Melissa Bartlett is a distinguished wine professional with over 16 years of experience spanning winery operations, professional judging, and wine education.As an AWS Certified Wine Judge and a Sommelier, Melissa possesses a comprehensive understanding of the wine lifecycle—from vineyard to the glass.She specializes in sensory evaluation and fault identification across Vinifera, Hybrids, Native American varietals, as well as meads, ciders and spirits.

Beyond the tasting glass, she is a dedicated education who has spent years developing curricula and training staff to deliver informed knowledge to the public. Whether judging a major commercial competition or leading a workshop, her goal is to bridge the gap between the technical science of evaluation wine and the consumer’s appreciation of the final pour.Melissa has served as an official judge for prestigious competitions, including Libation Wine, Beer and Spirit Awards, California Bottle Shock, Atlantic Seaboard, WineMaker Magazine, NJ Terroir Showcase and the Finger Lakes International.

With a background in healthcare, Carole’s undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry has been valuable in her wine studies.Her interest in wine has led her to seek further education. She is actively working with students from the Wine Judge Certification Program of the American Wine Society.Carole is a Certified Wine Judge with Merit. Carole remains active in teaching and learning.She has completed continuing education at Penn State, UC Davis, Society of Wine Educators and the American Wine Society conference annually.Carole has presented sessions at the American Wine Society annual conferences in wine continuing education for judges.She has taught beginning classes at the local wine shop. Carole has completed Level 2 of WSET program with Merit.Carole has Sommelier certification from the National Wine School.Carole serves as the Regional Advisor for Eastern Kentucky for the American Wine Society as well as education liaison of the local chapter in Frankfort KY.

Carole enjoys judging amateur and commercial competitions.Her twelve years of judging experience have taken her through much of the USA.Competitions judged include:

Indy International , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Tennessee Valley Oenological Society,Kentucky State Fair, Franklin County Fair, Hamilton County 4H amateur event,Denver International Wine Competition, The Texas Grape Growers Association Competition, The Houston Rodeo Uncorked,Georgia Trustees Wine Challenge, The Alabama Amateurs event, Michigan Mead Cup, The Big E, Minnesota State Fair, The Mid-Atlantic Southeastern/Carolina Classic Wine competition, The Wines of the South, Illinois Amateur, New York State Fair , The Cincinnati Vintners Association, Texas International Wine Competition and the Kentucky Commissioners Cup.

Carole resides in Frankfort, KY.Her favorite wine is that which is enjoyed with friends!

Paula Laurita is a Certified Wine Judge with the American Wine Society, backed by WSET Level 2 and Level 1 Sommelier credentials. As the Programs Chair for the North Alabama Wine Society (a chapter of the American Wine Society), she is active in regional wine education and advocacy.

Paula is also the creator of the Facebook column "The Scented Page," where she blends her professional life as a librarian with a passion for wine, literature, and perfumery. She explores the unique intersections of wine, books, and scent.

Ron is a graduate of the American Wine Society Wine Judge Certification Program and serves as the organization's Vice President.

He is also on the board of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. He serves on the conference committees for both organizations, providing technical expertise for registration and score tabulation.

He is a member of the Knights of the Vine and holds certifications from the Parker-Zraly wine program and the Wine and Spirits Education Trust. He is an American Cider Association Certified Cider Guide.

He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-enthusiastic wife.

Rick Schofield, CWE, is a wine buyer, consultant, and educator based in Glenmont, NY, with nearly two decades of experience in both on- and off-premise wine programs. His career includes leadership roles such as Head Sommelier at Sagamore Resort, Beverage Director at the Culinary Institute of America, and Fine Wine Manager at Viscount Wine and Liquor, along with sommelier experience at Mission Hill Family Estate Winery. He is the owner of Schofield Wine School at The Rhinecliff Hotel and a frequent speaker at national conferences for the American Wine Society and the Society of Wine Educators.

He holds advanced certifications including Advanced Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Wine Educator (CWE), and multiple international educator accreditations from the Bureau Interprofessionnel des Vins de Bourgogne (BIVB) and the Conseil Interprofessionnel du Vin de Bordeaux (CIVB), as well as WSET Advanced with Distinction. He is also a certified wine judge with extensive national and international judging experience, including major competitions in the U.S., U.K., and Canada.

Barry St.Pierre has been growing grapes and making wine for several years at his home in Burlington, CT.His vineyard includes a variety of vinifera and hybrid grapes.His award-winning wines are made from his own grapes as well as carefully selected grapes from California and Chile, and he is considered among the top amateur winemakers by the American Wine Society.

As a Certified Wine Judge he participates at many state, regional, and national commercial and amateur competitions. He had been an instructor for the American Wine Society Wine Judge Certification Program for several years and served as a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society. He has also passed both WSET 2 and WSET 3.