JEANNIE CHO LEE
United States

Regarded as one of Asia’s preeminent authorities on wine, Jeannie Cho Lee was the first Asian to be awarded the illustrious Master of Wine (MW) title in 2008. She is the co-founder of The Fine Wine School in Hong Kong and is an approved WSET Certified Educator as well as a Certified Wine Educator from the Society of Wine Educators in the United States. Jeannie contributes regularly to renowned wine magazines such as Decanter, Wine Spectator and Revue du Vin. Besides being a wine educator and columnist, Jeannie travels frequently around regional Asia to report on market trends, lectures at various Institute of Masters of Wine seminars worldwide, and judges international wine competitions like the Decanter World Wine Awards (London), International Wine Challenge (London & Tokyo) and the Royal Adelaide Wine Show. In 2009, Jeannie was awarded the Vinitaly International Award for her contributions to the wine industry by the organisers of Vinitaly, the largest wine trade fair in the world. Jeannie graduated from Harvard University with a Master’s degree in Public Policy.

MICHAEL HILL SMITH
Australia

In 1988, Michael Hill Smith became the first Australian to pass the rigorous Master of Wine examination. He also won the Madame Bollinger Tasting Medal that same year. Aiming to make some of the best wines in Australia, Michael formed ‘Shaw and Smith’ with his cousin Martin Shaw, specialising in Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Shiraz grown in the Adelaide Hills. He is also a wine consultant, wine judge, writer and broadcaster. As the current Australian Regional Chairman for the Decanter World Wine Awards, Michael has attained extensive tasting experience in numerous international and Australian wine shows. In 2008, he was awarded the prestigious Order of Australia in recognition of his contributions to the Australian wine industry. Michael received his education in Roseworthy Agricultural College and received an Advanced Diploma from Cordon Bleu School in London.

STEVEN SPURRIER
United Kingdom

A global wine consultant, Steven’s clients include Christie’s, for whom he created and manages the Christie’s Wine Course. He is also a Consultant Editor to Decanter Magazine and President of the Circle of Wine Writers. Steven is Chairman of the Decanter World Wine, and since 1999 has been Chairman of the Japan Wine Challenge, the largest wine competition in Asia. He has authored several books on wine, and is co-author with Oz Clarke of "The Clarke-Spurrier Guide to Fine Wines". Steven founded L’Academie du Vin, the first wine school in Paris, and is the recipient of numerous awards, including “Le Grand Prix de l’Academie Internationale du Vin” (2001; the third time this award has been given since 1982), and “The Andre Tchelistcheff Maestro Award” from California. Steven was educated at Rugby School and the London School of Economics, and joined the wine trade as a trainee with Christopher & Co. of Saint James’s (founded 1666).