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Karen Rasmussen, FWS

Karen Rasmussen, FWS

Congratulations to Karen Rasmussen, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Karen:

I am a wine professional with 10 years beverage industry experience in Denver, Colorado. In 2013, I caught the ‘wine bug’ working in a local wine shop and began putting myself through Sommelier classes, first with Court of Master Sommeliers (Level 1) and then International Sommelier Guild (Levels 1 & 2). I progressed to working with a local winery called The Infinite Monkey Theorem, leading their tour and private tasting program, and doing shifts at a neighborhood bistro called Table 6 in the evenings to learn more about being a restaurant Somm. In 2015, I took my passion for wine abroad by working the wine harvests in both Marlborough, New Zealand and Alsace, France, and backpacking through Chile in between. Upon return, I became a Sales Representative for a series of Colorado distributors, most recently as the Fine Wine Specialist (and then Sales Rep post-Covid cutbacks) for CO-renowned distributorship Classic Beverage Company and, in that time, achieved my Level 3 certification with the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.

I took my passion abroad again last year (2022) to work wine harvests in both South Africa and Germany, where I advanced my understanding of the field and cellar work involved in the production of quality wine, and lived in my second home of Denmark in between, working for Danish importer Otto Suenson A/S. Upon return to Denver, I began with CO distributor Maverick Beverage Company as an On-Premise Sales Rep, where I’m currently thriving. I founded/own private wine events business The Casual Somm in 2015, in which I use my free time to translate my industry knowledge to wine enthusiasts looking to learn more about wine. I also serve on the Executive Board for the Women's Wine Guild of Colorado, a CO-based non-profit dedicated to creating an inclusive, education-based environment where women in the wine, food and hospitality industries can connect, grow and thrive.

My certifications include:
Court of Master Sommeliers – Level 1
International Sommelier Guild – Levels 1 & 2
Wine and Spirits Education Trust – Level 3

The FWS program allowed me to specialize in a country whose wines I love, regularly seek out and sell in the Denver market. I don’t have a desire currently to pursue the WSET Diploma program and the Wine Scholar programs allow me to keep learning, exploring my passion and delving into the details of specific countries without necessarily shooting for the Master of Wine distinction. A nice ‘middle ground’ of continuing education.

I would like to pursue either the Italian or Spanish Wine Scholar program next, or one of the Regional Master-level programs. I’d love if there was a German option as I’m very drawn to specializing in the wines of Germany as well. I’ll always be grateful that I took the FWS program and examination as it has cemented my grasp and understanding of French wine, enabling me to explain and sell these wines better in my profession.

It has been years since I’ve added a wine certification to my repertoire and I’ve always wanted to keep up my wine education not only to add another feather to my cap, but for the thrill of challenging myself in general. Taking this class right as Covid broke out meant, as with many others, my life professional changed drastically and I had to delay taking the exam several times before I was able to create time in my life to really commit to studying. I’m really glad I did as the personal gratification of finishing something I’ve been working at for over 2 years is extremely worth it. I look forward to taking my newly elevated French wine mastery into the market with my buyers and into the intimate settings of my Casual Somm events with my clients.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The FWS program has cemented my grasp and understanding of French wine, enabling me to explain and sell these wines better in my profession.
  • Position Owner of The Casual Somm (private wine events & tasting parties) and Restaurant Sales Specialist for Maverick Beverage Company
  • Certifications Court of Master Sommelier Level 1, Interational Sommelier Guild Levels 1 & 2, WSET Level 3
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Doug Homoky, FWS

Doug Homoky, FWS

Congratulations to Doug Homoky, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Doug: 
I am currently a Gastroenterologist but my passion for tasting and learning about wine has been steadily growing for the past 20yrs.  The study of wine is similar to that of medicine in that the more you learn, the less you realize you know.  Wine is also similar to medicine by being a fascinating mix of art and science.  You can spend your whole life studying both and every day can still present you with something new and exciting.

