About us
Jane Skilton MW, Tutor .jpg)
Originally from the UK, Jane studied for her WSET® Diploma examination in London and passed the final examination in 1988, gaining both the Frescobaldi and Cognac scholarships. Moving to Auckland in 2000, Jane is the only female Master of Wine based in New Zealand. She publishes an online wine magazine, The Independent Wine Monthly, as well as contributing to a number of wine publications. She is a senior wine judge both internationally and in NZ, and co-ordinates the MW Education Seminar, held in Adelaide, each November.
Fiona Paul AIWS, Tutor
An Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits, Fiona has 16 years experience in the wines and spirits
industry. She worked in the UK for a major wine importer based in Scotland, and in NZ where she represented a number
of domestic wineries herself. Before that Fiona worked in New Zealand for a wine distributor selling New Zealand and international wines, and managed a fine wine retail shop. Fiona has first hand experience of vineyards in France, Spain, NZ and Australia.
In 2007 she passed her WSET Level 4 Diploma examination with Merit, and is currently enrolled on the Master of Wine programme, hoping to become a Master of Wine some time in the not too distant future.
The New Zealand School of Wines and Spirits is very fortunate to receive the support of a number of industry specialists. Past students have enjoyed lectures from:
- Michael Brajkovich MW, Kumeu River Wines
- Viticulture
- Simon Nunns, Coopers Creek
- Vinification
- Jean Christophe Poizat, Maison Vauron
- Northern Rhone, Alsace, Bordeaux and Burgundy
- Stephen Bennett MW, Bennett & Deller
- Spain
- Jose Hernandez, Eurowines
- Sherry
- Daniel McLaren Moon, Regional Wines
- Malt Whisky
- Rene Bros, 42 Below
- Vodka
- Bryce Peach, Montana Wine
- Sparkling Wines
- Ryan Quinn, Wine Direct
Germany
Alastair Pope, Wine Direct - Northern Italy