ABOUT US

The Wine and Spirit School is the officially approved WSET Program Provider for the Advanced and Intermediate Certificate in Napa, San Francisco and Orlando. We are dedicated to providing the trade and wine enthusiasts of Northern California exceptional wine and spirit training through this certification program.

Derek Mackey - Co-Founder

Helen Mackey, DWS - Co-Founder & Lead Educator

Helen and Derek Mackey arrived in Napa in 2001 and promptly started a wine of the month club called California Reds, which became a big success and enabled them both to taste thousands of wines from around the world. Derek dedicated himself to California Reds while Helen started her career with global wine and spirits producer, Diageo.

At Diageo, Helen held multiple positions including brand management, new product innovation and national sales. Today, she is the National Director of Beverage Strategy for the largest fine dining chain in the US, Ruth's Chris Steak House and Mitchell's Fish Market, under the Ruth's Hospitality Group umbrella.

With a WSET diploma - she was able to embed an in-depth understanding of the commercial side of wine and the consumer to her roles. She developed a deep knowledge of worldwide wine regions and a honed palate that gains her the respect of retailers, wholesalers, educators and winemakers. Helen is an acclaimed WSET instructor, wine industry panelist and guest lecturer since 2005.

As an entrepreneur, Derek enjoys owning and running businesses (especially in the wine industry). Through California Reds, he deepened his understanding of all aspects of the industry and forged many strong relationships with Napa's winemakers, winery owners, and distributors. He brings to Wine and Spirit School his experience as a retailer and wine buyer and runs the company from a business perspective, with the goal of bringing the best possible experience for our students.