12th Annual North Coast Wine Industry Expo

Conference & Trade Show

Sonoma County Fairgrounds, Santa Rosa, CA
Thursday, December 5, 2024
9:00am — 4:00pm

Add to Calendar 12/05/2024 09:00 AM 12/05/2024 04:00 PM America/Los_Angeles Wine Industry Expo The Annual North Coast Wine Industry Expo (WIN Expo) is the largest trade show and conference focused on Napa, Sonoma, Mendocino and Lake counties, and is the 2nd largest wine industry show in North America. Established in 2012 by Wine Industry Network, WIN Expo is considered a must-attend event and has become an integral part of the North Coast wine industry with more than 3,000 wine professionals attending each year. The trade show features nearly 300 exhibitors presenting the latest products and services available along with a robust educational conference focused on four distinct tracks, Winemaking & Production, Sales & Marketing, Strategy & Leadership, and Vineyard & Growers. https://wineindustryexpo.com Sonoma County Fairgrounds, 1350 Bennett Valley Rd., Santa Rosa, CA 95404 Wine Industry Network info@wineindustryexpo.com false 12/05/2024 1000 WIN Expo Trade Show & Conference

In addition to offering an extensive array of cutting edge products and services found on the trade show floor, the 2024 WIN Expo educational conference sessions include 12 comprehensive workshops focusing on four main tracks: Winemaking & Production, Sales & Marketing, Business Strategy & Leadership, and Vineyard & Growers.

All four tracks feature interactive sessions to facilitate greater subject emersion, insights, and value for the attendees, as expert panels of industry thought leaders and innovators will be sharing their ideas, information, and predictions to help better prepare for the coming year.

"This business isn't getting any less competitive," acknowledges George Christie, Founder & CEO of Wine Industry Network. "That's why the educational component has evolved into a much bigger experience. It's imperative that we touch on all the main points; how do we make better wine, grow better grapes, and be more effective with our sales and marketing strategies? That's exactly what we've designed these sessions to focus on."

TICKET PRICING & PURCHASE

ADVANCE PRICING DISCOUNT valid through BLACK FRIDAY 11/29/2024

Promo Codes Expire at 6:00pm on Wednesday 12/04

Full Conference Pass

Price: $219.00
(Week-of Price $229)

Access to all 3 Conference Sessions + Bonus Sessions.
Includes Expo Floor Pass

Single Session Pass(es)

Price: $80.00 ea.
(Week-of Price $90 ea.)

Access to 1-3 Conference Sessions + Bonus Sessions. Choose Conference Sessions during registration.
Includes Expo Floor Pass

Expo Floor Pass

Price: $20.00
(Week-of Price $30)
Trade Show Floor Access + Bonus Sessions.

Event Parking is included with all ticket options.

Session Topics & Tracks

Session Details

Winemaking #1A
Mastering Wine Balance: A Hands-On Workshop

Topic Description

Includes In-Session Tasting

This workshop focuses on mastering mouthfeel in wine. Using your own tools, you will explore how different components interact to create a perfectly balanced wine. You'll gain technical insights on how to influence these components and learn about practical winemaking tools. By the end of the session, you'll have both tangible tools and knowledge to better understand and play with mouthfeel, the principles of balance in wine, and how tannins and polysaccharides affect it. Don’t miss this hands-on workshop to experiment with the key elements that shape and refine your final product.

Conference Hall Host:


Time: 9:30am - 10:30am

Room: Garrett Hall

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Moderator

Lora Goulevant

Technical Sales Rep / Bucher Vaslin North America

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Sales & Marketing #1B
Blend Your Outreach Too: Crafting the Ideal DTC Communication Mix

Topic Description

In the dynamic landscape of DTC wine sales, effective communication is the cornerstone of success. This session is tailored for the DTC wine professionals seeking to refine their communication mix. Experts in the field will discuss channel selection and how to determine what mix of emails, text, and/or phone fits a brand’s goals, frequency optimization of those selected channels to ensure their effectiveness, and the utilization of personalization and preference tracking to dramatically increase the impact of each channel. Finally, no marketing strategy is complete without measurement to determine what elements are truly moving the needle in the areas of the defined metrics that actually matter to your company. Join this session for a comprehensive conversation to explore the ideal DTC communication mix and leave with clear takehome tactics to apply to your business.

Time: 9:30am - 10:30am

Room: Finley Hall

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Moderator

Jennie Gilbert

Founder / RedChirp

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Speakers

Roger Beery

Proprietor, Winemaker's Dad / J. Cage Cellars

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Kim Hewson

Wine Club Manager / Rombauer Vineyards

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Kelly Mantel

Director of DTC Marketing & eCommerce / Harney Lane Vineyards

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Strategy & Leadership #1C
Planning Your Exit: Maximizing Options for Acquisition or Succession

Topic Description

This comprehensive session is designed to help guide winery owners through the critical process of planning their exit. Whether considering acquisition, succession, or other exit avenues, this session will provide valuable insights into maximizing value and ensuring a smooth transition. Expert speakers will cover key elements, including valuation, legal and tax implications, and the pros and cons of various exit strategies. Learn how to prepare your business for sale, identify potential buyers or successors, and navigate the complexities of exit planning to secure a successful and rewarding departure.

Conference Hall Host:

Time: 9:30am - 10:30am

Room: Kraft Hall

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Moderator

Perry DeLuca

Managing Director Wine, Beverage & Agriculture / BMO Capital Markets

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Speakers

Jeremy Little

Attorney / Carle Mackie Power & Ross LLP

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Zane Stevens

Founder / Protea Financial

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Vineyard & Growers #1D
Maximizing the Business and Ecological Benefits of a Regenerative Transition

Topic Description

This session will delve into the strategic advantages of transitioning to regenerative farming for North Coast wine grape growers, emphasizing both business and ecological benefits. Participants will explore how regenerative practices, including soil health restoration, biodiversity enhancement, and water conservation, can lead to increased vineyard productivity, reduced input costs, and long-term financial resilience. The discussion will also highlight how these practices can be accurately measured and at the same time differentiate your vineyard / brand in a competitive grape market, appealing to eco-conscious wineries, consumers and retailers as well as securing premium pricing. Attendees will gain practical insights from case studies of successful regenerative transitions, learning how best to track, measure and implement these methods to enhance vineyard sustainability and profitability. Join us to discover how this transition can create a thriving future for your business and the environment.

Conference Hall Host:

Time: 9:30am - 10:30am

Room: Garden Building

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Moderator

Dr. Jessica Chiartas

President & Lead Scientist / RegenScore

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Speakers

Tony Chapman

Senior Director of Winemaking / The Donum Estate

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Charlie Dubbe

Head of Regenerative Partnerships / Agrology

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Caine Thompson

Head of Sustainability / O’Neill Vintners & Distillers

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Winemaking #2A
Utilizing Ultrasonics to Maximize the Potential of the Grape

Topic Description

Includes In-Session Tasting

This session will explore and demonstrate, through trial tastings, how eco-innovative ultrasound technology increases the extraction of compounds from the grapes. This system extracts the maximum potential by means of high-power, low-frequency ultrasound. The technology allows for more effective treatment of grapes with imbalances between phenolic and technological maturity due to climate change. Agrovin Group will lead a conversation of winemakers utilizing their Ultrawine Perseo technology to reduce costs in the vinification process while improving the quality of wines through ultrasound methods. Until recently, the utilization of ultrasound methods had not been used in the winemaking sector; however, the results now indicate it will be a necessity in the toolbox of technology for the future of enology.

