The 2025 Wine Industry Expo educational conference is designed to give attendees the strategies and insights they need to stand out and succeed in a rapidly evolving wine industry. In addition to a trade show packed with innovative products and solutions, this year’s conference features 12 in-depth workshops across four main tracks: Winemaking & Production, Sales & Marketing, Business Strategy & Leadership, and Vineyard & Growers.
Every session is crafted to foster deeper subject immersion and real-world value, with thought leaders and industry experts sharing actionable ideas, bold predictions, and breakthrough approaches to the industry’s most pressing challenges.
Whether you’re learning how to transform vineyard identity into a strategic marketing asset, exploring cutting-edge sustainability practices, or gaining fresh tactics for driving demand and customer loyalty, you’ll find inspiration and practical tools to elevate your business for the year ahead.
"In a saturated marketplace, it’s more important than ever to distinguish your story and amplify your impact," says George Christie, Founder & CEO of Wine Industry Network. "Our goal is to equip attendees with the knowledge and connections they need to thrive—whether that’s making better wine, growing better grapes, or redefining their marketing edge."
2025 Session Topics & Tracks
Exhibit Hall Trial Tastings
9:30am - 10:30am
11:30am - 12:30pm
1:30pm - 2:30pm
2025 Session Topics & Tracks
As consumer demand for sustainable and allergen-friendly wines continues to rise, winemakers are exploring alternative fining strategies that align with both quality standards and market expectations. This session offers an in-depth look at the performance of plant-based fining agents versus traditional options through a guided tasting trial, supported by insights from winemaking experts and data from recent comparative trials. Attendees will walk away with actionable knowledge on the practical implications of different fining approaches to navigate shifting production norms and make informed, values-driven decisions in the cellar.
As younger generations continue to reshape consumer behavior, wineries face a critical challenge: staying culturally relevant without compromising authenticity. This session explores how enduring wine brands build resilient identities through defined brand archetypes, using frameworks that perform across changing markets and generations. Adam Bird will share how successful businesses translate timeless brand stories across evolving channels without diluting their essence. Attendees will gain practical strategies for expressing authentic brands across digital platforms and tasting rooms, creating consistent yet flexible experiences that resonate with diverse audiences. Learn how to transform your entire team into aligned storytellers and build a brand system that performs whether the market is booming or bust.
Wineries find themselves with access to endless streams of available data; however, they often struggle to separate what’s truly valuable from what’s just noise. This session will explore how producers of all sizes are cutting through the clutter to identify the insights that drive measurable results. Panelists will share the tools they rely on, the systems they’ve streamlined, and the investments that deliver real returns—so you’re not paying for information that sits unopened in folders. Attendees will learn which data sources are essential, what can be eliminated, and how to tailor a data strategy that maximizes efficiency, sharpens decision-making, and strengthens profitability across sales, production, and consumer engagement.
With agricultural technology advancing faster than ever, growers face mounting pressure to invest—yet uncertainty remains about which tools truly deliver value. This session will offer a strategic framework to evaluate ag tech options based on your operational size, goals, and budget constraints. Experts will break down critical decision factors including ROI, implementation speed, and scalability to help you choose solutions that drive long-term efficiency and resilience. Join an exploration of widely adopted technologies, including irrigation and fertigation automation, autonomous vineyard equipment, and data-driven software, focusing on how each can improve water conservation, labor efficiency, and cost savings.
Owner & Operator, Principal / Kurtural Vineyards, Kurtural Vineyard Consulting
Read BioFor years, achieving microbial stability, oxidative protection, and aromatic freshness without using sulfites was one of the most persistent challenges in winemaking. Today, emerging techniques are proving that high-quality, stable, sulfite-free wines are not only possible but also commercially viable. This session will showcase practical, field-tested strategies that allow winemakers to avoid SO₂ throughout the process while preserving wine integrity, longevity, and market appeal. Topics will include bioprotection for microbial control, alternative stabilization tools for oxidative and colloidal balance, and nutrition strategies that support healthy, clean fermentations in sulfite-free conditions.Attendees will taste trial wines and learn how non-Saccharomyces yeasts, innovative fining agents, and precise oxygen management can work together to ensure freshness, stability, and aromatic complexity while avoiding SO₂ additions. Lamothe-Abiet by Bucher Vaslin North America, both industry leaders, will share practical insights and strategies to help you craft sulfite-free wines that stand out in a competitive market.
With younger generations driving shifts in consumer behavior, wineries face a new set of challenges and opportunities in capturing cultural relevance. Gen Z and younger Millennials increasingly view wine through the lens of identity, occasion, and experience, making traditional marketing approaches less effective in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The panel will offer insight into this modern wine consumer: who they are, what they value, and how they discover and engage with wine in 2026. Panelists will present case studies for success and discuss emerging media platforms, creator partnerships, and storytelling tactics that resonate with today’s wine consumer. The audience will walk away with actionable tools to help wineries cultivate brand relevance and foster long-term consumer connections.
