Julien Camus, President

Julien previously worked as Trade Attaché for wines and spirits at the French Embassy in Washington DC. In this role, he recognized the need for French wine education as a means to spur consumer demand and interest in his country’s wines.

He founded the Wine Scholar Guild, an organization dedicated to the promotion of the wines of France, Italy and Spain through education, in August of 2005. Julien invited national importers of French wine to join WSG as Industry Members and immediately received the support of 25 key French wine importers.

Since leaving the embassy, he has devoted his energy to developing the Wine Scholar Guild and its network of program providers around the globe. Julien holds a Masters Degree in Business Administration with a major in International Marketing from the Strasbourg Management School.

In 2019, Julien was one of the "Future 50" award winners, an award created by WSET and IWSC to acknowledge professionals under 40 who have made a significant contribution to the industry.

Andrew Jefford, Academic Advisor

Andrew Jefford grew up in Norfolk, UK and his joint passion for wine and writing led him to write articles and books on wine from 1988 onwards. Throughout the 1990s, he was drinks correspondent for The Evening Standard. He has also written on wine for The Times and The Guardian, and deputised for Jancis Robinson MW at The Financial Times every August between 2004 and 2021. His book The New France(2002) was 'Wine Book of the Year' at the Lanson Awards in 2003, and still serves as a seminal reference for both wine enthusiasts and professionals. He spent 2009-2010 as wine writer in residence at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. 2018 saw a new edition of Andrew Jefford’s Wine Course (first published in 2008 and in print ever since), while his acclaimed 2004 classic on the Hebridean island of Islay and its whiskies was republished in 2019, after sixteen successive reprints, as Whisky Island. A collection of his writings on wine, called Drinking with the Valkyries, was published in 2022.

He continues to write a regular monthly column for Decanter magazine and to write the 'One Bottle' column for the quarterly World of Fine Wine; he also acts as Contributing Editor for both journals. He is the Co-Chair of the Decanter World Wine Awards, the world's largest wine competition.

As WSG Academic Advisor, Jefford provides strategic advice on WSG development plans, educational and editorial content, and acts as a liaison with key wine creators and commentators.

EDUCATION AND E-LEARNING

Lisa M. Airey, Director of Education

Lisa M. Airey, FWS, CWE has thirteen years of experience selling wine at the wholesale level and in training both sales force and wait staff. She sat on the Board of Directors for the Society of Wine Educators from 1998-2004 and co-chaired the committee which launched their Certified Specialist of Wine program and authored and edited the first CSW Study Guide. She served as Education Director of the SWE before assuming the same role for WSG. She oversees all WSG educational programming.

Lisa was knighted by the French government (Order Mérite Agricole) for her contribution to French agriculture, namely the development of the French Wine Scholar Program. She is an Accredited International Bordeaux Tutor through the CIVB, a Certified Burgundy Instructor through the BIVB and a Certified Rhône Educator through Inter-Rhône. Lisa graduated from Georgetown University’s School of Language and Linguistics, Magna Cum Laude.

Andrea Eby, Italian Programs Director

Andrea E. Eby is the Italian Programs Director for the Wine Scholar Guild (WSG). She researched, developed co-wrote the Wine Scholar Guild’s IWS Prep program® which launched in 2020.

Andrea is a Stage 2 Master of Wine student with a degree in Education. She completed the Diploma in Wine and Spirits (with Distinction) from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® in 2017 and was awarded the Prowein Scholarship in recognition of her academic achievements.

Andrea is a Vinitaly International Academy Italian Wine Ambassador and Certified Sommelier. Andrea is also an instructor for WSET® and works as an assessor in their Educator Training Programme. Andrea has worked as a wine buyer, cellar hand and is a member of the expert judging panels at the International Wine & Spirits Competition, International Wine Challenge and Vinitaly 5 Star Wines.

Rick Fisher, Spanish Programs Director

Rick Fisher, DipWSET, is the Spanish Programs Director for WSG. He wrote, researched, and developed the Wine Scholar Guild’s Spanish Wine Scholar® study and certification program which launched in 2019.

Rick’s passion for Spain and his Spanish heritage guides his desire to educate students about Spanish wine. Prior to joining WSG, he had created and maintained a blog titled “Bodega: Eat. Drink. Explore. ESPAÑA!” for over a decade.

He is a wine judge, educator, and writer with a Master of Business Administration (MBA). Rick is also a Certified Sherry Educator and a Certified Rioja Educator.

Sharon McLean, Instructor & Program Coordinator

Sharon McLean, FWS, IWS, is a Certified Sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild. She teaches Wine Scholar Guild and WSET courses on Vancouver Island and is a freelance wine writer and wine judge. At WSG, Sharon coordinates the Master-Level programs and teaches the French Wine Scholar online, instructor-led sessions.

Sharon completed the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® with the highest marks in Canada in 2009. 

  Nancy Reynolds, French Wine Specialist

After twenty-five years in the Information Technology field, including six years as Chief Information Officer for FedEx Canada, Nancy decided to pursue her passion for wine. She started WorldWide Cellar, a boutique wine agency, specializing in representing family-owned wineries from Spain, France and Australia. Nancy now researches and writes materials for the French Wine Scholar Program® as well as other programs for WSG and teaches WSET and WSG courses for IWEG in Ontario, Canada.

Nancy completed the WSET Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® with Merit in 2010. She is a certified Bordeaux Tutor through the École du Vin de Bordeaux, a Rhône Master through Inter Rhône and a Portugal Academy instructor through Wines of Portugal.

  Sharon Mahoney, Education Coordinator

Sharon worked in retail for over twenty-five years prior to embarking on her wine journey and following her passion. Originally from Montreal, Canada, Sharon now lives in St. Petersburg, Florida and plans to open her own APP (Approved Program Provider) to offer wine courses and certifications herself.

