Roger has enjoyed a fulfilling career in wine and has been, in the past few years, an independent consultant, writer, educator and competition judge. He joined the trade after obtaining an MA in International Studies from Johns Hopkins University.
Roger has considerable experience at the import, wholesale and retail tiers. He served most recently as Managing Partner of Millesima USA LLC, the U.S. affiliate of Europe’s leader in direct sales of fine wines to consumers. Previously, he was Senior Vice President-Marketing for Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York. He acted as buyer and liaison with wineries in a dozen countries, with France as a special focus.
In 1993, Roger became one of the first Americans to pass the Master of Wine (“MW”) examination. He acted as Education Coordinator of the North American educational program and led the formation of the non-profit Institute of Masters of Wine (No. America), where he served three terms as its first President.
Roger has often been a speaker at U.S. wine festivals and conferences. His articles and writing have appeared in the Journal of Wine Research, Wine Business Monthly, Santé Magazine, and other publications.
Roger has been a frequent visitor to the classic wine-growing areas of France and speaks French fluently. His wine travels have taken him as well to Spain, Italy, Germany, Portugal, Australia, Argentina, Chile, Greece, South Africa, Turkey, China, and numerous U.S. wine regions.
In recent years, Roger has been a judge at wine competitions in several countries including Argentina, Turkey, China and the U.S.