2025 Symposium Speakers

Getting off the Hamster Wheel: Whole Farm Profitability

Allied Grape Growers, California

Dr. Stephanie Bolton leads the Grower Research, Education, & Communications initiatives, plus the LODI RULES Sustainable Winegrowing Program, at the Lodi Winegrape Commission, an organization representing 750 growers farming around 90,000 acres of winegrapes. Stephanie brings to the table proven team organizational leadership, a high level of motivation and passion to discover both short- and long-term solutions for the farming families she adores, and an innate ability to creatively open communication channels between growers, scientists, and relative industry personnel. In 2023 she was selected as a Nuffield International Farming Scholar, a Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Honoree, and a Wine Business Monthly Industry Leader.

Sessions:

Lodi Winegrape Commission, California

Molly Bossardt is the founder of Bread & Butter Digital Marketing, a boutique agency dedicated to helping wineries navigate the unique landscape of DTC marketing. With a background in direct-to-consumer marketing roles in New York City and a Master’s in luxury markets from Sotheby’s, Molly has honed her expertise in crafting compelling brand narratives. She believes that marketing is more than a tool—it’s a vital lifeline that can redefine a winery’s presence and attract new customers, even in challenging times.

At Bread & Butter, Molly’s approach goes beyond managing ads. She focuses on uncovering the unique essence of each winery and crafting stories that resonate, ensuring brands stand out in a competitive market. Molly to explore how a well-executed strategy can not only meet the moment but rise above it. Connect with Molly to explore how thoughtful marketing strategies can elevate your winery’s presence and drive growth.

Sessions:

Maximizing Sales: Harnessing Next-Gen Metrics to Optimize Winery Marketing Strategies

Bread & Butter Digital Marketing, Virginia

Danny Brager has a wealth of experience in the U.S. Beverage Alcohol industry, analyzing trends over many years. He formerly headed Nielsen’s Beverage Alcohol Practice Area in the U.S, leading teams that supported relationships with Nielsen’s clients as well as key industry groups and the media.

In his current consulting role, Danny provides data-driven analysis and insights to Beverage Alcohol companies seeking to translate information into authoritative, fact-based insights in support of their corporate and brand goals. Each year, he presents at a large number of notable industry and company events and is a frequent thought leader contributor to the media/press. His informed opinions are highly respected by the beverage alcohol producers, importers, distributors, retailers and financiers.

Danny currently partners with 3 Tier Beverages – a company that facilitates the provision of data, and provides outsourced analytics, is on the Board of Directors of the Wine Market Council, and is Managing Director of Category & Consumer Insights at Azur Associates. Azur was founded to bring comprehensive advisory & consulting services – including strategic advisory, mergers & acquisitions and route to market solutions – to wine and spirits companies.

Danny was born in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Toronto where he graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University. He relocated to Mission Viejo, California in 1993 where he now resides.

Sessions:

Crafting DTC Success: How to Connect with Consumers and Grow Revenue

Brager Beverage Alcohol Consulting, California

Lois Cho is the Chief Executive Officer/cofounder of CHO Wines and founder of Oregon AAPI Food and Wine. Leaving a decade long career as a family nurse practitioner, she transitioned to a full-time role at CHO Wines after launching her and her husband’s small business amidst the pandemic. CHO Wines is a rising star in the Willamette Valley, known for their highly rated wines, relevant marketing, and newly built winery and tasting room – leading the next generation of winemakers and guiding the next generation of wine drinkers.

She founded Oregon AAPI Food and Wine, a nonprofit to shine a light on AAPI representation in the food and beverage industry. She is a Board Director for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association, a member of the Oregon Business Council’s Food and Beverage Council, and a board member of Women in Wine Oregon

Accolades: CHO Wines was awarded the Wine Enthusiast Top 100 List in 2022 and 2024 for their traditional method sparkling wines. The winery also was named Wine Business Monthly’s Hot Brand in 2023. Lois was named a Wine Enthusiast Future 40 Tastemaker in 2023, Drinks Innovator by SevenFifty Daily, listed as one of the Imbibe 75, and honored an Equity Champion for Innovation by Taste for Equity. @getchowines @notyouraveragecho

Sessions:

CHO Wines, Oregon

Samantha Cole-Johnson is the Senior Editor US for JancisRobinson.com and the host of the site’s popular ‘Wine News in 5’ podcast.

Prior to her current post she worked as a cellar rat – publishing her exploits on JancisRobinson.com – while freelancing for Guildsomm, SevenFifty Daily, and Wine & Spirits Magazine. She is the Oregon contributor to the fifth edition of The Oxford Companion to Wine and Hugh Johnson’s Pocket Wine Book. When not writing or speaking, Sam can be found teaching WSET Level 3 and Diploma classes at The Wine & Spirit Archive in Portland, Oregon.

You can find her on Instagram @samanthacolejohnson.

Sessions:

Managing Barrels and Oak Adjuncts (includes samples/demos and tasting)

JancisRobinson.com, Oregon

Natalie Collins leads the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), championing the interests of California’s winegrape community. She oversees CAWG’s operations, manages its 29-member Board of Directors, and drives federal legislative efforts while advancing initiatives in sustainability, pest and disease management, and trade policy.

Natalie joined CAWG in 2015 and became President in 2022, bringing a strong background in agriculture from her prior role as Program Director for the San Joaquin Farm Bureau Federation. A graduate of California State University, Chico, with a degree in Agricultural Business, Natalie is dedicated to delivering value and innovation for California winegrape growers.

California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG)

Dr. Collins is an Assistant Professor of Grape and Wine Chemistry in the Viticulture and Enology Program at Washington State University. He manages a research program in wine and spirits aroma and flavor chemistry and teaches course in wine chemistry and winery operations. Tom’s current research focuses on the impacts of wildfire smoke exposure on grape and wine quality.

Prior to joining WSU in 2015, Dr. Collins was the Director of Research for the Food Safety and Measurement Facility at U.C. Davis. He received his Ph.D. in Agricultural and Environmental Chemistry from U.C. Davis in 2012. He has also served as the President of the American Society for Enology and Viticulture.

Sessions:

Washington State University, Tri-Cities

As Vice President of International Marketing for California Wines, Honore Comfort draws on her more than 20+ years of experience in international wine marketing, brand strategy, and association management to build the global brand for California wines and promote export sales. Prior to joining Wine Institute, Honore held several senior leadership positions in the wine sector including Executive Director of the Sonoma County Vintners, President of Brack Mountain Wine Company, and North American Brand Director for Penfolds and Rosemount Estate with Foster’s Wine Estates (now Treasury Wine Estates).

Before joining the wine industry, Ms. Comfort worked in marketing and advertising in both public and private sector roles and holds post-graduate degrees in both Business and Arts administration. She lives in Healdsburg, California with her husband, where they grow and make their own wines in the heart of Sonoma County’s Dry Creek Valley.

Sessions:

Crafting a Positive Narrative: Promoting Wine in the Face of Challenges, Strength in Numbers: How Wineries Can Leverage Regional Associations to Handle Challenges and Drive Growth

Wine Institute, California

James Conery has been in the brewing industry for over 19 years, 14 of which have been with Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. James leads new product development and innovation for SNBCo. James has held many hats within SNBCo. including leading cellar, filter, and production operations.

His current role is as the Innovation Brewmaster Sierra. Recently he has led his team to create a wide range of products including the creation of the Strainge Beast line of hard kombucha, Tea West line of hard teas and the newer Nonalcoholic Beer portfolio and Hop Splash hop waters.

Sessions:

No and Low-Alcohol Winemaking: Market Insights, Chemical Dynamics, and Industry Perspectives (includes tasting)

Sierra Nevada Brewing Co., California

Audra Cooper
Director of Grape Brokerage / Partner

When it comes to getting her boots dirty and walking vineyard rows, Audra Cooper has years of experience in both the North Coast and Central Coast. Audra grew up on ranches in the Central Coast and graduated from California State University at Fresno with a degree in Agricultural Economics. Continuing education and professional growth are important to Audra, as she has pursued additional educational platforms, such as an online certificate in Strategic Management from Wharton.

Audra began her successful career with Turrentine Brokerage in 2006, providing support for Turrentine’s grape brokers throughout the state. Following her role as grape sales support, Audra was promoted to North Coast Grape Broker. In 2012, Audra transferred to the Central Coast as the lead grape broker for the region. A year later, she became a partner at Turrentine. Her experience and knowledge of both growing regions provide clients with a unique perspective. She has a keen sense of vineyard details and agricultural development. She is also actively involved in the agriculture community in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties.

Most recently, Audra has taken on a new role as Turrentine Brokerage’s Director of Grape Brokerage, overseeing the grape team and business unit.

Audra’s upbringing and life-long love of agriculture has given her the ranching bug, in recent years she has started a small family cow-calf and beef stocker operation. A venture that she hopes to pass on to her daughter and future generations. She resides in Paso Robles, California with her husband, daughter, and two dogs.

Sessions:

Protecting Vineyards: History of Preventing Exotic Pest Establishment and the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

Turrentine Brokerage, California

Dr. Monica Cooper joined University of California, Cooperative Extension (UCCE) in Napa County as a Viticulture Farm Advisor in April 2009. Her formative work in the Peace Corps and her graduate degree program led her to a career in UCCE, at the intersection of her passions for science, plants, and public service. Educated as a Plant Doctor at the University of Florida, she has multidisciplinary training in plant pathology, entomology, soils, and plant science that she draws upon to help growers diagnose vineyard problems. Her applied research and outreach programs provide evidence-based technical information to the vineyard industry.

Sessions:

University of California, Cooperative Extension, Napa County

Dr. Kent M. Daane is a Distinguished Professor of Cooperative Extension Specialist in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy and Management, University of California, Berkeley, CA. He has laboratories on the Berkeley Campus and at the Kearney Agricultural Research and Extension Center (near Fresno California and in the center of the State’s extension agricultural industries).

For the past 35 years, Dr. Daane’s laboratory has worked on the development of IPM and sustainable agriculture programs for insect and mite pests in vineyards and orchards (pistachio, almond, stone fruit, and olive), lettuce, and urban (eucalyptus) systems. Research on and extension of better arthropod pest management systems have been the laboratory’s primary objective and, to this goal, he and lab members have delivered >900 presentations at farmer and research symposia and co-authored >250 peer-reviewed publications (Google Scholar h-index 63 and i10-index of 235). Biological control, insect ecology, natural enemy biology, applied use of pheromone chemistry are the lab’s primary contributions to integrated pest management. In vineyards, Kent has worked with mealybugs, leafhoppers and vineyard pathogens and their vectors. Being based both on the Berkeley campus, near the north coast winegrape region and the Salinas Valley, at Kearney the Central Valley has provided an excellent opportunity to meet and work with many excellent growers and commodity organizations, PCAs and industry representatives and entomologists and plant pathologists in and outside of the University of California system.

