Introductory Sommelier Course & Examination

Christopher Bates, MS, is an American born entrepreneur, public speaker and hospitality professional. He is known as a chef, sommelier and winemaker, and has spent over 20 years in all aspects of the hospitality industry, lending him a well-rounded perspective of all facets. Prior to completing his Master Sommelier Exam in May 2013, Christopher had racked up accolades such as Best Young Sommelier in the World and won TopSomm 2013.Christopher and his wife Isabel have settled in the Finger Lakes region of New York and have been a catalyst for growth in the Finger Lakes. He is an active member of the sommelier community and continues to educate independently, and with the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Michael Meagher, MS, is the Principal of Sommelier On-Demand Hospitality Services. He serves as the Chair of the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas where he served formerly as the Co-Chair of the Ethics and Professional Responsibility Committee and the Chair of the Governance Committee. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, and holding a Bachelor’s degree from Harvard University, an Associate’s degree from the Culinary Institute of America, a Master’s degree from the University of Adelaide in South Australia, and the Diploma from WSET in London. He has worked the entire route to market of some of the greatest wines from around the world. On the academic and trade front, he has been published in a number of sources. He also serves as Chairman Emeritus of the Board of Directors for the Boston Sommelier Society.

Patrick Anko Okubo, MS, is also a Certified Wine Educator (CWE) affiliated with the Society of Wine Educators, WSET Sake Advanced, and WSET Educator. Patrick currently serves on the board of directors for the Court of Master Sommelier Americas Chapter. Currently, he brings his passion for fine wines and extensive knowledge to the role of Fine Wine Specialist and Wine Educator at RNDC (Republic National Distribution Company). In 2021, Patrick took on a new venture by founding The Aloha Wine Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to unite, educate, and inspire the Hawaii Sommelier community. Patrick's dedication to the world of wine extends beyond his professional roles, reflecting his commitment to fostering community and knowledge within the industry.

Yuki Hirose MS fell for wine while working in bars while studying in his native Tokyo. Moving to Sydney over 15 years ago, he honed his sommelier skills over a decade at Rockpool, while also working his way through the ranks of the Court of Master Sommeliers with the aim of becoming a Master Sommelier. Hirose moved to Melbourne during the pandemic to work on launching a wine program with Loic Avril for a string of ambitious venues for LUCAS Restaurants. Today, he manages the lists and sommelier teams at Society, Kisume and Grill Americano. In August 2023, after five previous attempts, Hirose became a Master Sommelier, one of less than 300 worldwide.