As rising costs, tightening consumer spending, and slowing sales place new pressures on wineries, decisive action is essential to protect profitability and long-term stability. This session brings together seasoned industry leaders to share actionable strategies across four key areas—financial clarity, team strength, sales optimization, and tech-driven efficiency. Through candid insights and proven approaches, attendees will gain practical guidance on leveraging technology and data for smarter decision-making, refining sales channels to maximize performance, and positioning for growth through strategic distribution partnerships. With time built in for audience engagement, participants will leave with a prioritized checklist of battle-tested strategies they can put into practice immediately and build upon for years to come.
Declining groundwater levels and tightening Sustainable Groundwater Management Act (SGMA) regulations are making it harder than ever for California wine growers to secure a reliable water supply. This panel will examine the compliance hurdles, shifting resource availability, and sustainability pressures reshaping vineyard operations. Attendees will gain insights into proactive strategies and real-world success stories that demonstrate how growers are adapting. Learn how to navigate groundwater security, build long-term resilience, and stay ahead of evolving regulatory requirements in a water-constrained future.
Director Technical Viticulture, Sustainability & Research / Treasury Wine Estates
Read BioMaximizing thiol expression during fermentation remains a challenge for winemakers crafting wines with distinctive, high-impact aromas. Fermentis will lead this session, exploring proven techniques to enhance and control thiol development—from optimizing base wine composition to managing fermentation conditions and selectively adding aroma-specific molecules. Through a guided tasting of trial wines, participants will learn to identify unique thiol-driven characteristics—ranging from vibrant tropical fruit to savory complexity—and discover practical strategies to elevate aromatic presence. Gain new tools to consistently produce expressive, aroma-rich wines that stand out in the market.
As consumer preferences evolve, wine brands must adapt their voice, offerings, and experiences to engage younger audiences while maintaining premium positioning and the familiarity that retains their long-term loyal consumers. This session will explore strategies for revitalizing brand identity, launching innovative programs, and navigating shifts in DTC sales, messaging, and hospitality to connect with next-gen wine lovers. Experts will also discuss how brands are segmenting and programming for diverse consumer demographics, ensuring relevance across generations. Join us for a deep dive into the future of wine marketing, where tradition meets innovation to embrace change in a rapidly shifting landscape.
Volatile supply, shifting demand, and evolving pricing dynamics are creating uncertainty across the bulk wine and grape markets. This session will provide attendees with the insights needed to help them make tough decisions and manage uncertainty. Industry leaders Todd Azevedo, Glenn Proctor, and Greg Livengood of Ciatti Co. will be on hand to break down key data points from the 2025 harvest and analyze how current trends are likely to impact the year ahead. Additionally, the session will highlight market influences, regional nuances, and competitive pressures shaping the North Coast and beyond. The presentation will offer practical guidance to help businesses plan strategically and identify new opportunities. As competition intensifies, staying informed on critical factors is essential for building resilience and positioning for success in 2026 and beyond.
In a saturated marketplace, wineries need to stand out and forge authentic connections with consumers. This session will reveal how harnessing vineyard identity can become a powerful driver of demand and brand prestige. When harnessed, name recognition can directly lead to increased demand for your fruit. Learn proven strategies to elevate your vineyard’s reputation, from crafting terroir-rich stories that captivate buyers to showcasing appellation pedigree, estate legacy, and sustainability certifications. Discover how to transform vineyard sourcing into a marketing advantage that fuels loyalty. Attendees will leave inspired and equipped with fresh ideas to turn their vineyard partnerships into standout assets that set their fruit apart in the competitive landscape of winegrape sales.
Exhibit Hall Trial Tastings
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 don't require separate registration - they are separate from any Conference Session Trials.
10:15am - 3:00pm
(in the Hall of Flowers)
Speaker Bios
With over two decades in the wine industry, Terra Jane possesses a deep understanding of running a wine business: from distribution, marketing, DTC sales and everything in between. She has worked with numerous wineries as a marketing and operations consultant for over 7 years, and founded a wine club, Ownroot Collective, which focused on winemaker owned brands. Now serving as Director of Client Success at Vinoshipper, Terra Jane’s passion lies in advocating for small brands, helping to streamline their work practices. In her current role, Terra is committed to making an impact by actively listening to producers’ needs, offering innovative solutions to their challenges, and fostering trust in Vinoshipper as a partner who is invested in the success of its clients.
