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There are only 112 professionals who currently hold the title of Master Sommelier, the highest accreditation given to wine professionals, in North America. Of those, 18 are women - one of which just happens to be Laura Maniec. At 31 years of age, she is also the youngest current Master Sommelier.

Maniec is currently the beverage consultant for NIKO restaurant, as well as co-owner of the new Corkbuzz Wine Studio, a wine bar and education center set to open later this year.

Five Women to Know in Wine: Laura Maniec

1. Laura DePasquale
"Master Sommelier from Miami and Vice President of Fine Wine for Palm Bay International - a large importer of fine wine from all over the world. She is also a great mentor to many sommeliers, regularly speaks at trade events such as Aspen Food & Wine, South Beach Food and Wine, etc."

2. Shelley Lindgren
"Wine Director and owner of A16 and SPQR restaurants in San Francisco, as well as fabulous mother to two young boys. She is one of the most genuine, approachable and passionate women in the wine business."

3. Blakesley Chappellet
"Co-owner of Chappellet winery in Napa and executive director of the Guild of Sommeliers - an educational foundation dedicated towards providing scholarships and enrichment opportunities to wine professionals."

4. Kerin Auth
"Co-owner of Tinto Fino wine shop, a boutique Spanish wine store in the East Village of Manhattan. She operates this wine store with the same passion and hospitality as you would find in a restaurant."

5. Liz Willette
"Owner and founder of Willette Wine Selections - an importer who selects wine from France and the United States. She importers great wineries such as Chave from the Rhône in France and Brewer Clifton from Santa Barbara, as well as being a great mother for two boys under three years old."

Is there someone you'd like to see in the hot seat? Let us know in the comments below and if we agree, we'll do our best to chase 'em down.