Wine Courses in Los Angeles

Amy Christine became a Master of Wine in 2013. She owns Holus Bolus winery in Lompoc, California with her husband, Peter Hunken, producing cool climate Pinot Noir, Syrah, Chardonnay and Roussanne.

In addition to her winery work, Amy is a sales representative for Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant in Los Angeles and a partner at the technology company, Wine Ring Inc. She has taught WSET Diploma classes on Champagne and Burgundy since 2013. Outside of the wine world, Amy is a die-hard Prince fan and an advocate for children in foster care in Los Angeles, sitting on the board of The Academy Project.

With over two decades in the wine business, Adam Zuckert has amassed extensive knowledge of the wine industry from viticulture and winemaking to the intricacies of wholesale, retail, and on-premise sales. Adam’s thirst for wine education has taken him to all parts of the globe from Margaret River in Australia to the French island of Corsica. He has worked at boutique French and Italian wine importer Kermit Lynch Wine Merchants since 2011 and has held the California Wholesale Manager position since 2020. Adam is certified by the Wine & Spirits Educational Trust in Level 3 and is currently in the process of earning his Diploma.

In addition to his passion for wine, Adam is a musician who also enjoys studying and speaking the French language. He lives with his wife and son in the Silverlake neighborhood of Los Angeles.

Liz VanderVen is a wine and spirits buyer in the Southern California retail setting where she has worked for the last 8 years. After earning her PhD in modern Chinese history and embarking on an academic career, she was lured over to the world of wine, taking WSET Level II and III classes. Liz made her transition into the industry in 2015, the same year she earned her WSET Diploma. She is now a Stage 3 student in the rigorous Master of Wine program. Liz’s teaching philosophy revolves around wine being fun and enjoyable. She believes that with a genuine interest in learning and some hard work, anyone can become a wine expert and a great taster.

Billy Galanko is a wine and spirits professional with extensive experience across both winery and corporate settings in the US and Australia. A Certified Sommelier and WSET Diploma holder, Billy's hands-on experience includes working a vintage harvest in Australia, where he deepened his understanding of winemaking from the ground up. He brings this diverse background to his role at Vint, the parent company of the Vint Marketplace. Recently accepted into the prestigious Master of Wine study program, Billy is a self-described wine nerd with a passion for wine history and a particular interest in lesser-known regions and grape varieties. His enthusiasm for exploring obscure wines and his commitment to continuous learning reflect his belief that the world of wine is vast, diverse, and always worth discovering.