New York's First Professional Wine Organization

Instructors

Our instructors bring a wide range of experience from every corner of the wine industry.
From sommeliers and beverage directors to educators and importers, they guide SSA students through every aspect of our NYC-based sommelier certification program and wine classes.

Jin Ahn, SSA Instructor and Restaurateur, noreetuh and Pavé — Jin Ahn
Managing Partner, Noreetuh

Jean-Remi Barbier, SSA Instructor and Champagne Specialist — Jean-Remi Barbier
Maisons Marques & Domaines USA

Denise Barker
Wine Educator & Health Coach

Yannick Benjamin, SSA Instructor, Sommelier, and Accessibility Advocate — Yannick Benjamin
Sommelier, co-founder of Beaupierre Wines & Spirits, Wine on Wheels

Dana Beninati, SSA Instructor, Chef, and Sommelier — Dana Beninati
Chef and sommelier

Vitalii Dascaliuc, SSA Instructor and Moldovan-Born Sommelier" — Vitalii Dascaliuc
Sommelier

Dave Foss, SSA Instructor and Veteran Restaurateur — David Foss
Managing Partner, LaLou

Julia Hofsass, SSA Instructor and General Manager at Jōji — Julia Hofsass
General Manager and Sommelier Jōji NY

Cheryl Kingan, SSA Instructor Team Member and Rare Grape Specialist — Cheryl Kingan
Certified Sommelier
Obscure Grape Specialist, Eklektikon Collective

May Matta-Aliah, SSA Instructor and Wine & Brandy Educator — May Matta-Aliah
Wine and brandy educator
President, In the Grape

Nicole Muscari
Wine Consultant & Creator
DipWSET, FWS

Charles Springfield, SSA Instructor, Author, and Wine Educator — Charles Springfield
Certified Sommelier
Wine Educator

Carrie Lyn Strong, SSA Instructor and Wine Consultant — Carrie Lyn Strong
Sommelier & Wine Educator
Founder Strong Wine Consulting

Chris Struck, SSA Instructor and Beverage Consultant — Chris Struck
Certified Sommelier

Rose Thomas, SSA Instructor and Italian Wine Ambassador — Rose Thomas Bannister
Italian Wine Ambassador and sommelier
Modo di Bere, multi-media project creator

Hannah Williams
Head of East Coast Sales, Thatcher's Wine & Imports