Sheri Sauter Morano MW found her interest in wine initially sparked during a trip to Italy when she was 17. She began her formal wine education at the International Wine Center in New York City in 1997 following graduation from Duke University, where she majored in Medieval and Renaissance Studies and Classical Studies with a minor in Art History.

At the IWC, where she later became an instructor, Sheri completed the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Intermediate Certificate in 1998 and the WSET Advanced Certificate in 1999. In October of 2000 she became one of the youngest Americans to complete the WSET Diploma and the following year passed the Certified Wine Educator (CWE) exam designed by the Society of Wine Educators to promote higher standards among wine educators in the United States. In November 2003, Sheri earned the esteemed title Master of Wine and became the youngest American woman to achieve the designation.

With a background anchored in interdisciplinary studies, Sheri enjoys working in a variety of capacities within the wine industry. She is a senior partner at Preferabli, the market leader in consumer preference technology, and has consulted for a number of companies including Rutherford Wine Company, Vinventions and Strategic Insights, Inc., a full-service marketing research firm.

Sheri is very involved with the Institute of Masters of Wine and currently serves as the President of the Institute of Masters of Wine North America. She also judges at a variety of wine competitions around the world, including the UK-based International Wine Challenge where she is a panel chair, and the TEXSOM International Wine Awards. Sheri has been featured in a number of magazines and on television and radio shows around the country. She resides in North Carolina with her husband, son, and an assortment of pets. In her spare time she enjoys running, gardening, traveling, cooking and cheering for her beloved Duke Blue Devils.

Current employer: Preferabli

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy

Industry sector(s): Consultant, Educator, Marketing, Marketing research, Technology, Wine judge

Market expertise: North America

Specialisms: Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Marketing wine, Technology, Wine marketing research, Wine judging