COPIA.org - Wine, Expert Bios

Andrea Robinson, COPIA Dean of Wine Studies

Tue, 25 Mar 2008 09:21:23 -0800

Andrea Robinson, one of the country's leading wine educators, is one of only 15 women in the world who have been appointed Master Sommelier by the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers. She was the first woman ever chosen Best Sommelier in the United States by the Sommelier Society of America. Andrea also became the first appointed Dean of Wine Studies for The French Culinary Institute in New York City, where she graduated with honors from its renowned 600-hour professional culinary program. In 2007 she was appointed Master Sommelier for Delta Air Lines, for whom she will be choosing all of the in-flight wines as well as developing flight attendant wine training and in-flight video entertainment.

In 2005, Andrea received the Wine Literary Award for 'Exceptional Contribution to the Literature of Wine.' In 2004, Andrea was inducted into the James Beard Foundation's "Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America", selected as 'Wine & Spirits Professional of The Year' by Bon Appetit Magazine, and honored with the 'M.F.K. Fisher Award' by Les Dames d'Escoffier International. In 2002, the James Beard Foundation named Andrea 'Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional'.

Senior Wine Educator Kevin Toomajian

Sun, 18 Dec 2005 10:52:21 -0800

Kevin Toomajian

Kevin Toomajian is the Senior Wine Educator at COPIA. His passion for wine dates back to his college days when he remembers drinking Robert Mondavi Winery Cabernet Sauvignon out of blue plastic Solo Cups at his college fraternity house. This modest introduction to wine was enough to spark an interest, which he pursued through tasting and reading. Kevin’s passion for wine grew and, eventually, he was given a copy of “Harvests of Joy” by Robert Mondavi. This book forever changed his life, inciting an enthusiasm that led to his immersion in the wine industry.

Wine Educator Lily Peterson

Sat, 17 Dec 2005 10:57:56 -0800

Lily Peterson

Throughout my life wine has been a focal point. Its social and anthropological weight sparked my interest through its traditional value as a part of my family meals. I was fortunate enough to become introduced to wines of the world when I began managing a small wine selection for a gourmet market in Wilmington, N.C.