Andrew F. Bell, co-founder of the American Sommelier, is passionate about wine. Andrew has experience in all sectors of the industry and has worked to develop a profound understanding of the educational needs for the service side of the industry. Since 1987, Andrew’s experiences have included working with famed hotelier and restaurateur Bill Kimpton in San Francisco; opening a boutique wine shop Paris’ 6th Arrondissement; working harvest in Arbois for renowned winemaker Frederic Lornet, in the Jura France, and serving as number 2 sommelier at Michelin three-star restaurant Guy Savoy in Paris. Upon returning to his native New York in 1996, Bell launched Wine Symphony, his own wine consulting and import company in New York City.
In 1998, Bell joined with several other local sommelier leaders in New York City to create the American Sommelier. Together they developed a selection of courses designed for industry professionals and consumers interested in learning more about wine and viniculture and service. In addition to overseeing the American Sommelier organization, Bell teaches classes in each of the courses and mentors many new sommeliers.
Bell is married and has three children — including newborn twins — and lives in New York City.