So far, I've done WSET 2, Champagne MOOC, Rioja Wine Diploma, Spanish Wine Scholar and lastly, the French Wine Scholar.  The WSET gave some general wine knowledge but was so regimented that it took some of the fun out of tasting.  When I found the Wine Scholar Guild, I enrolled first in SWS because I knew nothing about Spain.  I loved it and learned a ton.  I thought I knew quite a bit about French Wine already from experience.  The FWS course taught me how little I really did know.  With France being home to most of the "classics," I now feel much better prepared to be able to branch out and understand other areas.

Taking a little break for now but will likely ask for the Italian Wine Scholar course as a birthday gift.  Knowing how to study and the amount of work required to learn the FWS info will keep me on track for what I hear is another difficult course.

My passion now is finding the recommended wines in the course from all the different regions of France.  I plan on traveling to France by glass to continue to enjoy their regional art and cultures and to cement much of the knowledge learned in the FWS program.  Maybe someday when I give up the GI gig, I'll be an educator and pass some of this knowledge and fun on to others.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial With France being home to most of the "classics," I now feel much better prepared to be able to branch out and understand other areas.
  • Position Wine Enthusiast
  • Certifications Spanish Wine Scholar, Certified Sherry Wine Specialist, WSET Level 2
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Emanuele Bertazzoni, FWS

Emanuele Bertazzoni, FWS

Congratulations to Emanuele Bertazzoni, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Emanuele:

I am 41 years old and I have been working in the business for several years. Originally born and raised in Milano, Italia I have now been living in Bergen, Norway for nearly five years.

I work for a group of restaurants as a F&B Manager and Wine-Director: my tasks (at least wine-wise) include for example setting up menus, wine-lists and building the cellars for the restaurants. I am also the buyer for the whole group.

One of our outlets, specifically “Osteria Villani” (@villaniosteria), was granted the “Best Wine List in Norway” accolade for the category “People´s Favourite” in 2022 plus being nominated as one of the best for the selection by the glass, thanks also to my colleagues Nicole and Richard and all my team.

My job is very demanding but I am definitely very happy about it and I always look forward to new challenges; main goals are the customers satisfaction and aiming to build a very strong and united team which is the only key to the success, in my opinion.

I am WSET2 and WSET3 Certified (both exams passed with “Distinction”) and I think FWS gave me the opportunity to go much deeper into the world of French wines, especially with reference to those regions which are not normally so covered or “main-stream”.

I strongly believe learning is a process and not a simply a goal, a destination so I would also look to invest on me in terms of education and experience: I would like to enroll for the WSET Diploma and a Bordeaux Master Level Program at WSG – I personally love Bordeaux! – but “when” all depends on my work commitment, I am always so busy with my job and that is the main issue.

Fair enough when it comes to my work, I love what I do and I do what I love!

FWS Program has been very inspiring and to pass the exam with the highest honors was a great achievement but I had been studying hard for that because results can be only achieved staying focused and motivated.

Once again, a pin and a diploma are not the ultimate prize but just a new starting point to move on from and keep learning.

I would definitely suggest everyone who is “into-the-wine”, either as a connoisseur or a professional (or both… like me!) to invest in themselves by enrolling into courses which will help further develop their passion and their knowledge.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial FWS gave me the opportunity to go much deeper into the world of French wines, especially with reference to those regions which are not normally so covered or “main-stream”.
  • Position F&B Manager, Wine Director, Buyer, Cristal Management AS
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Allison Sheardy, FWS

Allison Sheardy, FWS

Congratulations to Allison Sheardy, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Allison:

I came to wine as a second career about six years ago and have truly found my raison d’etre. I’ve created a niche for myself working in unique wine regions around the United States (Texas Hill Country, historic Livermore, CA, and now Minnesota) and specialize in hospitality for boutique, family-owned wineries.

I earned my WSET Diploma in Wines in 2021 and recently completed the French Wine Scholar program. Equally passionate about wine writing and education, I regularly write freelance articles and teach WSET levels 1-3. Furthermore, I am currently a Master of Wine Stage 1 student.  One of the beautiful things about wine is that you can never know everything; it is very appealing to a lifelong learner like myself.

