Instructors – Vino Venue

by Vino VenueNov 03, 2023

Chef Rina Moreno

Rina is a highly motivated and ambitious chef, focused on Turkish, Mediterranean and International cuisine. After graduating from culinary school in Istanbul, Turkey, she developed a deep appreciation for the art of cooking. Driven by her adventurous spirit she immersed herself in different culinary cultures. Her greatest passion is cooking, teaching, and mentoring individuals who are eager to enhance their palate and improve their culinary abilities. She believes that “food is not only nourishes the body, but also feeds the soul”. Through cooking classes, workshops and personalized instruction, Chef Rina empowers her students to explore their culinary activity and cultivate their own unique style....

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Jack Crawford, Chef Instructor

Chef Jack turned his passion for cooking and great food from a hobby into a career. After graduating with honors from the culinary program at the Art Institute of Atlanta, Jack jumped into the exciting and diverse world of event catering. Working for the top caterers in the city, he...

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Ophelia Santos, WSET Instructor

Ophelia Santos, D.W.S., is a veteran of the food and beverage industry and a respected educator. She is the founder/director of WineWise, Atlanta’s first Approved Program Provider for WSET certification classes. She holds a Master of Arts Degree in Law & Diplomacy from Tufts University and a level 4 Diploma with Merit...

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Melissa Pelkey-Hass, Chef Instructor

Melissa was born with a whisk in her hand. Over the years, her love for cooking and competition has been carefully crafted into an award-winning obsession. Melissa uses her culinary skills to compete in cooking and recipe competitions locally and nationwide. Her craft has earned over 320 State Fair Blue...

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Debbie Ruskin, Wine Instructor

As a former restaurateur, catering business owner, and wine wholesale rep, Debbie is firmly grounded in the culinary arts. For the last three years, Debbie has been taking courses at Atlanta Wine School, as well as assisting instructors. In 2008 she began teaching her own courses, as well as conducting...

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Bill Reynolds, Wine Instructor

Bill has been involved with the Atlanta Wine School for more than four years as a student, volunteer and instructor. He has taught consumer classes on introduction to wine appreciation and food and wine pairing as well as the primarily industry focused Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and Certified...

by lelia bryanFeb 03, 2022

Kelly Wheeler, Senior Instructor

Kelly taught his first wine class in 1972 while pursuing dual MS and MBA degrees at Michigan State University. Since then he has continued to expand his passion for and knowledge of wines. Kelly is an enthusiastic student of the world of wine and is currently a Certified Specialist of...