Tracy Ellen Kamens, Ed.D., DWS, CWE

Grand Cru Classes provides fun and informative wine classes and tasting events for personal and corporate clients. With expertise in all facets of wine from wine appreciation and wine regions to food and wine pairing principles and cheese production, we can open up these worlds to you.

Join us in our beautiful tasting classroom in the heart of Long Island’s wine region or let us come to your home, place of business or other chosen venue.

Believing that wine is always fun, we want to make learning about wine an entertaining and enjoyable experience as you "learn about wine, one glass at a time."

As CEO (Chief Education Officer), Tracy adores wine and loves to teach. So much so that when the idea to combine her love of teaching with her passion for wine presented itself, she jumped at the opportunity.

Over the past several years, Tracy Ellen has pursued wine studies in earnest to provide herself with a solid foundation in wine knowledge. She then uses her vast experience in education and professional development to craft classes and events that educate as well as entertain.

She is a self-professed wine geek, but is not a wine snob. In fact, she is an equal opportunity drinker, ferreting out wonderful wines at all price points. However, she does draw the line at anything out of a jug.

While she promises to make wine more approachable for consumers, she is proud of her wine credentials, which include the Certified Wine Educator credential from the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust’s Diploma of Wine & Spirits (with Merit) and its Intermediate and Advanced Certificates (both with distinction), the International Bordeaux Instructor title from L’Ecole du Vin de Bordeaux. In addition, she has completed the Napa Valley Vintners’ Wine Educators Academy as well as the Wine Australia USA AusWISE program.

A published wine journalist, Tracy holds degrees from Cornell University and UPenn.

More info:

New York, NY and Mattituck, NY

• tracy@GrandCruClasses.com
• www.GrandCruClasses.com
• 646-279-8494

Wine For All

Founded by noted wine writer and humorist W. R. Tish, Wine For All ("Pairing Wine & Fun Since the 20th Century") is the leading corporate and private wine-tasting agency in the New York metro area. Tish's unique approach to wine events blends comedy, education and good taste. All events are customized to fit the venue and participants. In addition to selecting "trend-o-licious" juice, Tish also provides the best tasting sheets in the business as well as fun props and prizes. Corporate clients include pharmaceutical companies, financial groups and law firms; private parties have included bachelorette parties, birthday bashes and elegant private dinners. Food and wine pairing is a specialty; as Tish puts it, "I drink, therefore I am. I eat, therefore I am more."

More info:

P.O Box 777
Katonah, NY 10536

• tish@wineforall.com
• www.wineforall.com
• 914-232-1627

Monroe James Lawrence(The Nightlife Sommelier)

Monroe James Lawrence offers Enlightened Perspectives on Fine Beverages and Entertainment.

Monroe holds the Advanced Certificate through the Wine Spirits Education Trust (WSET), and he is currently a Diploma of Wine student. He also holds a Certificate of completion for the Artisanal Master of Cheese Program. He does wine consulting & buying, cellar management services, as well as conducts wine tastings and events. In his educational and entertaining New York City nightlife tours he acts as your own personal Tour Guide and Sommelier. Tours focus on alcoholic beverages, food, as well as Jazz and Broadway history. Monroe also writes a featured article called Jazz Uncorked for allaboutjazz.com.

Monroe is educated in Business & Hospitality Management, Political Science, Anthropology, Art History, History, Ancient Studies, Egyptology, as well as History of Music and Film at colleges including Johnson & Wales, Brown, and Harvard. Due to his extensive academic background and varied interests, he offers a unique perspective of beverages, food, and entertainment throughout the entire course of human history. Monroe enjoys reading, watching/attending lectures, and philosophical debate. A lover of music, he can be found in attendance at Jazz clubs, Broadway shows, the Philharmonic, Opera, and Ballet. His family used to own a successful Nightclub/Restaurant and a working farm that he managed. He also worked at the #1 Wine Store in the Rhode Island market and was the Wine Director for a store in Cambridge, MA. Currently, he is working on research for a book/lecture series on the topic of “Wine as a Symbolic Motif in Ancient Myth and Religion”. He is also currently involved with research of indigenous and ancient beer, as well as research on the history of tea, coffee, and chocolate.

Monroe has been described as charismatic, passionate, and personable, and he offers wine education that differs from the normal tasting method.

More info:

• monroe@thenightlifesommelier.com
• www.thenightlifesommelier.com
• 617-571-3309

WinEsideout

WinEsideout specializes in organizing custom wine events for business and private occasions. Whether your goal is networking, teambuilding or entertainment, WinEsideout is your partner when it comes to hosting a memorable event.