Conference Hall Host:

Session Sponsors:

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room: Garrett Hall

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Moderator

Jason Rodriguez

Country Manager / Agrovin USA, Inc.

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Speakers

Federico Casassa

Professor of Oenology & Wine Sensory Analysis / Cal Poly University (California)

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Sales & Marketing #2B
Distributor Relations: Controlling Your Brand's Destiny

Topic Description

In today's wine industry, managing distributor relations requires treating them as true partnerships rather than mere transactional relationships. This session will explore and provide examples of the importance of cultivating a collaborative approach, and the results when successfully executed. Attendees will discover how active engagement, open communication, and shared goals with distributors can lead to better market insights, stronger brand control, and higher returns on investment. By fostering a partnership mindset, wineries can enhance their presence in the market, build trust with accounts, and ultimately drive greater profitability and long-term growth. The closer and more synergistic the relationship, the more significant the benefits for both the brand and its distribution partners.

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room: Finley Hall

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Moderator

Paul Tincknell

Partner / Tincknell & Tincknell, Wine Sales and Marketing Consultants

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Speakers

Michael De Loach

Owner / Michael De Loach Brands

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Cheryl Durzy

CEO & Founder / LibDib, LLC

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Dave Minnick

Founder & CEO / Camino Data

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Strategy & Leadership #2C
Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

Topic Description

Includes In-Session Tasting

Low and no-alcohol wines are not a threat to the wine industry; they represent a growing opportunity for wineries to diversify their offerings. This session will showcase pioneering brands that recognized this shift early and are innovating in both production and marketing to maintain their brand integrity and quality standards. We'll explore the latest advancements in low and no-alcohol wines, with a focus on preserving aroma, flavor, and mouthfeel - complete with samples for tasting. Attend this session to discover how you can seamlessly integrate low and no-alcohol wines into your portfolio, meeting the evolving needs of today’s consumers.

Conference Hall Host:

Session Sponsors:

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room: Kraft Hall

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Moderator

Dr. Liz Thach, MW

President / Wine Market Council

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Speakers

Christian Deakin

Product Development Manager USA / BevZero

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Mark Garaventa

General Manager / Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services

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Matt Hughes

General Manager / Solos Technologies USA

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Adam LaZarre

Director of Winemaking / Wine Hooligans

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Vineyard & Growers #2D
Innovative Vineyard Design: Future-Proofing Your Vineyard for Success

Topic Description

Join us for an insightful session focused on the essentials of vineyard design for grape growers looking to replant or develop new vineyards. Discover how innovative planning can lead to cost-effective farming and enhanced quality. We'll explore the latest technologies, such as precision agriculture, automation, and data analytics, that can optimize vineyard layout, irrigation, and trellising systems. Learn practical strategies to future-proof your vineyard, ensuring it meets the demands of today's market and remains adaptable for future advancements. This session will provide valuable guidance on creating a vineyard setup that maximizes efficiency, sustainability, profitability and quality.

Conference Hall Host:

Session Sponsors:

Time: 11:30am - 12:30pm

Room: Garden Building

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Speaker

Greg Gonzalez

Director of Agriculture / The Thornhill Companies

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Andrew Jones

VP of Sales, Winegrapes / Sunridge Nurseries

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Justin Leigon

Partner / Piña Vineyard Management

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Showcase Café
Food Services

Grab-n-Go Food Tent has been moved to a NEW location outside of the Showcase Café!

Grab-n-Go Food Tent Menu

Morning Menu: 9:00am – 11:00am

Lunch Menu: 11:00am – 2:00pm

Breakfast Burritos = Assorted Pricing (until sold out)
Coffee = Assorted Pricing (Sold @ self-serve station until 11:00am)

Menu


Grab-n-Go Items
($22.00 - until sold out)

  • Greek Kale and Quinoa Bowl: Baby kale, olives, artichoke hearts, diced tomato, cucumbers, tossed with quinoa and a lemon vinaigrette
  • Bacon and Bird Wrap: Oven roasted Turkey breast, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, onion, drizzled with Roasted Garlic aioli wrapped in a flour tortilla)
  • Chicken Pesto Wrap: Marinated grilled chicken, pesto aioli, spring mix, sliced tomatoes, grilled onions

Hot Grab-n-Go Menu
(Assorted Pricing)

  • Burrito Bowls with choice of chicken or al pastor
  • Cajun chicken pasta with focaccia bread
  • Penne pesto primavera with focaccia bread

Grab-n-Go sodas and bottled water sold separately.

Wine Country Classic Barbeque Buffet Lunch
(Pre-sale = $22.00 | Day-of = $24.00)

  • Classic green salad
  • Mac and cheese
  • Corn confetti
  • Mojo pulled pork
  • Chipotle BBQ Chicken
  • Assorted flatbread wraps
  • Bbq jackfruit (upon request GF, DF, Vegan)
  • Hawaiian rolls, Cookies and Brownies
  • Buffet Includes: Iced Tea, Lemonade, Water

Pre-Order Your Buffet Lunch During Registration and $ave!

Register Now


Winemaking #3A
Is Complex Nutrition More Advantageous Than Mineral Nitrogen for the Fermentative Capacities of S. Cerevisiae?

Topic Description

Includes In-Session Tasting

Nitrogen is the essential nutrient to facilitate the transport and biosynthesis of sugar; which directly impacts the wine’s aromatic compounds (thiols, esters, higher alcohols). The primary issue of a lack in yeast assimilable nitrogen (YAN) in winemaking is sluggish or stuck fermentations promote the growth of alteration species negatively impacting your winemaking results. Simply correcting the nitrogen deficiency is not always enough to restore proper fermentation. This session will explore how the use of yeast derived nutrients can provide a wide spectrum of macro and micro-nutrients that help promote fermentation completion and encourage the production of positive aromas while decreasing the formation of negative off-flavors.

Conference Hall Host:

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Room: Garrett Hall

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Moderator

Anne Flesch

Technical Sales Support Manager / Fermentis

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Speakers

James Roblee

Technical Support Representative / ATPGroup

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Ching Sun

Research and Development Enologist / Delicato Family Wines

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Sales & Marketing #3B
Utilizing In-Market Events to Capture New Audiences

Topic Description

Join us for an insightful session on the strategic importance of in-market Direct to Consumer (DTC) events. This session will highlight how these events can significantly enhance brand awareness, customer engagement, and sales for wineries. Explore various event types, such as pop-up tastings and winemaker dinners, and learn best practices for successful execution. Discover how these events not only drive immediate sales but also foster long-term brand loyalty and customer relationships. Additionally, we will discuss the positive impact on the wholesale channel, as in-market events can increase brand visibility and demand, benefiting distributor relationships and overall market presence. Gain practical tips to maximize profitability and growth through targeted in-market events.

