Congratulations to Juan Lo Bello, FWS, for passing the French Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About Juan Lo Bello:
My passion for wine started in Mendoza, Argentina, close to the original “Juan” (my grandfather), who introduced me to the world of wine.
I continued my professional career in the UK, where I finished my WSET Level 4 Diploma in 2008. I worked for 15 years in international management roles focusing on sales and marketing. I have experienced the world of wine from every angle: producers, distributors/ importers, markets, brand development and consumers.
In 2016, we moved with my family from London to Alsace to continue my wine career once again closer to a wine region. I founded the Wine Guru on Wheels in Basel (just next door to Alsace) to provide personalized wine experiences and wine education to private individuals and corporate business customers. This venture lead to becoming a WSET Certified Wine Educator to teach WSET courses.
Teaching quickly evolved into a second passion of mine. Hence my current enthusiasm to introduce French Wine Scholar education in Switzerland for the first time.
My ultimate purpose is to reach curious wine drinkers to improve their wine appreciation and understanding. I would love everyone to feel more comfortable, confident and independent around wines.
I finished my WSET Diploma in London in 2008 and completed and passed the WSET Wine Educator program in 2017. I always compare the WSET studies with a GP (General Practitioner) doctor. WSET studies give you a broad and comprehensive overview of the wine world. You know a little of everything but you are not a specialist. That’s why I have enjoyed the French Scholar studies and I am excited about teaching it because I can add detail and new knowledge to the base I had with the WSET. France is the benchmark country that many others have followed, either by replanting its native grape varieties in new origins, using consultants for winemaking knowledge or importing French wine technology. After studying the FWS it is more evident how much France has influenced the wine world.
On a more personal note, since I moved to Alsace, French wines are more present on my table. It is great to have now a much wider understanding of France and more choice to enjoy!
The FWS has provided me with an excellent base to communicate France better, it has also enhanced vastly my own knowledge about French wines. It is a great beginning, I am now very keen to follow up with the Spanish and Italian program.