Sessions:

Protecting Vineyards: History of Preventing Exotic Pest Establishment and the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

University of California, Berkeley

Prof Philippe Darriet is Managing Director of the Institute of Vine and Wine Sciences (ISVV) at the University of Bordeaux. Since his PhD thesis in 1993 on Sauvignon Blanc aroma, he has been doing research on the aromatic component of wines including Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, Viognier, focusing on the trace odorant compounds involved in their typical aromatic nuances. He is interested in aroma-related aspects of viticulture, winemaking and aging processes. With his research group, his work has led to the publication of 100 peer-reviewed articles, some of them linked to interdisciplinary projects on aroma, in relation to the impact and adaptation to climate change, or on the sensory perception of wines by consumers.

Philippe recently coordinated the revision of the HandBook of Enology (Wiley) initiated under the direction of the late Pascal Ribéreau-Gayon (OIV prize in 2022). He teaches winemaking and sensory evaluation at ISVV, and participates in ISVV’s tasting training at Bordeaux University, where the DUAD (Diplome d’Aptitude à la Dégustation) celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. Philippe belongs to a family producing noble-rot sweet wines.

Sessions:

Unveiling Sauvignon blanc: Exploring its Secrets from Vineyards to Bottle (includes tasting)

University of Bordeaux, France

Steve Diver is the Farm Superintendent at the Horticulture Research Farm, University of Kentucky. He earned BS and MS degrees in horticulture at Oklahoma State University. He has worked as an Extension Horticulturist, farm manager, and soils consultant over the last 40 years, including 18 years as an agriculture specialist with ATTRA, the national sustainable agriculture information center funded by USDA. He conducted the first biodynamic agriculture consultancies for USAID in Russia and India and served on the NOSB Compost Tea Task Force.

Steve has lectured and published widely on soil health, soil biology, composting systems, compost teas and microbial inoculants, biofertilizers, and alternative farming systems from organic farming to regenerative ag. The UKY Horticulture Research Farms hosts the Viticulture & Enology Program, which explores grape varieties and trellising systems adapted to Kentucky.

Sessions:

Exploring the Regenerative Ag Toolbox for Viticulture

University of Kentucky, Lexington

Damian is the 39-year-old son of Marcelo Doffo, who purchased the land and planted vines in 1994, and wasted no time involving the whole family in the business, including Damian and his sisters Brigitte and Samantha. Damian has been the winemaker for 12 years, and also became CEO five years ago. In the early days of winemaking in the backyard, Damian would help out by washing bottles for 10 cents apiece. That was long ago, and thanks to his father’s mentoring he has since developed into a promising winemaker.

Sessions:

Crafting a Positive Narrative: Promoting Wine in the Face of Challenges

Doffo Winery, California

Sebastian Donoso was born in Chile and came to the U.S. at age 14. He completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Enology with a chemistry minor at California State University, Fresno. He later earned a certificate in Biodynamic Agriculture from Biodynamic Agricultural College in the U.K.

Sebastian joined Bonterra Organic Estates in 2017 from Campovida, a family-owned winery in Hopland, California, where he established an acclaimed winemaking program based on small-lot, vineyard-designated wines from select Mendocino County vineyards, many farmed organically or biodynamically. Prior to Campovida, Sebastian was Enologist and Assistant Winemaker at Saracina, a Hopland winery owned by John Fetzer with 250 acres of organically farmed vines.

As Senior Winemaker, Sebastian leads his colleagues in a never-ending quest for improvement that has already elevated quality to new heights. He oversees production of Bonterra Organic Estates’ namesake portfolio, which includes the Bonterra Estate Collection and the critically acclaimed Bonterra Single Vineyard Collection: The Roost Chardonnay, The McNab Cabernet Sauvignon, and The Butler Red Blend. All of these wines are made from grapes grown on the company’s Regenerative Organic Certified® estate vineyards in Mendocino County. In addition, he manages winemaking for the 1000 Stories brand, a leader in the booming spirits barrel-aged wine category.

Sebastian served for several years as a member and officer of the board of directors for Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI), working to promote the grapes and wines of Mendocino County. Today, he leads his internal team with the goal of inspiring the world, telling the story of Bonterra Organic Estates through world-class winemaking, and unwavering dedication to sustainability in all its forms.

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Sebastián Donoso nació en Santiago, Chile y emigró a los Estados Unidos a los 14 años. Completó un bachillerato de ciencias en Enología y minor en química de la Universidad Estatal de California, Fresno. Luego, obtubo un certificado en agricultura Biodinámica de Biodynamic Agricultural College en el Reino Unido.

Sebastián comenzó a e Bonterra Organic Estates en el año 2017 después de haber estado a cargo por cinco años de Campovida, una bodega familiar ubicada en Hopland, California, estableciendo vinos de ultra-premium de lotes limitados a base de uvas orgánicas y Biodinámicas. Antes de unirse a Campovida, Sebastián trabajó por cuatro años como Enólogo Asistente de Saracina, una bodega de John Fetzer ubicada también en Hopland, California.

En su rol de Sr. Winemaker, Sebastián lidera la producción de los vinos a base de uvas propias y certificadas regenerativas. Al mismo tiempo, está a cargo de la marca 1000 Stories, pionera en lo que respecta a vinos añejados en barricas de bourbon.

Por varios años, Sebastián fue parte del directorio de Mendocino Winegrowers, Inc. (MWI), trabajando para promover las uvas y vinos del Condado de Mendocino.

Sessions:

Bonterra Organic Estates, California

TJ Douglas Founder and CEO, Drink Progressively Group

Over the course of his 30-year career, TJ Douglas has worked on all sides of the hospitality industry – including restaurant management, distribution, and beverage retail. TJ uses his decades of experience to lead several groundbreaking wine industry businesses, all of which are dedicated to creating community through beverage.

In 2010, TJ, along with his wife, Hadley, founded The Urban Grape, a ground-breaking wine store in the South End neighborhood of Boston which expanded to Washington, DC in 2024. The store concept is simple, but revolutionary – Drink Progressively. The store’s proprietary Progressive Scale system organizes wine by its body, instead of by varietal or region. The Urban Grape has become one of the most successful independently owned wine stores in the country as a result and was named the United States Small Business of the Year in 2021. The Urban Grape is also a 4-time Top 100 Wine Retail Store in America winner, a 2-time Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Nominee, a 5-time ICIC Inner City 100 winner, and a 6-time Best of Boston winner. The store has been nationally profiled in Food & Wine, The New York Times, NPR, Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Axios, and Men’s Journal, among others. TJ and Hadley were named EY Entrepreneurs of the Year in 2021. In 2023, TJ was a Wine Enthusiast Future 40 winner.

In 2021, TJ and Hadley founded Progressive Wine Company, a new wine brand dedicated to creating access to the wine industry for BIPOC consumers, as well as others who have previously felt like the wine industry was intimidating and not approachable. In 2023, they founded the Drink Progressively Group, a Boston-based management company that oversees the work of the Douglas’ business ventures. TJ is also a founder of The Urban Grape Wine Studies Award for Students of Color, and the co-author of Drink Progressively: A Bold New Way to Pair Wine and Food.

TJ is a frequent panelist and keynote speaker at wine industry conferences and other industry events. He is a nationally recognized wine educator who travels around the country to lead wine tastings for corporations and other organizations. His specialized wine tasting, “My Life Through the Lens of a Wine Glass,” has been heralded as an impactful way for corporations to learn about the importance of DEI work.

TJ is an active member of his community, serving on the Steering Committee for the Initiative for a Competitive Inner City, the Board of Trustees of The Fessenden School, the Dean’s Advisory Board for the Metropolitan College at Boston University, and the VP and Founding Member of the Boston Black Golf Association.

Sessions:

Drink Progressively Group, Massachusetts

Born and raised in Los Angeles, it wasn’t until Ashley Egelhoff entered into her first year at UC Davis that she was introduced to the idea of winemaking as a career. Originally studying bio and life science, she quickly transferred to the Viticulture and Enology department after taking an Introduction to Winemaking course. After graduating from UC Davis with a BS in Viticulture and Enology, Ashley worked two harvests in Napa with an additional harvest in Argentina sandwiched in between. She joined the Honig team in 2012 as Enologist, was promoted into the role of Assistant Winemaker, and in 2023 moved into the role of Winemaker.

Sessions:

Unveiling Sauvignon blanc: Exploring its Secrets from Vineyards to Bottle (includes tasting)

Honig Vineyard and Winery, California

Ed Feuchuk is a marketer and mistake-maker with over 15 years of experience building innovative DTC wine brands.

As the General Manager for Farm Collective Napa Valley, Ed has led creative, strategic, and technical initiatives for brands like Tank Garage Winery, James Cole Winery, Regusci Winery, and T-Vine Winery. With a passion for authentic experiences and renegade marketing, Ed and his work have been featured in the San Francisco Chronicle, the New York Times, Wine Spectator, and Playboy.

Sessions:

Maximizing Sales: Harnessing Next-Gen Metrics to Optimize Winery Marketing Strategies

Tank Garage Winery, California

Nick Filice
Grape Supply Manager
Silver Oak, Twomey and Timeless Napa Valley

For nearly 17 years, Nick Filice has helped the family of Silver Oak achieve the highest quality of fruit for its wines. The graduate from Chico State received his B.S. in Agricultural Sciences before managing grower relations for Justin Winery in Paso Robles.

When not on the road between vineyards, the San Rafael native enjoys spending time with his wife and two children.

Sessions:

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Tools and Resources to Increase Vineyard Resilience and Reduce Vineyard Carbon Footprints

Silver Oak Cellars, California

Oscar Gaona is a Mexican winemaker with 28 years of experience in the wine industry whose passion has led him to work in Mexico, Australia and Canada, both in conventional and alternative wines. Right now, is Chief Winemaker at Monte Xanic Winery in Guadalupe Valle in Mexico.

His curiosity for wine began at a very young age, so he decided to learn about the entire winemaking process under the direction of winemaker Francisco Rodríguez since the 90’s in the one of the leader wineries in Mexico, Casa Madero. This same desire to be a winemaker led him to first study Biotechnology Engineering at Monterrey Institute of Technology and then study Oenology at the University of Adelaide in Australia.