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Room: Finley Hall

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Moderator

Jennifer Warrington

The Glue / WISE

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Speakers

Meghan Delzell

Director of Sales & Marketing / Sangiacomo Family Wines

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Sonyia Grabski

General Manager / Trinitas Cellars

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Jessica Hart

Owner / Jessica Hart Consulting

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Strategy & Leadership #3C
Grape and Bulk Wine Market Outlook: Understanding the Key Indicators for 2025

Topic Description

Christian Klier and Marc Cuneo of Turrentine Brokerage will highlight key data points from the 2024 harvest along with the current state of the bulk wine market and what this could mean for the upcoming year. The conversation will explore what influences are impacting the winegrape and bulk wine market as well as more specific discussion about the unique nuances impacting the North Coast region. As the wine industry continues to face economic headwinds, access to the information that will be presented is key to winning in such a competitive environment.

Submit Question

Conference Hall Host:

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Room: Kraft Hall

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Speakers

Marc Cuneo

Wine Broker, Partner / Turrentine Brokerage

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Christian Klier

North Coast Grape Broker / Turrentine Brokerage

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Vineyard & Growers #3D
Vineyards of the Future: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Topic Description

Prepare for the future of grape growing with a focus on cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices. This session will explore how artificial intelligence (AI), precision agriculture, and mechanized farming tools—like electric tractors, trucks, and automated harvesters—are transforming vineyard management. Learn how these innovations create efficiencies, reduce costs, and enhance fruit quality while adapting to climate challenges and labor shortages. Discover the benefits of integrating technology with traditional practices, ensuring your vineyard remains competitive and sustainable in an evolving industry landscape.

Conference Hall Host:

Time: 1:30pm - 2:30pm

Room: Garden Building

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Speakers

Cody Ashurst

Customer Success Manager / Phytech

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Dave Carter

CEO & Co-Founder / Deep Planet

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Kevin Morales

Customer Success / PickTrace

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Sean Sundberg

HVC Business Integration Manager / John Deere

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Bonus Sessions

Bonus Session #1
Riders on the Storm: Marketing Strategies for an Industry Under Siege

Topic Description

Imagine promoting your product in an environment of constant negative media, dwindling audience interest, and restrictive regulations. Welcome to wine marketing in 2024.

We all know our industry is facing a perfect storm head on:

  • shifting public messaging that demonizes alcohol,
  • a rising tide of sobriety, particularly among Gen Z,
  • steep competition from innovative non-alcoholic alternatives, and
  • stringent regulations that limit our messaging and channels.

But here’s what may surprise you — some brands are not just surviving, but thriving.

In this session, we’ll share with you battle-tested marketing know-how proven to build successful wine businesses in today’s challenging market.

You’ll learn:

  • Techniques for values-based marketing in a changing consumer landscape
  • Approaches to use creative marketing effectively while navigating strict regulatory environments
  • Insights on repositioning tasting room offerings in the face of shifting attitudes towards alcohol
  • How to combine empathy and technology to improve customer experience, innovate with intention, and outpace the competition.

As the wine industry grapples with intensified scrutiny and rapidly evolving consumer preferences, you’ll need strategies not just to weather the storm, but to flourish. This session provides actionable insights for transforming industry-wide challenges into opportunities for innovation and growth.

Session Host:

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Room: Finley Hall

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Speakers

Michael Bourne

VP of Engineering / 5forests

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Polly Hammond

Founder / 5forests

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Bonus Session #2
Driving DTC Growth: Strategies for Maximizing Online Sales for Wineries

Topic Description

This presentation will focus on practical, easy-to-implement strategies for wineries aiming to drive growth in their DTC sales. Commerce7 will share best practices for maximizing your online channels, innovative ways to engage wine club members, boost average order values, and create a seamless, customer-centric shopping journey that encourages repeat purchases.

Session Host:

Time: 3:00pm - 4:00pm

Room: Kraft Hall

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Speakers

Margaret St John

Head of Support / Commerce7

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Exhibit Hall Trial Tastings

Booth #616 In The Hall of Flowers

The exhibit hall trial tastings program features complimentary trial tastings exploring how different products and methods affect wine outcomes. These trials are unique to the Exhibit Hall Floor and are separate from any Conference Session Trials.

10:15am - 3:00pm (Booth #616)

More Information Coming Soon

Interested in Hosting a Trial Tasting?

Speaker Bios

Speaker

Cody Ashurst

Customer Success Manager / Phytech Session: Vineyards of the Future: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

Cody Ashurst is a former grape grower born and raised in Hopland, California. He grew up in the vineyards and helped his father from a young age. After graduating from Arizona State University with a Degree in Global Agricultural Business, he returned to his family's 4th generation farm to help his father manage their vineyards and pear orchard. After his father sold their ranch in 2021, he joined Phytech, a global AgTech SaaS company specializing in plant, soil moisture, irrigation, and climate monitoring along with automation. Cody joined Phytech to bring the technology to grape growers throughout California out of a passion for helping farmers. He now works at Phytech as the Vineyard Success Manager, helping wine and table grape growers throughout California, Washington, Oregon, South America, and Israel better understand their vine's water needs and irrigation strategies through Phytech’s data. Through the Phytech platform, he helps growers with irrigation strategies throughout the season for water stress, brix accumulation, dehydration mitigation, soil moisture holding, and other tools within the platform.


Speaker

Roger Beery

Proprietor, Winemaker's Dad / J. Cage Cellars Session: Blend Your Outreach Too: Crafting the Ideal DTC Communication Mix

Roger Beery is the Proprietor and Winemaker’s Dad at J. Cage Cellars, a boutique Sonoma producer of award-winning Pinot Noirs and other wines. As a “one man show,” Roger has learned to leverage multiple avenues to reach his clientele and has had particular success with text marketing.


Speaker

Michael Bourne

VP of Engineering / 5forests Session: Riders on the Storm: Marketing Strategies for an Industry Under Siege

As VP of Engineering at 5forests, Michael brings a wealth of expertise in web development, digital strategy, and data analytics to our clients. Overseeing all technological initiatives, Michael ensures our products excel in performance, security, and accessibility.

Highly regarded for his deep understanding of the Commerce7 ecommerce platform, Michael has become a go-to technical expert for wineries around the world. His dedication to excellence drives the ongoing improvement of 5forests’ digital products, like our custom WordPress themes and Enhanced integrations. He also works closely with technology partners to roll out new accessibility features and refine platform functionality.

Michael is an open-source contributor and the creator of the pioneering “Commerce7 for WordPress.” plugin, which has simplified Commerce7 integration for over 600 wineries globally. He actively participates in the WordPress community by organizing local meetups, contributing to WordPress development, and speaking at WordCamp events on topics like SEO, website speed optimization, and web accessibility.