We collaborate closely with you to create a one-of-a-kind experience. All our wine tastings and educational events are delivered by wine educators, editors and other wine professionals. We pride ourselves in offering unique occasions that enable interaction and conversation by combining learning with fun.

CORPORATE SERVICES

Westchester Wine School

Ned Towle makes wine tasting a fun and informative experience. As founder and Director of the Westchester Wine School he teaches the characteristics of wine and their regional origins in a clear, non-intimidating, interactive manner. Whether you are planning a social wine tasting, private wine course, or a wine and dinner event, Ned brings a playful, passionate, and professional style to the subject of wine. Each event can be tailored to your needs.

The Westchester Wine School is located in Westchester County, NY with classes held at the Hilton Rye Town in Rye Brook. Ned has worked in all aspects of wine growing and wine making at Chateau de Mayragues in southwestern France. He has also worked in the Manhattan wine retail business and is a Certified Specialist of Wine in the Society of Wine Educators, and a member of the American Wine Society and the American Sommelier Association.

More info:

37 Maple Ave. Ste.3A
Hastings-on-Hudson, N.Y. 10706

• nedtowle@westchesterwineschool.com
• www.westchesterwineschool.com
• 914-478-5197

LeeAnne Homsey's Silver Platter Parties

After Managing New York City Restaurants For Over 15 Years, LeeAnne Homsey Took Her Wine, Food And Hospitality Knowledge To All New Levels. A Member Of The American Wine Society She Specializes In Casual Wine Tasting Event Classes, Making Learning About Wine Exciting, Fun And Interactive. In 19 Months, LeeAnne Has Taught Over 5,700 New Yorkers More Confidence In Wine Tasting! Available To Take Your Small Or Large Party To A Remarkably Memorable Level With A Fun Attitude And Exclusive Wines Rated 90+! Personal Attention As You Learn Why You Swirl, "Hold By The Stem", Chew Your Wine
Plus
The Tips & Tricks Of Tasting Wine Corporate Events, Team-Building Tasting Events, Private Wine Dinners, Wine Weddings, And Holiday Wine Tasting Parties. Prices Start At Just $100.00 Per Person! Glassware Provided At No Additional Fee. http://menonasilverplatter.8m.com/private.html

More info:

339 West 84th Street
Floor #1
New York City, New York 10024

• info@silverplatternyc.com
• silverplatternyc.com
• 1-(646) 461-1076

Marnie Old

Known for her common-sense approach, tireless enthusiasm and leadership in the wine community, Marnie Old is one of the country’s leading wine educators and Philadelphia’s highest profile sommelier. She teaches about wine, beer and spirits across the country and around the world.

Marnie's wine columns appear regularly in Philadelphia Magazine and Pennsylvania’s Wine & Spirits Quarterly. She is also a contributing editor for Santé Magazine, serving the restaurant and hospitality industry.

In 2005, Marnie’s award-winning wine classes were launched for internet delivery through the University of Delaware. The Wine Online program is a four part introductory wine course, designed for both consumers and restaurant staff. Marnie has been a wine educator for Manhattan’s prestigious French Culinary Institute since 2001, and serves as mid-Atlantic wine educator for Wine & Spirits Magazine

Marnie spent five years as Sommelier at the famed Striped Bass restaurant, and later as Executive Beverage Director for their premier restaurant group, Meal Ticket Inc. Old launched her independent venture, Old Wines LLC, in October 2001 and her cutting edge beverage programs continue to earn national press and praise.

More info:

Old Wines

710 Chestnut St

Philadelphia Pa 19106

• marnieold@aol.com
• marnieold.com
• 215 351 9985

Keith Wallace, Director

Keith is a leading figure in wine education. The founder of the Wine School of Philadelphia, Keith is a rare breed on the east coast: a full time wine guru. As such, his curriculum vitae is getting quite hefty. Along with being a popular wine personality, he continues to work as a consultant for an Italian winery, a lecturer for two major universities, and a popular wine & food writer.

Keith's interviews have appeared in the Wall Street Journal, BusinessWeek: SmallBiz, BonAppetit Magazine, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. On television, he has appeared nationally on The Learning Channel, and regionally on both Fox and CBS. He is a featured wine writer for PhillyStyle Magazine, Dining Out Magazine, and the Wine & Spirits Quarterly.