When I’m not studying for my next wine certification, I enjoy traveling, cooking, kayaking, and hiking with my lab mix, Cabbie.

The French Wine Scholar program was fun because it dug a little deeper into the history and culture of the regions I was introduced to during my WSET journey.

As I mentioned, I am now a Master of Wine Stage 1 student. However, I am also a WSET educator. While a lot of the FWS curriculum is outside of the WSET syllabus, I think having a deeper knowledge of these regions (and especially some of the history behind them) helps enhance my understanding of them, and therefore my teaching.

I should probably consider the Italian Wine Scholar program next – for these same benefits, to help keep me focused and motivated, and to improve my knowledge on a country that is admittedly a weak spot.

I think continuing to learn through any program helps fuel curiosity – with wine especially, the more you know, the more you realize you don’t know!

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The French Wine Scholar program was fun because it dug a little deeper into the history and culture of the regions I was introduced to during my WSET journey.
  • Position Tasting Room Manager, Rustic Roots Winery
  • Certifications WSET Diploma
Read more...

Rafael Bruzamolin, FWS

Rafael Bruzamolin, FWS

Congratulations to Rafael Bruzamolin, FWS, SWS for achieving highest honors in the French Wine Scholar exam with Eno Cultura, Sao Paulo and in the Spanish Wine Scholar exam with Celebrare, Brazil. 

About Rafael:

I´m a wine enthusiast. A physician and Healthcare Executive by trade. My passion for wine started 10 years ago when wine tourism turned into one of my favorite hobbies. Every year my wife and I travel to a different wine region so we can learn about its people, wine, and food culture. We try to understand how each DOP and IGPs´ soils, climate, geography, topography, viticulture, and winemaking techniques translate into different styles of quality wines.

We visited several DOPs and IGPs on France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, United States, Canada, Brazil (yes, we have ours too!), Chile and Argentina. From Tawse Winery on Niagara Peninsula DVA via Weingut Bernhard Huber on VDP Baden to Azienda Agricola Azelia di Luigi Scavino on Barolo DOCG.

In France we´ve been to Bordeaux, Bourgogne, Alsace, Champagne, Southwest France, Southern Rhône and Provence. From big names like Maison Ruinart on Champagne AOC to small producers like Domaine Vincent Lahaye on Pommard AOC. From “garagistes” such as Château Tertre Roteboeuf on Saint-Émilion Grand Cru AOC to Mas de La Dame on AOP Les Baux-de-Provence.

The COVID-19 pandemic opened the door to upgrade my wine studies. I was already a WSET 2 graduate. In 2021 I got my WSET 3 certification after a long wait for classes to resume. Then, I had to deepen my knowledge about France, Spain, and Italy. That´s why I chose the WSG programs.

Understanding France´s rich wine history, geography, climate, viticulture, winemaking techniques, wine styles, wine law, wine labels and different wine regions with their DOPs and IGPs was a priority. The FWS program boosted my wine knowledge and enhanced my previous wine studies. Being a FWS graduate will certainly help if I apply to the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines or the Sommelier Diploma Program.

After the FWS I enrolled in the Spanish Wine Scholar program with Brazilian provider Celebrare and graduated with highest honors in 2022. I´m already enrolled on Italian Wine Scholar program Unit 1 on 2023. My ensuing goal is to complete the Italian Wine Scholar program by the end of next year. I hope the GWS will be launched. It will probably be my next step.  Then apply to WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines or the Sommelier Diploma Program.

Besides those programs I´m taking complementary wine classes in my hometown (e.g., viticulture and winemaking in Peru, Bolivia, and Uruguay). I´m also taking short online courses to upgrade my knowledge on Portuguese wines, Brazilian wines and extreme viticulture.

