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John Callow
DipWSET FWS SWS
Founder & MD
The man behind The Northern Wine School.
My wine story started by accident to be completely honest. I got out of University and started a graduate scheme with Majestic Wine. Now, I’d never been into wine before that really. I knew there were three colours of it, and that’s about where my expertise extended to. But after studying for my first WSET, I was hooked on the world of wine. And I knew I wanted to devote my life to it.
In 2014, I took the plunge and set up the Northern Wine School and we’ve been going ever since.
Passing one course after another, and eventually the Wine Educator Course, I found I had a flair for talking in front of groups of fellow wine aficionados about my passion for wine. And word spread.
I love learning, and feel a good educator should always keep their skills up to date. I am an official educator for a number of wine bodies including Sherry, Rioja, Champagne & Bordeaux wines.
He’s partial to a German Riesling, or nice aged Rioja.
Sanjna Suryavanshi
WSET Level 3 Certified
Wine Presenter
Sanj’s love of wine started years ago from attending tastings and wine fair with friends. As she talked more about wine with people in the business, her thirst increased and after putting off a qualification for years, she eventually took the plunge and got her WSET L1. However, she soon realised that it wasn’t enough and over the last 2 years, obtained her L2 & 3 whilst wanting to share her newfound knowledge and ever-growing passion with others.
A self-confessed Francophile who loves to learn more, she’s about to embark on the French Wine Scholar course. When not obsessing about wine (or her day job in French Payroll), she can be found propping up the bar in her local favourite establishments sipping an Old Fashioned whilst making plans to explore the ever-growing Manchester food scene. Always, the girl about town.
Jack Tovey
WSET Level 3 Certified
Wine Presenter
Jack has worked in the wine industry for over 12 years, most of which has been in retail giving him a very keen eye to spot the bargains in the shops! He gained his WSET level 3 early in his wine career.
His work and passion for wine has led him to visit over 150 vineyards all over the world. He has worked at various wineries on everything from picking to bottling.
When he’s not improving his wine product knowledge at home, he can be found exploring the food and drink scene on his doorstep in the centre of Manchester.
Sarah Hyde
Beer Sommelier
WSET Beer Educator
With 10+ years of experience in the beer industry, Sarah Hyde has made a significant impact as a beer educator and enthusiast. She holds her Level 1 and Level 2 certifications in beer from WSET and has completed the WSET Educator Training Programme in beer, further solidifying her expertise.
Sarah began her career at Meantime Brewing Co. in London, where she led the tour and beer education department, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion with countless visitors. In 2019, she relocated to Manchester, where she continues to lead engaging beer tours and educate guests about various beer styles. Sarah also developed a unique walking tour of Liverpool’s breweries, offering participants an immersive experience in the world of craft beer.
In addition to her educational work, Sarah is an avid homebrewer and judges beer for both international and regional competitions. She enjoys exploring both new and traditional beer styles, aiming to expand the knowledge and palates of her guests.
Paul Witkowski
DipWSET SWS FWS
Wine/Spirits Presenter & WSET Educator
Paul’s wine journey started a long time ago. When visiting France on holiday, the lure of ‘degustation’ led him to want to learn more. He stumbled on the WSET courses, and the rest is history. (Fun fact: Paul took the L2 so long ago, it not only included spirits, but beer too!)
Fast forward many years, Paul now holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits, the Level 3 in Spirits and is also a WSET Certified Educator.
Paul focusses mainly on teaching the WSET L1, L2 and L3 in wines qualifications, with the occasional consumer event when he can fit it in with his day job in financial services.
A committed Francophile, he’s also fond of all styles of sherry, will never say no to Rioja or most things from California, especially a Napa Cabernet Sauvignon. But please don’t mention White Zinfandel or Pinotage…
Jason Sheldon
SWS WSET Level 3 Certified
Wine Presenter & WSET Educator
Jason has worked in the wine and spirits (and other alcohol) industry, from many different angles, for several years now. From Hospitality and Retail, to Importing and Advertising…
He’s always had a love of alcohol academia though and considers that to be his calling. He’s been a very successful tutor and educator for over half a decade, with an exemplary pass-rate might we add, but he’s also a keen student and never stops wanting to learn more.
He’s got a penchant for Sherry, Sake and Tequila and only ever seems to go to vineyards on holiday. No vines, no vibes.