Whether on stage or in front of the camera, his charismatically goofy persona puts his achievements in the proper light "I love my job ," he says "I drink for a living, for [edit]'s sake. Despite his wine tasting obligations, Keith continues to teach fulltime for The Wine School of Philadelphia.

More info:

The Wine School of Philadelphia

2006 Fairmount Avenue

Philadelphia, PA 19130

• keith@vinology.com
• www.vinology.com
• 215-965-1514

Swirl Events

At Swirl Events, we believe the busier life gets, the more we need to make time to have fun and connect to the people with whom we work and play. And what better way to do that than with a glass of wine in hand!

That's why we offer customized, private in-home and corporate wine tastings with a fresh, hip spin on things.

Swirl helps entertain without the effort. We shop, we set up, we share the need-to-know basics. All you do is uncork and unwind.

What sets Swirl Events apart: We know you’re busy but still want to entertain with a sense of style - your style, not stodgy or boring. Swirl pays significant attention to detail and ensures your event runs flawlessly. At our events, there’s no typical wine-tasting pretense. It’s you and your guests, laughing, learning, sipping and connecting with each other.

More info:

145 E. 15th St. Suite 4C, New York NY 10003

• Info@SwirlEvents.com
• www.SwirlEvents.com
• 917-463-3994

Tom DiNardo - The Wine Zealot

Tom DiNardo has worked in the wine industry in both California and Washington. With a reverence for the grape, Tom continues his passionate pursuit today as a wine consultant and educator who teaches others about oenology and wine collecting. Mr. DiNardo is a sommelier diplomate with the International Sommelier Guild and a member of the Society of Wine Educators. He is a freelance writer for Wine Enthusiast, Decanter, Santé and Wine Adventure Magazines, and is a regular contributor to Wine Squire.com and WineandSpiritsJobs.com. Tom is a featured auctioneer for Chicago based ERI wine auction gallery, and has sold some of the finest and rarest wines from around the world. Mr. DiNardo is also a certified master appraiser. Through these unique experiences, Tom has gained invaluable knowledge about the wine industry.

Prior to his wine immersion experience, Tom DiNardo founded DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers in 1993. A true entrepreneur and veteran charity auctioneer, Mr. DiNardo now had a unique opportunity to marry both his passion for wine and fund-raising auctions together in pioneering what is today one of the most exciting and newly emerging trends: charity wine auctions. Since its founding, DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers has achieved an outstanding reputation for fund-raising, record setting auction revenues (5 world records), and client satisfaction. Tom has been a featured auctioneer on TLC's "Wrecks to Riches" television program. DiNardo & Lord Auctioneers is ranked as one of the “Top 4 fundraising auction firms" in the nation, and Tom DiNardo has been referred to as "one of the nation’s preeminent charity wine auctioneers.” Tom welcomes the opportunity to serve your organization. Visit my Auction Calendar.

More info:

PO Box #11

Lynden, WA 98264

• info@DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com
• www.DiNardoandLordAuctioneers.com
• 888-503-0828

Aroma Wine Consulting

A Refreshing way to learn about wine! Aroma Wine Consulting presents: Beautiful Basics. All you ever wanted to know about wine and were afraid to ask.We organize and host a monthly wine tasting class in NYC. Each event features a different theme, in a fun, relaxed, yet educational environment (www.aromawineconsulting/calendarofevents). Make your special occasion memorable! We will organize from start to finish your next event and customize a wine tasting according to your taste, curiosity and needs. - Corporate Events - Fund-raising - Birthday parties - Holiday parties. Professional consulting services available to restaurants. For more information, do not hesitate to contact us.

More info:

P.O. Box 13021
Jersey City, NJ 07303

• aromawineconsulting@yahoo.com
• www.aromawineconsulting.com/calendarofevents
• 201.356.9956

Ron Kapon- The Peripatetic Oenophile

Ron Kapon is a Professor at the International School of Hospitality Management at Fairleigh Dickinson University & has been teaching their wine courses for the past 12 years. He has established the Ron Kapon Wine Library at FDU with a donation of over 2,000 books, magazines and articles. He was recently honored by the James Beard Foundation for his educational efforts. He also teaches the wine class at Hudson County Community College Culinary Arts Center in downtown Jersey City. His radio show is heard in 4 states & his internet show with Sally Jessy Raphael is broadcast world-wide. He writes over 40 wine, spirits, food & travel stories a year. Professor Kapon is President of Profit Plus Marketing & Management Company and has been coordinating wine classes, dinners & corporate presentations for over 35 years. Recent clients include P&G, Accenture, Rutgers University, the Italian Trade Commission, Apcor, the Cyprus Trade Commission and Vinoelite. Available venues for corporate and private clients are located on East 34th Street and West 72nd Street. "You will learn & have fun and have fun & learn"

More info:

230 West 79 St- #42N- NYC 10024-6210

• vinoron@yahoo.com
• www.ronkapon.com
• (212) 799-6311

Michael Green

Michael Green conducts educational wine and spirits events for corporate team-building, festivals and conferences around the world.

