Jessica Bell founded The Midwest Wine School in June 2007. Her academic credentials include a Diploma in Wine & Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a certificate in Viticulture and Vinification from the American Sommelier Association in New York City.  She is the Midwest Ambassador of Armagnac and an accredited instructor of several French wine-making regions, after extensive travels and passing Master-level exams administered by the French Wine Society. She received her Bachelor degree in Economics and Spanish from Duke University.

Jessica has worked for a winery in Spain and subsequently became an accredited Spanish Wine Educator.  Her fluency in Spanish is endorsed by the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.  She has also worked as a Sommelier at The Modern Restaurant in New York City.   She has travelled to several wine-making regions from Champagne to Sherry, Maipo to Mendoza, Santa Barbara to Sonoma and most everything in between.  Her educational offerings in Chicago and Milwaukee include the Intermediate and Advanced level certificates from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, the French Wine Scholar program from The French Wine Society, as well as enthusiast classes that focus on food and wine pairings.  Jessica also consults for area restaurants and retailers.  She is the Beverage Expert on the television program Wisconsin Foodie and a regular contributor to the podcast “Life Between the Vines” and the YouTube channel “Askawinemaker”.  In Spring 2010, Jessica will produce a regular monthly wine column for the Chicago Free Press.  More information about Jessica and the school can be found at www.midwestwineschool.com.