Andrea Alcaro brings a data-driven mindset to an industry rooted in tradition. A New York native and Villanova School of Business graduate, Andrea began her career on Wall Street at Goldman Sachs, where she honed her skills in analytic reporting, client relations, and business operations within high-pressure trading environments. After more than a decade in finance, she made the bold decision to step away following a transformative harvest internship in California’s Russian River Valley. There, she discovered not only a deeper understanding of wine but also a profound sense of purpose and belonging. Today, as Hospitality Manager at Lynmar Estate, Andrea applies her financial rigor, operational insight, and customer-centric mindset to help a values-driven, family-owned winery optimize systems, elevate guest experiences, and build community around exceptional wine—all while staying true to the craft through smart, data-informed decisions.
Lorenza B. Allen is the Technical Marketing Specialist at Enartis USA, providing technical expertise for marketing strategy and working alongside both Enartis local and international teams. She collaborates with the Enartis Research & Development department, supports the Sales Team, and communicates Enartis products, services, and research to the public.
Originally from Piedmont, Italy, Lorenza has worked in the wine industry since 2009. She developed a worldwide perspective of winemaking by working and studying in Italy, France, Portugal, Australia, and California, as well as obtaining a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Viticulture and Enology.
Her goal is to dedicate her skills and expertise to develop efficient and long-term solutions to wine industry challenges through science, innovation, and creativity.
Ashley Taylor Almond is a digital sales leader with a track record of driving growth through multi-channel campaigns, eCommerce strategy, and customer-focused initiatives. As Assistant Director of Digital Sales at Far Niente Wine Estates, she focuses on digital evolution projects, CRM strategies, and corporate gifting programs while optimizing revenue and team performance.
Todd Azevedo joined the Ciatti Company in 2004 after completing his Agricultural Finance degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Todd's concentration is on California's Central Coast, despite brokering wine, grapes, and wine products throughout the state. Todd values the people he meets, connections he makes, and destinations his work leads him to and enjoys being available as a resource for real-time information.
Adam Bird is a marketing strategist dedicated to helping wineries build stronger brands and drive direct-to-consumer sales. As a partner and Director of Strategy at Highway 29 Creative—a Deksia company—he leads branding, messaging, and campaign development, ensuring wineries connect with their ideal customers while standing out in a competitive market.
Adam works closely with clients nationwide on marketing programs that deliver measurable results. His expertise, combined with the full-service capabilities of Highway 29 Creative and the resources of Deksia, helps wineries refine their brands and connect with customers.
Based in Michigan and working with clients across the country, Adam applies a hands-on, results-driven approach to marketing. When he’s not helping brands grow, he’s likely in his garden or workshop—always building something, whether it’s a brand strategy or a weekend project.
Cassie Braswell is a dedicated professional with experience in the wine industry, business strategy, and water conservation. Born and raised in Visalia, California, she moved to Sonoma County in 2006 after falling in love with the region. There, she studied at Sonoma State University, earning her BA and later completing her MBA with honors.
With over 17 years in the wine industry, Cassie has worked across DTC operations, sales, and marketing. In recent years, her career has shifted toward agricultural technology, where she’s become a trusted advocate for sustainable resource management. Her work during the drought years, guiding clients through grant funding and efficiency upgrades, laid the groundwork for her current focus.
For the past three years, Cassie has served as a Customer Success Manager at HotSpot AG, where she helps 21st-century farms adopt smart irrigation technologies. By combining field expertise with tools such as groundwater and reservoir monitoring, real-time flow and pressure tracking, weather and soil sensors, and automated control systems, she supports growers in improving irrigation practices and reducing operational costs.
In her personal time, Cassie finds tranquility in growing fruits and vegetables in her garden and enjoys exploring parks across the state with her husband and five rescue dogs.
In 2013, at the age of 29, rising star Heidi Bridenhagen was named just the third winemaker in the storied history of MacRostie Winery and Vineyards. Heidi quickly set out to build on MacRostie’s reputation as one of California’s most revered producers of cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. “Carrying on the traditions of an iconic winery, while helping to chart the course for its future, is an undertaking that requires respect, thoughtfulness and vision,” says Heidi. “When I was named winemaker, I embraced the opportunity both to learn and lead. Like Steve MacRostie, who I am proud to call a friend and mentor, I strive to bring inquisitiveness, and an absolute attention to the details that are essential for great winemaking to my role.”
Heidi immediately worked to establish one of the Sonoma Coast’s most acclaimed vineyard programs, including sites farmed by legendary winegrowers like the Duttons, Sangiacomos and Martinellis. She also completely reimagined MacRostie’s Pinot Noir program, helping to design a new small-lot Pinot Noir winery that has elevated MacRostie’s Pinots to the world-class levels of its iconic Chardonnays. To achieve this, Heidi switched to small 1-ton fermentation bins, and does as many as 130 fermentations every vintage to preserve the character of each lot. Heidi also launched the winery’s acclaimed sparkling wine program, and established Clockwise, where Heidi and her team can apply the techniques and traditions of MacRostie to new wine regions and varietals, including Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel.