In addition to being a frequent guest on the Food Network and the Fine Living Network, Michael is Gourmet magazine’s long-time wine and spirits consultant, based in New York City.

Taking wine tastings from ordinary to riveting, Michael touches on current affairs and international culture in a way that makes wine relevant for any audience, across all industries. With more than twenty-years immersed in the wine world and a passion for performance, Green’s presentations blend theater and sensory experience like no other educator.

At the heart of his adventurous wine-meets-pop culture curriculum, Michael’s students not only become better wine tasters, but they also learn to roam retail shelves and wine lists with confidence. His disarming approach for simplifying wine comes from decades of experience in the beverage business – from retailer to importer to writer and beyond.

Michael is an alumnus of New York's High School of Performing Arts and a Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the University of Virginia. He currently serves the food and wine community as a member of the Society of Wine Educators; the New York Association of Cooking Teachers; the Boards of Share Our Strength and the American Institute of Wine and Food. He also co-wrote the world’s first interactive wine tasting musical, Wine Lovers, which is touring nationally in 2007.

More info:

New York City

• info@michaelgreen.com
• www.michaelgreen.com
• 212-787-1055

Andrew Dornenburg & Karen Page

Andrew Dornenburg and Karen Page, who write about wine for The Washington Post, lead wine tastings as well as seminars on pairing food with wine and other beverages for industry professionals and amateur enthusiasts alike. Their 2006 book What to Drink With What You Eat: The Definitive Guide to Pairing Food with Wine, Beer, Spirits, Coffee, Tea -- Even Water -- Based on Expert Advice from America's Best Sommeliers won the Georges Duboeuf "Best Wine Book of the Year" Award and the Gourmand World Cookbook Award, and was named a Finalist for the 2007 IACP Cookbook Award. After cooking professionally at top restaurants in Boston and New York City, Dornenburg studied with Madeleine Kamman at the School for American Chefs at Beringer Vineyards and earned his sommelier certificate through the Sommelier Society of America. Having served as a consultant to Fortune 500 food and beverage companies, Page passed the introductory course of the Court of Master Sommeliers and also holds degrees from Northwestern University and the Harvard Business School.

More info:

527 Third Avenue Suite 130
New York, NY 10016

• dornenburg@aol.com
• www.becomingachef.com
• 212/642-5870

Stefani Jackenthal - President, NTS Wine Tasting, LLC.

Everyone needs his or her little black book of personal wine tips. NTS wine educators are informed, articulate and offer wine-loving folks the tools to discover wines they like and figure out why. We explore baskets of varietals and wine crafting from grape-growing regions scattering the earth. Our light-handed approach includes swirling, sniffing, sipping and having fun. Food and wine pairing is our specialty.

Stefani Jackenthal founded, NYC-based NTS Wine Tasting, LLC. over a dozen years ago. Since then, she has led countless corporate, private, and monthly educational wine tastings. Also a wine instructor at the 92nd Street Y and Learning Annex, she has educated and entertained thousands of new and seasoned sippers. In addition to private tastings, Stefani and the NTS gang run light-handed educational monthly wine tastings around NYC - part of her �Wine Tasting Without the Attitude� series.

Stefani and her NTS colleagues have presented wine etiquette programs for clients such as Credit Suisse, teaching 150-new hires how order wine for a table of clients, taste wine, pair wine with food, amongst other subtleties. We have led wine tasting classes for industry leaders, corporate teams, alumni�s, bachelorettes, graduates, and beyond. Our instructors can be buttoned-up when necessary.

Stefani writes regularly about wine, adventure and travel for magazines and newspapers worldwide.

We look forward to sharing our knowledge. Please be in touch with questions -NTSWineTasting@stefjack.com.

Cheers!

Stefani Jackenthal, President, NTS Wine Tasting, LLC.

More info:

Based in NYC. Available nation-wide.

