Our story
Wine education for
everyone who's curious
Melbourne Wine School exists to make wine, spirits and sake accessible to everyone, empowering people to be confident, curious, and genuinely excited about what's in their glass.
The school
Built on a genuine love of wine
Melbourne Wine School started with a simple belief: that world-class wine education shouldn't be intimidating, inaccessible, or dull. Based in Richmond, we're one of Melbourne's most experienced WSET Approved Programme Providers, offering everything from introductory tastings to advanced certifications in wine, sake and spirits.
We're proudly independent, not affiliated with any wine shop, bar or retailer. That means our only agenda is your education. The wines we use are the wines we'd drink ourselves.
Meet the founder
Andy McIntyre
Founder & Lead EducatorAndy's passion for wine ignited in London, working for Corney & Barrow before completing his WSET Levels 2 and 3 at Oddbins. He went on to work at Philglas & Swiggot alongside Australian Master of Wine Justin Knock MW, where he earned his WSET Diploma, one of the most rigorous qualifications in the drinks world.
Back in Melbourne, Andy founded Melbourne Wine School with a clear mission: to share everything he'd learned in the world's finest wine trade with anyone willing to pick up a glass. He continues to work in the wine industry while teaching, tasting, and inspiring the next generation of wine lovers.
"Andy's knowledge is freakishly extensive but he makes it so accessible and fun." David, WSET Level 2 & 3
The team
Educators who live what they teach
Every educator at Melbourne Wine School holds advanced WSET qualifications and brings real-world industry experience into the classroom.
David Garvie
Wine EducatorCompleted WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3 with distinction under Andy's guidance. Passionate about developing beginners and industry professionals alike. Currently cellar door specialist at Pimpernel Vineyards, Yarra Valley.
Madeleine Horrigan
Wine EducatorOver 10 years in wine spanning Australia and Europe. Sommelier in Hamburg, completed the WSET Diploma in 2019 while working with leading importer Indigo Wine in London. Now focused on wine education and communication in Melbourne.
Aruni Vaswani
Spirits EducatorWA's only qualified WSET Level 3 Certified Educator in Spirits. Holds the WSET Diploma in Wine and Spirits alongside multiple international spirits qualifications. Teaches WSET Spirits at The Spirit of Wine, Perth.
Joanne Winterbottom
Wine EducatorGrew up in the Yarra Valley surrounded by some of Australia's most revered wineries. Journalist by training, with deep experience across cellar door sales, wine marketing and production on the Mornington Peninsula.
Melissa Mills
Sake EducatorInternational Wine Challenge Award winner in Sake (2017). Attended the IWC Global Graduation in London and judged at the 2018 IWC Sake Competition in Yamagata, Japan. WSET Level 3 in Sake.
Why it matters
Qualifications you can trust
Globally recognised qualifications in Wine, Sake and Spirits.
Every educator brings real trade experience into the classroom.
Not affiliated with any retailer, bar or importer. Ever.
Student outcomes
What our graduates say
We've helped more than 3,000 graduates find their love of wine, from first-time tasters to trade professionals. Our courses span Wine, Sake and Spirits at every WSET level, delivered in-person in Richmond and online across Australia.
"I signed up for Level 3 within an hour of finishing Level 2. Andy's knowledge is freakishly extensive but he makes it so accessible and fun."
David, WSET Level 2 & 3, Wine"A fantastic experience. The group format means real scope for discussion. I highly recommend the course to anyone who wants to deepen their wine appreciation."
Andrew, WSET Level 2, WineReady to start?
Find the course that's
right for you
From first-time tasters to trade professionals, there's a place for you here.
Explore all courses Get in touch