Speaker

Dave Carter

CEO & Co-Founder / Deep Planet Session: Vineyards of the Future: Harnessing Critical Understandings Through the Use of AI in Vineyard Management

Bio coming soon.


Speaker

Federico Casassa

Professor of Oenology & Wine Sensory Analysis / Cal Poly University (California) Session: Utilizing Ultrasonics to Maximize the Potential of the Grape

Professor of Oenology and Wine Sensory Analysis at Cal Poly University (California). He has researched for years the phenolic extraction and retention of red wines, the chemistry of wine aroma and the sensory consequences of these phenomena.


Speaker

Tony Chapman

Senior Director of Winemaking / The Donum Estate Session: Maximizing the Business and Ecological Benefits of a Regenerative Transition

Tony Chapman grew up in the small town of Fairfax just south of The Donum Estate in Marin County. Always fascinated with vineyards and the wine at his family dinners, he went on to study Wine and Viticulture at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During his studies, he worked at Tablas Creek Vineyards where he was introduced to regenerative, organic, and biodynamic farming. Soon after graduating, he traveled to New Zealand, where he worked at Bell Hill Vineyards in North Canterbury. After his stint in New Zealand, he accepted a full-time position at Mac Forbes in the Yarra Valley of Australia. During that time, he traveled to Austria to work a vintage at Moric in Burgenland. After relocating back to California and working for several producers, he joined the Donum team in 2019. Tony’s approach is to use regenerative farming practices to grow resilient vines that create vibrant, site-expressive wines.


Speaker

Dr. Jessica Chiartas

President & Lead Scientist / RegenScore Session: Maximizing the Business and Ecological Benefits of a Regenerative Transition

Dr. Jessica Chiartas received her PhD in Soils & Biogeochemistry from the University of California, Davis. After her PhD, she served as a fellow with the Innovation Institute for Food and Health and is currently a postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Plant Sciences. Her research focuses on the long-term impacts of agricultural management on soil carbon (to a depth of 1+ meters), soil health and the provision of ecosystem services across a diversity of soils, climates, and production systems. Through participatory research and multi-stakeholder engagement, she seeks to develop communities of practice and marketplace infrastructure to support, incentivize and scale adoption of soil health/regenerative management.

Over the last five years, Jessica has supported businesses, brands, non-profits, and NGOs in developing bespoke monitoring programs to track the environmental, agronomic, and economic impacts of regenerative management; including Ben & Jerry’s, Simple Mills, Daily Harvest, Citizens of Humanity, Community Alliance with Family Farms, Fibershed, and Moonshot Snacks. She is President and Lead Scientist at RegenScore, an evidence-backed, place-based, scoring framework for assessing regenerative agriculture. Jessica is an advisor for the North Coast Soil Health Hub, LandCore USA, PlanetFwd, Crop/Range-C (and formerly Regenerative Organic Certification); serves on the ASA-CSA-SSSA Science Policy Committee; and represents UC Davis in the California Farm Demonstration Network. She is also founder/creator of Soil Life, a website and series of short videos and educational resources that inspire, empower, and engage young people in the many solutions to global challenges that lie right beneath their feet.


Speaker

Marc Cuneo

Wine Broker, Partner / Turrentine Brokerage Session: Grape and Bulk Wine Market Outlook: Understanding the Key Indicators for 2025

Marc Cuneo joined Turrentine Brokerage as a Bulk wine Broker in 2010, bringing industry experience ranging from grower relations to wine marketing. Marc entered the wine business as a sales representative for Southern Wines and Spirits in San Francisco after receiving a Business Administration degree at the University of the Pacific. He then moved on to work at his family’s winery, Sebastiani Vineyards. During his decade at Sebastiani Vineyards, he began as a cellar worker and steadily advanced within the company, serving as the Vice President of Grower Relations and as a member of the executive team. Marc has also received his executive MBA from Sonoma State University.

In his spare time, Marc can be seen riding horses with his wife and four kids in Sonoma and is also an avid traveler and hunter.


Speaker

Michael De Loach

Owner / Michael De Loach Brands Session: Distributor Relations: Controlling Your Brand's Destiny

For over 30 years, Michael De Loach has been a wine industry leader in planning, management, sales and marketing.

Born in San Francisco and raised in Sonoma County, Michael De Loach grew up in the wine business: he started working in the vineyard at age 11 and in the cellar at 15. After college De Loach worked as Vice President, Sales and Marketing at fledgling De Loach Vineyards, and completed courses of study in winemaking at the Napa Valley School of Cellaring as well as the University of California at Davis Agricultural Extension.

De Loach learned the world of design, advertising, marketing and media during the 12 years he spent in that industry. During his three years at consumer goods design firm Glenn Martinez and Associates, he worked on branding, packaging, and advertising for top wine industry clients including Rodney Strong Vineyards, De Loach Vineyards, Parducci Winery, Glen Ellen, and Far Niente. Other clients included Crystal Geyser, Clorox and Anheuser-Busch.

De Loach was a partner and creative director for leading regional advertising agencies Omnicom/Zimmerman and BG Solutions, where he personally won over 100 American Advertising Awards (The ADDY Awards) for his work. Clients during his career included Comcast, Mitsubishi Motors, and Bethesda Healthcare Systems.

After his advertising days, De Loach served as president of De Loach Vineyards from 2001 to 2005, then for the next ten years as president of Hook & Ladder Winery until 2016. He is the owner of Michael De Loach Brands, a national wine sales management company. He has served on numerous industry boards and advisory committees, and provides financial support to many community organizations.

De Loach has appeared throughout the country on radio, television and speaking engagements, and has been written about in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Los Angeles Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Denver Business Journal, The Austin Chronicle, Philadelphia Magazine, The Wine Spectator, Wines and Spirits, Wines and Vines, and The Wine Enthusiast. He lives with his wife Lori in Healdsburg, California.


Speaker

Christian Deakin

Product Development Manager USA / BevZero Session: Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

Christian grew up on a vineyard in western New York and has been enamored with the wine industry ever since. He graduated from Cornell University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and a minor in Enology. He then moved to California where he spent the next eight years working for E&J Gallo Winery; the first four as a research enologist and the next four as a production microbiologist. Christian joined the BevZero team in late 2023 as the Product Development Manager.


Speaker

Perry DeLuca

Managing Director Wine, Beverage & Agriculture / BMO Capital Markets Session: Planning Your Exit: Maximizing Options for Acquisition or Succession

Perry is Managing Director and Head of Wine, Beverage and Agriculture Middle Market M&A at BMO Capital Markets. Prior to joining BMO in 2023, Perry was Managing Director and Senior Banker, Wine & Beverage at Bank of the West, serving as lead sell-side banker on numerous current mandates (including 5 deals in exclusivity currently), and other successful sell-side deals including Spring Mountain Winery and A to Z Wine Works. He also originated several full banking relationships, for companies ranging from $5MM-$100MM EBITDA. Prior to 2016, Perry also worked at Wells Fargo Bank and Key Banc Capital Markets.