With the support of science, what he aims to do with his wines is to obtain the best of each valley and vinify with minimal oenological intervention to achieve excellence in each bottle of wine he makes. That is why the task of perfectly understanding each vineyard in each valley where he has participated, as well as understanding the biochemical processes of wine to express each grape variety to its maximum splendor. With this as a basis, he intends to place Monte Xanic as the spearhead of a new oenology in Mexico since 2020.

Throughout his career he has participated first-hand in the growth and evolution in quality of Mexican wine, which has led him to be in contact with a number of vinifications of Mexican wineries, which has led him to be a member of the technical group of experts of the Mexican Wine Council, of the International Organization of Vine and Wine; also Provino, a Baja California wine association, and of the Center for Viticultural Studies of Cetys University in Ensenada. He likes to share his passion for wine with the new generations of winemakers in Mexico, which is why he has taught at the Monterrey Institute of Technology, the Autonomous University of Parras, the Autonomous University of Baja California, the Center for Viticulture Studies of CETYS Ensenada, as well as the teaching of training and courses to industry personnel and wine lovers together with his sommelier wife to bring Mexican wine to more palates.

Sessions:

Monte Xanic Winery, Mexico

Hilary Graves is a winegrower, winemaker and viticulture educator with more than 20 years of field experience on California’s Central Coast.

Hilary graduated from high school in Hawaii and studied business at CSU Fresno. While her father hailed from a Central Valley farming family, she never planned to pursue agriculture—but, in time, her true calling came clear. After earning a master’s degree in library and information science, she returned to CSU Fresno to serve as the academic librarian in the university’s Viticulture and Enology Research Center. It was here that Hilary’s interest in viticulture was awakened, prompting her to pursue master’s studies in Crop Science and ultimately a career in wine and viticulture.

After studying Crop Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Hilary taught viticulture at Cal Poly for four years under Dr. Keith Patterson. She also started her own business in 2002, planting a vineyard and making wine under the Mighty Nimble brand. She later started a vineyard management company and grew fruit for, among others, Booker Vineyard’s Farmer- Winemaker Eric Jensen. Hilary and Eric formed a strong connection, and she ultimately joined Booker Vineyard as Vineyard & Grower Relations Manager in 2020.

Sessions:

Exploring the Regenerative Ag Toolbox for Viticulture

Booker Vineyard, California

Jason Haas is the second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek, serving in the dual roles of Partner and General Manager. In his two decades at the winery his family founded in partnership with the Perrins of Chateau de Beaucastel, Jason has overseen the business, production, sales and marketing.

In addition to his work at Tablas Creek, Jason has led the boards of directors of both the Rhone Rangers and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance and is a board member of Free the Grapes and WineAmerica. His writing has been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Decanter, Wine Industry Network and Wine Searcher. His photography has appeared in Wine Spectator, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Wine Enthusiast. He is principal author of the Tablas Creek blog, an eight-time finalist and two-time winner for the Wine Blog Award’s “Best Wine Blog”.

In recognition of his contributions to the Paso Robles wine community, he was voted by his peers 2015 Paso Robles Wine Country Wine Industry Person of the Year and 2017 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Person of the Year. In 2022 he was named a Food & Wine Magazine Drinks Innovator of the Year and in 2024 he was nominated by the Wine Enthusiast for the “Wine Person of the Year” Wine Star Award.

Sessions:

Sustainable & Efficient Winery Practices – Do More with less

Tablas Creek Vineyard, California

BSc (HONS) Microbial Biotechnology, University of Abertay Dundee, United Kingdom, 1997. Ph.D. Yeast Physiology and Fermentation Science, University of Abertay Dundee, United Kingdom, 2001. Dr. Hall has held various positions in the wine industry: Director of Microbiology at Bronco Wine Company, Ceres, CA (2002-2007), Technical Consultant at Vinquiry, Inc., Windsor, CA (2007-2009) and is currently at Scott Laboratories, Petaluma, CA employed as the General manager for the Fermentation and Enology Department (2009- Present). From 2009- Present, Dr. Hall is co-winemaker at Mathew Bruno Wines. Dr. Hall is very involved in the American Society of Enology and Viticulture serving as president in 2016-2017. She is a past chair of the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium and a long-standing member of the AVF grant management Enology committee.

Sessions:

Scott Laboratories, California

Rita Hansen is the Senior Director of Distillation & Beverage Making for Gallo. She has worked for Gallo for 19 years, holding various roles in the production of spirits and beverages over those years. She has a B.A. in biology CSU San Francisco and a B.A. in chemistry from CSU Stanislaus, and an MBA from Pepperdine University.

Sessions:

No and Low-Alcohol Winemaking: Market Insights, Chemical Dynamics, and Industry Perspectives (includes tasting)

GALLO, California

Jim Harbertson is an Associate Professor of Enology at Washington State University’s Wine Science Center located at the Tri-Cities Campus in Richland, Washington and is a faculty member in the Viticulture and Enology Department. He received his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry and doctorate in agricultural chemistry from the University of California at Davis. Jim’s research primarily focuses on the phenolic compounds found in grapes and wine and their biochemical and chemical changes during grape ripening, winemaking and aging, but has deviated of late and now includes the impacts of alcohol on wine sensory.

Dr. Harbertson is an associate editor for the Australian Journal of Grape and Wine Research and the MDPI journal Beverages. Jim is also an active volunteer for the American Society of Enology and Viticulture currently serving on the Unified managing committee. Jim is a past president of ASEV, former secretary treasurer and served for numerous years as the technical program chair.

Sessions:

No and Low-Alcohol Winemaking: Market Insights, Chemical Dynamics, and Industry Perspectives (includes tasting)

Sessions:

Managing Barrels and Oak Adjuncts (includes samples/demos and tasting)

Washington State University, Tri-Cities

Dr. John Heckman is a sustainability expert with more than 25 years of experience in balancing business priorities with societal concerns such as climate change. Dr. Heckman has supported the Wine Industry in several capacities, including supporting the development of the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing program as well as the California Wine Carbon Footprint. He is currently working with CSWA and members of the industry to develop a Climate Smart Toolkit as part of a CDFA Specialty Crop Block Grant.

Sessions:

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Tools and Resources to Increase Vineyard Resilience and Reduce Vineyard Carbon Footprints

Independent Consultant, Colorado

Randy Heinzen is the owner of Vineyard Professional Services (VPS), a farm management company operating across the Central Coast of California and based in Paso Robles.

Before becoming President of VPS, Randy farmed for Beckstoffer Vineyards Napa Valley, and prior to that was the Director of Vineyard Operations at Saintsbury Winery. Beyond being an ASFMRA Accredited Farm Manager, his educational background includes studying Viticulture at the University of Adelaide, earning a degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Winery Business Management Certificates from Sonoma State and UC Davis.

Randy’s commitment is demonstrated through involvement in a number of organizations. He serves as an At-Large Board Member of the National Grape Research Alliance, Treasurer of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, Board President of the CDFA Pierce’s Disease and Glassywing Sharpshooter Commission, and appointee to the AgWest Local Area Committee (Coastal Region). His leadership contributions were recognized recently as CAWG’s 2025 Wine Industry Leader of the Year.

Outside of work, Randy and his family lead full lives engaged in local activities from athletics to agricultural pursuits. Randy and his wife, vineyard Realtor Jenny Heinzen, contribute as animal haulers and sports coaches, while their children assist in running the family vineyard and businesses.

Sessions:

Protecting Vineyards: History of Preventing Exotic Pest Establishment and the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

Vineyard Professional Services, Inc., California

Amanda Wittstrom Higgins, Principal, Full Cup Solutions

Amanda Wittstrom Higgins is a nationally lauded thought leader and business strategist with over a decade of expertise in creating future-forward and foundational successes for both charitable and for-profit organizations in the beverage industry. She founded the advising and coaching firm Full Cup Solutions in 2022 and is the former Executive Vice President of Ancient Peaks Winery in Paso Robles. Higgins founded Dream Big Darling, a national non-profit events and educational platform for emerging women professionals in the wine and spirits space, in 2018. Higgins is the co-founder of Wine Speak Paso Robles, an annual trade event and educational summit and the founder of DRIVE, an annual wine industry workshop focused on talent acquisitions and fostering. Higgins’ efforts have been recognized with accolades such as a Wine Enthusiast Top 40 Under 40 honoree award (2019), Central Coast Wine Industry Person of the Year (2020), and inclusion on the SLO Tribune’s Top 20 Under 40 list, Wine Business Industry Leader (2024).

Sessions:

Full Cup Solutions, California

Austin Hope is an owner, winemaker and president of Hope Family Wines in Paso Robles, California. He is an avid champion of Paso Robles who has spent more than 25 years at the helm of the family winery. Being awarded Wine Enthusiast’s “2022 American Winery of the Year” marked the highlight of Austin’s career to this point. Hope Family Wines today spans six brands that exemplify the quality and diversity of Paso Robles: Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, AUSTIN, Liberty School and Troublemaker.

Austin came to Paso Robles with his family in 1978, when his parents, Chuck and Marlyn Hope, bought a ranch and planted both vineyards and apple orchards. Austin enjoyed playing and working in the vineyards as a child, a sign of things to come.

Austin studied Fruit Science at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and graduated in 1996. Shortly thereafter, and in the wake of a family tragedy, Chuck Hope turned to his son to lead the family business. The bold and brash 23-year-old Austin jumped in ready to make his mark on the business. Making and selling Treana Red, an ambitious $30 red table wine, proved to be challenging at first. However, Austin remained firm in his belief in Paso Robles wines, and he began to win over buyers and customers alike. The success of Treana would ultimately spark the creation of Hope Family Wines and its diverse portfolio of Paso Robles-grown offerings.

In 2007, along with fellow Paso Robles winemakers, he helped produce the TTB petition for the creation of 11 new sub-AVAs for Paso Robles, a critically important distinction that elevated the region’s status on the world stage. In 2019, Austin was named “Wine Person of the Year” by the San Luis Obispo Wine INdustry. He is also active in the community as a supporter of Must! Charities, Operation Surf and others.

At the heart of everything Austin does, there is a passion for Paso Robles and a dream of making it a global household name. At the forefront of this effort is the Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon—a luxury Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon that has twice been named a Top 10 Wine of the Year by Wine Enthusiast. This is a wine that he likes to say is “Paso Robles defined.”

Austin lives on the family vineyard in the Templeton Gap District with his wife Celeste Hope and their two daughters, Ainsley and Avery Hope.