“At MacRostie, I’ve found a winemaking home that embraces my desire to innovate. I am constantly running numerous small-lot trials in areas that include extraction levels, whole clusters, tannin management, cold soak durations, yeast strains, barrel versus tank fermentation, and more.” Heidi is equally active in the vineyards, working with MacRostie’s grower partners to tailor farming techniques, including pruning, fruit drops and harvest decisions for each block.
Since Heidi was named winemaker, MacRostie has been recognized for making many of the finest wines in its history, and has earned more than 400 scores of 90 points or higher from major publications, while also being honored by San Francisco Magazine as “Best Overall Winery” in the 2017 Best of Wine Country Awards. In addition, Heidi spearheads MacRostie’s sustainability efforts, establishing it as one of less than 150 wineries in California (out of more than 5,000) to hold the Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing accreditation.
Heidi’s approach to winemaking is shaped by her unique background, which includes earning a degree in biochemistry, traveling throughout the wine regions of France, Italy, Spain and Germany, working in the cellar at Oyster Bay in New Zealand, and honing her craft alongside renowned winemakers Mick Schroeter and Cara Morrison at Sonoma-Cutrer. Prior to being named winemaker, Heidi spent two years as MacRostie’s assistant winemaker, where she worked side-by-side with Founder Steve MacRostie. This diversity of experience has played a pivotal role in creating MacRostie’s expanded lineup of vineyard-designate Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. While these wines are deeply rooted in the vineyards they come from, they also reflect MacRostie’s signature style, offering beautiful balance, vibrant flavors and impeccable structure.
Marlow Bruce is a seasoned communications strategist and the Founder & Principal of Vine and Venture Communications, a boutique PR agency specializing in wine, travel, and lifestyle brands. With over 20 years of experience shaping narratives and elevating iconic and emerging brands, Marlow has led PR for internationally recognized names such as Francis Ford Coppola Winery, Kendall-Jackson, and La Crema, as well as luxury travel and hospitality clients including St. Regis, Westin properties, and Hampton by Hilton worldwide.
At Vine and Venture Communications, she partners with premium wineries and travel brands to craft compelling stories, drive high-impact media coverage, build influencer collaborations, and launch innovative programs that deepen consumer engagement and accelerate growth. Her campaigns have driven significant year-over-year increases in press placements, doubled wine club memberships through influencer strategies, and successfully guided brands through acquisitions, launches, and evolving market trends.
Recognized as a thought leader in wine and lifestyle marketing, Marlow brings a rare combination of big-picture vision and hands-on execution, helping brands remain relevant in a rapidly shifting landscape. She continues to be a trusted advisor for wineries, hospitality, and travel companies looking to amplify visibility, connect with evolving audiences, and craft enduring brand legacies.
Debra Charest is a seasoned marketing executive with nearly two decades of experience in the wine industry. Born in California, she began her career at a small family-run winery, where she gained foundational knowledge of the industry and discovered a passion for crafting compelling brand narratives rooted in the heritage and artistry of wine. She went on to hold brand management roles at The Wine Group and later served as Vice President of Brand Management at Jackson Family Wines, where she led strategic initiatives across a diverse portfolio of premium brands. In 2022, Debra joined Stag's Leap Wine Cellars to oversee brand management and hospitality. Following the Antinori family's full acquisition of Stag's Leap Wine Cellars in the summer of 2023, her role evolved to Head of Brand Marketing for Vinattieri 1385—the newly established sales and marketing company—where she now leads brand strategy for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars, Antinori Napa Valley, Col Solare, and the entire Antinori imports portfolio in the U.S. Debra holds an MBA from the W. P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University and is a Certified Specialist of Wine, combining academic expertise with industry credentials to inform her leadership and vision.
Will Drayton is the Director of Sustainability and Science at Treasury Americas, a division of Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), one of the world’s largest wine companies and the only publicly traded company specifically focusing its portfolio on wine. Treasury Wine Estates is responsible for some of the most beloved wine brands, including DAOU, Penfolds, Frank Family Vineyards, Beaulieu Vineyard, 19 Crimes, Etude, and more.
Will began his journey in wine and sustainability when he joined Treasury in 2008 as a Viticulture Intern at Etude Winery. In his 15 years at the company, he has held many positions within the viticulture and winemaking groups before entering his current role in August 2021.
Will guides Treasury Americas’ sustainability efforts in addition to the technical and scientific aspects of winegrowing in California. He serves on the Board of Directors for Napa Green, participates on the committee that guides the Sustainable Wine Roundtable—an independent global platform dedicated to advancing sustainability in the wine industry—and holds leadership roles as Chair of the Pierce's Disease/Glassy-winged Sharpshooter (PD/GWSS) Board for the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and as a Board Member of the Los Carneros Water District.