The program showed me that I knew so little about French wine. It gave me a chance to spread my wings and taste great wines from regions I did not value as I should such as Jura, Languedoc, Roussillon and Savoie. It also raised my bar on all French wine regions and galvanized my interest in learning even more about France´s viticulture and winemaking. Taking a WSG Master-Level program could be a great step in the next 2-3 years.

It enhanced my utmost respect for France´s viticulture and winemaking because it helped me comprehend the true value behind every French AOP/AOC and IGP wine. And most importantly FWS made me a wiser French wine consumer, gave me better skills to find wines that give the best value for my money and will enable me to get the most out of every future French wine event I attend (e.g., winery visits, tasting sessions, webinars etc.).

Albeit I´m focused on my Healthcare industry calling not only the FWS but all WSG programs could push me to pursuit a career as a wine educator or a wine travel concierge. I believe sharing knowledge is the best way to serve the wine community and inspire my ongoing improvement as a wine connoisseur.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The FWS program raised my bar on all French wine regions and galvanized my interest in learning even more about France´s viticulture and winemaking.
  • Position Wine Enthusiast
  • Certifications Spanish Wine Scholar, WSET Level 3
Read more...

Matthew Kasumovic, FWS

Matthew Kasumovic, FWS

Congratulations to Matthew Kasumovic, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Matthew:

I am a wine enthusiast and part-time wine professional that has shaped life outside of my full-time work around wine study. My journey truly began by realizing that I was not using my senses of smell and taste to their full potential, and as a result, was not experiencing life as much as I could be. Being born and raised in the Niagara Peninsula, wine has always been in my periphery, especially with my closest friends being in the industry, but it took this organoleptic epiphany to ignite my passion for it. I began by immersing myself in education, while also getting to know the wine region I am so fortunate to live in. I now work part-time at Big Head Wines as a tasting associate where I can sharpen my communication skills, and use the knowledge, and tasting ability, that I’ve developed to create a memorable experience for visitors. I am not sure where this wine journey will take me, however my enthusiasm has never been higher, and I am thoroughly enjoying the ride.     

I have always been a studious, and curiosity-driven person so the structure and breadth of the WSET programs were immediately attractive to me. I have thus far completed Level 2, Level 3, and am currently enrolled in the diploma program. It was for similar reasons that I was drawn to the FWS program, however its narrower focus and greater depth piqued my interest. While the earlier WSET levels offer a more general level of knowledge, the FWS will be of great help in the much more challenging, and in-depth study of the Old World in the WSET diploma level. Furthermore, the multi-dimensional focus of FWS i,e, history, soils, climate, wine law, helps to not only understand what, but also why, which is the key to success in advanced levels of education. When time and resources permit, I hope to enrol in the Italian Wine Scholar program since the quality of the resource material in the FWS has made further study in the WSG hard to resist.

The FWS has been a valuable asset in my current role at Big Head, allowing me to provide a richer customer service experience by incorporating the knowledge acquired into my repertoire. My role as a tasting associate is much more in-depth and education-oriented, and in practice will often span an hour long per reservation. Having an understanding of French geography, terroir, wine regions, history, tradition, and wines, helps me paint a broader and more interesting picture of where the Niagara Region is unique and how the styles and winemaking compare. Overall, I feel much more well-equipped to provide a fun and engaging experience using what I’ve learned in the FWS program. Since the wine world is always changing, I plan to stay connected with the WSG so I can remain current with how French wine is evolving, and use that insight to strengthen the Niagara wine industry one tasting at a time.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The multi-dimensional focus of FWS i,e, history, soils, climate, wine law, helps to not only understand what, but also why, which is the key to success in advanced levels of education.
  • Position Tasting Room Associate, Big Head Wines
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Leslie Binstock, FWS

Leslie Binstock, FWS

Congratulations to Leslie Binstock, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Leslie:

I started getting interested in wine in my junior year at college (BU). And since then I've always tried to educate myself on the subject. But it wasn't until the Covid lockdown, that I officially decided to dedicate myself to wine professionally. Before Covid, I worked in the fitness industry, so it's a complete 180°! I also always thought I was too "old" to enter the industry, as most of the people I see have been involved in wine all their lives or have started very young. But then I thought, why not give it a try!

