Laura Williamson

Jean-Georges

Laura Williamson is one of 26 female Master Sommeliers in the world. Originally born in a dry county in Arkansas, Ms. Williamson passed the Master Sommelier exam, “the world’s toughest wine exam,” as noted by Forbes Magazine, when barely a dozen women in the world had done so. Ms. Williamson has directed Italian and German wine imports across the U.S. for various companies prior to her role as Beverage Director and Chef Sommelier for Jean-Georges, a Michelin Three-Star, New York Times Four-Star Restaurant in New York, and remains one of the few women globally to have held a position of this stature within the restaurant industry. Ms. Williamson currently advises, speaks, consults, and teaches wine lovers to expand their joy and become their best personal guide by exploring exotic grapes from remote areas to unlock their palate via the embrace of individual preference.  Dually, she mentors executive women, training them to amplify their business negotiation power through meticulous wine list navigation and succinct dining etiquette. Ms. Williamson has shared her esteemed expertise through features on CBS, FOX, NBC, Forbes Magazine, and Wine Spectator, and is a best-selling author of Unlock Your Palate:  How to Taste Wine, Impress Your Friends and Become a Wine Pro.