Gillian Ballance 

Master Sommelier | National Education Manager at Treasury Wine Estates

Gillian Ballance, MS, DWS, 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 National Education Manager 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.