Sessions:

Maximizing Sales: Harnessing Next-Gen Metrics to Optimize Winery Marketing Strategies

Hope Family Wines, California

Cathy Huyghe is an entrepreneur, writer and mindfulness proponent. She is the co-founder of Enolytics, a technology-centric disruptor and provider of business analytics solutions for the wine industry. She writes about the business and politics of the wine industry for Forbes, and she also co-creates the content for A Balanced Glass, a community dedicated to wellness in the wine and spirits world. All three of those ventures have been recognized for their innovative contributions. She also founded the Harvard Alumni in Wine and Food (HAWF) Shared Interest Group, and in 2021 Huyghe was named one of the industry’s Most Inspiring People by the Wine Industry Network. In 2022 she was nominated as Innovator of the Year by Wine Enthusiast magazine, and in 2023 she joined the advisory board for the Harvard Data Science Review. Huyghe’s most recent work involves thought leadership speaking engagements around the world, particularly on the subject of innovation and AI for the wine industry.

Sessions:

Enolytics, Georgia

Ray Isle is the Executive Wine Editor of Food & Wine and the Wine & Spirits Editor of Travel + Leisure. He writes Food & Wine’s monthly “Bottle Service” column, and oversees wine content for both brands as well as contributing regular print and online features about wine, spirits, and wine-related travel. His articles about wine, beer, food and spirits have appeared in a wide range of national publications, as well as in Best American Food Writing. He has won the IACP Award for Narrative Beverage Writing four times, has won the gold award from the North American Travel Journalists Association, and has been nominated three times for the James Beard Award in beverage writing. He speaks regularly on wine at events around the country and is a frequent guest on national media, appearing on programs such as NBC’s Today show, CNBC’s Squawk Box, CBS Mornings, American Public Media’s “Splendid Table,” and others. His book The World in a Wineglass was published in 2023 by Scribner/Simon & Schuster. Follow his wine exploits on Instagram @rayisle.

Sessions:

Keynote Speaker Luncheon

Food & Wine, New York

Andrew Jones
Owner/Winemaker
Field Recordings.
Vice President of Sales – Wine Grapes
Sunridge Nurseries, Inc.

Andrew Jones has been in the local vineyard industry for 22 years representing the wine grape business for Sunridge Nurseries. He currently serves Sunridge as Vice President of Sales – Wine Grapes. As Andrew puts it, “It is the only real job I have ever had.” In 2007, Andrew realized that during the fall while the nursery was slow, there was an opportunity to make wine and tell the stories of the people he has met, as well as the places he finds on the road while planting new vineyards. Those small batches of wine are what morphed into his first brand, Field Recordings. As he began sharing his wines with the world, his palate expanded as he was experiencing more wines from outside of the Central Coast. This started Andrew on the path to find vineyards that could make local versions of these esoteric international wines that he drew inspiration from. That has led to a wine project that is always evolving and has morphed into multiple additional projects:

– The Fableist Wine Co. – www.fableistwine.com
– Berlandieri – www.berlandieri.wine
– Strongwater Viticultural Investments – www.strongwaterinvestments.com

When not doing nursery/vineyard work or making wine, Andrew likes to spend time with his family of six. Jones’ four kids are active in sports and other extracurricular activities in the area, and he tries to volunteer as much as possible. He coaches multiple teams each season and is currently on the board for Pacific Coast Youth Football and SLO Youth Baseball. Andrew also serves on the California Grape Rootstock commission board, and he recently completed his board term with the California Fruit Tree, Nut Tree and Grapevine Improvement Advisory Board

Sessions:

Mastering the 3-Tier System: Collaborative Strategies between Suppliers, Distributors, and Resellers (On/Off Premise)

Field Recordings, California

Allison serves as Vice President, Environmental Affairs for Wine Institute, an advocacy group of more than 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses that initiates and advocates state, federal and international public policy to enhance the environment for the responsible production, promotion and enjoyment of wine. She joined Wine Institute in 2003, shortly after the publication of the California Code of Sustainable Winegrowing, and helped create the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, a nonprofit organization established by the Institute and the California Association of Winegrape Growers to promote sustainability from grapes to glass.

Allison has served as Executive Director of the Alliance since 2007, leading the organization’s education, certification and communications programs. She holds a Master of Public Policy degree from the Goldman School of Public Policy at University of California Berkeley, a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College, and a WSET Level 2 certificate from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. After earning a Certificate in Wine Business Management from Sonoma State University, she now teaches a sustainability course for the school’s Global Executive Wine MBA program. In addition, Allison is a board member for the National Grape Research Alliance, a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco Bay Area chapter, and an alumna of the German Marshall Fund’s Marshall Memorial Fellowship.

Sessions:

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Tools and Resources to Increase Vineyard Resilience and Reduce Vineyard Carbon Footprints

California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance

Kristina Kelley is the Executive Director of the Washington State Wine Commission. The WSWC is a state government agency founded in 1987 that represents every licensed winery and wine grape grower in Washington. In her role at the Wine Commission, she leads a team responsible for driving the growth of Washington state wine through marketing, communications, viticulture, and enology research, supporting Washington’s position as the second-largest wine-producing state in the U.S.
Kristina has spent the entirety of her career in the wine industry, holding leadership roles in various functions that provide her with a broad perspective to inform her strategic approach.

Before joining the Wine Commission, Kristina spent over 25 years at E. & J. Gallo Winery, leading teams in sales, premium and luxury marketing, public relations, and corporate communications. She also spent five years in sales within the Wine Division of Brown-Forman. In addition, she and her husband owned a vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills for more than 18 years.

Kristina is a former Board Member of Women of the Vine & Spirits and currently serves on the Board of The Auction of Washington Wines. Kristina and her husband live in Port Ludlow, WA, with their Weimaraner, Finn.

Sessions:

Strength in Numbers: How Wineries Can Leverage Regional Associations to Handle Challenges and Drive Growth

Washington Wine Commission

Erin Kirschenmann, DipWSET, is the managing editor for WineBusiness Monthly and has been with the company since 2012. In addition to production responsibilities for the monthly trade magazine, she writes about business, technology, sales and marketing, and also oversees content and programming for WBM’s symposia. She speaks on wine industry trends at numerous conferences, including the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium and the World Bulk Wine Exhibition, and guest lectures on wine, media and public relations.

In 2022, she joined the Napa Valley Wine Academy as a WSET instructor. Erin has served as a judge in the international Concours Mondial de Bruxelles wine competition since 2016 and at several regional competitions.

She earned her Bachelor of Arts in communications with a journalism emphasis from Sonoma State University. When she’s not working in wine, she’s at the dog park with Scout, on a run or curled up on the couch with a good book. Find her online via her Instagram, @erinakirsch.

Sessions:

Field-to-Table Technology Moves that Pay Back Big Time

WineBusiness Monthly, California

Steven Kukesh, Director of Winemaking Research & Development at Delicato Family Wines since 2015, brings over 15 years of research winemaking expertise to the industry. A graduate in Biological Sciences from California State University, Stanislaus, Steven’s commitment to winemaking is reflected in his leadership. Upon joining Delicato, he undertook the task of building the research program from scratch. Since then, he has collaborated with the entire winegrowing team to implement a diverse array of projects spanning processing, ingredients, equipment, and vineyard evaluations, ensuring a comprehensive approach to advancing winemaking practices while prioritizing wine quality. Steven has also introduced a sensory program, both internally and externally, and has spearheaded product development initiatives.

Sessions:

No and Low-Alcohol Winemaking: Market Insights, Chemical Dynamics, and Industry Perspectives (includes tasting)

Delicato Family Wines, California

A Chilean with Greek roots, Matías was a Marine officer, Special Forces, and Naval Engineer in Chile for more than seven years when he realized that it was time to change the course of his career. In 2005, he started studying Agricultural Engineering at the University of Chile, where he graduated with distinction and a major in Viticulture and Enology. He worked in Chile for a few years and in 2011 he decided to start traveling the world on a quest to learn new wine-making techniques. After several harvests in Oceania, Europe and Africa, he settled down in France, to do his post degrees at the Universities of Bordeaux and Montpellier. He also performed for two years as a Maître de Chai for one of the oldest and most reputable wineries in Condrieu and Côte-Rôtie.

After years of traveling and over 15 harvests, he came to the United States in 2016 and joined Gård Vintners/Lawrence Vineyards as a Winemaker and Viticulturist, and is currently head winemaker for Gård Vintners, Contact Natural Wines, Valo, and his own label, Massalto. He also consults for 5 wineries in Washington, is a WSU advisor for the Washington Soil Health Initiative and is the Head Viticulturist for Lawrence Vineyards managing over 1500 acres of vineyards across Washington State.

Sessions:

Gård Vintners/Lawrence Vineyards, Washington

Dr. Cristina Lazcano is a soil ecologist and associate professor at the department of Land, Air and Water Resources, University of California Davis. Her international career has taken her from Spain, where she completed her PhD, to the Technical University of Denmark, the University of Calgary (Canada) and UC Davis. Before joining the faculty of UC Davis in 2019, Dr. Lazcano was an assistant professor of soil ecology at the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Dr. Lazcano currently leads a team of 20 researchers at different career stages and from different backgrounds, focused on understanding the links between soil biodiversity, agroecosystem functioning and human health.

Her work identifies the soil ecological interactions responsible for C sequestration, nutrient availability and retention in agroecosystems and how they can be managed to increase soil health and sustainability of agricultural production. Through on farm collaborative research, Dr. Lazcano hopes to help winegrape producers understand how to improve soil health, environmental quality and agroecosystem resilience while producing high quality grapes. Her recent work on no-till vineyards was awarded with the 2023 Viticulture Paper of the Year Award from the Australian Society of Viticulture and Oenology.

Sessions:

University of California, Davis

Marian Leitner-Waldman is the founder and CEO of Archer Roose Wines, one of the fastest growing wine companies in the U.S. Marian is on a mission to democratize fine wine by making the wine industry more inclusive and leveraging format to fit the lifestyles of modern consumers.

Her emmy-award winning commercials, starring business partner Elizabeth Banks, have been lauded by the San Francisco Chronicle as the “most innovative wine marketing around.” Archer Roose has been recognized by Wine Spectator and the Beverage Tasting Institute. Her wines can be found in James Beard Award Winning restaurants, Target, Hannaford and JetBlue.