I did my research and started with the WSET certifications, since I saw they were the most recognized and known ones. I completed Levels 1, 2 and 3. WSET taught me a lot. However, since the  wine courses cover "Wines of the world", they don't really go into a lot of detail for the top 3 (Italy, France and Spain). So it was a great basis to start with, but I wanted to go into a lot more detail for the top three. That's when I discovered WSG and decided to start with the FWS (since I live in France). I really learned a great deal specifically about French wines, which was my objective. My intention was to start the IWS right after I passed the FWS, but I was luckily hired as an assistant sommelier at a one Michelin star restaurant in Paris (Maison Lucas Carton). I have the knowledge, but I lack the experience so this was a great opportunity for me.

So far the job has kept me extremely busy, so I haven't signed up for the IWS yet. But I fully intent to once I get used to the job a bit more. FWS has fully contributed to my knowledge needed for the job. I wouldn't have been comfortable at all in this job had I not completed the course.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial I discovered WSG and decided to start with the FWS (since I live in France). I really learned a great deal specifically about French wines.
  • Position Assistant Sommelier, Maison Lucas Carton
  • Certifications WSET Levels 1, 2, & 3
Read more...

Sergio Novelli Musolino, FWS

Sergio Novelli Musolino, FWS

Congratulations to Sergio Novelli Musolino, FWS, for achieving highest honors in the French Wine Scholar exam with Celebrare, Brazil.

About Sergio:

I have been being a wine professional for over 25 years. I work with wine education and sales to consumers, hotels and restaurants. Wine is an endless journey for me. The depth covered, as well as the level of interaction of the materials available online offered by the WSG, are the highest in the wine industry. In my opinion, they are the ultimate reference in history, culture and aspects of the main countries of this universe. I look forward to new programs and new countries to be addressed. I will certainly do all that come up.

Now I´m in the midle of WSET 4 –Dip, and almost finishing ISG Sommelier Diploma Program. I have finished IWS Prep with Highest Honors, SWS with Honors, and I have also finished IWS. I also have graduated in Portugal and Jerez specific local programs.

France is the highest reference in quality wines in the world. Certainly the FWS is the best educator program available. There´s no other program which offers all this knowledge.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The depth covered, as well as the level of interaction of the materials available online offered by the WSG, are the highest in the wine industry.
  • Position CEO / Sales Coordinator, Enoteca Decanter Ribeirão Preto and Bekaa Wine Club São Jose do Rio Preto
  • Certifications Spanish Wine Scholar, Italian Wine Scholar, IWS Prep
Read more...

Claire McKinney-Froehlich, FWS

Claire McKinney-Froehlich, FWS

Congratulations to Claire McKinney-Froehlich, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Claire: 

I am a wine professional with approximately 10 years of experience in the wine industry. I currently run my own wine consulting business, Wine Bound LLC and am also the Wine and Beer Purchasing Specialist for Natural Grocers by Vitamin Cottage.

My wine career began in 2013 while interning at Agence Force 4 in Paris, France (a leading Communications and PR Agency for Wine, Gastronomy, and Restaurants). Promptly upon receiving my WSET III with Distinction and finishing my MBA in Paris, I moved to London as the Marketing and Logistics Coordinator for La Bergère Vintners- a Bordeaux vineyard and Fine Wine trading house - eventually taking a role on their sales team in Fine Wine brokerage. Following a couple years with La Bergère, I began with Honest Grapes in London as their Grand Crew Classé Membership Manager. Honest Grapes is a premier wine concierge service and members club, in addition to its online retail presence. Essentially this role was one of Personal Wine Advisor for private wine collectors, En-primeur campaign management, and educator of wine tasting events.

