WSET Level 3 Certified, WSET Certified Educator, FWS, SWS, Certified Sommelier , Instructor

Meet Jean Cox, a highly accomplished instructor at Napa Valley Wine Academy. In addition to her instructor role, Jean manages our Tampa branch and coordinates venues and instructors for satellite locations throughout the United States. She is also responsible for organizing corporate and group courses and private events. Before joining Napa Valley Wine Academy, Jean spent 19 years as a flight attendant and, later, a sales rep with a wine distributor and a buyer in a botique wine shop. This experience sparked her interest in wine education. It led her to pursue a variety of certifications, including WSET Level 3, FWS (French Wine Scholar), SWS (Spanish Wine Scholar), CMS (Certified Sommelier), CSP (Certified Sake Professional), CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine), NVWE (Napa Valley Wine Expert), and International Sommelier Guild Level 2. In addition to her professional accomplishments, Jean is also a world traveler, having visited all seven continents, including Antarctica, twice. She and her husband are Master Divers and enjoy boating in their home state of Florida. Jean’s favorite weeknight wine is “anything new and different,” including a Txakolina from Spain, Chenin Blanc from Savennieres, or dry Riesling from Clare Valley.

WSET Level 3 Certified, 2022 Wine Enthusiast Future 40, Instructor

Desiree Harrison-Brown is a highly respected wine educator and professional in the industry. She is renowned for her engaging teaching style and practical guidance, as she leads students at Napa Valley Wine Academy (NVWA) through WSET Levels 1 and 2. In recognition of her contributions to the industry, Desiree was recently selected for Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s 2022 Future 40 List, an honor awarded to emerging leaders in the wine industry. In addition to her role as a wine educator, Desiree is also the founder of Wino Shop. This vino-inspired lifestyle brand offers modern streetwear apparel for the diverse wine lover. The brand was launched to amplify the positive representation of the Black community in the wine industry. Desiree’s passion for wine began when she attended local tasting events in her home state of Maryland. Before her career in the wine industry, she worked in project management systems for a Fortune 500 company. When it comes to her favorite weeknight wine, Desiree is a fan of anything sparkling! Desiree holds WSET certifications at levels 1, 2, and 3 and continues to significantly impact the wine industry through her teaching, brand, and dedication to the field.