The calibre of our Level 4 Diploma in Wines educators sets us apart from other course providers. They are all subject experts, experienced and passionate teachers, and many of them are Masters of Wine. They combine a broad range of industry backgrounds including viticulture, winemaking, sales, marketing and import/distribution
Scroll down to meet the team.
More educators:
Russell Dent DipWSET
Diploma Course Director & Wine and Beer Educator
Russell co-ordinates all Level 4 Diploma in Wines courses run by WSET School London and is the go-to contact for anyone studying this prestigious qualification. He also teaches about wine at all levels. Russell specialises in tasting technique, viticulture and vinification, Alsace and Bordeaux.
"I believe a little knowledge and experimentation can help anyone discover new and exciting products."
Lydia Harrison MW
Head of Education and Events & Wine Educator
Lydia has spent her entire career in the wine industry, starting in retail at Majestic Wine where she worked for six years. She got a Distinction in the WSET Diploma and won the coveted Vintners' Scholarship for the highest mark in the UK trade. She became a Master of Wine in August 2019.
"Wine doesn't need to be expensive or pretentious. It is made to be drunk, and most importantly, enjoyed."
Lauren Denyer DipWSET
Diploma Events and Enrichment Manager & Wine Educator
Lauren teaches all levels of WSET wine qualifications and is the Diploma Events and Enrichment Manager. She has extensive teaching experience having worked as a head of faculty in a secondary school. Lauren is also a Certified Sherry Educator and a Stage 2 Master of Wine student.
"The world of wine is like the ultimate grown-up adventure park. It's a multi-sensory experience of flavour, tastes, science and stunning locations."
Julia Lambeth DipWSET
Course Manager for Levels 1-3 & Wine and Beer Educator
Julia started out in the wine trade as a novice, working at Majestic Wine for a number of years as a retail manager. After completing the Diploma and winning the Codorníu Scholarship prize, she started a wine tasting company. Julia joined WSET School London's teaching faculty in September 2019.
"Working with wine is great because it’s always changing, even when you think you know a lot there is always something new to learn."
Richard Lane DipWSET
Wine Educator
Richard completed the Level 4 Diploma in Wines in 2021. He took on the course after spending a year in South West France, where he discovered his passion for wine. A few months later he started teaching at WSET School London, becoming the first blind person to qualify as a WSET educator.
"There is such a buzz when engaging with a group of motivated students."
Michelle Cherutti-Kowal MW
Wine Educator
Michelle is a dual Italian/Canadian citizen who left behind the Toronto finance world to build an enviable career as a freelance wine educator, speaker and consultant in London. An established figure in the global wine trade, Michelle teaches all levels of WSET qualification courses.
"People that think I have my dream job and they are not wrong! I guess being rich enough to have my own winery would be the icing on the cake?"
Anne McHale MW
Wine Educator
Anne is an award-winning Master of Wine, communicator and consultant based in London. In 2016 Anne established her own consultancy and education business, and has enjoyed a varied and exciting career ever since. She currently teaches the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines at WSET School London.
"My specialist areas are the regions of France and I love helping to demystify the complex classification systems for students!"
Demetri Walters MW
Wine Educator
Demetri is an independent wine consultant, educator and presenter. He has many years of experience selling wine, providing product training, running wine schools, as well as hosting professional, corporate & private wine tasting events to groups of all sizes, all over the world.
Claudia Bastiaensen DipWSET
Wine Educator
Claudia fell in love with the world of wine while living and working in France. After initial jobs in marketing for perfume and beer brands, she decided to follow her heart and pursue a career in the wine industry. She has a particular passion for all wines French, sparkling wines and wine business.
"What I enjoy most is meeting people who know very little about wine and witnessing the moment it clicks for them."
Magnavai Janjo DipWSET
Wine Educator
Magnavai passed the WSET Diploma in 2016 and is currently an MW student. In 2020 he established BAME Wine Professionals, an organisation aimed at shining a spotlight on wine talent in the Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. He currently teaches about wine at all levels.
"My goal is not only for students to enjoy the courses, but also to channel their thinking towards the practical and real-life application of the courses."
Christine Marsiglio MW MSc
Wine Educator
Christine is the Head Wine Educator and Resident Master of Wine at Wine Folly. In her spare time you'll find her teaching about wine at levels 1-3 at WSET School London. Originally from Canada, her background is in oenology and viticulture. She became a Master of Wine in August 2019.
"The world of wine, spirits and sake offers infinite levels of enjoyment. Just when you think you know something, you discover that there's more to learn."
Shane Jones DipWSET
Wine and Sake Educator
Having tired of working in an office, Shane took the plunge in 2011 and turned his passion into his profession by joining the wine industry. Shane holds the WSET Diploma and is an enthusiastic sparkling wine specialist. It’s no surprise then that he scooped the Moët & Chandon Scholarship at his graduation!
"I think wine and sake education can be just as powerful as being able to read. It opens up a new world for exploration and gives you confidence."
Elena Barattini DipWSET
Wine Educator
Elena is a wine consultant and educator and teaches WSET courses at every level, both face-to-face and online. As an Italian Wine Ambassador and Langhe Ambassador, Elena loves to inspire others with her passion for wine, with a particular focus on the rich array of Italian specialties.
