Todd Bessemer, DipWSET 2025
Energy Market Reform
“Todd would love to combine this with his passion for wine by getting his hands on the WSET (3+ months to mark an exam and publish the result!), but his most fervent desire would be to deregulate the PA State Store system!”

Michael Cohen, DipWSET 2025
Beverage Director
Michael Cohen is the beverage director at @elizabeth_on37th in Savannah, Ga. Along with being a WSET Diploma holder, Michael is a Certified Whiskey Specialist, a Certified Specialist of Spirits, and a Certified Specialist of Wine.

Todd Gelsinger, DipWSET 2025
Partner, Barley Snyder
Todd Gelsinger is a wine expert. Through continued study and tasting, he has developed an expert palate. Todd is a partner specializing in

Lauren Wiersma Ginter, DipWSET 2026
Brand Manager Wine Bow
Lauren Wiersma Ginter has spent 20 years in the wine, spirits, and beer industries. Originally from Birmingham, AL but now located in NYC, Lauren has a passion for animals and in addition to her drinks pursuits, owns and runs luckybubbkesandpaws.

William Tripp Kaelin, DipWSET 2024
MW Candidate
“I feel immensely grateful to Matt, Sunita, and Noelle, and the entire PhillyWine team, for preparing me so well to sit the MW entrance exam and enter the program.”

Joyce Lin, DipWSET 2026
Consultant and Educator; Owner, Sip with Joyce
Born and raised in Taiwan and now based in New York City, Joyce Lin is a certified sommelier, wine writer, educator, and consultant with a deep passion for wine. 

Jen Littlefield, DipWSET 2026
InnKeeper
“PhillyWine’s hybrid-style Diploma classes ere invaluable to my journey and I’m so grateful to Matt, Sunita, Noelle and the other teachers who guided us through this mountain of knowledge. If you love wine too, come visit me in the Finger Lakes at Black Walnut Bed & Breakfast!”

Cristine McNelis, DipWSET 2025
Palm Bay International PA State Manager
Cristine was fortunate enough to have been named Sommelier at Le Bec Fin in Philadelphia andchampioned their wine list to recognition by Wine Enthusiast in 2011. Every facet of the wine world is interesting to Cristine.

Sophie Newkirk, DipWSET 2022
Wine Importing

Shaoyang Ning, DipWSET 2026
Statistician
“It feels incredible to officially be a DipWSET! I began this diploma journey back in 2022. As a statistician in academia (not remotely related to the wine industry), this has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life.”

Kellyn Nolan, DipWSET 2025
Wine Retail Associate
Kellyn is thankful for the PhillyWine team for helping her to complete her WSET Diploma and is looking forward to her next wine adventure.

Debra Quinn, DipWSET 2026
Retired, MS Information Technology
“I have been a wine enthusiast for a very long time and am grateful to have had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and further my passion through WSET Philly Wine!”

Angela Ricetti, DipWSET 2024
Sommelier, Andiario
“I am very honored to have hadr the opportunity to work alongside all of the amazing oenophiles at PhillyWine!”

Kevin San Jose, DipWSDT 2023
Director of Wines and Spirits
With the WSET Diploma complete, Kevin aims to continue his education and obtain dual distinctions as an MS/MW .

Madeline Teh, DipWSET 2023
Sommlier, Per Se
““I got to learn from many instructors with different backgrounds and strengths which helped me enhance my knowledge along the way.”

Gina Terrago, DipWSET 2022
Certified Wine Judge with the American Wine Society
Gina leads wine tastings at non-profit fundraisers. Her hobbies include travel, cooking, tennis, yoga, and flower gardening.