Our Team

Biographies

Peter Marks MW

Peter Marks is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. In 1995, he passed the rigorous MW exam and became the first American to garner the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award which is bestowed to the MW candidate with the highest tasting score. Peter graduated from UC Davis in 1976 with a BS degree with highest honors in Food Service Management and became interested in wine while attending a number of viticulture and enology classes. Since entering the wine trade in 1981, he has held the positions of Director of Wine at the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chief Wine Merchant at the on-line wine retailer Wine.com, and Senior Vice President of Wine at COPIA, the American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts. Peter is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators; Education Coordinator for the Institute of Masters of Wine tasting exam in the US; is on the Board of Directors of the Napa Valley Wine Library and judges many international wine competitions.

Mark deVere MW

A native of Oxford, England, Mark began his early interest in wine while studying history at Oxford University. He was an officer of the University Wine Society and a member of the Oxford Wine Tasting team. Graduating from Oxford with a growing interest in wine, Mark worked as an account manager for Oddbins, a dynamic UK retail and wholesale wines. During his three years with Oddbins, Mark gained considerable experience in all aspects of the wine trade and studied for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, successfully completing his certificate, higher certificate and diploma examinations. In 1994 Mark became a candidate for the prestigious Institute of Masters of Wine, passing the exam in 1997. He is one of only 24 Masters of Wine residing in the U.S. He is also North American Education Director for the Institute of Masters of Wine and participates as a judge at wine competitions internationally.

Luis Torres

Luis Torres lends his extensive background in wine supply, distribution, and onpremise roles to the Academy. He studied Food Science and Technology in Mexico before spending 15 years in the restaurant industry. His experience includes an apprenticeship at Charlie Trotter’s with Master Sommelier Larry Stone, studies with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and management and wine buying responsibilities for all of Hilton’s key Chicago properties. In the capacity of Illinois On-premise District Manager, Luis has represented an extensive portfolio of wines from around the world since 1996. Luis’ expertise in the education arena quickly became apparent and in 2001 he was promoted to his current role directing the Academy’s East Coast education programs. His commitment to his students is evidenced through a highly interactive and comprehensive teaching style. In 2008 Luis achieved his Mastery in Communication through the Atlanta based S.E. Communications. He is a member of the American Society of Training and Development, as well as the Society of Wine Educators. Being fluent in Spanish adds to Luis’ expertise and demand as teacher and mentor.

Steve Hosmer

Steve Hosmer brings three decades of wine industry experience to the Academy of Wine. Steve discovered his flair for teaching as a flight instructor in the 1970s. Before joining Clos du Bois as a Sales Rep in 1985, Steve held positions as a wine retailer, wholesaler, and supplier in his native Southern California. In 1991, Steve made the jump to wine educator, moving to Northern California and establishing the wine education program at The Wine Alliance, training the sales staff, distributors and accounts. More than two decades later Steve has established himself as a leader in wine education and public speaking. Steve engages his audience with an interactive teaching style that is both humorous and educational.

Karen Wetzel

Karen Wetzel found her love of wine and enthusiasm to teach others as a corporate beverage trainer working for a prominent restaurant chain in Southern California for 10 years.  Returning to Ohio in 1988, she put her passion to work as a sales representative for a large, well-known fine wine & spirits distributor.  Now, after 25 years in the wine industry she has broad-ranged experience in most every aspect of the business.  She has sales and management expertise with both retail and on-premise divisions and has worked closely with national, regional and local accounts, along with distributors, developing wine programs that fit their sales and education needs.   In 2006 Karen joined the Constellation team and became an On-Premise leader as Director of On Premise for multiple states, leading her sales team and creating education and sales tools for accounts, distributors and fellow CWUS employees.  Karen brings her hands on experience to life through the Academy of Wine in a way that is engaging, effective and entertaining.

Rob Hennigar

Director of Education 

Megan Henderson

Associate Wine Education Manager

Katie Heid-Clark

Wine Education Coordinator

Leah Young

Instructional Developer