An integral member of the sustainability team, Will has played a pivotal role in supporting Treasury Americas to reach its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2024. He also is key in working toward the company’s global goal of net-zero emissions (Scopes 1 & 2) by 2030. His dedication has helped Treasury Americas achieve the rigorous California Green Medal Sustainable Winegrowing Leadership Award in 2023.
Will holds a master’s degree from UC Davis in Horticulture and Agronomy and undergraduate degree in Natural Sciences from the University of Cambridge.
A California transplant by way of the United Kingdom, Will resides with his family in Sebastopol.
Mark’s professional career has spanned 39 years working in various senior operational and sales/marketing management positions in his early career to executive leadership roles for the last 25 years. His experience includes positions with some of Napa and Sonoma’s most prominent wine companies including Schramsberg, Kendall-Jackson, Merryvale Wine Group, Paul Hobbs and Robert Young.
Mark’s deep experience throughout all facets of the Wine Business in Production, Finance, Marketing, Sales and DTC, has afforded him the opportunity to understand all facets of the Wine Industry and bring that knowledge base to companies seeking to improve their business performances.
Since 2018, Mark has focused on working as a fractional CEO helping ultra-premium, luxury wine companies develop and implement various Financial DTC, and Marketing strategic initiatives that have resulted in overall business repositioning, sales growth and increased profitability and brand equity.
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.
David Gates, Jr. is Senior Vice President of Vineyard Operations for Ridge Vineyards. David grew up on a hundred-and-sixty-acre farm in central Minnesota and decided to escape the cold winters by coming to California for school. His love of plants and agriculture led him to UC Davis, where he received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Viticulture, and met and married his wife, Donna. David’s duties include managing the historic Monte Bello vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains as well as the Lytton Estate vineyards at Healdsburg. He continues to help all Ridge growers in Sonoma, Napa, Santa Clara, and San Luis Obispo counties.
Born and raised in the Bordeaux region, Lora Goulevant has a lifelong passion for wine that has shaped her international career. She studied winemaking, viticulture, and wine business in the Loire Valley and completed additional training in South Africa, Portugal, Spain, and beyond—combining technical expertise with a spirit of exploration.
With nearly a decade of industry experience, Lora has worked with renowned wineries and previously served at Lamothe-Abiet in France, where she helped develop innovative solutions including SO₂ alternatives, vegan fining agents, colloidal stability and other advanced winemaking tools.
Now based in the Bay area, Lora is Technical Manager for Enology at Bucher Vaslin North America. She leads research, product development, and field implementation, offering tailored technical support to winemakers across North America.
Outside of work, Lora enjoys making wine herself, as well as surfing and hiking along the California coast.
Marshall Graves is a Managing Director at Silicon Valley Bank’s Wine Division and manages a team that supports Napa Valley wineries and grape growers with their financial needs, including, but not limited to, winery and vineyard acquisition, winery construction, vineyard development, and working capital lines of credit. While his primary focus is now Napa Valley, he has also enjoyed working with wineries in Oregon, Washington, Sonoma, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara, and has served on the board of the Russian River Valley Winegrowers. Marshall graduated from the Wine Executive Program at UC Davis, earned an Executive MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Old Dominion University.
In his role as the Director of Marketing at Ridge Vineyards, Ryan Johnson brings over two decades of marketing expertise cultivated within the wine industry. With extensive experience spanning Napa Valley and Sonoma County, as well as Oregon's Willamette Valley, Ryan possesses a comprehensive understanding of diverse wine landscapes. At Ridge, he is instrumental in crafting and executing brand strategies for wines distributed across both domestic and international markets, ensuring RIDGE’s continued success and resonance with consumers worldwide. Residing in Santa Rosa, California, Ryan is conveniently situated near the iconic RIDGE Lytton Springs winery, where his passion for wine and dedication to excellence converge seamlessly.
Val King is a leading voice in the advancement of practices for irrigation security and efficiency. He is experienced in numerous segments of production farming and irrigation technology ecosystems. With hands-on sensibilities, Val leverages data to enable various stakeholders across an organization’s water value chain. He is quick to offer that “ag tech” is not a technology problem, but a boots on the ground challenge.
Kurtural was a Cooperative Extension Specialist in Viticulture at UC Davis and led the UC Davis Oakville Experimental Vineyard in the heart of Napa Valley. His work forced many to reconsider how we value and elevate low-intervention versus sustainable viticultural practices. In fact, his work challenged whether low-intervention practices in our region are viable in the face of climate change.
