nternational Wine Center, a New York City wine school, opened its doors in 1982. Over the past 26 years, the Center has helped thousands of wine professionals and wine lovers increase their wine knowledge and discover the pleasures of wine. The Center's offices and modern, comfortable classrooms are at 350 Seventh Avenue (29th/30th Sts.) in Manhattan. Amenities include fine crystal glassware by Ravenscroft and Brita-filtered water. Classes also take place in Connecticut.

In 1994, International Wine Center was the first organization in the U.S. to become affiliated with the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust® (WSET®), and offer its courses. In 2003, International Wine Center became the U.S. Headquarters of WSET®. The WSET® instructs members of the wine and spirits trade as well as consumers internationally; its highest qualification, Diploma, is the traditional pre-requisite necessary for those who wish to become Master of Wine students. To date, over 100 individuals who studied at International Wine Center have received the WSET® Diploma in Wines & Spirits. WSET® courses are available in 47 countries and in 13 different languages, and more than 24,000 students per year sit its examinations.

International Wine Center instructs approximately 1,000 students annually in the greater New York City area. International Wine Center's intention is to promote independent-minded wine study and responsible enjoyment, devoid of promotional interest.

WSET qualifications are part of the UK qualifications framework, and the education courses leading to WSET qualifications are an invaluable source of information for students to enhance their knowledge of wines and spirits. WSET qualifications are not a guarantee of employment or career progression, nor do they form part of any regulated qualifications framework outside UK.

Mary Ewing-Mulligan, president of International Wine Center is the first woman in America to become a Master of Wine. This title represents the highest level of knowledge and proficiency in the wine trade. Currently 277 individuals worldwide are Masters of Wine, including 26 in the U.S.

In addition to heading International Wine Center, Mary is co-author (with her husband, Ed McCarthy) of Wine For Dummies and "Wine Style, Using your senses to explore and enjoy wine" (www.winestylebook.com)both published by John Wiley & Sons. With more than 850,000 copies sold, translations into 18 languages, and an audio tape, Wine For Dummies is the fastest-selling wine book ever in the U.S. The couple have also authored White Wine For Dummies, Red Wine For Dummies, Wine Buying Companion For Dummies, Italian Wine For Dummies and French Wine For Dummies.

Mary Ewing-Mulligan is wine columnist for The Daily News in New York City, and the trade magazines, "Nation's Restaurant News" and "Beverage Dynamics." She also contributes wine articles to several publications in the U.S. and England. She is also president of the Institute of Masters of Wine (North America).

Her accomplishments have been featured in numerous publications, including Food & Wine magazine, The New York Times, The Wine Spectator, Newsday, and Gourmet, and she has made dozens of television appearances. She also frequently judges at major national and international tasting competitions, and lectures to private groups.

Linda Lawry is the Director of the International Wine Center in New York. She is the primary instructor for the Advanced Certificate, and a specialist lecturer for the Diploma. Her affiliation with the International Wine Center began in 1985.

She is an adjunct instructor at New York University, Department of Nutrition and Food Studies, where she teaches the Beverages Course and she teaches wine courses at the New School University, both for the past 10 years.

Linda was the Director of the New York Office of Wine Institute, the trade organization that represents the wines of California. She has lectured widely and has been a judge in many wine competitions. She is a trained chef, with a Certificate with Honors from the New York Restaurant School.

Her other associations include membership on the Board of Directors of the Society of Wine Educators, a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier and Co-Chair of the program committee of the Culinary Historians of New York.

Linda holds the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Advanced Certificate with Distinction, and earned the WSET Diploma in 1997. She is a Certified Wine Educator and a Certified Specialist of Spirits of the Society of Wine Educators.

Robert is National Development Coordinator of International Wine Center, overseeing the expansion of WSET Programs in the U.S. Robert is an expert in Italian wine and lectures on that topic at the Advanced Certificate and Diploma level. His affiliation with IWC began in 2001 as an Intermediate Certificate student. He currently holds the Advanced Certificate with Distinction and the Diploma.

Scott Rosenbaum is the Director of Operations at International Wine Center. He oversees the school's teaching assistant program, manages its wine inventory, and sees that the Center's day-to-day runs smoothly. Scott earned his BA in Individualized Study at the Gallatin School at NYU. It was there Scott discovered the joys of wine. Scott began his association with IWC as a student in a Advanced Certificate class, and has continued that association as a member of the IWC staff. He holds the WSET Diploma and is a Certified Specialist of Wine. Scott is also the wine buyer for the website DrinkUpNY.com.

Ms. McKinnon McDade is Communications Specialist at International Wine Center. She manages student registration and the center's website. A former Californian, Stephanie was romanced by wine and the winemaking process in the foothills of the Sierra, where 49ers realized greater riches growing vines than panning gold. After 15 years in journalism and political communications, McDade detoured into the world of wine and as an IWC student passed her Intermediate and Advanced Certificate exams with Distinction. She is currently working towards her Diploma and, for the second year, writing for "Food & Wine Magazine's Annual Wine Guide."