• NTSWineTasting@stefjack.com
• www.stefjack.com/wine
• 917-855-1594

GiraMondo Wine Ventures

GiraMondo Wine Ventures is a wine business professional training company as well as a consultancy to the wine industry. Don’t know what to do with your sommelier diploma and do not intend to work in a restaurant for the rest of your life? Had enough of the pyramid schemes to sell wines in your friends and families’ living room? Or just tempted by making a career switch in the wine industry after years of corporate experience and don’t know where to start? Please take a moment to review our different offerings: - Attend our webinar on how to jumpstart your career in the wine industry and save years of research and interrogation - Participate to our one-day professional seminars on the business of wine to further your career as a marketing and sales professional in the wine industry - Spend one or two hours during a wine entrepreneurship coaching session with our seasoned consultants to gain insights and vet the assumptions for your business plan whether for a wine bar, wine store, wine tour company or wine importer business. - Join our community of wine entrepreneurs (linkedin) and attend our yearly Wine Entrepreneur Conference, the ultimate wine business idea laboratory.

More info:

11002 Veirs Mill Road Suite 725
Wheaton, MD 20902

• infos@giramondowine.com
• www.giraventures.com
• 301.841.7609- ask for Laurent

Jennie Thornton-Dean

Jennie Thornton, Certified Wine Educator, former Chef, and Wine Maker, has traveled all over the world making, tasting, and teaching about wine. Starting as a chef she left the heat of the kitchens of Italy and France 10 years ago to climb into wine caves. In Napa Valley, Jennie worked the vineyards and cellars at Joseph Phelps before moving to London to focus her studies on wines from all over the world. As a both a certified Sommelier and graduate of the rigorous WSET Diploma of Wine, Jennie’s knowledge of fine wines stretches from production to food and wine marriages. Recently Jennie has moved to America’s largest wine city—New York City to begin her Master of Wine studies. Jennie continues to entertain at wine tastings with her irreverent, enthusiastic, and interactive teaching style.

More info:

• Wine@JennieThornton.com

Cork Jester - Jennifer Rosen

An acclaimed, entertaining and dynamic educator, Jennifer's wine events rock. Combining dance, music, trapeze, rap and more, she makes both private and corporate events both fun and unforgettable. Jennifer partnered with Microsoft to develop interactive software and a series of wine seminars for CEOs around the country. Other clients include Merrill Lynch, The Escoffier Society, Zachys Wine, The Society of Wine Educators, Immedient Corporation, The Century Club, Beaulieu Vineyards, Colorado Symphony Orchestra, and the Denver Art Museum. Have her design a custom event for you, or choose from topics including: *Secrets of Blind Tasters *Planet Waves *Wine and Sex *Value in a Glass *Hidden Treasure *The Tao of Bubbles Wine sells. Wine makes people happy. Wine is a metaphor for everything.

More info:

245 S Garfield St
Denver, CO 80209

• jester@corkjester.com
• www.corkjester.com
• 303-321-0211

Lisa Julian Cannac - Long Island Wine Consultant - Wine Connection Consulting

Lisa Julian Cannac is the Owner/Consultant of Wine Connection Consulting. A degree in Chemistry, a sommelier certificate and a ten (10) year background in the Long Island Wine Industry, has enabled her to consult on a wide variety of wine-related information. Wine Consultant and Educator for Restaurants and Wine Shops, Sales Consultant, Assistant Winemaking Consultant, Wine Lab Consultant, Wine Chemical Analyst, Tasting Room Designer, Special Events Consultant, and Marketing Consultant. She specializes in Long Island Wines.

More info:

PO Box 31
Cutchogue, NY 11935

• lcannac@wineconnectionconsulting.com
• www.wineconnectionconsulting.com
• 631-838-2090

Better Tasting Wine

Our wine consultants specialize in hosting personal/corporate wine classes, focus groups / wine forums, and tasting events. For resumes of our consultants, pls contact us at http://www.bettertastingwine.com

More info:

244 W72nd St, New York

• info@bettertastingwine.com
• www.bettertastingwine.com
• 6502834925

JL Food & Wine

JL Food & Wine specializes in private wine tastings and corporate events for groups of 5-75, with an emphasis on demystifying the concepts of terroir, varietal and palate. Our friendly sommelier instructors are certified and currently work at top NYC retailers, restaurants or import houses. Our events are entertaining and interactive, learn more today!

