong focus on sustainable agriculture and local food like the Pacific Northwest in the U.S., the South of France and Australia, as well as culinary tourism destinations like Italy and Spain.
To earn the title of Official Instructor, candidates must complete all three levels of Sensory Analysis certification, pass rigorous written and oral exams, and co-teach four 4-day extensive courses alongside a certified instructor—a process that takes years of dedication and training.
“After 10 years of intense training and teaching, I am proud to be named as an Official Instructor for The Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey based in Bologna, Italy,” says Marchese. “The journey has been demanding yet rewarding, and I am excited to help students further their studies in honey sensory evaluation and share this expertise with students worldwide.”
Marchese will teach a Level 1 Honey Sensory Analysis certification course in 2025 at the American Honey Tasting Society in Connecticut. Registration for the course, in addition to hobbyist tasting and pairing courses where students can learn how to pair honey with cheese, are available online at the American Honey Tasting Society’s website (www.americanhoneytastingsociety.com). Course dates and times will be announced shortly.
For the latest information on courses Marchese will be teaching, the upcoming release of her fourth book, “The Atlas of Honey,” due out on October 15th, and speaking opportunities, visit www.HoneySommelier.com.
About C. Marina Marchese:
- Marina Marchese is a veteran beekeeper, an international best-selling author, and the first U.S. citizen to be accepted as an Official Instructor with the Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey. She is the founder of Red Bee Honey and The American Honey Tasting Society (AHTS), which was accredited by the Central Office of The Register in 2013. Marchese is the author of four books, including the best-selling “Honeybee: Lessons from an Accidental Beekeeper;” her latest book, “The World Atlas of Honey” will be published October 15, 2024. Marchese was recently recognized with a WISE Woman of the Year Award by The National Organization of Italian American Women. She is dedicated to promoting the artistry and science of honey, advocating for sustainable beekeeping practices, and educating the public on the diverse flavors and benefits of honey.
About the Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey:
The Italian National Register of Experts in the Sensory Analysis of Honey is a distinguished organization that certifies individuals in the sensory evaluation of honey. The organization maintains high standards to ensure that certified experts can accurately assess and appreciate the various sensory attributes of honey, contributing to the preservation and promotion of quality honey products.
