March 17, 2026 (Phoenix, AZ) — Vinum 55 is proud to announce that Shelly Fitzgerald, Wine Director, was selected by D.O. Cava to participate in the Cava Academy Advanced Level Cava Educator Certificate—an exclusive, live on-site masterclass held in Spain at the heart of Cava country. Shelly was among a highly limited cohort of only 16 international wine professionals chosen for advanced training designed to develop expert educators and global ambassadors for Cava.
Hosted in Catalonia with coursework centered around the Cava Regulatory Council, the program delivered an intensive immersion into Cava’s history, appellation framework, quality classifications, traditional method production, sustainability initiatives, and gastronomy. The experience included guided winery visits, vineyard-focused instruction, structured sensory training, and a final examination leading to the Advanced Cava Educator credential.
“This was an exceptionally well-designed and collaborative program,” said Fitzgerald. “The level of access—to producers, vineyards, and the Regulatory Council—was remarkable. What stood out most was the commitment to quality, sustainability, and the value Cava can deliver at the highest tiers.”
As part of the advanced program, Fitzgerald completed extensive pre-course study and successfully passed the final exam, earning recognition as one of the top performers in her cohort.
“Shelly’s selection by D.O. Cava reflects what we see every day at Vinum 55: deep expertise, intellectual rigor, and a rare ability to translate technical wine knowledge into meaningful experiences for collectors,” said Vinum 55 Leadership. “We are proud of her achievement and look forward to supporting her continued growth as a Cava educator and ambassador.”
Fitzgerald’s training emphasized Cava’s evolving global positioning—particularly the region’s focus on higher-tier wines, increasingly strict standards, and organic and sustainability-forward practices at the quality levels that many U.S. consumers have not yet encountered.
Vinum 55 looks forward to expanding education and access for clients and industry partners through upcoming programming led by Fitzgerald, including Cava-focused masterclasses, tasting experiences, and continued professional development initiatives that support Vinum 55’s commitment to excellence in wine education.
About Vinum 55
Vinum 55 is a premier wine concierge company with club-model locations in Arizona, serving a growing community of collectors and enthusiasts. Purpose-built by wine lovers for wine lovers, Vinum 55 offers climate-controlled storage, professional inventory management, concierge wine sourcing, delivery acceptance, exclusive tastings, and elegant spaces for private events.
In addition, Vinum 55 provides specialized wine logistics services handled by trained wine professionals. Wines are transported in climate-controlled vehicles and managed according to industry best practices, ensuring each collection is protected from storage facility to final delivery.
Vinum 55 is an Approved Programme Provider (APP) for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), delivering globally recognized wine education and certification courses through WSET’s standardized curriculum. Courses are taught by certified educators, including Shelly Fitzgerald, who serves as a Course Educator, guiding students through one of the wine industry’s most respected educational pathways.
About D.O. Cava and Cava Academy
D.O. Cava is Spain’s Designation of Origin for traditional method sparkling wine, regulated to protect authenticity, quality, and regional integrity. Through the Cava Academy, D.O. Cava provides structured education and certification for wine professionals worldwide, strengthening global understanding of Cava’s production, classification, and gastronomic versatility.
More Information
Vinum 55: https://www.vinum55.com/
D.O. Cava: https://www.cava.wine/en/