Perry holds an MBA from the University of California, an MA from Johns Hopkins University and a BA from Georgetown University. Perry is also a Board Member at Trentadue Winery.


Speaker

Meghan Delzell

Director of Sales & Marketing / Sangiacomo Family Wines Session: Utilizing In-Market Events to Capture New Audiences

Meghan Delzell brings a wealth of passion, expertise, and genuine hospitality to Sangiacomo Family Wines. Originally from New Hampshire, Meghan's journey into the wine industry began on the East Coast while studying Biochemistry at the University of New Hampshire. After a stint as a research scientist in Boston, she found her true calling in California’s wine and hospitality industry, making her home in Northern California since 2003.

Over the past twenty years, Meghan has held various roles, including restaurant and hotel manager, wine buyer, DTC sales manager, client services, and winery hospitality manager, gaining extensive experience with esteemed establishments like Cain Vineyard and Winery, Lynmar Estate, Ledson Hotel, Wine Spectrum and eCellar. At Sangiacomo Family Wines, Meghan spearheaded the national brand launch in 2018 and oversees marketing, e-commerce, business development, and direct sales. Her strategic approach and commitment to authentic storytelling and personalized outreach have significantly expanded the market, ensuring the Sangiacomo story resonates with consumers nationwide. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring California, hiking, backpacking, cooking, and promoting Sonoma as a premier destination.


Speaker

Charlie Dubbe

Head of Regenerative Partnerships / Agrology Session: Maximizing the Business and Ecological Benefits of a Regenerative Transition

Charlie brings over 10 years of on the ground experience in regenerative and organic agriculture. He has been the COO at a variety of farms on the central coast of CA, managing commercial blueberry production, diversified veggie operations, and hemp seed production. He is the co-founder of ReCommon, a climate impact startup that creates public goods infrastructure to support community-held lands across the globe, such as the Regenerative Community Land Trust (RCLT) model.

At Agrology, Charlie leads regenerative partnerships and business development. With real-time, continuous soil respiration and carbon flux monitoring, Agrology allows the soil to speak, facilitating a more robust dialogue between farmers and their soil microbiomes. This empowers farmers to tie their practices to real-world soil health outcomes, and optimize their regenerative programs within their unique context. When not thinking about plants or soil life, you are likely to find Charlie surfing, kayaking, or hiking in the mountains around his home in Santa Cruz, CA.


Speaker

Cheryl Durzy

CEO & Founder / LibDib, LLC Session: Distributor Relations: Controlling Your Brand's Destiny

Cheryl Murphy Durzy is the CEO and founder of LibDib, a technology enabled wholesaler and services provider. Prior to starting the company in 2016, Cheryl managed wholesale sales for her family’s 80,000 case winery. She has a full understanding of the industry and issues regarding alcohol distribution in the United States. She is passionate about the beverage alcohol industry and works to evolve all three tiers, utilizing innovative technology and advanced AI. Cheryl is truly entrenched in the industry, having sat on several boards, including the Wine Institute's California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance and the Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Association, where she served as President for two years. In addition to a BA from the University of San Diego, she has taken courses and received certificates from the OIV Wine Marketing Program and the Court of Master Sommeliers. In December 2008, Cheryl took and passed with merit the Advanced Certificate level of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust.


Speaker

Anne Flesch

Technical Sales Support Manager / Fermentis Session: Is Complex Nutrition More Advantageous Than Mineral Nitrogen for the Fermentative Capacities of S. Cerevisiae?

Anne has a master’s of science and engineering degree in agricultural sciences from Montpellier, France. She previously worked as a researcher in France in the biofuels field and as an Oenologist in France and Washington State. From the Wine industry she joined the Fermentis team in 2017 to bring technical support to the Western part of the USA and Canada for all fermented beverages

Anne joined Fermentis in 2017 as Regional Sales Manager for Western North America. In her position she provides support to all beverage fermentations. Anne has a Master of Science in Green Chemistry and Sciences of Fermentation along with an Agriculture and Biosystem Engineering degree from Montpellier Supagro, France. She previously worked in France, India and Australia as a researcher for the production of biofuels and then as an Enologist in Wineries in Sancerre, France and WA, USA.


Speaker

Mark Garaventa

General Manager / Rack & Riddle Custom Wine Services Session: Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

Mark Garaventa’s professional success, which spans more than three decades, began in his family business, before he moved on to manage national sales for a large corporation. He then transitioned into the wine business in 2007, joining Rack & Riddle when the company was still in its infancy.

An integral part of the executive team, Mark rose from the role of Vice President of Sales to General Manager, a role he embraces, meeting and learning about every employee. As a lifelong baseball player who still competes in Northern California leagues today, Mark is a natural team player, and like most committed athletes he recognizes the importance of every team member, as well as the collective power of the win.

A native of the North Bay Area, Mark earned his degree from St. Mary’s College in 1988. Initiatives in which Mark has been involved include the original move of Rack & Riddle to their main Healdsburg location in 2014; company acquisitions including production facilities in Alexander Valley, Geyserville, and Lodi; the development of multiple custom wine brands; and the vast evolution of producing primarily Méthode Champenoise, to adding state-of-the-art technologies, as well as multiple sparkling beverage production capabilities including Charmat and premium canning.

While Mark has been a member of the Rack & Riddle team, the company has experienced unprecedented growth. Through careful guidance and focused innovation, Rack & Riddle is now the #1 custom sparkling wine producer in the United States. A hallmark is the level of quality and care for their customers, employees and wines that remains consistent with the day the company began.


Speaker

Jennie Gilbert

Founder / RedChirp Session: Blend Your Outreach Too: Crafting the Ideal DTC Communication Mix

As a Founder of RedChirp, Jennie is obsessed with helping businesses meet consumers’ newly expanded expectations for virtual interactions. Calling and emailing may have been enough before, but now 89% of consumers want to text with businesses. RedChirp makes business texting easy: compliance, web chat, payments, marketing campaigns, club communications, automation, and wine industry-specific integrations to tie it all together. A true nerd at heart, Jennie loves spreadsheets and a good data set to dig into, is a frequent speaker at business conferences, and is the co-author of two books. When not in the office, Jennie spends time cooking with her husband and chasing her preschool-aged son. Her most prized possession is their well-worn – and heavily stained – wine-tasting notebook.


Speaker

Greg Gonzalez

Director of Agriculture / The Thornhill Companies Session: Innovative Vineyard Design: Future-Proofing Your Vineyard for Success

Greg Gonzalez grew up in Oregon, splitting time between Eugene and Junction City where he worked on his family’s 10-acre Filbert farm (hazelnuts). From an early age, he excelled at soccer and eventually earned dual scholarships (academic and sports) to Southwestern Oregon Community College where he earned his associate in athletic training and later was recruited to California State University Monterey Bay to complete his collegiate soccer career. In 2009, he earned his BA in Social and Behavioral Sciences, with emphasis on Geographic Information Systems, Minor – Earth Systems, Sciences, Technology, and Policy.

