CIA Mourns Passing of Professor Brian Smith

Statement from Dr. Tim Ryan, President of The Culinary Institute of America:

The Culinary Institute of America mourns the passing of Brian Smith, author, leading wine expert, and professor at the college since 1987. During his time at the college, Professor Smith made tremendous contributions to wine and hospitality education, both in the United States and around the world. Over the course of more than 22 years at the CIA, he graciously shared his knowledge with thousands of current CIA students and alumni. His loss will be felt at The Culinary Institute of America.

Brian Smith,
Professor in Liberal Arts & Management

Brian Smith was a professor in Liberal Arts and Management at The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) until his death in December 2009 at age 57. He taught History and Cultures of Europe, History and Cultures of the Americas, and Beverage Operations to juniors and seniors pursuing their bachelor’s degrees in Culinary Arts Management and Baking & Pastry Arts Management at the college. He also taught the sophomore-level Wines and Beverages course.

Professor Smith was a member of the Society of Wine Educators. He was co-author (with fellow CIA professors Steven Kolpan and Michael Weiss) of WineWise: Your Complete Guide to Understanding, Selecting, and Enjoying Wine (Wiley, 2008), winner of the 2009 James Beard Award for Beverage Book of the Year and Georges Duboeuf Wine Book of the Year Award, and the James Beard-nominated Exploring Wine (Wiley, 1996 & 2002).

Brian Smith joined the college in 1987. In addition to his position as a faculty member, he served as Team Leader for Faculty Development. In that role, his responsibilities included recruiting, hiring, and assisting new faculty as well as organizing seminars to update teaching and evaluation methods.

Prior to teaching at the CIA, Brian Smith was assistant professor and coordinator for the Wine Marketing Program at Tompkins Cortland Community College in Dryden, NY. He was also a researcher for the District of Surrey Municipal Government in British Columbia, Canada. Mr. Smith was president of the Vancouver Wine Festival and a partner and manager for Select Wine Merchants in Vancouver.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Modern European Studies at Ealing Technical College in London, England and his Masters degree in European Community Studies at Queen Mary University of London.