Sessions:

Mastering the 3-Tier System: Collaborative Strategies between Suppliers, Distributors, and Resellers (On/Off Premise)

Archer Roose, Massachusetts

Meghan Leno, Marketing Director at Honey, is the driving force behind the marketing endeavors for the creative studio’s clients. Overseeing the marketing team, she guides the strategic direction of Honey’s work across a range of projects including brand development, marketing and campaign strategy, partnerships, packaging, and websites. With nearly a decade of experience in the wine industry, Meghan has helped renowned brands shine through thoughtful marketing and intentional storytelling.

Founded in 2008, Honey is a women-led creative firm that intersects design and marketing to create impactful work. As experts in the food, beverage, cannabis, and agriculture industries, Honey focuses on building brands and creating connections that bring consumers to the table.

Sessions:

Bringing Gen Z to the Table | Navigating the Next Gen of Wine Consumers

Honey, California

Julie Lumgair is an award-winning consulting and hands-on winemaker. Her wines span nineteen vintages and 25 varietals from Napa Valley, Sonoma County and Italy. She has served in many combined estate winemaking and winegrowing roles with a keen eye on agricultural and cellar practices to significantly elevate sustainability, wine quality and sales. Her calling cards are consistently producing acclaimed wines that reflect their place, excellence in winery operations, substantial innovation and trial programs feasible for artisan wineries’ scale, a passionate attention to customer delight and long-lasting relationships.

Julie is a 5th generation Tennessee family farmer, who honed her sensory science, new product development, team building and executive leadership in her first career at Procter & Gamble and other noted Fortune 100 firms for 15 years. That experience, along with her “roll up the sleeves” work ethic, plus technical and analytical skills learned on the job from many mentors in the vineyards and cellars have been supplemented by years of rigorous independent technical study.

She has made exceptional wines including Art Nouveau, a new artisan Napa winery launching in 2025, J. Moss, Ideology Cellars, Valley of the Moon / Lake Sonoma, Castello di Montegiove, Windsor Oaks Vineyards and other private clients. Julie’s ongoing wine trials and experiments have been featured in industry press and conferences. Over 70 of her wines have consistently achieved 90+ scores and been noted by several leading critics including a Wine Spectator “Producer to Watch,” Wine & Spirits varietal “Top Ten” and “Year’s Best” lists.

Julie deeply enjoys volunteering, mentoring and building community. She is one of thirty industry leaders on the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium Program Committee and serves as President of Women for WineSense Napa / Sonoma and long-time Chair of their Winemaking & Viticultural Roundtable. She is a contributing technical writer and wine judge for wine industry trade and consumer publications, frequent winemaker panelist for Napa Valley Vintner’s top trade and media conferences and VIP immersions and masterclass developer / instructor at Napa Valley Wine Academy. She is a past board member for Napa Valley Wine Technical Group and IQ (Innovation + Quality) Conference for luxury winemaking advances.

For more information, please connect via LinkedIn or reach out directly to Julie.lumgair@gmail.com or 415-786-3415

Sessions:

Field-to-Table Technology Moves that Pay Back Big Time

Art Nouveau, California

Aakanksha is a Public Relations professional with a background in Consumer Behavior and Marketing. She currently works at Penguin Random House Canada as a Publicist. With over 5 years of experience in corporate and lifestyle public relations and marketing she has worked alongside clients from several industries from fashion, banking to spirits and wine. Experienced in both media and influencer relations she has an interest in helping relay the story behind the brand.

Sessions:

Bringing Gen Z to the Table | Navigating the Next Gen of Wine Consumers

Penguin Random House Canada

Marcus Marquez has been on all sides of the food, wine and hospitality industry in the Napa Valley and Northern California. His secret is to never lose the joy of watching people experience something new. He has co-created Michelin-recommended restaurants and an award winning winery, launched and represented wine brands, and developed wine and food menus for wine brands and for colleagues. Giving back for generations to come has been part of his game plan.

Sessions:

Brasswood, California

Lulu is a proud Ensenada native. She grew up as most of the Ensenadenses, surrounded by wines and food. She went to France more than 20 years ago, where she studied viticulture and oenology in Bordeaux.

“I never thought of going anywhere else in France to study wine. I saw Bordeaux as the world’s wine capital, so I didn’t want to be anywhere else”
After working in Chateau Smith Haut Laffite, in Pessac Leognan, she graduated and started working at Chateau Brane-Cantenac, second Grand Cru Classe, a winery owned by Henri Lurton one of the oldest and most lauded houses in Bordeaux.

In 2014, Lurton decided to invest outside of Bordeaux in Martinez’ hometown of Ensenada and the surrounding Valle de Guadalupe. She decided to head back home,
Her family was one of the 13 founding families of Ensenada and as a woman winemaker coming back to her country – where patriarchy is very much alive – she is proud to call herself a feminist.

She is now head winemaker and Wine director of Bruma and is one of the most prominent consultant winemakers in Mexico.

Martinez is a forward thinker, and she loves creating complex wines, with varietal typicity, natural freshness, aromatic finesse and balance.

Sessions:

Bruma Vinicola, Mexico

Amanda McCrossin is a certified sommelier, wine personality, podcast host, and wine-focused content creator on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. With over 500k followers across platforms, Amanda has been called “one of the most influential creators” in the wine community creating wine-focused, relatable content to help consumers via her @sommvivant channels.

A 10+ year veteran in the industry, Amanda spent the majority of her career as a sommelier in NYC and California. Perhaps most notably, Amanda helmed the wine list at PRESS Restaurant in Napa Valley as both sommelier and wine director, overseeing the world’s largest, deepest restaurant collection of all Napa Valley wines in the world thusly earning her reputation as an expert on the region. She has been featured by Food & Wine Magazine, Decanter, Food Network, San Francisco Chronicle, on the cover of SOMM Journal and Wine Enthusiast who named her a Wine Star nominee for ‘Sommelier of the Year.’

Today, in addition to her career as a wine content creator and host of the Wine Access Unfiltered Podcast, Amanda is a contributor at Wine Enthusiast and regularly sought out for media appearances and speaking engagements around the world including the Aspen Food & Wine Classic, Premiere Napa Valley, World of Pinot Noir, and Wine2Wine in Verona, Italy.

Sessions:

Adapting to a Changing Climate: Tools and Resources to Increase Vineyard Resilience and Reduce Vineyard Carbon Footprints

SOMMVIVANT, Pennsylvania

In 1982 Steve McIntyre received his master’s degree in enology from California State University, Fresno. In 1982 he and his wife Kimberly moved to Carmel Valley, California to develop Galante Vineyards and Winery. In late 1983 Steve took a position with Smith & Hook Winery in Soledad, Calif. as an Assistant Winemaker, later returning to his agrarian roots to become viticulturist in 1985.

In 1992 Steve and Kimberly founded Monterey Pacific, Inc., a viticulture management and development company, which rapidly grew from 432 acres to become the third largest vineyard management company in the U.S. at over 20,000 acres.

In 2002, along with partners Mike Filice and Eric Laumann, Steve cofounded the Monterey Wine Company in King City, California. This12,000-ton state of the art custom wine processing facility developed a reputation for first class customer service and technological prowess. Among its many notable accomplishments, MWC was the first commercial winery in the US to introduce Flash Détente to the wine industry.

Steve and Kim founded McIntyre Vineyards on 1998 to produce small lot, handmade wines from their Estate Vineyard in the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA. They have a Tasting Studio in The Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel and Carmel Valley Village and are developing a Hospitality Center at their Estate Vineyard on River Road near Gonzales.

Steve received the Wine Grape Grower of the Year from the California Association of Wine Grape Growers in 2013.

In 2022 Steve and Mayo Ryan established the Sitos Group to produce Biochar from various waste streams using a continuous, slow pyrolysis reactor at ReGen Monterey, the County solid waste facility. This is the first facility in the US to manufacture and sequester Biochar in permanent crops using a patented sequestration process. The certified process produces a high value carbon credit while providing agronomic and atmospheric carbon removal benefits.

Steve is an appointed member and past chairman of the CDFA Pierces Disease Board, Chairman of the Research Screening Committee; a member of the California Association of Wine Grape Growers, a graduate of Class 21 of the California Ag Leadership Program, previously a board member of the Big Sur Land Trust and currently serving as a board member of the Salinas Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agency. Steve and Kim have 3 children and reside in Salinas, California.

Sessions:

Monterey Pacific, California

Scott McLeod
Co-Founder, WINEXRAY LLC.

Scott worked his first harvest in Tuscany and realized the importance of site, geology, geography, climate and for maintaining a global perspective of the wine business. Scott moved to Napa and began his career as a Winemaker for the Coppola Family at their Rutherford estate where he spent eighteen years becoming a Consulting Winemaker in 2010.

Soon after, Scott cofounded WINEXRAY LLC with Dr. Giovanni Colantuoni and set out to democratize phenolics measurements by implementing a rapid phenolics protocol based on the original Harbertson-Adams Phenolics Assay from the University of California at Davis. Fifteen years and hundreds of thousands of samples later, WINEXRAY provides consultation and wine and grape phenolics measurements to clients in the U.S. as well as in France and Italy.

Sessions:

Sustainable & Efficient Winery Practices – Do More with less

WINEXRAY LLC., California

Rob McMillan, EVP & Founder, Silicon Valley Bank Wine Division

Rob McMillan is one of the top wine-business analysts in the United States and the author of Silicon Valley Bank’s highly regarded annual State of the Wine Industry Report, described by the New York Times as “…probably the most influential analysis of its kind.”

With decades of experience researching the wine business, his views on business and strategy are sought after and trusted by winery owners, journalists, entrepreneurs, and investors. He is a prominent speaker, both domestically and internationally, and you will find him extensively quoted in national, regional, and trade press.

Rob’s banking career has spanned 35-plus years — more than 25 with Silicon Valley Bank. In that time, he has held many roles, including founder and division manager of the Wine Group, executive manager of the bank’s Commercial Division, and several years as a member of Silicon Valley Bank’s Managing Committee. In addition to his public role, he is responsible for establishing new winery relationships and offers private management presentations and strategic consulting to the bank’s clients.

Rob received a bachelor’s degree in finance/economics from Sacramento State University and an MBA from Santa Clara University’s Leavey School of Business. He has served on boards in diverse industries and continues to do so today.

Rob is married with five children. When time allows, he enjoys the outdoors, travel, golf, and drumming.

