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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
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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
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Magnus Haglund, FWS

Magnus Haglund, FWS

Congratulations to Magnus Haglund, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors.

About Magnus:

I am a wine enthusiast and a geologist, originally from Finland but living in Canada’s Okanagan Valley for quite a few years now. Living in an up-and-coming wine region helped peak my already existing interest in wine and made me want to understand and know more about everything wine. Wine education programs like FWS are a splendid way to combine a love of learning with a love of wine.

Prior to FWS I completed WSET Level 3 in Wine. I think FWS was a perfect follow up to my previous studies adding more depth to my understanding of France’s wine regions.

I am currently enrolled in and working on Italian Wine Scholar. I thoroughly enjoyed FWS and found it very useful making me eager to also complete the IWS and SWS.

The contents of my wine glass make a lot more sense to me nowadays in a way that is very pleasing!

Additional Info

  • Testimonial I think FWS was a perfect follow up to my previous studies adding more depth to my understanding of France’s wine regions.
  • Position Wine Enthusiast
  • Certifications WSET Level 3
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Anne Bilczuk, FWS

Anne Bilczuk, FWS

Congratulations to Anne Bilczuk, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Anne:

From as far back as I can remember, grapes and wine have always been in the background as we were growing up, so I would definitely describe myself as a wine enthusiast.  

As a child, I have fond memories of my Dad making wine in our basement in Northern Ontario.  Being a carpenter, Dad built his own wine press which we still have to this day.  He would order crates of grapes which he would crush himself and ferment the juice; quite the hands-on production!  As November 11, the Feast of St. Martin approached, we would celebrate the end of harvest with the neighbourhood’s largest bonfire in our backyard using the leftover grape crates.    

As Dad got older, the wine production got scaled back, but we would always have wine in the house especially Sunday dinners.  When we visited his homeland in Slovenia, my cousin gave me keys to the wine cellar storing bottles of wine made from the vines on the family farm.  I was only 15 at the time and was too young to drink wine back then – if only I had the keys to the family wine cellar now!

After a rewarding 30+ year career in the financial services industry, I retired in January 2020 with hopes of travelling, however, the pandemic certainly put a hold on our plans.  Being in the middle of winter, my husband encouraged me to find a hobby.  After taking a few online wine courses for fun, I decided to pursue the WSET (Wine Spirits & Education Trust) program.  I describe this moment as “wine found me or perhaps I found wine”.  Either way, I completed WSET Level 2 in 2020 and Level 3 in 2021.  Not being directly involved in the wine industry, the experience was so fulfilling and as they say, the more you learn about wine the more you realize how much you don’t know.

At this point, I heard about the Wine Scholar Guild certificate programs and decided to pursue the French Wine Scholar early 2022.  This was an incredibly robust and comprehensive program that deepened my knowledge of French wines.  The latest course, version 7, has incredible tools and learning modules that support distance learning; I highly recommend this program for those unable to attend in-person classes.

Later this year, my husband and I will be moving to Kelowna, BC – right in the middle of Okanagan wine country.  With my WSET Level 3 and FWS under my belt, I’m hoping to gain employment at a winery with the goal of enhancing my knowledge of the full production cycle of making wine – right from the vineyard through to packaging and out the door.

In the meantime, I’m currently working with a new restaurant in town in creating an enhanced wine list that will be launched with their new fall menu in September.  Having lots of fun in the process working with the business owner and retailers.  Global supply chain issues are even impacting retailers obtaining wines from certain regions!

As my wine studies continue, the WSET Diploma is always in the back of my mind and it is well known that Unit 3, Wines of the World, is the most challenging.  Diploma candidates affectionately describe this unit as “the Beast”!  As we settle in Kelowna, BC, I am considering pursuing the Italian Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certificates.  If and when I do decide to pursue the Diploma program, I’m hoping to have the three largest wine producing regions – France, Italy and Spain – under my belt so it hopefully gives me a leg up in the Diploma studies.
    
All in all, the world of wine continues to be a fascinating journey of discovery!

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The latest FWS course, version 7, has incredible tools and learning modules that support distance learning; I highly recommend this program for those unable to attend in-person classes.
  • Position Founder & Principal, Canadian Wine Explorer
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Howard Levine, FWS

Howard Levine, FWS

Congratulations to Howard Levine, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Howard:

I am a wine enthusiast and have recently had the opportunity to explore two of the great wine regions of the world: Burgundy and Napa/ Sonoma Valleys.  While exploring the Côte d’Or (Burgundy), I became increasingly fascinated how such a complex region produces such a variety of wine predominantly from 2 grape varieties. Upon return to the U.S. I decided to deepen my wine appreciation by taking the WSET Level 2 course.  This reignited my interest/ passion in wine and I am now continuing my studies with the intention of obtaining WSET - diploma.