Greg continued to pursue is passion for soccer playing in the National Premier Soccer League for 2 seasons with the Salinas Valley Samba. During this time Greg joined Scheid Vineyards located in Monterey County in 2009 as a harvest intern where he started implementing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and mapping vineyard properties. Eight months later, he was promoted to Ranch Supervisor while also handling Geographic Information Sciences & Technologies implementing precision farming systems aimed at increase quality and efficiency. During his time with Scheid he helped transition the organization from a leading grape growing company to a full grape to glass organization working closely with the wine making team to develop branded good at all wine tiers including the development of low alcohol wines.

Greg has grown over 38 varieties of grapes and 21 clones of PN with many of the wines produced under his care scoring as high as 99 points (2021 Metz Rd CH). After spending 12 years with Scheid building streamlined agricultural technologies, advanced precision viticultural, mechanization, and program based viticultural programs, Greg finished his tenure with Scheid as the Director of Vineyard Operations managing over 4200 acres of wine grapes spanning all 5 growing regions of Monterey County. In March of 2021 Greg accepted an opportunity to lead the farming operations in Santa Barbara County for Foley Family Farms, a subsidiary company to Foley Family Wines. After two seasons with Foley, Coastal Vineyard Care Associated convinced him to make the move to the fast growing company to help transition and scale parts of their organization.

Aside from farming winegrapes, Greg holds various board positions with California Association of Winegrape Growers, The Vineyard Team, Santa Barbara County Farm Bureau, and the Foundation Board of California State University Monterey Bay. Greg also holds various certifications, Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP), Certified Agricultural Irrigation Specialist (CAIS), and Lean Six Sigma Black-Belt.

Greg’s industry involvement and expertise has also led to frequent invitations to speak and present his experiences at leading vineyard and winery events. Most notably the industries largest wine and grape event the Unified Wine and Grape Symposium. Greg is one of the leading experts in integrating agricultural technologies to achieve both higher operational efficiencies and increased grape quality. His perspective on the future of agriculture is highly valued and has built core industry relations between Agtech and the grower as well as Sacramento’s government officials.

Greg’s hobbies include playing and coaching soccer, carpentry, fantasy football, exercising, barbecuing, convertible wine tours in his 1965 GTO and spending time with his wife and his two young sons.


Speaker

Lora Goulevant

Technical Sales Rep / Bucher Vaslin North America Session: Mastering Wine Balance: A Hands-On Workshop

Born and raised in the Bordeaux area, Lora has a deep-rooted passion for wine that has shaped her career. She pursued her studies in winemaking, viticulture, and wine business in the Loire Valley and abroad (South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and more), blending academic excellence with a love for travel and exploration. With nearly a decade of experience in the wine industry, Lora has worked with several renowned wineries, gaining valuable insights and expertise. She pursued her journey at Lamothe Abiet as a Product Manager, where she developed her skills in research, field trials and winemaking solutions. Currently, Lora serves as a Technical Advisor and Sales Manager at Bucher Vaslin North America, specializing in winery equipment and winemaking products. Based in Napa and Sonoma, she provides technical support and innovative solutions to winemakers in these regions. Aside from her professional life, Lora enjoys making wine, surfing, and hiking in her free time.


Speaker

Sonyia Grabski

General Manager / Trinitas Cellars Session: Utilizing In-Market Events to Capture New Audiences

Throughout her career, Sonyia has played a significant role in the wine industry, leading sales and marketing efforts for a variety of esteemed organizations. Her extensive experience includes driving initiatives for Constellation Wines, Terlato Wine Group, and Visit Napa Valley. Beyond her roles in these companies, Sonyia has also operated her own consulting business, developing strategies for clients such as Iron Horse, Bonny Doon, Highway 12, VinoPro, and many others.

Sonyia joined the team at Trinitas Cellars as the General Manager in June of 2019, bringing with her over two decades of experience in wine sale. Sonyia is known as a prime thought leader and amplifier in identifying market trends, innovative approaches in the wine industry which include wine sales programs and consumer targeting, acquisition and retention. Her programs are supported by effective and thorough marketing tactics to support long-term growth and profitability for the company and brand’s essential messaging.


Speaker

Polly Hammond

Founder / 5forests Session: Riders on the Storm: Marketing Strategies for an Industry Under Siege

Polly Hammond is a well known figure in the world of wine marketing. Speaker, podcaster, advisor, and founder of the award-winning digital marketing agency 5forests, she splits her time between Barcelona, Auckland, and Napa, where she works with some of the world's largest (and smallest!) wine producers.

She’s hosted over 100 podcasts on the subject of wine business, including the 2024 YouTube series Headtraining, the 2022 series Uncorked for the Italian Wine Podcast, and the 2020 series The Real Business of Wine with Robert Joseph. She's a graduate of the University of Southern California, where she earned degrees in International Relations and French. Those studies led to a deep and abiding love affair with Behavioural Economics, and her work is based on insights into all the crazy and irrational reasons consumers engage with brands.

(Oh, and beware, she’s mad about pop culture and good stories, so any presentation is sure to have at least one Star Wars reference thrown in!)


Speaker

Jessica Hart

Owner / Jessica Hart Consulting Session: Utilizing In-Market Events to Capture New Audiences

Jessica Hart, MBA is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience in the beverage industry, including prominent roles with Target, The Lagunitas Brewing Company, and Heineken, prior to her entrepreneurial adventure as the founder of Hart Consulting. With a talent for simplifying complex HR issues, she has successfully navigated employee relations across nearly all 50 states. Jessica specializes in supporting wineries and breweries across the country, where employees wear multiple hats and work across multiple locations and/or cost centers. Recognized for her practical approach to risk mitigation and expertise in HR trends, Jessica is a sought-after resource in the beverage industry. Outside of her professional endeavors, she enjoys football in the fall, traveling with her family, and watching Paw Patrol with her toddler on weekends.


Speaker

Kim Hewson

Wine Club Manager / Rombauer Vineyards Session: Blend Your Outreach Too: Crafting the Ideal DTC Communication Mix

As a Sonoma County native, Kim is lucky to consider excellent wines, delicious food, and idyllic views as a way of life. She’s worked in the wine industry in a variety of capacities as a DTC leader for the past 16 years, joining the Rombauer team in August 2022 as their Wine Club Manager. Kim has been instrumental in growing Rombauer’s text messaging program, leading its segmentation strategy, and partnering with marketing to roll out omni channel messages. Recognizing text’s impact on the broader business, she became the RedChirp expert in residence and serves as a resource to the team. When not in the office, Kim spends a lot of her time with her daughter traveling for indoor and outdoor volleyball.


Speaker

Matt Hughes

General Manager / Solos Technologies USA Session: Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

As General Manager of Solos Technologies USA, Matt is committed to advancing the wine industry’s burgeoning low and no-alcohol sector, blending cutting-edge quality with his exceptional passion and enthusiasm.