Sessions:

Protecting Vineyards: History of Preventing Exotic Pest Establishment and the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

Silicon Valley Bank, California

Neil McRoberts is a professor in the Plant Pathology Department at UC Davis and researcher in the California Agriculture Experiment Station. Neil is an epidemiologist and social scientist who works on a range of plant health issues in important California crop commodities including wine and table grapes, citrus and processing tomato. Neil is the western region director for the National Plant Diagnostic Network a federal government program which supports over 70 diagnostic laboratories in US states and territories, contributing to pest and disease surveillance, public education, outreach and professional development for diagnosticians. In relation to viticulture Neil has contributed to better understanding of the dynamics of leafroll and red blotch viruses, Pierces Disease, and has recently coordinated research on behalf of CDFA and CACASA to evaluate the risk posed by Spotted Lanternfly.

Sessions:

University of California, Davis

Sophia is an Account Executive at Colangelo & Partners, bringing experience in social media management and content curation. She holds the WSET Diploma certification, and is based in the New York office. During her time at the agency, she has worked with a wide variety of clients ranging from EU consortiums, to high-profile domestic portfolios. At C&P, her work has spanned both media relations and social media.

Sessions:

Bringing Gen Z to the Table | Navigating the Next Gen of Wine Consumers

Colangelo & Partners, New York

Dr. Michelle Moyer is a professor and Statewide Viticulture Extension Specialist for Washington State University. Her extension and research programs focus on proactive approaches to grape growing and decision support for individuals at all stages of grape production, with an emphasis on integrated vineyard management. She is the current interim President of the American Society of Enology and Viticulture.

Washington State University, IAREC

Juan Muñoz-Oca is the Chief Operating Officer for the US business of Marchesi Antinori. Headquartered in Florence, Italy, Antinori is one of the most admired wine companies in the world. Documentation of the first generation of winemakers places the start of their amazing story in 1385, now in its 26th generation the family continues to be a guiding light for both wine professionals and wine enthusiasts alike, in Italy and around the globe.

Describing himself as “stupidly obsessed with wine”, Juan has a true passion not only for making great wine and influencing the way people experience it, but also he’s passionate about protecting the planet so future generations can make wine in the same pristine conditions we grow grapes today. He believes that wineries have the ability to influence geography, communities, and social environments.

Raised in Mendoza, Argentina, Juan gained respect for wine at an early age. Owing his love of wine to his Spanish/Italian roots, and his family connection with the industry. After graduating from college, he joined the winemaking team at Terrazas de los Andes, the super-premium winery owned by luxury giant LVMH, following multiple harvests in Australia, France, and Spain, Juan moved to the US to work for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates where he was the creative force behind some of the most successful wines ever made in the Pacific Northwest, eventually becoming their Chief Winemaker. In early 2023 Juan joined B Corp Certified O’Neill Vintners and Distillers where he served as its Chief Wine-Growing Officer.

Today Juan oversees the Antinori properties in the US, acting as the Estate Director of each winery, leading some of the most historic and influential properties in both Napa Valley, California and Red Mountain, Washington: the iconic Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in the heart of the Stags Leap District; Antinori Napa Valley atop Atlas Peak AVA and Col Solare decorating the gentle slope of Red Mountain AVA.

Juan holds dual degrees in agricultural engineering as well as enology & viticulture from the National University of Cuyo and is a graduate of Columbia Business School at Columbia University in New York.

Sessions:

Field-to-Table Technology Moves that Pay Back Big Time

Marchesi Antinori, California

Originally from the UK, Sam moved to the United States in 2017 to pursue a career in the beverage and hospitality industry. Starting out his journey in coffee, Sam was a three-time finalist in the United States Barista Championship while beginning to study wine as a hobby. In 2020 Sam left the coffee industry and moved to Austin, TX to pursue a career in wine and restaurants. Here he gained his certified sommelier certification before moving to New York City in 2023 to join the wine team at three michelin-starred Eleven Madison Park. In 2024 he won the Chaine Rotisseur’s Best Young Sommelier in the United States competition.

Sessions:

Bringing Gen Z to the Table | Navigating the Next Gen of Wine Consumers

Eleven Madison Park, New York

Manuel Negrete
Wine Director, Wine Bar by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles

Originally from Mexico City, he began his training at the Mexican Sommelier Academy of the Association of Mexican Sommeliers (ASM) (winning the Award for the Best Wine List, presented as a final project), obtaining the title of Professional Sommelier Level 1 at the young age of 21.

After obtaining his degree as sommelier, he joined Freixenet de Mexico for a 3-year spell with the company, then he joined Grupo Gemaric in March 2016, as Operations Manager and consultant. Since December 2019 he joins the team of the Association de la Sommellerie Internationale (ASI) as part of the Marketing and Social Media team, as well as translating ASI’s newsletter into Spanish. As of April 2020, he joined the Wine Bar by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles team as Wine Director.

Besides his certification by the Mexican Sommeliers Association, he is one of only 8 Mexican ASI Diploma holders, in addition to being Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers: Americas and having achieved the WSET level 2 in Wines with Distinction.

In May 2018 he becomes the winner of the second edition of the ASM Master of Champagne Competition. In December 2021 he obtains second place in the ASM National Sommelier Competition 2021, same that earns him a place to represent Mexico at the ASI Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition, Chile 2022.

In addition to his position as Wine Director, he is the only official wine instructor in Mexico endorsed by the Administration of Development of Grape Industry of Ningxia, China; he teaches at the Mexican Sommeliers Academy and is a contributor to BuenaMesa, the gastronomic supplement of the Reforma newspaper, since February 2022, ambassador for Star Wine List in Mexico, and has also been judge for 5 different platforms of the Concours Mondial de Bruxelles.

Instagram: @mexican.somm

Sessions:

Wine Bar by Concours Mondial de Bruxelles, Mexico

Sally discovered her passion for winemaking while studying Oenology at the University of Adelaide. After graduating, she embarked on a planned short-term harvest in New Zealand, which turned into a 15-year journey with Wither Hills Winery in Marlborough, where she advanced from Cellar Hand to Winemaker and Global Brand Ambassador.

Her love of exploration led her to complete vintages in Burgundy and California’s Russian River Valley. In 2018, Sally returned to California to focus on cool-climate wines. By 2022, she joined The Prisoner Wine Company, embracing a creative role crafting distinctive wines and working with diverse varietals and microclimates across California.

Outside the winery, Sally enjoys traveling, camping, cooking, and using fresh produce from her garden. She lives in sunny California with her husband and two young children.

Sessions:

Sustainable & Efficient Winery Practices – Do More with less

Constellation Brands, Inc., California

Susan J Owen fell in love with wine 15 years ago while living in Valparaiso, Chile near Casablanca Valley. It was there that her passion for combining travel and all things wine began. Today, Susan is the Sr. Director of Sales at G3 Enterprises leading a team of wine packaging experts across North America as well as serving as the 2025 & 2026 Unified Wine and Grape Symposium Program Development Co-Chair.

Prior to joining G3 she was the General Manager of Juclas USA, the California based subsidiary of the Vason Group headquartered in Italy, specializing in enological ingredients and membrane technology equipment. She has her Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in International Business from Fresno State. When not out exploring new wine brands and regions Susan can be found either reading a good book or spending time with her horses, dogs, chickens, and cats. Apart from being an avid lover of animals she is also an active long-time member of Rotary International attempting to embody their slogan of “Service Above Self”.

Sessions:

Mastering the 3-Tier System: Collaborative Strategies between Suppliers, Distributors, and Resellers (On/Off Premise)

G3 Enterprises, California

Devin Parr is a leading personality in the wine industry. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of Devin Parr & Associates, a PR, marketing, and content agency in the beverage, travel and tourism space. She holds her Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Diploma as well as a certification in wine expertise from the Apicius International School of Hospitality in Florence, Italy, and a B.A. in political science and economics from UC San Diego. In 2017, she was named one of Wine Enthusiast Magazine’s Top 40 Under 40 Tastemakers.

A passionate storyteller, Devin regularly contributes to wine and lifestyle publications, including VinePair, WineCountry.com, NapaValley.com, Sonoma.com, and The Gourmet Insider, and her own blog on DevinParr.com, where she covers the business of wine. She is the co-founder and editor-in-chief of The Vintner Project, and co-founder of online wine community Grapeloop. When she’s not traveling the world in search of memorable wines, she moonlights as an aspiring ninja, pursuing her black belt in Shorin Ryu karate.

Devin is based in Temecula, California with her husband, two sons, and two bossy Shih Tzus. Follow her wine, parenting, and martial arts adventures at @thesocalwinegal.

Devin Parr & Associates, California

Greg Pennyroyal’s focus is on the relationship between healthy ecosystems, and healthy communities. He is following a family tradition of medicinal plant farming from his mother, a traditionally trained herbalist in Norway, to his current position as Vineyard Manager of Wilson Creek Winery and Professor of Viticulture at Mount San Jacinto College in Temecula. He is the founder of the Small Winegrowers Association and is developing a regenerative curriculum at Mt San Jacinto College.

Previous experience as manager of Trout Lake Farm, medicinal herb farm, Director of Botanical Research at Leiner Health, a researcher with the National Institutes of Health, 10 years on the United States Pharmacopeial Convention Board developing medicinal plant standards and work with the Global Institute for Tibetan Medicine has reinforced an evolving respect for the power of science coupled with the wisdom of nature in allowing a positive future that wants to emerge.

Sessions:

Exploring the Regenerative Ag Toolbox for Viticulture

Wilson Creek Winery, California

An accomplished communications and marketing specialist and true people person, Joel Peterson has spent 20 years marketing wine and beer, and currently serves as the executive director of the PRWCA. The organization, made up of 200 wineries and 500+ total businesses, leads marketing, outreach, and education efforts that promote and protect Paso Robles Wine Country.

After earning a degree from the University of Arizona, Peterson spent eight years in Hollywood working in film production. He joined the Paso wine community full time in 2003, working for several wineries including L’Aventure, JUSTIN, and Hope Family Wines. In 2013, Peterson joined Solterra Strategies, a wine-focused marketing and public relations agency, and later spent two years leading the marketing team at Firestone Walker Brewing Company. He became executive director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance in 2019. Since starting, PRWCA winery membership is up 34%. Peterson and his wife live in Paso Robles. He is active in the community and serves on the Paso Robles School Board.

