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.

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.

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.

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.”

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!”

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