About Us

Susan Hesleitner is the founder and lead instructor of the New Jersey Wine School.

 Prior to opening her school, Susan worked as a Retail Wine Specialist, assisting clients in the selection of their ideal wines.

 Susan loves meeting people who share her passion for wine, and as a Wine Associate for Vino Volo restaurant at JFK Airport, she increased her client base to an international one.
 

Susan began her wine career  in 2005 as a Tour Guide for Millbrook Winery and Vineyards in Millbrook, NY.  
 

She holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London, UK , is also a French Wine Scholar, and she holds the Diploma in Single Malt Whisky from the Edinburgh Whisky Academy in Scotland, UK. 

Susan is a member of the Society of Wine Educators and the French Wine Society. 

 Julia has been working in the wine industry since 2008, beginning near her hometown in the Niagara Escarpment AVA of Western New York. Her roles since then have included wine (and beer) writer, editor, vineyard worker at a small farm in Southern Wisconsin, retail buyer in Chicago, and harvest intern in Stellenbosch and the Dundee Hills. She also spent nearly five years beating the drum for Willamette Valley wine as the regional association's communications and education manager. Julia is now a freelance writer and wine educator based in Newark, New Jersey. A passionate learner and teacher, Julia holds a WSET Diploma in Wine & Spirits and is a certified WSET instructor and Master of Wine student. Her non-wine pursuits include cooking, learning languages, hiking, running, and having a beer in vineyards. 

Mark Hesleitner is the Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer of the New Jersey Wine School. 

Mark started his career in wine after meeting Susan. His love of German Rieslings and dessert wines such as Sauternes from Bordeaux, encouraged him to take wine classes. 

Mark currently holds the Level 2 WSET Certification in Wines & Spirits. 

He is a Team Leader, Financier, Real Estate Investor, and a highly regarded Eagle Scout in his community.