Sessions:

Strength in Numbers: How Wineries Can Leverage Regional Associations to Handle Challenges and Drive Growth

Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, California

A decade into his publishing career at Time Inc., Dan Petroski took a moment to reflect, and he jettisoned to Italy for a year. While Petroski’s intention was to return to New York, a harvest invitation in 2006 to come to California was too good to pass up. After harvest, Petroski was hired at Napa’s Larkmead as cellar master, ultimately claiming the winemaker title in 2012. Petroski spent nearly 15 years at Larkmead, cementing his status as a top-tier Napa Valley Cabernet winemaker; during that period Petroski launched a white wine only brand called Massican, an ode to the Mediterranean and Petroski’s time spent living in Italy and drinking white wine. Petroski’s approach and ability to craft wines as diverse as Cabernet Sauvignon and Tocai Friulano has earned him perfect 100-point scores, Top 100 wines, recognition as San Francisco Chronicle’s Winemaker of the Year in 2017, Food & Wine magazine’s Drinks Innovator of the Year in 2022, and VinePair’s Winemaker of the Year in 2024.

Sessions:

Crafting DTC Success: How to Connect with Consumers and Grow Revenue, Field-to-Table Technology Moves that Pay Back Big Time

Massican Wines, California

Meghan Phillips, the moderator for the AI session, brings a unique perspective as a leader at Honey, a Sacramento-based creative and marketing studio deeply connected to the wine industry. With extensive experience in helping wineries tell their stories, she approaches AI integration from both marketing and operational viewpoints. At Honey, she leads exploration into how artificial intelligence can ethically enhance processes and business efficiencies—insights particularly valuable to wineries navigating their own AI journeys. Her practical understanding of both agency operations and wine industry needs positions her perfectly to guide this discussion on responsible AI adoption and implementation.

Sessions:

AI in the Wine Industry: Do’s, Don’ts, and Live Demonstrations from an AI Prompt Engineer

Honey, California

Cokie, affectionately also known as the “wine whisperer” for her ability to get seemingly anyone excited about wine is a Master of Wine student with nearly half a million followers on Instagram. She travels the world to visit wine regions and shares perspectives and lesson that she picks up along the way in an approachable and easy to understand video format style.

In addition to the Master of Wine program which she is studying with the European chapter, Cokie is preparing also for the Advanced Sommelier Exam. Before branching out to run her social media page full-time and later start a marketing consulting practice, she was the Sommelier at the Four Seasons Hotel in Toronto.

In addition to her work in wine, Cokie also attends the University of Toronto, where she studies ancient civilizations and English.

Sessions:

Bringing Gen Z to the Table | Navigating the Next Gen of Wine Consumers

Cokie’s World of Wine, Canada

Glenn Proctor
Partner – The Ciatti Company

My family immigrated to the Dry Creek Valley in 1889 and bought the Puccioni Ranch in 1904. The family has continuously farmed grapes on the property, and in the early 1920’s and 30’s operated Puccioni Winery. I am an owner of Puccioni Ranch and serve as the General Manager. I also started Puccioni Vineyards in 2002 – a small handcrafted Old Vine Zinfandel brand using the grapes from my family’s property.

I am a partner at The Ciatti Company. We broker wine and grapes between buyers and sellers and have offices in 10 different countries throughout the world. I advise our clients on their supply positioning and work closely with growers and wineries in marketing their grapes and wine. I have over 30 years of experience relating to wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality and production, brand strategy, and business development.

I attended Healdsburg High School and then California State University Fresno where I received a bachelor’s degree in Viticulture/Plant Science. I then received a master’s degree in Horticulture at UC Davis. I also completed a two-year fellowship with the California Agricultural Leadership Program – Class 29.

I have served on the Board of Directors of the California Wine Institute, American Vineyard Foundation, California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG), California Ag Leadership Alumni Council, Healdsburg Future Farmers Country Fair, the Winegrowers of Dry Creek Valley, the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission, and the Board of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.

I am married to Laurie, and we have two boys – Joshua and Noah.

Sessions:

AI in the Wine Industry: Do’s, Don’ts, and Live Demonstrations from an AI Prompt Engineer

Ciatti Company, California

A professional Prompt Engineer, Jacob Rangel, is at the forefront of leveraging Generative AI to revolutionize creative problem-solving and drive efficiency across industries. As a passionate advocate for the transformative potential of AI, he champions its responsible implementation. Through insightful applications and leadership, he inspires and helps businesses embrace and deploy AI to power their growth.

Sessions:

Modakong, California

Stephen Rannekleiv is the Beverage Sector Strategist in the Food & Agribusiness Research and Advisory group. Mr. Rannekleiv joined Rabobank in 2006 and now leads the global beverage research team.

As Sector Strategist, Stephen and the global team of beverage analysts research emerging trends and opportunities with the goal of providing actionable ideas to our clients. Recent research themes that the team have tackled include: opportunities in e-commerce, shifting distribution models for alcoholic beverages in Western Europe, blurring of category lines, investment opportunities in out-of-home coffee, innovation in brand-building strategies and more. Stephen is also the host of Liquid Assets, Rabobank’s podcast that shares insights and views on the global beverage industry.

Prior to taking the role of Beverages Sector Strategist, he was a senior beverages analyst at Rabobank for ten years, primarily covering developments in the wine and spirits industry.

Sessions:

Field-to-Table Technology Moves that Pay Back Big Time

Rabobank, New York

Carol Reber is a highly respected and market-focused operating executive specializing in high-growth omni-channel beverage businesses with more than three decades of experience at beverage and entertainment companies.

In January 2025, she was announced as interim Chief Executive Officer of Far Niente Wine Estates, the renowned Napa Valley leader in luxury wine across six wineries. Reber has spent the past 25 years in key luxury wine industry leadership positions, including serving for the past two years on the Far Niente Board of Directors, plus past leadership roles at The Duckhorn Portfolio, Treasury Wine Estates, Gallo and the Walt Disney Company.

Ms. Reber is currently a trusted advisor and independent board director for market-leading companies poised for growth. She currently serves as an independent Board Director at Arterra and Rack & Riddle and as an Advisory Board Member at Fresh Victor, a premium line of cold-pressed, all-natural cocktail and mocktail mixers.

From 2010 to 2022, she served as EVP Chief Marketing & DTC Officer at The Duckhorn Portfolio and was instrumental in transforming the company from a small luxury winery into one of the world’s most successful premium wine companies expanding the portfolio, revenue and EBITA by >10X.

Carol earned her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, San Diego.

Sessions:

Board Member & Advisor, California

Originally from Argentina, Gaspar Roby has over 25 years of experience in the wine industry across Latin America and California. With an Agricultural Engineering degree and graduate studies at UC Davis, he specializes in winemaking, vineyard management, and supply chain operations.

As Vice President of Supply for Terlato Wine Group, Gaspar oversees production for renowned wineries like Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill, and Sanford & Benedict, ensuring exceptional quality and efficiency in wine production. His expertise and commitment to excellence make him a respected leader in industry.

Sessions:

Terlato Wine Group, California

David is Winemaking Consultant with 24 years of winery experience in California, Oregon, Australia, New Zealand, and Washington state.

After graduating from the University of Puget Sound in 2001 with a degree in Marine biology, David got his start in Napa Valley as a harvest lab intern. David returned to Washington and joined Chateau Ste. Michelle as a lab technician through 2006. Realizing winemaking was his true passion and wanting to gain more experience, David took winemaking internships in Victoria, Australia and then in the Willamette Valley.

In 2007, David rejoined the Chateau Ste. Michelle winemaking team, ultimately taking on the role of Head White Winemaker in 2015. David continued the storied tradition of exceptional winemaking overseeing 3 million cases of annual production and adding to an extensive list of high scoring wines and accolades.

In 2023 David founded Partnership Wine Consulting and quickly built a roster of clients composed of some of Washington’s most iconic wineries. Without compromise David helps wineries craft small-lot, ultra-premium wines as well as larger nationally distributed wines.

Sessions:

Unveiling Sauvignon blanc: Exploring its Secrets from Vineyards to Bottle (includes tasting)

Partnership Wine Consulting, Washington

Anne was born and raised in Reunion Island, a tropical French island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. When she was 14, her parents purchased a vineyard in Côte de Nuits. As a teenager, she spent her summer in Burgundy at the family vineyard, and it was there where her affinity for wine first blossomed.

Anne left Reunion after high school to attend college in Dijon where she received her degree in Biology, Physics, and Mathematics. She then completed the master’s program of Viticulture and Oenology of the ENITA of Bordeaux and received her National Diploma of Enology from the University of Bordeaux. During her years in school, Anne would return to Burgundy for internships with well esteemed Pinot Noir producers; Domaine jean-Francois Coche-Dury, Domaine Hubert Lignier, Maison Bouchard Pere & Fils.

After graduating she traveled to the United States to perfect her English and experience another Pinot Noir region of the world. While interning at Beaux Freres, she fell in love with the Willamette Valley and decided that she wanted to stay to start her career. Anne landed the job of assistant winemaker for Soléna Estate, after meeting Owner and Proprietor, Laurent Montalieu. After 2 years at Soléna, Anne joined the team at NW Wine Company as winemaker. She has been there for 13 years.

Sessions:

Managing Barrels and Oak Adjuncts (includes samples/demos and tasting)

NW Wine Company, Oregon

University of Missouri, Assistant Extension Professor and State Extension Specialist for Enology
PhD Microbiology and Wine Science, Gutenberg University Mainz, Germany
Engineering Diploma in Beverage Technology, Hochschule Geisenheim University, Germany

Dr. Sommer joined the Grape and Wine Institute at the University of Missouri in August 2022. He is the enology program leader and provides extension support for all wineries in the State of Missouri. Prior to moving to Missouri, he was the Director of the Viticulture and Enology Research Center at California State University Fresno. As Director of VERC, he provided research and administrative leadership by planning, promoting, and administering all viticulture and enology research programs. Prior to that, Dr. Sommer was the academic program director and an Assistant Professor of Fermentation Sciences at Appalachian State University in Boone, NC. He also brings more than eight years of industry experience in various fields of beverage production including wineries, sparkling wine companies, breweries, table water production, and related fields including industrial flavor production.

Sessions:

Sustainable & Efficient Winery Practices – Do More with less

University of Missouri, Columbia

Kim Stemler is the President/CEO of The Carmel Foundation, where she leads efforts to support successful aging and community well-being—including affordable housing, meals, and engaging programs. So why is she moderating at Unified? Not because the industry is aging (although it’s said that wine professionals, like wine, get better with age), but because Kim served as the Executive Director of the Monterey County Vintners & Growers Association (MCVGA) for nearly 11 years.

Kim’s deep passion for Monterey County agriculture and its renowned wine industry has defined much of her career. At MCVGA, she served as a dedicated advocate for the region’s wines, vineyards, and growers, fostering collaboration and innovation within the industry.

