Special Guest: Wendy Shoemaker

Wendy Shoemaker, Sommelier, was working at the Disneyland Resort and pursuing degrees in chemistry and biochemistry when, on a trip to Italy, she discovered her passion for wine. She earned her Advanced Sommelier certification at the same time as her master’s in mechanical engineering, with an emphasis on solar energy.

Pivoting her full attention to wine, she joined the Marriott Marquis in San Diego as their wine director. In San Francisco, she has worked for the St. Francis Yacht Club and AQ, prior to joining as Wine Director for the Michelin Starred Californios in San Francisco. She is currently studying for the Master Sommelier exam, and is passionate in leading beverage education programs and mentoring others.

Wendy will be participating in the San Francisco Wine School's Perfect Pairings Competition as part of their 2018 Luxury Wine Anniversary Celebration and Scholarship Auction Event on November 3rd, 2018.

Also in Bios

Special Guest: Eugenio Jardim

A native of Brazil, Eugenio Jardim has been a part San Francisco's wine scene since 1988.  He's created and run wine programs for some of the city's hottest clubs and restaurants, been featured guest speaker and judge at countless events and competitions and became the first US Ambassador for Wines of Portugal. 

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Special Guest: Dean Hewitson, Owner & Winemaker, Hewitson Winery, Barossa Valley

Dean Hewitson has been making wine since he graduated from Australia’s world-famous Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1986.  He established highly acclaimed Hewitson winery in the Barossa Valley in 1998.  San Francisco Wine School Proudly welcomes him as a special guest panelist for Wine Australia's Old Vine Treasures.

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Special Guest: Ira Noroff, CWE, CSE

Ira Noroff has been working in the wine industry since 1976.  He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds many other wine & spirits credentials.  He was a Director of Education with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits for 15 years until his retirement in 2020.

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