More info:

77 McGuinness Blvd.
Brooklyn, NY 11222

• chef@jacquelinelombard.com
• www.jacquelinelombard.com
• 3478048418

Wendy Crispell

With years of experience in the wine, food and spirits industry Wendy Crispell can tailor any wine or pairing event to your needs. Her down to earth, entertaining presentations will add to your next event creating loads of buzz and fun for your guest!

More info:

18thst & Hudson River, Suite 5912
NY,NY 10011

• wendy@wendycrispellwine.com
• www.wendycrispellwine.com
• 845-542-0562

CAVE Wine Group - W.S.E.T Educated - Life Experienced

Jeremy Halker is the Founder of C.A.V.E Wine Group During his 10 years at Morgan Stanley, Jeremy detoured into the world of wine and as an International Wine Center student, passed his Intermediate and Advanced Certificate exams with Distinction. He is currently working towards his Diploma from the Wine and Spirits Educational Trust W.S.E.T., the world's premier wine education organization. Jeremy found his passion for all things wine on a trip through Spain. He was and is continually fascinated by the wines of Spain and in particular, La Rioja, Pais Vasco, Catalunya and Jerez. He has traveled extensively through the world's wine producing countries such as Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Bulgaria, Turkey, India, Canada, USA (New York, Ohio and California) to name a few. On these trips he has had the chance to meet some of the best wine makers, restaurateurs and most important the extraordinary people of these places who have shared their lives with him. He takes all of the above and successfully transforms it into something contagious for everyone he shares it with. C.A.V.E Wine Group combines your curiosity with our unique approach to education through experience to bring you closer to the grape, the vine and the wine. Our philosophy is to help you gain a real understanding of how to systematically approach tasting wines and then assist in your progression from there in a fun and structured way.

More info:

142 Newton St
Brooklyn NY
11222

• j@cavewinegroup.com
• www.cavewinegroup.com
• 646 696 4297

LeNell Smothers

American whiskey specialty (bourbon, rye, corn, plus other various styles). Can talk history, styles, cocktails.

More info:

416 Van Brunt Street b/t Coffey & Van Dyke
Brooklyn, NY 11231

• info@lenells.com
• 718-360-0838

Susannah Gold, Vigneto Communications

Susannah is a wine writer and wine educator. She has degrees from America, British, Italian and Spanish wine schools including the prestigious Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the WSET. Susannah can organize private or corporate tastings for as many people as you like. The events can be tailored to your individual needs. Susannah is also available to help you in your wine purchases either as a gift for a friend, creating a wine cellar or pairing with food for dinner.

More info:

210 west 101 street, suite 4k
New York, New York 10025

• susannah@vignetocommunications.com
• www.vignetocommunications.com
• 917 207 5375

Dagan Koffler

Informed by international wine travels and fine dining establishments, Dagan Koffler is the quintessential wine professional. Koffler worked as sommelier at Alto, Del Posto, and Otto restaurants, which boast extensive and dynamic wine lists. Prior to individually selecting the perfect wine for guests at these renowned New York City restaurants, Dagan was involved in many facets of the wine industry. While studying wine at Sonoma State University, he spent seven months in Italy absorbing intricate cuisine, rich culture, and diverse wine. Upon return he became Wine Educator for Sebastiani Winery. Following his pursuit for knowledge, Koffler relocated to Franciscan Estates in the heart of Napa Valley where he worked with distinguished wineries Ravenswood, Quintessa, Simi, Estancia, and Veramonte. In 2003 Koffler traveled to South America to further enrich his understanding. He visited the regions of Tarija, Bolivia, Casablanca, Chile, and Mendoza, Argentina. A stopover in Chile presented him with the opportunity to work as Wine Educator for a cross cultural winery, Veramonte. Through extensive travel and wine-specific exploration, he has gained experience and knowledge of the world’s great wines and their regions. With the desire to share his passion for wine, Koffler has launched Epiphany wine tasting.

More info:

• epiphanynyc@gmail.com
• www.epiphanynyc.com
• 917 338 7111

Annette Tomei, VinEducation

Annette Tomei is a professional chef and sommelier specializing in food and wine pairing for the discerning palate.

