Kevin Cleary
Location
Burlington, VT
Position
Owner/Director
Company
Vermont Wine School
Website
French Wine Authorized Instructor
Other distinctions
WSET Diploma
Bio
Kevin was first introduced to the world of wine while working in the kitchen at Ristorante San Domenico in Imola, Italy, home to one of the best wine cellars in all of Italy. From there it was on to the kitchen of Osteria di Rendola in the heart of Chianti. Upon returning to the states, Kevin landed the job of Sous Chef for Ristorante IL Capriccio just outside of Boston. It was here that Kevin was given an informal wine education from then co-owner Jeanne Rogers, one of the most respected wine personalities in the US. A highlight from his time at IL Capriccio was a wine dinner with Angelo Gaja in promotion for his book “The Making of a Great Wine: Gaja and Sori San Lorenzo.” In 1999 Kevin and his wife Kathi opened L’Amante Ristorante in Gloucester, MA (since moved to Burlington, Vermont). Kevin began his formal wine education by enrolling, and earning, the Level 3 Award from the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) in 2004. He completed the WSET Diploma in 2010. Kevin is also a French Wine Scholar and holds Master Level Certificates from the regions of Provence, Bordeaux and Languedoc-Roussillon from the French Wine Society where he is also a certified instructor. He is a WSET Certified Wine Educator, an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits and a member of the Society of Wine Educators. In 2011 Kevin founded the Vermont Wine School in Burlington, Vermont. The Vermont Wine School offers the French Wine Scholar, the WSET Level’s 1-3 Awards as well as informal wine tastings and classes. He is also the Chef/Co-owner, with Kathi, of L’Amante Ristorante in Burlington, VT which has earned the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence since 2003, and Vin Bar & Shop also in Burlington.
http://www.linkedin.com/pub/kevin-cleary/45/789/445
Passed Exams
Sud de France Master-Level with highest honors
Bordeaux Master-Level with highest honors
Provence Master-Level with highest honors
Italian Wine Scholar with highest honors
French Wine Scholar with highest honors