Over the past 20 years, Dr. Kurtural’s research has fundamentally changed the way we think about winegrowing and winemaking in our changing climate. His work has pioneered the use of precision viticulture and vineyard mechanization not just to improve efficiency, but to directly influence grape chemistry and wine quality in the face of rising temperatures, drought stress, and labor shortages.
Notably, his studies on canopy architecture and deficit irrigation have reshaped how growers manage vine balance and fruit exposure, enabling better phenolic development while using significantly less water—an essential strategy for sustainability in California’s vineyards. He’s also challenged long-standing assumptions in viticulture, demonstrating that strategic mechanization can actually enhance, rather than diminish, the sensory characteristics of wine.
Jessica is a 22-year wine industry veteran with experience spanning DTC and tourism as well as brand management for large scale 3-tier brands. Her career began with the Benziger family in Sonoma Valley where Biodynamics and terroir driven wines were at the core of consumer messaging. At The Wine Group, Jessica sharpened skills in retail programming and trade relations. Today she is lucky to be able to combine her love of strategy and storytelling leading new product development at Bogle. Having worked in Glen Ellen, Livermore and now, Clarksburg, Jessica loves the small town, wine centric communities that our industry calls home. She has undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History from U.C. Davis and an MBA from Haas School of Business at U.C. Berkeley.
Ed LeMay’s love for wine and the industry was born out of his families experiences. His mother, father and two older brothers lived in Orleans in the heart of the Loire Valley of France for two years. That experience gave the family an appreciation for wine and made it a part of the LeMay dinner table. It also provided the LeMay family a love for travel.
When Ed was in college he found an opportunity to study abroad. Based in Innsbruck Austria provided a central location to travel all throughout Europe. Upon returning to the States Ed found a job working for a locally owned fine wine distributorship. In short order Ed knew that he wanted to be in the wine industry for the rest of his career.
Ed and his family have moved from Birmingham to Atlanta, Miami, Chicago and San Francisco as his career has matured. Ed has had the pleasure and honor to work for a few of the giants in the industry to include Kendall Jackson, Robert Mondavi, Constellation Brands and Treasury Wine Estates. Through all of this Ed has stayed true to his love of the wine industry and his love for travel.
Several years ago Ed found an opportunity to teach in the EMBA program at Sonoma State University in their Wine School of Business. This has provided a perfect platform for Ed to share his love of the industry as well as the insights he has gained over the last 35+ years. Ed brings this passion, enthusiasm and dedication to each of his client engagements. Ed works with several industry vets in the M & A space at Azur Associates where Ed is Principal focused on Route To Market.
Nina Leschinsky is the Senior Director of Direct-to-Consumer Sales for CMB Family of Wines, where she oversees hospitality and direct-to-consumer initiatives for the storied brands Vina Robles, Martin Ray, and Foppiano. Her role encompasses tasting room operations, wine club management, e-commerce, events, and local community engagement, ensuring each brand delivers exceptional guest experiences and cultivates lasting consumer relationships.
Nina’s love of wine and hospitality began in San Francisco, where she worked in many of the city’s upscale restaurants and boutique hotels. When relocating to San Luis Obispo, she dove headfirst into wine, spending six years under Central Coast pioneer and visionary Ken Volk, who gained notoriety with his Wild Horse brand. This position introduced Nina to the versatile varietals of the region and amazing possibilities in Central Coast winemaking.
A Central Coast hospitality and wine industry veteran, Nina works to instill innovative experiences and develop teams to craft unique experiences that combine laid back luxury with an educational and fun approach to wine. Prior to joining Vina Robles just after Courtney Benham (CMB Family of Wines) acquired the brand in 2024, Nina held numerous management and executive roles with top-tier producers including Ancient Peaks, Justin, and Perinet. Nina brings a keen understanding of team management, executive collaboration, and consumer trends to her role at Vina Robles, ushering the brand into its bold next chapter.
An avid wine and food enthusiast at heart, Nina is involved in multiple wine associations throughout the Central Coast wine community. She is a board member of the San Luis Obispo International Film Festival and previously served on the board of directors for the El Camino Homeless Shelter. In her free time, you can find her traveling, reading, exploring the outdoors, dining at the hottest Paso restaurants, and spending time in Cayucos with her family and friends.
Greg Livengood graduated from the University of San Diego, where he studied International Relations. He joined the Ciatti company in 1994 as an import/export broker and spent many years helping to build the international structure of the company. In 2007, Greg became the President of Ciatti while continuing to work in both the domestic and international bulk markets. When not working in the world of wine, Greg can be found volunteering in various capacities for his local Little League baseball organization.
Erin Luby is a seasoned wine and hospitality executive with over 20 years of experience enhancing direct-to-consumer engagement and elevating brand experiences in the wine industry.
