Christian Esser

Accredited Training Partner of the Academy of Cheese & Director of Education at The Academy of Wine & Spirits

Christian Esser

Accredited Training Partner of the Academy of Cheese & Director of Education at The Academy of Wine & Spirits

Wine, Spirits & Sake Expert | 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.