While I have yet to determine where my “wine journey” may lead, I very much enjoying learning and genuinely look forward to exploring other great wine regions of the world.  

I previously passed WSET levels 2 and 3 before embarking upon the French Wine Scholar program. I intend to pursue WSET diploma next and perhaps Italian Wine Scholar (IWS) afterwards.

I believe the depth of knowledge gained in the French Wine Scholar program, as well as the detailed, yet organized approach to learning, will be valuable when exploring other wine regions. The multi-faceted course also facilitates different learning styles with a detailed book, live instruction, online interactive learning modules, and helpful supplemental materials (maps, charts, etc.).

The French Wine Scholar program simplified France’s complex wine study by geographically delineating the country by wine region. This made it easier to grasp the numerous key aspects (climate, grape variety, soil, winemaking decisions, etc.) that contribute to the wine styles of those areas. I believe this approach can be applied to learn the intricacies of wine produced from any country.

As I further my wine studies, I intend to use the study techniques and knowledge gained from the FWS program to deepen my understanding of other wine regions of the world.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial As I further my wine studies, I intend to use the study techniques and knowledge gained from the FWS program to deepen my understanding of other wine regions of the world.
  • Position Wine Enthusiast
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Ana Letícia Zodi, FWS

Ana Letícia Zodi, FWS

Congratulations to Ana Letícia Zodi, FWS for achieving highest honors in the French Wine Scholar exam with Eno Cultura, São Paulo, Brazil.

About Ana Letícia:

I'm a wine lover.

In the past I was in the trade when I had a Wine Bar in São Paulo, but today I work with 3 chocolate franchises and 1 restaurant.

In 2020, during the pandemic period, I chose to take the WSET 2 and 3 certificates (the WSET 1 was concluded when I had the wine bar) with the aim of keeping my mind focused because the restaurant was not going well as it was in a business district and because of the pandemic I would have to close it.  There was also the risk of losing the stores because all of them are inside shopping malls.

The content is passionate and it was simply meant to be punctual and temporary and then it became part of my daily life and right after WSET level 3 I took part in FWS and it was just wonderful.

The FWS course is much more than just information.  Knowledge comes together with history, culture, tradition, geography, gastronomy and passion.  This course was fundamental both for cultural training and my goal today is to bring a little beauty that exists in the world of wine to people who haven't had the luck of knowing it.

It will help me how to choose and understand better the possibilities of wine that I can buy, drink and serve in my restaurant, and also being able to help people that do not have the culture of drinking wine, in Brazil, showing them how to appreciate it, and I hope they can become wine lovers as I am.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The FWS course is much more than just information. Knowledge comes together with history, culture, tradition, geography, gastronomy and passion. 
  • Position Wine Enthusiast
  • Certifications WSET Levels 2 & 3
Read more...

Walden Pemantle, FWS

Walden Pemantle, FWS

Congratulations to Walden Pemantle, FWS, for achieving highest honors in the French Wine Scholar exam with The Texas Wine School.

About Walden:

I’ve worked in food & wine since I was 13. I started as a prep cook, became a line cook and eventually left the kitchen to work in wine education, importing & distribution. In my three years with the Texas Wine School I’ve most enjoyed developing new classes (both in person & online) and helping to build our retail shop, AOC Selections. Being a guide to new tastes and experience is thrilling whether in the classroom or just for fun.

I’ve made it through FWS, IWS, the Court of Master Sommeliers Certified exam and the WSET Diploma program. FWS compliments any broader studying program by going deeper into France and contextualizing many lesser known & unique local styles.

I hope to start the Master of Wine program next year, and may use the Spanish Wine Scholar program to prepare. My experience with taking IWS right before the WSET Diploma definitely demonstrated how helpful these classes are at making otherwise obscure, advanced level knowledge second nature. The confidence I have after WSG courses is a huge help when it comes to sitting wine courses with a broader focus.

FWS gave me a much better appreciation & knowledge of areas like Provence, Roussillon, and Corsica. Getting folks excited about lesser-known regions is a great way to break through the intimidation factor that some people experience when learning about Bordeaux, Burgundy, etc. It’s already helped me as a teacher, sales person, and most importantly, as a wine drinker.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The FWS program has already helped me as a teacher, sales person, and most importantly, as a wine drinker.
  • Position Director of Education, The Texas Wine School & Art of Cellaring
  • Certifications Italian Wine Scholar, Certified Sommelier, WSET Diploma
Read more...

Gianmarco De Martino, FWS

Gianmarco De Martino, FWS

Congratulations to Gianmarco De Martino, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar with highest honors!