Currently, in Colorado my Wine Bound LLC offer wine consulting services for Fine Wine investment and portfolio management, cellar management, wine education and event services, and wine travel assistance. I am also the Wine and Beer Purchasing Specialist for Natural Grocers. At Natural Grocers, we will only carry wine that is made with organic grapes, USDA Certified Organic (or equivalent) or certified Demeter® Biodynamic®, being the only grocery retail chain to have these standards in the United States, to the best of my knowledge. When I started with Natural Grocers, we had 7 stores with alcohol licenses and have since opened and expanded into 69 more stores for a total of 76 that I now Purchase for and provide wine education and product knowledge.

I began my wine studies during my MBA program at OMNES Education (formerly INSEEC University) in France – where they offered in person WSET instruction for levels II and III. I took those in 2012 and 2013 and received Distinctions on both exams. I decided to take the FWS since my try passion and background in the industry all began in France, and it seemed like a great way to continue my industry education! I believe that ongoing education in this industry is of the utmost importance due to constant technological advances, climate change disruptions, legislative actions, emerging regions etc…and this was a way to further my education while focusing on a region I love. Hoping to continue my education in the future, of course, however I am not currently enrolled in future exams or classes at this time.

The FWS was an extremely comprehensive program that I have truly found enlightening and helpful in my analysis of wines for considerations at Natural Grocers. I have an even deeper respect for the growers and wine makers of France after deep-diving into the AOC requirements. And I also hope that if there are any French Wine Specialist positions that become available as a buyer, this FWS post-nominal would be a helpful shoe-in!

Additional Info

  • Testimonial I have an even deeper respect for the growers and wine makers of France after deep-diving into the AOC requirements.
  • Position Founder of Wine Bound LLC and Wine and Beer Purchasing Specialist at Natural Grocers
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Canon Thomas, FWS

Canon Thomas, FWS

Congratulations to Canon Thomas, FWS, for achieving highest honors in the French Wine Scholar exam with Southern Glazer's Wine and Spirits.

About Canon:

I am very fortunate that wine is both my passion and my career! I am currently an Account Executive for the fine wine division at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits, having been with the company for 5 years. Partway through my degree at USC, I decided I wanted to go into the wine industry in any capacity I could (without a viticulture degree). I started studying wine on my own as soon as I graduated, while working two restaurant jobs per day and at a film studio on my ‘days off.’ After being offered a job at SGWS, I actually missed my first day of work to take the intro CMS exam - I’m grateful to work for a company that values and encourages continued education, and I aspire to be a lifelong student of wine!

I have completed the CSW, WSET II, and FWS; am currently enrolled in SWS and CWAS; and plan to take IWS as well! In preparation for the CWE exam for which I have also been studying, the WSG courses are indispensable, and the instructors passionate and engaging!

The content of the course, with historical context and specific attention to climate and geology, fosters a more complete foundational knowledge of the wines and viticultural background of each region. The traditionally daunting regions to students of wine (Bourgogne, Bordeaux) are given the depth and detail they merit, yet presented in a way that inspires confidence and true understanding. While some memorization is required, the real learning follows – all the pieces of the puzzle start to fall into place – and the study tools provided help immensely in reinforcing learning, not just memorization. Due attention is also given to those regions and grapes which receive only cursory mention in other texts or courses, being commercially lesser known, but which are both fascinating to explore and hopefully will be of growing importance in the future.

The FWS program has given me more confidence and professionalism in presentations, in discerning quality and value, and identifying hidden gems for my accounts. It has also provided an essential foundation for the pursuit of high-level certifications such as CWE or the MW program.

As a consumer, my enhanced knowledge of the more ‘esoteric’ wines of France has inspired me to seek out and taste interesting wines and wine styles, and often to find great value! Wine is meant to be shared, and I enjoy sharing bits of knowledge from my studies as much as I enjoy helping friends find a great bottle of wine.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The FWS program has given me more confidence and professionalism in presentations, in discerning quality and value, and identifying hidden gems for my accounts.
  • Position Account Executive, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
  • Certifications CSW (Society of Wine Educators), WSET Level 2
Read more...
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