+ Edouard took his first Sommelier qualification in 2003, then honed his skills by working as a commis sommelier in Michelin-starred restaurants in his native France.
+ In the UK, he worked his way up to Sommelier and Head Sommelier at hotel groups such as Hotel du Vin and Malmaison and in 2005 took his Certified Sommelier Exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe.
+ In 2008 he settled as Head Sommelier at two-Michelin-starred Gidleigh Park, working with chef Michael Caines, he soon achieved the status of Advanced Sommelier. In 2011, Edouard became a Master Sommelier and won the Laurent-Perrier Grand Siècle cup, having scooped the highest scores within his peer group. Now, Edouard MS is currently working as Course Coordinator & Exam Admissions for the Court of Master Sommeliers Europe.
+Christopher Bates is an American entrepreneur, public speaker, and hospitality professional with over 20 years in the industry. A chef, sommelier, and wine maker, he earned titles like Best Young Sommelier in the World and TopSomm 2013 before completing his Master Sommelier Exam in 2013.
+Christopher and his wife Isabel reside in the Finger Lakes, New York, where they drive growth through their hospitality group, F.L.X. Hospitality. Their ventures include F.L.X. Wienery, F.L.X. Table, F.L.X. Provisions, and The Quincy Exchange. They manage Equilibrium Wine Farm, Colloquial Winery, Element Winery, IOE, and produce beers under F.L.X. Culture House.
+Active in the sommelier community, Christopher continues to educate independently and with the Court of Master Sommeliers