Professional Achievements
Expertise & Credentials
Christian Miller is Research Director for the Wine Market Council, a non-profit organization that conducts consumer research on behalf of its members. Members cover the entire industry, ranging from vineyard owners, small and large wineries to importers, wholesalers and retailers, regional organizations, academic institutions and suppliers to the industry. The WMC produces the longest running large scale tracking survey of wine consumers on a biannual basis, as well as 2-4 in-depth studies each year on specific topics.
Christian is also the proprietor of Full Glass Research, which provides market research and industry analysis for food and beverage producers and marketers. Miller has worked in market research, brand and category management for over two decades, and has marketed wine brands ranging from a few thousand to over a million cases. From 2008 until 2023, he co-directed the UC Davis OIV Wine Marketing course.
Mr. Miller holds a BA in Economics from Franklin & Marshall College and an MBA from Cornell University.
Further information on the Wine Market Council may be found at winemarketcouncil.com. Further information on Full Glass Research may be found at www.fullglassresearch.com.
As Brand Marketing Manager for Sonoma County’s MacRostie Winery and Napa Valley’s Markham Vineyards, Rebecca guides public relations, digital marketing, social media and content creation to continually elevate brand perception while building on the historic legacy of both wineries. Raised in Oregon, Rebecca grew up working on her family’s 60-acre vineyard before earning a degree in theatre from the University of Oregon. After university, Rebecca joined her family’s winery, Phelps Creek Vineyards, as marketing and operations manager where she helped guide the boutique winery through an unprecedented period of growth. After moving to California in 2014, Rebecca worked at Diageo Chateau & Estates and Treasury Wine Estates I DTC Hospitality & Trade Education, before joining MacRostie and Markham in 2021. With a deep knowledge of the wine industry and a passion for storytelling from her years in theatre, Rebecca has emerged as a dynamic and detail-oriented marketing executive with a gift for elevating brand reputations while forging deep and authentic connections with consumers.
Jeff Ngo has served as The Duckhorn Portfolio Executive Vice President, Chief Growth Officer since May 2025 and leads the brand marketing, trade marketing, creative services and DTC functions. He brings over 20 years of experience in brand management to the company, with a proven track record of success in the CPG industry specializing in wine. Prior to this role, Jeff served as the Chief Commercial Officer of WX Brands, where he led U.S. sales & marketing for their national and exclusive brand wine portfolio. He has also held key leadership positions at Jackson Family Wines and Diamond Foods and started his brand management career at Gallo. He earned an MBA from the Ross School of Business at The University of Michigan and a BA from The University of Pennsylvania
As VP of Community Relations at Foley Family Wines & Spirits, Alexandra O’Gorman leads engagement efforts wherever FFWS has people or projects, including Napa, Sonoma, Central Coast, Willamette Valley and Minden, Nevada. She oversees initiatives focused on social impact, sustainability, and strengthening connections with local communities and the broader wine industry.
With over 20 years in the wine business, Alexandra has held leadership roles at Ramey Wine Cellars, Flowers, Hanna Winery, Francis Ford Coppola Winery, and Korbel. She joined FFWS in 2021, bringing deep industry expertise and a passion for building meaningful partnerships.
Alexandra serves on the Board of Directors for Sonoma County Vintners and is President of the Sonoma County Vintners Foundation. She also holds advisory and board roles with the Sonoma County Tourism Marketing Committee, Boys & Girls Club of Healdsburg, Cloverdale Arts Alliance, Visit Carson Valley, Sta. Rita Hills Winegrowers Alliance, Santa Barbara Vintners Foundation, and Stags Leap Wine District.
Alexandra earned both her BA and MBA from Sonoma State University’s Wine Business Institute and is a certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. She lives in Sonoma County with her husband and two children.
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 joined the PRWCA in 2019. Peterson and his wife Dagny live in Paso Robles.
Glenn’s family immigrated to the Dry Creek Valley in 1889 and bought the Puccioni Ranch in 1904, farming grapes from the beginning. He started Puccioni Vineyards in 2002 – a small handcrafted Old Vine Zinfandel brand using the grapes from the family’s property.
He is a partner at The Ciatti Company, where they broker wine and grapes between buyers and sellers and have offices in 10 different countries worldwide. Glenn has over 30 years of experience relating to wine supply strategy, wine-grape quality and production, brand strategy, and business development.
He received a Bachelor’s degree in Viticulture/Plant Science from California State University Fresno and a Master’s degree in Horticulture from UC Davis.
Glenn has 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, and the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission. Currently, he is on the Executive Board of the Sonoma County Winegrape Commission and the Board of the Sonoma County Grape Growers Foundation.
Glenn is happily married to Laurie and has two boys, Joshua and Noah.