At WSG, Sharon ensures the successful delivery of the webinar series and does research for WSG educational content.

Sharon completed the WSET Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® in 2020 and is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers America.

Quentin Sadler, Head of E-learning

A miss-spent youth in Spain gave him a love of wine and in his 35 years, and counting, in the wine business Quentin has done pretty much everything. His main focus for the last twenty years has been as a wine educator, wine writer and blogger. This in turn led him to use his love of design to create maps that he could use in his courses and on his blog. Map making for books and presentations grew to become the major part of his work.

As Head of E-learning, Quentin is in charge of designing the most interactive and user-friendly platform possible for WSG Students. As part of his work for WSG, Quentin had also created the maps for both the Spanish Wine Scholar and the Italian Wine Scholar Prep courses.

Quentin completed all Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)®, up to the Diploma. He continues to teach and write and is often found judging wines all around the world.

MARKETING AND SALES

Preston Mohr, Sales & Marketing Director

Preston, originally from Minneapolis, Minnesota (USA) moved to France during his undergraduate studies in Art History and has been based in Paris since 2005. Upon arrival, he promptly fell in love with the food and wine culture of France and has worked in various facets of the wine industry for the past 12 years. He founded a successful food and wine-themed tour company, offering the opportunity for his customers to explore the intricacies of French gastronomy and wine. Most recently, he was sales director for a biodynamic wine estate in Burgundy and also managed a team of wine educators as Director of Education for the estate’s virtual and in-person wine courses.

As Sales and Marketing Director for WSG, Preston leads the Marketing team and helps expand our school network of over 110 Approved Program Providers throughout the world.

Preston completed the WSET Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)®, holds the Champagne Master-Level from WSG, and is currently studying to become a French Wine Scholar.

Valentine Touzeau, Digital Marketing Assistant & Community Manager

Valentine Touzeau was born and raised in the heart of Burgundy. She studied Strategic Management and International Business in Canada. Following her studies, Valentine worked for diverse marketing and sustainability agencies. However, missing her beloved wine region, Valentine returned to Burgundy in order to obtain a MSc in Wine Management. Always eager to share her knowledge and meet likeminded wine enthusiasts, Valentine previously worked for a WSET provider and was in charge the marketing and logistics of the school.

As Digital Assistant Marketing, Valentine is responsible for building WSG's online presence and ensuring an unforgettable experience for every WSG student.

Valentine completed her WSET Level 3 in Wines from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)® in 2019.

WSG TRAVELS AND MEMBERSHIP

Mary Kirk, Trip Manager 

Mary Kirk is a FWS, certified French Sommelier-Conseil and DipWSET. She has been working in the wine industry in France for over 15 years. Mary is also a freelance wine educator and teaches wine in Paris. She teaches Wine Studies at Ferrandi Gastronomic school of Paris, as well as the FWS program at the Butler Academy in Paris. 

As WSG Travels Manager, Mary is in charge of the organisation of the WSG educational study trips. As Membership Manager, she oversees member benefits and event programming such our WSG Lives, Meeting of the Minds, and WSG Confidentials. She has met with many of our members and always makes sure WSG has something exceptional to offer them.

Mary completed the WSET Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)®. She regularly leads wine events and consults in the French wine sector.

Anna Spooner, Membership & Community Manager 

Anna Spooner has nine years of experience working in a range of disciplines of the wine trade. After leaving University, where she studied English, she began a career in journalism and PR, where wine clients ignited her passion to learn more and to change careers. Alongside drinks journalism, she quickly found a love of teaching and talking about wine and began working at West London Wine School, one of London’s most prestigious and well-respected wine schools. 

For five years, Anna was then Tastings and Events Co-Ordinator at The Wine Society in the UK, during which time she created and implemented the successful online events programme winning them two Decanter Awards. In 2023 she decided to move to the Southern Rhône to further explore the world of wine. Her role as Membership Manager at Wine Scholar Guild is an ideal position working to ensure that the member experience of their global audience is excellently served. 

Anna is currently a Stage 2 Master of Wine Student. She was shortlisted and runner up in the 2022 and 2023 IWSC Emerging Wine Communicator of the Year, as well as being awarded runner up in the Jancis Robinson Writing Competition in 2022. 

When she’s not talking or writing about wine, Anna is usually found walking her dogs or cooking for and hosting friends. 

ADMINISTRATION AND SUPPORT 

Celine Camus, Office Manager 

Celine Camus is an authentic and proud Alsatian. She was born and raised in Colmar, a city located in the heart of the Alsace vineyards and considered the Alsace wine “capital”.

With an Associate Degree in Marketing and Accounting, she has been working at WSG since its creation in 2005. Céline has been instrumental in the coordination and success of events, classes, and conferences.

She now manages the administrative, financial, and customer support services and ensures the smooth operations of all WSG activities.

Andrea McEwan, Student Support Advisor

Andrea McEwan crossed the English channel to settle in beautiful Alsace after living in the UK for most of her life. She joined WSG to deliver great customer service for the WSG community and make the student journey as smooth as possible.

As Student Support Advisor she handles the day-to-day enquiries from students and the wider WSG community as well as other administrative duties. A significant part of her work involves organizing and proctoring exams.

Solange Gregoire, Program Provider Support & Logistics

Solange Gregoire received her Master degree in Environment, Health and Security from University of Reims in France. Her love for wine was born from these years in Reims, where she used to take evening classes in oenology and visit Champagne cellars on weekends. From there, Solange started her journey in the wine world and has worked in the industry ever since.

Based in Washington DC, Solange manages the WSG main office where she handles the logistical support of WSG Approved Program Providers as well as the delivery of certifications.