Silhouette of various bottles on a bar counter with warm orange and red lighting, creating a moody and elegant atmosphere.

About Us

Founded in 2005 by Maureen Downey, "The Sherlock Holmes of Wine" and the global authority on wine fraud, counterfeits, and authentication, Chai Consulting is the benchmark in fine wine collection management. Independent, discreet, and precise, we are the partner of choice for collectors, family offices, estates, institutions, and fiduciaries around the world, with over $120 million in fine wine assets under management.

Downey has advised, curated, organized, maintained and liquidated some of the world’s most significant wine and spirits collections. As an expert witness, Downey has played a decisive role in winery loss claims, criminal and civil litigation, and appraisals for insurance, tax, and estate needs.

Recognized as one of the most influential figures in the global wine industry, Downey appears regularly in print, on podcasts, and on television, and is featured in the documentary Sour Grapes.

With offices in the U.S., Europe, and Asia, and Certified TCM™ Authenticators in 10 countries on 5 continents, we deliver world-class cellar management and authentication with local insight, wherever your collection resides or moves.

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

To curate, protect, and maximize the value of your wine collection through independent expertise, hands-on precision, and an uncompromising stand against fraud.

Bespoke. Every collection is different, so every solution is built to fit.

Independent. We answer only to our clients.

Global. Offices on three continents, and authenticators in 10 countries.

Proven. Relied on by collectors, courts, insurers, the FBI, and the U.S. Department of Justice.

Mission

Maureen Downey

DipWSET, CWE
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.
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

TCM Authenticator, 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
Christopher Sawyer is an expert sommelier, having honed his skills at high-end restaurants in California, creating award winning wine lists, and hosting educational events for the masses. This extends to his work as a public speaker, wine competition judge and host of curated wine country tours. He keeps busy partnering with Sonoma County Vintners to host specialty varietal tasting events and as Adjunct Faculty in the Wine Studies department at Santa Rosa Junior College. To enjoy his wine adventures, follow his blog, The Sommelier Files, and his YouTube Channel featuring The Varietal Show!
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