More info:

• Annette@VinEducation.com
• www.vineducation.com
• 917-463-4004

Wine Experts LLC

Wine Experts, LLC was created by Master of Wine Christopher Cree in 1999 to offer a wide range of educational and entertaining wine programs for corporate clients, meeting planners, charitable organizations and private clients. Whether the goal is education, entertainment, reward or incentive programs, client development, or fund raising, our events provide a perfect venue for our clients to connect with their key customers, employees, suppliers or supporters. The casual and relaxed wine tasting environment also offers our clients a great setting to strengthen and build relationships and deliver their message in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. We employ numerous different formats including food and wine pairing dinners, formal class room style seminars, casual “walk around” reception style tastings, and travel to wine regions. Seminars can be conducted either at your location or at a number of off-site venues such as hotels, conference centers, restaurants, and wine regions virtually anywhere in the world. Our team of wine professionals is headed up by Chris Cree M.W., one of only 29 Americans to have earned the prestigious Master of Wine degree, and all of our speakers are vetted and certified to have substantial wine knowledge. But more importantly, they must have the personality and communication skills to deliver in an intelligent, sensible, down to earth manner that makes our events not only educational, but enjoyable and entertaining as well. As Dorothy Gaiter and John Brecher of The Wall Street Journal quipped when referring to Chris: “Real wine experts aren’t snooty…they’re simply passionate about wine. You’d enjoy sharing a bottle with them.”

More info:

7 Fieldstone Dr
Clinton, NJ 08809

• chris.cree@56degreewine.com
• www.56degreewine.com-a.googlepages.com/
• 908.310.6127

Kosher Wine Society

The Kosher Wine Society brings people together in order to educate and raise awareness about kosher wines. We strive to bring you the most fun and innovative tasting events, inspiring food and wine pairings and hands on workshops in order to educate our members and become a major catalyst in the Kosher Wine Industry.

More info:

333 e 102nd # 833
New York NY 10029

• events@KosherWineSociety.com
• www.kosherwinesociety.com
• 917-414-5468

Culinary Center of New York

Founded in 1979, Culinary Center of New York has been offering courses in culinary education for almost thirty years. Its principal, Gary A. Goldberg*, was an early champion of continuing education for adults. In 1987, Culinary Center of New York was engaged by The New School to “assist in the development, coordination, and administration of THE NEW SCHOOL culinary arts program” With Mr. Goldberg serving as executive director, Culinary Center provided the cooking and baking facilities, recruited the culinary instructors, and supervised all classes. This relationship continued for more than twenty years (Sept. 1987- Jan. 2008). During that period, enrollments in the New School Culinary Arts program tripled; the part-time culinary faculty expanded to more than fifty instructors; the program developed an international reputation, and was rated among the best cooking schools in the city and the country. Now Culinary Center of New York (under its own name) once again becomes the center of culinary education in New York City. All cooking and baking classes continue at the same location, The Inn on 23rd, 131 West 23rd Street, NYC. The variety of courses for students at every level of development offers a multitude of options. And the superb instructors who teach in the program are as well known for their personal approach as for their expertise. The goal: to offer non-credit continuing education programs for adults, in a welcoming and unintimidating atmosphere; and to cook up a storm! * Gary A. Goldberg, MA in Education and Certif. in Food & Beverage Management, NYU; former executive director of The New School Culinary Arts program; co-founder and director, Culinary Center of New York, international food and restaurant consulting company; James Beard Awards judge; member, Board of Directors, American Institute of Wine & Food, NY Chapter; co-author of cookbooks Mountains of Chocolate and Successful Parties: Simple and Elegant; articles in Bon Appetit and other food m

More info:

30 West 26 Street, 12th Floor
New York, NY 10010

• nscularts@aol.com
• culinarycenternewyork.com/
• 2122554141

ChefsLine

ChefsLine's team includes professional chef instructors in pastry, baking, at-home entertaining, and the culinary arts. All of our chefs have extensive experience in teaching and cooking demonstrations and their knowledge spans world cuisine. Give us a call and we'll introduce you to an entertaining and experienced chef instructor for your next Event.

More info:

• chefs@chefsline.com
• www.ChefsLine.com
• 8009771224

Trevor Corson - The Sushi Concierge

So you've started enjoying premium Japanese sake -- but what about the food you're pairing it with? Bestselling food writer and "Iron Chef America" judge Trevor Corson is the leading authority on sushi in the Western world and author of the definitive book "The Story of Sushi: An Unlikely Saga of Raw Fish and Rice." As the only Sushi Concierge in the United States, he hosts tasting classes, private dinners, and educational banquets for parties and corporate events that teach the surprising secrets of traditional sushi. Don't just master sake; master it as part of a comprehensive, authentic Japanese experience. Trevor is an entertaining storyteller and an authoritative guide. "Trevor Corson takes you on a fascinating journey into the world of sushi. Rich, engaging, a pleasure." -- Eric Ripert