With over 25 years of leadership experience in management, strategic planning, organizational development, and communications, Kim has worked with foundations, colleges, and nonprofits to refine strategies and design impactful programs. Her work during the COVID pandemic was particularly notable, as she spearheaded a county-wide initiative to bring COVID testing and vaccinations to underserved populations.

Kim holds a master’s degree in administrative science from The Johns Hopkins University and is a certified Executive and Management Coach as well as a Certified Wine Appellation Specialist.

Sessions:

Strength in Numbers: How Wineries Can Leverage Regional Associations to Handle Challenges and Drive Growth

The Carmel Foundation, California

Bill Stokes is a third-generation grape grower and farmer, proudly co-owning Stokes Brother Farms and Stokes Vineyards. He serves as the President of both the Woodbridge Irrigation Board and Reclamation District 34. With extensive experience in farming over 4,000 acres of wine grapes, almonds, walnuts, and cherries, Bill has made significant contributions to the industry as a past President of the Lodi District Grape Growers Association (LDGGA) and was a founder of a local agricultural community business bank in Lodi. He operates the family farming business alongside his brother at Stokes Farms. Above all, Bill cherishes his role as a part-time farmer and part-time grandfather to his granddaughter, Gigi, and grandson, Will, sharing the joys of agriculture with the next generation.

Sessions:

Getting off the Hamster Wheel: Whole Farm Profitability

Stokes Vineyards, California

Jacylyn Stokes is a fourth-generation grape grower and the co-owner of Stokes Vineyards. Passionate about the wine industry, she serves as the Vice-Chair of the Lodi Winegrape Commission and owns her own rosé wine brand while collaborating on various innovative wine projects. Jacylyn actively engages with the agricultural community alongside her father, balancing this with her full-time role as a sales manager for a local winery in Lodi. She earned her MBA in Wine and Spirits Business Management from the Burgundy School of Business in Dijon, France, in 2019 and is a proud graduate of the California Agricultural Leadership Program, Class 52. In her spare time, Jacylyn enjoys being an amateur tarot reader and astrologist!

Sessions:

Getting off the Hamster Wheel: Whole Farm Profitability

Stokes Vineyards, California

Martha Stoumen is a Sonoma County based, first generation winemaker and business leader. She founded Martha Stoumen Wines in 2014 to produce commercially viable, naturally made wines in her home state of California. Martha champions dry farming and organic methods in the vineyard, and seeks to expand perceptions around what California wine represents. Annually, she produces nearly two dozen wines incorporating both unexpected and classic varietals, many of which come from historic, lesser-known growing regions. Martha Stoumen Wines is a majority female owned and operated business.

Martha Stoumen and her wines have been featured in the New York Times, the San Francisco Chronicle, Forbes, the Washington Post, Vogue, Vanity Fair, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Sunset, and Playboy, among others.

Martha currently lives in Santa Rosa, CA with her husband, Jon Patch, and their five-year-old son, August.

Sessions:

Crafting a Positive Narrative: Promoting Wine in the Face of Challenges

Martha Stoumen Wines, California

Adam Teeter is CoFounder and CEO of VinePair and cohost of the publication’s flagship VinePair podcast. He writes and lectures extensively about the world of drinks and can be often found enjoying a good bottle of wine or an ice-cold gin martini.

Sessions:

Crafting DTC Success: How to Connect with Consumers and Grow Revenue

VinePair Inc., New York

Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino is an Associate Professor of enology at Oregon State University and a core member of the Oregon Wine Research Institute. Elizabeth’s Ph.D. in Oenology was earned from Lincoln University in New Zealand and incorporated components of microbiology, winemaking, sensory science, chemistry, and food science.

A Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 Wine Star Awards winner, Tomasino was recognized as an “Innovator of the Year” for her research on grape smoke exposure and smoke taint in wine. She has been involved in research projects for E & J Gallo, Yalumba Winery, Robert Mondavi Winery, Giesen Wine Estates, and Pernod Ricard NZ. Her current research program is at the interface of wine chemistry and sensory. Of particular interest, she links chemical compounds to sensory perception, exploring the many interactions that occur.

Tomasino has also developed predictive models for tropical fruit aromas in white wine and continues in her quest to unravel the many issues surrounding winemaking grapes impacted by smoke exposure and the prevalence of smoke taint in wine from smoke-impacted vintages. She is open to new ideas and collaborations and welcomes the chance to discuss and enjoy wine.

Sessions:

Unveiling Sauvignon blanc: Exploring its Secrets from Vineyards to Bottle (includes tasting)

Oregon State University, Corvallis

Dr. Julie Urban is a Research Associate Professor in the Entomology Department at Pennsylvania State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Evolutionary Biology from the University at Albany. She studies planthopper evolution and their co-evolution with multiple bacterial and fungal symbionts. Her recent work involves aspects of basic and applied research on the invasive planthopper, the Spotted Lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula). She has been a member of USDA’s Technical Working Group of scientists, advising management and research on the Spotted Lanternfly, since it was first detected in the US in September 2014. Dr. Urban has been leading a regional USDA NIFA Specialty Crops Research Initiative grant studying the biology, management, reducing the impact of Spotted Lanternfly in specialty crops in the eastern USA.

Sessions:

Protecting Vineyards: History of Preventing Exotic Pest Establishment and the Threat of Spotted Lanternfly

The Pennsylvania State University, University Park

JoAnn C. Wall
Accredited Rural Appraiser and Real Estate Broker

JoAnn C. Wall, ARA/Broker is the CEO at Above & Beyond Real Estate Services, Inc., a company she started in 2009 as Central Coast Ag Appraisal, Inc. Following a short stint as the Regional Vice President of a national appraisal firm in 2015, JoAnn re-launched her company in early 2016. In 2019, she expanded her practice to include brokerage and consulting services under Bakersfield-based Alliance Ag Services, Inc. which recently merged with Lee & Associates.

Having worked as a staff appraiser in the Farm Credit System for many, contract appraiser for a local independent fee shop, and eventually owning and managing two successful fee-based appraisal businesses herself, JoAnn has a wide range of real estate experience that brings diversity and knowledge to her practice. JoAnn is known locally as the authoritative source for vineyard and winery brokerage and valuation on the Central Coast. In addition to vineyard and winery real estate, she has multiple disciplines and specialties including greenhouse/nursery operations, permanent plantings, special use facilities and cannabis. She frequently teaches and speaks at conferences throughout the U.S. regarding these topics.

JoAnn received her Certified General appraisal license in March 2000 and attained the level of ARA (Accredited Rural Appraiser) through the ASFMRA in October 2008. She is the past Chair of the National ASFMRA Appraisal Education and Accreditation Committee and is an active instructor for both continuing education classes and core courses, many of which she has written herself. She is also a past President for the California Chapter of ASFMRA and has been active on several committees at the State level. She received her Brokerage license in September 2019 and specializes in agricultural real estate transactions.

JoAnn lives in the small town of Templeton, California with her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years, Brandon, and her two children, daughter JoEllen (Age 22 recent graduate of Oklahoma State University) and son Aiden (Age 18 and income freshmen at Oklahoma State University…Go Pokes!).

Sessions:

Maximizing Sales: Harnessing Next-Gen Metrics to Optimize Winery Marketing Strategies

Above & Beyond Real Estate Services, Inc., California

I’m Erica Walter, and email marketing is more than my bread and butter… it is my jam.

I’m deeply passionate about empowering small businesses with tools, resources, and training to send marketing emails that convert. I have over 16 years of experience in winery email marketing; I spent over a decade as the VP of a wine marketing agency before starting my own business, Email Mavens. My favorite thing to do in my role is create and execute compelling email marketing strategies that drive engagement and sales.

My second favorite thing to do is teach YOU to do it yourself.

I’m the creator of PRESS SEND: Email Marketing Mastery for Wineries, a digital course that gives wineries everything they need to do and know to make email marketing a profitable revenue channel, without tech headaches, overwhelm or a degree in graphic design or UX. I’m also the host of the Email Mavens YouTube Channel, the place for winery owners and marketing pros who want to sell more wine online by sending better marketing emails.

Having worked with just about every tech stack, I understand the pros and cons (and can uncover the hacks) inherent in winery systems. Helping demystify and exploit the tech component is critical to creating truly action-inspiring email strategies, driving delight and engagement with customers, and generating consistent profit to the bottom line.

I’m thrilled to share what I’ve learned with attendees at the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium.

Sessions:

Email Mavens, Washington

Christine officially joined Wente Family Estates in 2000, and she is the first member of the fifth generation to be Chair of the Board of her family’s 142-year-old winery. She has held leadership roles in marketing, hospitality, and governance for the winery.

Christine earned a bachelor’s degree in politics from Princeton University and her MBA from Stanford University. She began her career in sales and marketing for the E. & J. Gallo Winery. She is a passionate contributor to the Wente family’s sustainability initiatives, and she founded The Wente Foundation for Arts Education, a non-profit foundation that provides grants to local arts education programs.

As Chair, she is continuing the company’s focus on innovation, ensuring that Wente Family Estates remains a leader in wine quality, packaging, technology, sustainability, and community engagement.

Christine also serves on the boards of the Wine Institute and the Oakland Museum of California, and she recently completed terms on the boards of the Livermore Valley Winegrowers Foundation and the Three Valleys Community Foundation. She is on the board of a leading hospitality technology company and has been an advisor for an agriculture technology company.

Sessions:

Mastering the 3-Tier System: Collaborative Strategies between Suppliers, Distributors, and Resellers (On/Off Premise)

Wente Family Estates, California

Mike Veseth (pronounced VEE-seth) is editor of The Wine Economist newsletter (WineEconomist.com) and author of more than a dozen books including Wine Wars (2011), Around the World in Eighty Wines (2018) and Wine Wars II: The Global Battle for the Soup of Wine (2022). He is a sought-after speaker at wine industry meetings both in the United States and around the world.

Veseth’s writings on wine and globalization have been widely praised. Globaloney was selected as a Best Business Book of 2005. Wine Wars was named a Best Wine Book of 2011. The Wine Economist was named Best Wine Blog by Gourmand International in 2015. Money, Taste, and Wine: It’s Complicated received the 2016 Gourmand International award for Best Wine Writing.

A noted educator, Veseth is professor emeritus of International Political Economy at the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, Washington. In 2010 he was named Washington Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Veseth received the Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Economics from the University of Puget Sound and the Master’s and Ph.D degrees in Economics from Purdue University.

Sessions: