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About Us

Founded in 2005 by renowned wine expert Maureen Downey, Chai Consulting stands as the global benchmark in fine wine collection management. Independent, discreet, and precise, we are the partner of choice for collectors, estates, institutions, and fiduciaries around the world.

We’ve consulted on, curated, and liquidated some of the most significant wine and spirits collections in existence. Our expert witness services have played a decisive role in high-profile winery loss claims, criminal and civil litigations, and appraisals for insurance, tax, and estate purposes.

With offices strategically located in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, we deliver world-class support with local insight—wherever your collection resides or moves.

Whether you're starting a collection, tackling inventory chaos, or preparing to sell, our process is always clear, secure, and rewarding.

Independent Expertise — No vested interests, just your best outcome.

Global Reach — Seamless service across continents.

Proven Authority — Trusted for precision, discretion, and results.

Mission

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    Maureen Downey

    DWS, CWE, FWS
    Managing Member/Founder

    Maureen is widely recognized as the preeminent expert in wine authentication and fraud detection. With over two decades of industry leadership, Maureen has assisted law enforcement—including the FBI and DOJ—in the highest-profile wine fraud cases globally. She has evaluated hundreds of millions in wine assets and built the most comprehensive wine fraud database in existence.

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    Siobhan Turner, MW

    Consulting Executive Director & Senior Consultant, Europe
    UK

    Siobhan has joined forces with Maureen Downey since 2013 and quickly emerged as one of Chai’s most trusted authentication experts. She played a key role analyzing physical evidence in the Rudy Kurniawan fraud case at the U.S. Department of Justice and continues to lead critical authentication cases across Europe. With a Master of Wine credential and a background in finance and board-level leadership, she brings precision, wisdom, and unmatched global insight to every project.

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    Domonal Yeung

    TCM Authenticator
    Hong Kong/UK

    Since establishing his wine business in Hong Kong in 1997, Domonal has grown from a single retail outlet to a full-service enterprise spanning import, wholesale, distribution, and premium wine services. A graduate in Business Administration and Marketing with WSET credentials and formal training in mediation and risk planning, he is the sole officially certified TCM Authenticator in Hong Kong. Trained by Maureen Downey, Domonal combines deep industry experience with unmatched authentication skill.

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    Etienne Paumier, DipWSET

    TCM Authenticator
    Consultant, Europe
    France

    Born into a winemaking family in the Loire Valley and seasoned in both Burgundy and Hong Kong, Etienne heads Wholesale and Private Client sales at Watson’s Wine. A graduate of HEC Paris with a WSET Diploma (with Merit), he’s respected for his expertise, integrity, and passion for Burgundy.

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    Andrew Cullimore

    TCM Authenticator
    Brazil

    Andrew’s wine journey began in London, evolving from sommelier to cheesemonger, then to a decade at Berry Brothers & Rudd. Now based in Brazil, he brings his WSET Diploma and passion for wine collections to Chai’s authentication practice—combining refined industry knowledge with global authenticity standards.

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    Olivier Roberto

    TCM Authenticator
    Portugal

    A former professional basketball player turned wine specialist, Olivier earned degrees in Management, Marketing, and Logistics before diving into the world of Madeira and Port. Fluent in Portuguese, French, and English, he expertly supports private collectors across borders with precision and poise.

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    Carol Cohen, DipWEST

    TCM Authenticator, USPAP Certified Appraisals
    USA

    With a unique blend of journalism, culinary arts, and wine expertise, Carol began her career as a copywriter for Wine Enthusiast and later earned credentials from the French Culinary Institute and WSET. Trained under Maureen Downey, Carol applies forensic authentication skills and delivers USPAP-compliant valuations with trusted discretion.

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    Angelina Cheuk

    TCM Authenticator
    Hong Kong

    London-raised with a Biochemistry degree from Nottingham, Angelina has been immersed in Hong Kong’s fine wine industry since 2015. Currently pursuing WSET Level 3 and whisky certifications, she is committed to elevating wine authenticity awareness and combating fraud worldwide—one bottle at a time.

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  • Nickolas Harris

    CA, CFE, Licensed Private Investigator
    Switzerland

    A forensic expert at EY in Zürich, Nick brings over 15 years of anti-fraud and financial crime experience. A qualified forensic accountant and Certified Fraud Examiner, he became a TCM Certified Wine Authenticator in 2025. His childhood near Tasmanian vineyards instilled a lifelong love for wine—now augmented with rigorous authentication expertise.

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  • Chris Sawyer

    Collection Management Consultant, Celebrity Sommelier
    USA

    (Bio to come)

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