Andy is the Vice President of Wine Development and Master Sommelier for Breakthru Beverage Group. McNamara oversees the Luxury Wine Team and Augustan Wine Imports in Florida. He works closely with Breakthru’s suppliers and customers to strengthen relationships. He also provides education to both Breakthru’s Sales Associates and customers.
Prior to joining Breakthru Beverage Florida, McNamara was a member of the sommelier team at the Breakers in Palm Beach, Florida. While at the Breakers, Andrew passed the Court of Master Sommeliers Advanced Sommelier Examination in 2005. Following this achievement, Andrew competed in the finals of the Chain de Rotisseuers Best Young Sommelier in America competition in the summer of 2006. Following this, Andrew passed the Master Sommelier Diploma Examination in March of 2007, where he became the 10th person to win the Krug Cup – awarded to the individual who passes the Master Sommelier Exam on the first attempt with the highest score; there are now just 13 other individuals who hold that accolade.
He was named one of the "Best New Sommeliers of 2008" by Wine and Spirits, and has been a featured presenter at TEXSOM, Palm Beach Wine and Food Festival, Kapalua Wine and Food Festival, Charlotte Wine and Food Festival and numerous others.
McNamara served as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas from 2015 through 2017. Andrew previously served as Chair of the Education Committee for the Court. He has also previously served on the Board of Directors for the Guild of Sommeliers.
McNamara got his start in the wine business at Arthur’s Wine Shop in Charlotte, North Carolina. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Davidson College in Davidson, NC.