Gillian Ballance, Winemaker

Gillian Ballance, MS, DWS, Board of Directors, CMS Americas
is an acclaimed wine expert with over 20 years of experience
directing esteemed wine programs at top restaurants,
hotels, and resorts across the United States. Currently
the Senior Wine Educator at Treasury Wine Estates, MS
Ballance's career highlights include managing wine services
at The Rainbow Room, Windows of the World, Cello NYC,
Bacara Resort, Bottega Napa Valley, and Cavallo Point.
A passionate wine authority, she received her Master Sommelier
Diploma from the prestigious Court of Master Sommeliers in 2012
as one of only 25 female Master Sommeliers in the Americas. At
the time, Ballance says she was at a point in her career where she
wanted to put decades of experience to use. Since her first wine
job, Ballance recounts being inspired along the way by so many
great industry professionals—especially Master Sommeliers. It has
always been her goal to pay that forward by becoming a member
herself. Additionally, The Diploma served as justification to friends,
family and colleagues the countless hours, holidays and weekends
spent on "the floor". Ballance also holds a Higher Certificate
and Diploma in Wines & Spirits from the British Wine and Spirits
Education Trust. An approved WSET wine educator, Ms. Ballance
shares her expertise lecturing and leading seminars nationwide.
Recognized for her contributions, she has been featured
in Wine Spectator, Food and Wine, and various trade
publications. Recently she was appointed to the James
Beard Foundation Beverage Advisory Board and the
Court of Master Sommeliers Board of Directors.