About Marco: 

I grew up in Italy and moved to Australia in 2014. I started reading about wine and organizing tastings with friends in Brisbane, while working in hospitality. Wine quickly became a huge passion of mine, that lead me to move to the Barossa Valley in South Australia, in 2018. I wanted to work with wine, and I started from a cellar door / tasting room job, here at Tscharke. A few weeks in I was helping in the vineyards, winery and in the cellar. After my first vintage as
cellar hand in 2019, I was offered the position of winemaker. I don’t have a winemaking degree, or any qualification, so I’ve learnt by doing it, with the help of Damien Tscharke, owner of Tscharke Wines, viticulturalist and winemaker. Here I am 3 vintages later, making wine and attending the vines, while expanding my wine knowledge through the Wine Scholar Guild programs.

During the 2021 vintage, a workmate and friend of mine enrolled in the FWS course and pushed me to do the same. Trying to fit my studies around the busy winery life, I took 9 months to prepare for the exam, that I took and passed in January 2022. A couple of months later, again in the middle of vintage, I’ve decided to enroll in the IWS course. I am currently studying the wines of Northern Italy, hoping to complete the first unit by the end of the year, to then complete the
IWS program with Unit 2 next year.

Studying the wines and the wine regions of France, I’ve learnt so much about the vineyard and winemaking traditions of those regions. This acquired knowledge inspires me and helps me in my everyday job, when making wine here in the Barossa. Beside being able to use this knowledge at work, I am also enjoying being able to talk about specific wine styles or appellations, while tasting French wine with friends. I love sharing what I’ve learnt with my
wine-friends at our tastings.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial Studying the wines and the wine regions of France, I’ve learnt so much about the vineyard and winemaking traditions of those regions.
  • Position Winemaker, Tscharke Wines
Read more...

Tanmay Rathod, FWS

Tanmay Rathod, FWS

Congratulations to Tanmay Rathod, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!

About Tanmay: 

I am a Professional Hotelier and a Wine Enthusiast. I first embarked upon my hospitality career in the Malbec birthplace of Cahors, my first ever experience of living and working away from my home country India and it is here that I developed my true passion and greater appreciation for the wine culture in France.

This motivated me to study wine in depth and I have since accomplished the Certified Specialist of Wine Certification by the Society of Wine Educators with the highest honours. Subsequent to this, I was chosen to become one of the Founder Scholars of Gerard Basset Foundation for diversity and inclusivity, which afforded me the opportunity to continue my studies with the Wine Scholar Guild's French Wine Scholar program to gain an even greater understanding of the French wine regions.

I have found the course to be ideally curated to enable students to fully understand the differing regions, terroirs, terminology and appellations. The webinars are exemplary and expertly delivered coupled with a wide range of fully supported, interactive study sessions provided to facilitate online self-study.

It has been a great pleasure and honour to be affiliated to the Wine Scholar Guild and, having achieved top honours, I look forward to taking my wine studies onwards and upwards as a French wine specialist. I am fortunate to have now been awarded one of Jane Anson’s pioneering Bordeaux Mentor Week places which takes place in late September with fellow Bordeaux fans from all across the globe.

Additional Info

  • Testimonial I have found the course to be ideally curated to enable students to fully understand the differing regions, terroirs, terminology and appellations. The webinars are exemplary and expertly delivered.
  • Position Restaurant Manager, Hotel Les Falaises, Cahors, France / Founder Scholar at the Gerard Basset Foundation
Read more...

Timothy Ouellette, FWS

Timothy Ouellette, FWS

Congratulations to Timothy Ouellette, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors! 

About Timothy:

Wine is my passion and my profession. I’ve been working in the industry for 15+ years and I spend much of my time outside of work studying, consulting, and tasting (that’s what wine professionals call drinking). My Aha! Moment came when I was working at a wine shop in Whistler; a customer had broken a high-end bottle of Martinborough Pinot Noir and as I reached the mess with a mop the smell hit me; it was like candy, but for grown-ups. That’s when the relationship got serious, wine and I went from just liking each other to being in love. My goal is to make wine more approachable to the average person; to let them know that it can be fun and easy and unpretentious.

Once I began the Wine Scholar programs I already had my WSET Diploma so much of what I was studying about Bordeaux and Burgundy was just a refresher, but the French Wine Scholar taught me about the lesser known regions like the Southwest, Jura and Savoie. The texts are an excellent addition to what I already have. I have also completed the Italian Wine Scholar and the Spanish Wine Scholar.

The French Wine Scholar has made me more confident with the lesser known regions of France and kept my knowledge of the larger regions fresh. You can never know everything about wine, and you’ll lose some along the way so learning is an ongoing process. 

Additional Info

  • Testimonial The French Wine Scholar has made me more confident with the lesser known regions of France and kept my knowledge of the larger regions fresh.
  • Position Product Consultant & Instructor, LCBO & Fine Vintage LTD.
  • Certifications Italian Wine Scholar, Spanish Wine Scholar, WSET Diploma
Read more...
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