With over two decades of winemaking experience, Matt offers a valuable perspective to help clients create innovative products that honor the essence of the vineyard and respect the vision of the vintner. Previously, Matt served as General Manager and Director of Operations at BevZero Services US and held roles as Director of Winemaking and Winemaker for several esteemed estates in California's North Coast region.

His expertise includes building and launching large wine making facilities, consulting on vineyard management, and refining wine profiles, with a particular focus on dealcoholization technology and product development.

Outside of work, Matt enjoys cycling, yoga, attending concerts, and exploring the vibrant food culture of California’s Bay Area. He resides in Healdsburg, CA with his fiancée Marissa, seven-year-old daughter, Charlotte, and their newest addition, baby Evelyn.


Speaker

Andrew Jones

VP of Sales, Winegrapes / Sunridge Nurseries Session: Innovative Vineyard Design: Future-Proofing Your Vineyard for Success

Bio Coming Soon.


Speaker

Christian Klier

North Coast Grape Broker / Turrentine Brokerage Session: Grape and Bulk Wine Market Outlook: Understanding the Key Indicators for 2025

Christian comes from a multi – generation Pear farming background in Lake County, California. He began his farming career at the age of 4, driving tractor during frost season with his father and grandfather setting smudge pots to protect the trees from frost damage.

By the age of 16, Christian was managing multiple small pear packing sheds during the summer while in high school. After finishing high school, Christian attended Fresno State where he studied Viticulture and Tree Fruits earning his degree in 2000.

After graduating Fresno State, Christian went to work for Welch Vineyard Management in Mendocino Co. He worked his way up and was promoted to Director of Vineyard Operations in Lake County overseeing 1500 acres.

In 2014, Christian went to work for Shannon Ranches, Inc. in Lake County as Winery Relations / Viticulturist. In 2019, Christian was promoted to Vice President overseeing all farming operations covering 4500 acres in 6 Northern California Counties.

Christian was welcomed to Team Turrentine in 2021!


Speaker

Adam LaZarre

Director of Winemaking / Wine Hooligans Session: Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

Adam LaZarre grew up near the Finger Lakes in upstate New York, with a cellar his father filled with Classified Growth Bordeaux. After finishing his service in the U.S. Navy, he enrolled in Fresno State’s Department of Viticulture and Enology to become a winemaker. By his final year at Fresno State in 1995, he was already holding down a full-time associate winemaker job at Jekel Vineyards in Monterey. A few years later, Hahn Estates hired him as their winemaking Vice President. Presently, Adam resides in Paso Robles, where his efforts are focused on creating highly acclaimed wines for Wine Hooligans as the Director of Winemaking.


Speaker

Justin Leigon

Partner / Piña Vineyard Management Session: Innovative Vineyard Design: Future-Proofing Your Vineyard for Success

Justin Leigon became a partner at Piña Vineyard Management in 2022 after several years acting as Head Viticulturist. A proud husband and father of three, the family-founded company has been a perfect fit for his skills and aspirations. Currently, he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of high-end winegrape farming and is involved in vineyard development with Pina. After beginning his career in wine production, Leigon attended the University of California, Davis where he received his B.S. in Viticulture and Enology. In 2006, Leigon spent time abroad in Australia learning about global wine styles. Upon returning, he honed his skills in cellars around the Napa Valley. He is passionate about working with both winemaking and vineyard teams to produce ultra-premium quality wines by using minimal inputs and targeting key aspects of winegrape development. Leigon is involved in community outreach and is an advocate for ag education.


Speaker

Jeremy Little

Attorney / Carle Mackie Power & Ross LLP Session: Planning Your Exit: Maximizing Options for Acquisition or Succession

Jeremy is an experienced real estate and business transactional attorney with an emphasis on mergers and acquisitions, business formation, land use, and alcoholic beverage compliance. In that role, he has counseled companies in their formation, growth, and reorganization, including the sale of their companies and the acquisition of other companies. He has negotiated, drafted, and closed business and real estate transactions. Jeremy has guided companies through the gauntlet of regulations imposed by city, county, state, and federal bureaucracies. He also advises companies and individuals on the sale, purchase, and use of real estate including easements, leases, and development agreements. He routinely interacts with government agencies and facilitates public-private partnerships.


Speaker

Kelly Mantel

Director of DTC Marketing & eCommerce / Harney Lane Vineyards Session: Blend Your Outreach Too: Crafting the Ideal DTC Communication Mix

Kelly serves as the Director of DTC Marketing and eCommerce at Harney Lane Vineyards in the heart of Lodi Wine Country. As a people-focused and metric-driven wine marketer, he’s obsessed with the customer’s journey from first sip to lifelong membership. Before joining the team in Lodi, Kelly led marketing strategy for wine and CPG brands with leading agencies across Central California.


Speaker

Dave Minnick

Founder & CEO / Camino Data Session: Distributor Relations: Controlling Your Brand's Destiny

Dave Minnick is the founder of CaminoData, a Napa-based software company specializing in depletions, target accounts, and market intelligence for wine and spirits wholesale teams. Before starting CaminoData, Dave served as President of Purity Organic Juices in San Francisco. A proud Michigan native and Princeton University alumnus, Dave combines his expertise in software and industry experience to drive innovation in the beverage sector.


Speaker

Kevin Morales

Customer Success / PickTrace Session: Vineyards of the Future: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

As the manager of PickTrace’s Customer Success and Support teams, Kevin Morales partners with growers of all specialty crops to digitize labor tracking and management. With tightening regulations and a smaller labor pool, more and more growers are leaning on PickTrace’s platform to hire, track, and pay employees in full regulatory compliance. Kevin’s background in coffee, cocoa, and sugar supply chain management lead him to joining PickTrace in 2021, where he’s helped growers and contractors manage their crews and compliance risk ever since. You can find Kevin in the Bay Area, most likely working on his backyard orchard and trying to instill in his 9 month old the love for growing your own food and drink.


Speaker

James Roblee

Technical Support Representative / ATPGroup Session: Is Complex Nutrition More Advantageous Than Mineral Nitrogen for the Fermentative Capacities of S. Cerevisiae?

Jim began his wine career in the Finger Lakes after graduating from Cornell University. He followed his passion for wine west where he held winemaking positions with some of Napa’s biggest and most luxurious brands for over 14 years. Now with the ATP group, he assists fellow winemakers to find innovative and customized solutions to processing obstacles. Jim lives in Napa and spends much of his free time sailing with his wife.


Speaker

Jason Rodriguez

Country Manager / Agrovin USA, Inc. Session: Utilizing Ultrasonics to Maximize the Potential of the Grape

Born and raised in Napa, California, Jason Rodriguez has always been surrounded by the beauty and culture of wine country. With a deep appreciation for the art of winemaking, Jason naturally found his calling in the wine business. Currently serving as the Country Manager for Agrovin USA, Jason is dedicated to providing top-quality winemaking ingredients and equipment to vineyards and wineries across the country. With a passion for connecting the world of wine with innovation and quality, Jason Rodriguez brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the industry.


