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PODCAST: Katrin Naelapaa of Wines from Spain

PODCAST: Katrin Naelapaa of Wines from Spain

Katrin Naelapaa has been serving as Wines From Spain USA’s director since 2001. Born in Mexico City, and having studied in Madrid, Katrin was so deeply connected to the Spanish wine and food culture, she was fortunate to find a smooth transition to the wine world from her original career in International Banking.

In this interview Katrin talks about how the Spanish wine scene, particularly in the United States, has changed significantly over the past two decades. Not only are more Spanish wines imported, but the vast variety of regional representations, as well as the integration of the food and cultural experiences, have created a stronger consumer interest in the genre.

With this market growth came the need for more in-depth learning experiences with respect to Spanish wine. To answer that call, the Wine Scholar Guild has launched the Spanish Wine Scholar program. Katrin shares her excitement about this program, Wines From Spain’s involvement in its development, and why it’s important to both the wine professional and consumer.


Produced by Valerie Caruso, DWS, CWE, FWS

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Julien Camus

Founder & President @ Wine Scholar Guild

Julien worked as Trade Attaché for wines and spirits at the French Embassy in Washington DC (2004-2006). 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.

To that end, he founded the Wine Scholar Guild in August of 2005,an organization dedicated to the promotion of French wine and culture through education. Julien invited national importers of French wine to join the organization as Industry Members and 25 key French wine importers did so immediately.

After leaving the embassy, he has devoted his energies 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.

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