More info:

265 Prospect Pl, Apt 4
Brooklyn, NY 11238

• trevor@trevorcorson.com
• www.sushiconcierge.com
• 202-351-1552

Kevin Zraly

Kevin Zraly worked at the Windows on the World Restaurant from its opening in 1976 until September 11, 2001. He is the founder and teacher of the immensely popular Windows on the World Wine School that has graduated over 19,000 students since its inception. The classes are now held at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in Times Square. His book, Windows on the World Complete Wine Course is the largest selling wine book in the United States with over 3 million copies sold. Kevin also authored Kevin Zraly�s American Wine Guide, the only book to cover all 50 states. He has been teaching about wine for over 30 years, beginning at the age of 20, and has studied winemaking techniques in all the major wine regions of the world. Kevin is a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the European Wine Council, the James Beard Award as the Wine and Spirits Professional of the Year, the Food and Beverage Association�s Man of the Year Award , Lifetime Achievement Award from the Society of Wine Educators, and the 2006 Wine Literary Award. Kevin is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Culinary Institute of America. Kevin has been featured in The New York Times, People magazine, The Wall Street Journal, GQ magazine, Newsweek, and USA Today, as well as many other publications. He had a wine show on the TV Food Network and has been a featured guest on numerous radio broadcasts. Together with Robert Parker Kevin created the Parker & Zraly Wine Certification Program, an online wine testing certification. Kevin also moderates the Sherry-Lehmann/Kevin Zraly Master Wine Classes in New York City. His charisma, engagingly breezy style, and love of wine captivate everyone he teaches.

More info:

PO Box 847
New Paltz, NY 12561

• kevin@kevinzraly.com
• www.kevinzraly.com
• 845-255-1456

Best Cellars UWS

Tired of throwing the same old party? Why not host a wine tasting led by your very own sommelier? Best Cellars UWS is pleased to offer an array of private wine tastings that you can host at home--or anywhere else you like--led by a trained Best Cellars sommelier. Popular tasting themes include: Wine 101: World Tour Wine 101: Great Grapes Almost Famous: Obscure Grapes Beyond the Best or Customize a tasting of your choice!

More info:

2246 Broadway (@ W.80th St.)

• bc@bestcellarsuws.com
• (212)362-8730

David Hamburger

David Hamburger is the director of special events at the prestigious wine purveyor, Acker Merrall & Condit Company and is the managing director of The Wine Workshop which is America's leading series of fine and rare wine tastings and dinners. David’s unpretentious and informative approach explains and simplifies the many intricacies of wine in a fun and enthusiastic atmosphere with an emphasis on group participation and involvement. David lectures about 100 times a year at public, corporate and private wine events all over New York City and abroad. He has done guest sommelier spots at such New York restaurants as Bouley, Le Bernardin, Daniel, and Per Se. He currently spends his time hosting wine events, lecturing, teaching and consulting to private collectors and restaurants in New York City and abroad. The Wine Workshop events are a great way to meet new friends and bring fellow wine lovers together, from the most knowledgeable to the budding oenophile. Our classes have an extremely broad range, from introductory classes to prestigious luxury dinners at New York’s most celebrated restaurants. Classes like the Wine Workshop will give you the raw materials to make informed decisions about all aspects of the wine experience.

More info:

160 W 72nd Street
New York, NY 10023

• winewkshop@aol.com
• www.winewkshop.com
• 212 875 0222

Executive Wine Seminars

Since we founded Executive Wine Seminars in 1981, we've conducted hundreds of "high-end" wine events for a variety of clients, mostly corporations. Our events are enjoyed by many groups and organizations, but in recent years, we've specialized in client entertaining. We conduct wine events in a relaxed, entertaining manner which invariably makes people feel confident about a subject which, at first, may seem intimidating. With all the interest in wine these days, our events consistently attract a large, enthusiastic turnout. At the conclusion of each event, participants leave with lasting impressions and a newfound knowledge of wine. And they usually leave with a big smile, shaking your hand and telling you that "this was great!" In creating wine events, we work closely with our clients to understand their needs and then tailor the event to meet those needs. The menu of possibilities is extensive. However, if you're not sure about what theme to choose, we suggest Comparing French and American Wines, our most popular tasting format. We've conducted this tasting for dozens of clients, including American Express as part of their Membership Rewards program.

More info:

PO Box 1791
New York, NY 10113-1791

• ews.wine@instantlink.com
• www.EWSwine.com
• (800) 404-9463