People to Know: Maureen Downey

Maureen Downey is the foremost global authority on wine fraud, counterfeit wine and fine wine authentication. She has advised the FBI and the US Department of Justice in a number of high-profile counterfeit cases, including that of Rudy Kurniawan. With a degree in Hospitality Administration from Boston University and her sommelier certification in hand, Downey spent five years managing some of New York’s top restaurants including Lespinasse, Felidia and Tavern on the Green. In 2000, Maureen joined auction house Morrell & Company as a fine and rare wine specialist, with subsequent stints at Zachys, and Bonhams & Butterfields. She founded Chai Consulting in 2005, providing wine collection authentication and management services. In 2012, industry magazine Drinks Business named Maureen one of the “Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Wine.”
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