Speaker

Margaret St John

Head of Support / Commerce7 Session: Driving DTC Growth: Strategies for Maximizing Online Sales for Wineries

Margaret serves as the Head of Support at Commerce7, where she has played a pivotal role for over three years. With a deep passion for enhancing customer experience, Margaret leads her team in delivering world-class support to wineries using Commerce7’s platform, ensuring seamless interactions for both businesses and end consumers. Her expertise in the Commerce7 product, combined with her commitment to operational excellence, has positioned her as a trusted partner to clients, consistently driving success through personalized and innovative solutions


Speaker

Zane Stevens

Founder / Protea Financial Session: Planning Your Exit: Maximizing Options for Acquisition or Succession

Zane Stevens is a seasoned accounting professional with over 15 years of experience, specializing in the wine industry for more than 10 years. As the founder of Protea Financial, an accounting business founded in March 2014, he helps wineries and wine businesses optimize their financial operations. Zane holds a Post Graduate Degree in Accounting and is a Chartered Accountant (South Africa). His career includes roles at large private companies and 4 years at a Big 4 accounting firm, KPMG, where he gained extensive experience across various sectors including manufacturing and food and beverage. Zane is also a passionate advocate for knowledge sharing, hosting two podcasts, Protea Weekly and Protea Conversations. Beyond his professional achievements, he is a dedicated husband, father, and soccer coach. Zane was recognized as a North Bay Business Journal 40 under 40 in 2024.


Speaker

Ching Sun

Research and Development Enologist / Delicato Family Wines Session: Is Complex Nutrition More Advantageous Than Mineral Nitrogen for the Fermentative Capacities of S. Cerevisiae?

Ching Sun is a Research and Development Enologist at Delicato Family Wines. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Food Science and Technology from the University of California, Davis, focusing on sensory science and research. In her role, she collaborates with winemakers, viticulturists, and other professionals, addressing various wine-growing projects/trials. In her free time, Ching enjoys trying new restaurants and playing pickleball.


Speaker

Sean Sundberg

HVC Business Integration Manager / John Deere Session: Vineyards of the Future: Harnessing the Power of Artificial Intelligence

As a 29-year veteran at John Deere Company, Sean is a recognized leader in the Ag & Turf Industry. He has a wide range of both Agricultural and Consumer experience with several different product lines and businesses within John Deere. Upon announcement of the joint venture with GUSS Automation, LLC., Sean was asked to lead the business integration efforts between the two companies. Delivering leading edge technical solutions for High Value Crop (HVC) customers while expanding the global retail footprint via the John Deere dealer channel ensure that John Deere and GUSS will be positioned to capitalize on the ever-changing demands of HVC industry. Sean was also instrumental in bringing John Deere together with Sonoma County Winegrowers beginning with the Farm of the Future Summit. That effort has since grown into a formal collaboration with 6 wine-grape growers in Sonoma County.

Sean holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as well as an MBA from the University of Wisconsin.


Speaker

Dr. Liz Thach, MW

President / Wine Market Council Session: Embracing the Trend: Unlocking Opportunities with Low and No Alcohol Wines

Dr. Liz Thach, MW is the President of the Wine Market Council, a non-profit firm that provides research on U.S. wine consumer purchasing habits, attitudes and trends. She also works as a Professor, Wine Writer and Consultant based in Napa and Sonoma, California. She is an award-winning author and educator, specializing in wine business strategy, marketing, leadership/executive development, and wine lifestyle.

Liz is considered to be one of the nation’s leading wine experts, and has visited most of the major wine regions of the world and over 75 countries. She teaches wine classes at Stanford Continuing Education, Burgundy School of Business, and Sonoma State University, and has published over 300 articles and 9 books, including Call of the Vine, Best Practices in Global Wine Tourism and Wine Marketing & Sales. She frequently publishes in Forbes, Wine Business Monthly, Wine Spectator, and The Somm Journal, amongst others. In addition, she serves as a wine judge and on several non-profit boards.

A fifth generation Californian, Liz finished her Ph.D. at Texas A&M and now lives on Sonoma Mountain. Liz obtained the distinction of Master of Wine (MW) in May of 2011, becoming the first female MW from California.


Speaker

Caine Thompson

Head of Sustainability / O’Neill Vintners & Distillers Session: Maximizing the Business and Ecological Benefits of a Regenerative Transition

Caine Thompson has worked as Head of Sustainability for O’Neill Vintners & Distillers since 2020. His industry leadership in sustainable winegrowing and operations began in his native New Zealand where he was named New Zealand’s Young Viticulturist of The Year in 2009. Since joining O’Neill, Thompson supported the Regenerative Viticulture Case Study beginning in 2020, achieved a win for the Wine Institute’s Green Medal Leader Award in 2021 and spearheaded efforts for O’Neill to become a Certified B Corporation in 2022, in addition to TRUE Zero Waste certified. Thompson was recognized as one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 in 2023 for his leadership in regenerative farming efforts. He continues to support the wine community through board committee service with Sustainable Wine Roundtable, The Organic Trade Association (Vice Chairman), Wine Institute, California Polytechnic State University – San Luis Obispo (Viticulture & Wine School), the CAB Collective (Chair of Viticulture & Wine Research), and now, the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation (Trustee).


Speaker

Paul Tincknell

Partner / Tincknell & Tincknell, Wine Sales and Marketing Consultants Session: Distributor Relations: Controlling Your Brand's Destiny

With over 40 years of experience in the wine industry, ranging from on-premise and off-premise sales to vineyard owner, Paul has been leveraging his expertise for the clients of Tincknell & Tincknell, Wine Sales and Marketing Consultants, since 1997. His firm has assisted hundreds of wineries and businesses across the United States and around the globe, from Sonoma County to China. Prior to Tincknell & Tincknell, Paul began his career at Chateau Montelena as Assistant to the Director of Sales and Marketing, where he facilitated a distributor market support program. Later, at Cuvaison Winery, he served as Senior Marketing and Direct Sales Manager, supporting both national and export distribution. Currently, Paul applies his extensive experience for his clients by drafting business and marketing plans, preparing distribution projections and goals, and implementing distribution strategies, including export.


Speaker

Jennifer Warrington

The Glue / WISE Session: Utilizing In-Market Events to Capture New Audiences

Jennifer is an industry professional with more than 25 years of experience, including her time with WISE. She began her career in the wine industry working for Lesley Berglund (Co-Founder & Chairman of WISE) at Ambrosia Wine Catalogue/The Winetasting Network shortly after completing her BA in English Literature. In her role as The Glue, Jennifer oversees all day-to-day operations of WISE which includes spearheading the WISE Mystery Shopping Program (now over 6,000 shops), account management, moderating WISE leadership forums called Cabinet and coordinating schedules/coaches/attendees/winery partners for a robust class schedule of 30+ courses and onsite training programs.

In Jennifer’s free time, she can be found with her nose buried in her Kindle or puttering in her yard. She also loves to travel, spending time with her family and friends across the globe.



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