Biography of Andrea Immer Robinson

She was the first woman ever chosen Best Sommelier in the United States by the Sommelier Society of America, and is also the first appointed Dean of Wine Studies for The French Culinary Institute in New York City, where she graduated with honors from its renowned 600-hour professional culinary program. Andrea was named Outstanding Wine & Spirits Professional by the James Beard Foundation in 2002, and in 2004, was inducted into the Foundation's "Who's Who of Food & Beverage in America." With five books, two television programs and a new DVD series to her credit, Andrea’s down-to-earth, energetic approach to wine education has helped demystify the often intimidating subject for hundreds of thousands of consumers and beverage professionals across the globe. Her latest book, EVERYDAY DINING WITH WINE: 125 Wonderful Recipes to Match and Enjoy with Wine, was released on October 26th, 2004. “Andrea’s Complete Wine Course,” her first-in-a-series of wine classes on DVD will also be introduced soon.

Andrea’s first book, the best-selling GREAT WINE MADE SIMPLE: Straight Talk from a Master Sommelier is the ultimate easy, fun, pace-yourself wine course and guide book for consumers and those in the trade. The book was a James Beard Award nominee, and has been lauded for its original, real-world approach to wine by numerous publications including The New York Times and Wine Spectator. She is also the author of GREAT TASTES MADE SIMPLE: Extraordinary Food and Wine Pairing for Every Palate, and ANDREA ROBINSON'S WINE BUYING GUIDE FOR EVERYONE, the annually-updated, pocket-sized populist guide to the most popular wines available in stores and restaurants. Andrea’s television show, “Simply Wine” on the Fine Living TV Network was complimented with the launch of her new cooking show, “Pairings with Andrea”.

As the wine & spirits columnist for Esquire, F&B Executive magazine, the Beverage Media Group and Bevaccess.com, and through her website www.andreawine.com, Andrea shares her wine knowledge with hundreds of thousands of consumers, hospitality trade professionals and students every month. She also consults to Target Corp., Marriott International, Hilton and Olive Garden on their beverage and training programs, and speaks on wine regularly to the Board and membership of the National Restaurant Association, dozens of major corporations, consumer wine groups, and top hospitality schools.

As the first Corporate Director of Beverage Programs for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Andrea oversaw the entire alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverage program for its North American hotels, including the Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels, and The Luxury Collection. She also launched its award-winning wine education program, lauded by USA Today and numerous trade publications as the most innovative and far-reaching in the industry.

Andrea was named the first woman Cellarmaster for Windows on the World in 1992, and in 1996, reopened the restaurant as Beverage Director. Andrea counts the most significant years of her wine career in service to the Windows family of employees and guests. In 1996 Immer was awarded the title of Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. In April 1997 she competed for and won the Sommelier Society of America's "Best Sommelier in the United States" title. As holder of this title, she represented the United States in the Concours Mondial, the international sommeliers' world championship in Vienna in June 1998.

Andrea has served as wine and spirits contributor to more than 100 episodes of the Food Network's Cooking Live Primetime, Hot off the Grill and Emeril Live shows. She was featured on Working Mother magazine's cover as a Working Mother of the Year, and has been profiled in People, Glamour, Elle, New Woman, Working Woman, NBC Nightly News, CBS This Morning, The New York Times, and Food & Wine magazine.

Andrea was selected by Bon Appetit Magazine as Wine & Spirits Professional of The Year in 2004. In October 2004, Andrea was honored with the M.F.K. Fisher Award by the Les Dames d’Escoffier International.