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ABOUT
Helping wine lovers turn their passion into a profitable enterprise through digital courses and webinars and professional certifications. I am here for you to lead you through the process. Join me in this exciting and rewarding path and let's do this together!
My Background
I’m the founder of The Wine Academy, with over 15 years of experience in the wine industry. I’m a Diploma of Wine candidate, and a WSET Certified Educator. I also earned my WSET Level 2 in Spirits, the Spanish Wine Scholar Guild Diploma with Honors, and I’m a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Program. Recently, I was honored to be selected by the Consejo Regulador as one of the few certified Rioja Wine Educators — a program I completed directly in Spain.
Alongside my certifications, I bring a professional background in law and marketing, which helps me guide students not only in wine knowledge but also in building wine careers and businesses.
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My Businesses
Currently, I own and operate Wine Collective Wine Shop & Tasting Room with locations in Shelby and Kings Mountain, NC. Previously, I proudly ran Luisa’s Cellar for 5 years in Sanford, Florida, where I curated an extensive wine selection and hosted countless tastings. Before that, I owned Vineyards of the World in Clermont, Florida for 5 years.
We are currently in the process of opening a third location in Florida under the name Decant Wine.
Education and the business of wine has always been at the heart of what I do — whether it’s leading structured courses, teaching certifications, or making wine approachable and fun at events.


My Businesses
I believe wine should never feel snobby or intimidating. Life is too short not to enjoy it! My favorite part of what I do is making wine education fun, interactive, and welcoming for everyone. I also love to help people to understand the wonderful options for a career in the wine industry.
Outside of wine, I’m a proud geek — a Doctor Who fan, a lover of superheroes, and someone who can happily nerd out on both science fiction and Spanish wines. I’m fluent in Spanish, English, and German, and I bring all of that passion and curiosity into the work I do.
Beyond wine, I’m also a proud mom with a wonderful little family. My partner is a private chef, and together we curate food and wine events at our wine shops — something that brings both of our passions to life.
We’re raising our 6-year-old while navigating the balance between family, business, and life, and that’s one of the biggest reasons I love being a business owner.
Having flexibility means I can grow a career I love while still being present for my family — and that’s a gift I never take for granted. I want to help you achieve the same goal! Let's start this journey together!💛

About Me
Hi, I’m Yellymary — but most people just call me Mary. After more than 15 years in the wine industry, I’m excited to share what I’ve learned — not just about wine itself, but also about building a career that gives you more freedom, flexibility, and joy while staying true to your passion.
One of the best parts of working for yourself is the freedom to set your own schedule, work from anywhere, and create experiences that truly serve your guests and clients.
This doesn’t have to be just a dream — it can be your reality. Together, we can turn your love of wine into a meaningful career path that fits your lifestyle.
Ask yourself: What could your life look like with more free time, more flexibility, and a career you actually love? I’d love to help guide you toward your wine career goals, and I’ll be there to support you every step of the way.
Cheers!
Mary
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EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS
WSET Level 3 in Wines /
Diploma Student

WSET Certified Educator

Wine Scholar Guild Certified

Court of Master Sommeliers

Certified Beer Server


Rioja Certified Educator
OUR TEAM
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BRIANNA BURNS
DIPWSET, FWS
Brianna is a certified wine educator for the WSET and French Wine Scholar. She thoroughly enjoys watching and encouraging wine lovers as they move from hobby to passion to career as she has done. She completed her Level 4 Diploma in Wine and Spirits in 2019 and is currently working to complete the Italian Wine Scholar. She received the French Wine Scholar with Highest Honors and completed the Master-Champagne Level with Honors. She can’t wait to start your wine journey with you!
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CARA DE LAVALLADE
ADVANCED SOMMELIER, WSET L3 IN WINES, FWS, CSS
An Advanced Sommelier with over a decade of experience in the wine industry, Cara is happiest traveling the world, roaming through vineyards and sipping Champagne whenever possible. While living in Mendoza, Argentina, she was fortunate to work alongside Chef Pablo Renea as Sommelier for Restaurante Azafran. As part of the sommelier team for Silversea Cruises, Cara worked with top wines from around the world while sailing the Mediterranean. In Seattle, she worked with James Beard Award winning chef, Tamara Murphy, managing the wine list for Terra Plata and then spent four years as Wine Director for Willows Lodge in Woodinville. Most recently, she’s managed the beverage program for the remarkable destination, Enchantment Resort, in Sedona, Arizona. Currently studying for the Master Sommelier Theory exam, Cara also holds a Level 3 certification from WSET, a French Wine Scholar Certificate, and is a Certified Sherry Specialist through Lustau.
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LOURDES GUITIERREZ
Lourdes is joining NCWA to assist with social media management and daily academy logistics. She has a Marketing degree with a concentration in Public Relations from Columbia College. She has been in the e-commerce arena for 25 years operating an online store. She handles inventory selection, pricing, customer transactions and does all of the advertising, marketing & social media for the store. She also works as a Recreation Assistant and handles the social media, digital communications & administrative work for the Parks & Recreation department. She loves living in Tryon surrounded by the beautiful mountains.