About Christian Esser

Founder, Academy of Wine & Spirits
Wine – Spirits – Sake Expert | Sommelier | Educator | Business Developer | Rum Evangelist

Christian Esser is a globally respected sommelier, educator, and hospitality consultant with over two decades of experience across 43 countries. He is the visionary founder of the Academy of Wine & Spirits, a world-class institution delivering certified beverage education throughout the Caribbean and Latin America.

Christian’s career began with a formal education in viticulture and winemaking, followed by more than 15 years of hands-on experience in the wine, spirits, and hospitality industries. From Michelin-starred restaurants to biodynamic vineyards, his diverse journey has shaped him into a multi-disciplinary expert and a trusted voice in beverage education.

Christian is a certified educator across a wide range of disciplines—including wine, spirits, sake, cheese, beer, and mixology. His passion for continuous learning and innovation has earned him accolades and invitations to consult with leading wineries, distilleries, and hospitality groups around the world.

Christian is especially known for his deep knowledge of Pinot Noir and Northern Hemisphere wine regions, along with a growing specialty in Sake, Scotch Whisky, Cognac, and artisanal cheese. His most recent endeavor—launching The Rum Ambassador, the world’s first formal international certification for rum—has established a new global benchmark in spirits education.

Christian is also the founder and culinary director of Le Petit Bar in the Cayman Islands, a boutique wine and charcuterie bar renowned for its curated tastings and high-end hospitality experiences.

Career Highlights

Founder, Academy of Wine & Spirits
Developed a globally recognized beverage education program, offering elite certifications in wine, spirits, and hospitality training.

Founder & Culinary Director, Le Petit Bar (Cayman Islands)
Boutique wine and charcuterie concept known for premium guest experiences and expert-led tastings.

Founder, The Rum Ambassador
Created and launched the first global rum certification in partnership with WIRSPA.

Lead Educator, Wineschool3
Spearheaded WSET program expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America.

Wine Sales Director, Cayman Spirits Co.
Revamped the portfolio and grew wine sales by 300% through strategic marketing and sales leadership.

Beverage Manager & Sommelier, Ortanique (Cayman & Miami)
Launched successful beverage programs and staff development initiatives.

Wine Director, Grand Old House (Cayman)
Curated a Wine Spectator award-winning list and drove record-breaking sales.

Sommelier & Vineyard Specialist, New Zealand
Deepened terroir-to-glass expertise at Bell Hill, Pyramid Valley, and Saggio di Vino.

Expertise & Skills

Wine & Spirits Sales (Retail, Wholesale, On-Trade, Off-Trade)

Beverage Program Design & Cellar Management

Menu Engineering & Pairing Strategy

Public Speaking & Professional Training

Corporate Sales & Luxury Brand Development

Strategic Planning & Market Positioning

Staff Empowerment & Team Building

AI & Innovation in Beverage Education

High-Impact Client Engagement (HNW/UHNW)

Certified Educator Qualifications

Christian holds specialist certifications and official educator titles from globally recognized institutions, including:

WSET Educator (Wine, Spirits & Sake)

Capstone California Trainer

Sherry Educator (Jerez DO)

Cognac Educator (BNIC)

Armagnac Educator (BNIA)

Rioja Educator (DOCa)

Barolo Educator (Langhe DOC)

Rum Educator (WIRSPA)

Sake Educator (SSA)

Cheese Educator (Academy of Cheese)

Whisky & Gin Educator (Whisky Ambassador UK)

Mixology Educator (Shaker BarSchool UK)

Beer Educator (Wineschool3)

Aroma Academy UK Certified Trainer

Personal Passion

Christian’s passion for flavor, craftsmanship, and education continues to shape his work across disciplines. Whether teaching a masterclass, curating a wine list, or designing a beverage strategy, his mission remains the same: elevate knowledge, enrich experiences, and inspire excellence.