Raquel Royers, owner of one of the top wine Instagram account's, Watch Me Sip, is a leading voice in the modern wine industry. Sonoma County–based wine professional, content creator, and an influencer known for redefining how consumers connect with wine. A WSET Diploma candidate and Certified Specialist of Wine, Raquel combines approachable wine knowledge with powerful storytelling and a fresh, digital-first approach.
With a background in journalism and over 10 years of experience working alongside top wineries, wine regions and spirits brands, she has become a trusted tastemaker and personality for a global community of wine and food lovers. Her digital content reaches millions, and her work bridges the gap between tradition and innovation in an industry ripe for evolution.
Fearlessly authentic, Raquel’s mission is clear: to make wine more approachable, more engaging, and ultimately, more fun.
Agustin SANTI is a dedicated professional in the wine industry, currently holding the position of Vineyard Operations Project Manager at Domaine Chandon California in Napa Valley. With a strong foundation in enology and viticulture, Agustin has accumulated extensive experience across various prestigious vineyards globally. His expertise encompasses vineyard management, technology integration, and sustainable practices, aiming to enhance quality and operational efficiency. Agustin has successfully managed vineyard operations, implemented advanced tracking and monitoring systems, and coordinated significant projects such as irrigation automation and recycled water initiatives. His career journey includes roles in the United States, Argentina, New Zealand, China, and Switzerland, where he honed his skills in viticulture. Agustin holds a degree in Agricultural Engineering from the Agricultural Sciences College, Cuyo National University, Argentina. Fluent in Spanish, English, and French, Agustin is committed to advancing viticulture practices while minimizing environmental impact.
Andrea Savaiano transforms data into revenue growth for premium wineries. As a strategic wine industry consultant with 15+ years of experience, she specializes in optimizing direct-to-consumer programs, building data infrastructure, and identifying profitable growth opportunities.
At DuMOL Winery, Andrea grew DTC revenue 45% in three years as Director of Marketing and DTC through strategic channel optimization and customer acquisition. At Kosta Browne Winery, she streamlined their industry-leading allocated wine program while maintaining 100% sell-through and played a key role in the Duckhorn acquisition integration.
Andrea brings a unique data-driven perspective from her tech industry background, where she built sales analytics functions at Sunrun and The Climate Corporation. She also produces wine under her own label, Pezzato, giving her hands-on experience with the operational challenges wineries face daily.
A Willamette Valley native with a B.A. in Economics from Whitman College, Andrea lives in Napa with her husband Michael and their two sons.
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.
Mr. Trotta is a Principal Hydrogeologist for Sonoma Water and serves as Plan Manager for the Petaluma Valley, Santa Rosa Plain, and Sonoma Valley Groundwater Sustainability Agencies. The primary focus of his work involves leading feasibility studies for enhanced groundwater recharge projects and managing groundwater monitoring programs and technical studies in support of collaborative groundwater management activities. He is a California Professional Geologist and Certified Hydrogeologist and received his Bachelor of Science degree in Geology with an emphasis in Hydrologic Science from the University of California at Davis.
Geni Whitehouse, CPA, CITP, CSPM divides her time between working as a winery consultant at Brotemarkle, Davis & Co in the Napa Valley, leading a technology association as President at www.ITAlliance.com, teaching accountants to deliver advisory services through www.TheImpactfulAdvisor.com and writing, speaking, and tweeting at EvenANerd.com.
In her role at BDCoCpa.com, she regularly teaches financial concepts to members of the Napa Valley Vintners, representing more than 500 wineries in the Napa Valley. Geni has presented for the Wine Industry Technology Symposium, Unified Wine and Grape Symposium, Women for WineSense Grand Event, and has moderated numerous wine industry panels.
She has been a wine industry financial educator for WISE Academy and Sonoma State University and a co-founder of Solve Services, a remote bookkeeping business for the wine industry.
She is a regular keynote presenter at CPA and Technology conferences around the world and has been named a Top 100 Influencer by Accounting Today, one of 25 Thought Leaders in Accounting, and one of the 25 Most Powerful Women in Accounting by CPA Practice Advisor. She was a member of the TEDxNapaValley organizing committee and was the first speaker at their inaugural event.
Her book, “How to Make a Boring Subject Interesting: 52 ways even a nerd can be heard”, is available on Amazon.
Rob Whyte is the Chief Operating Officer at Renteria Vineyard Management, where he oversees daily operations, client relationships, and vineyard planning across 1,800 acres in Napa and Sonoma. With a background in viticulture and soil science, Rob helps shape decisions that impact every vine—bringing together field data, seasonal conditions, and production goals to guide each year’s approach.
He plays a central role in identifying and implementing Ag-Tech solutions, focusing on tools that solve real problems and integrate seamlessly into daily operations. From sensors and robotics to automated scheduling platforms, Rob is often the first to test new technology, pushing for innovation that improves efficiency without losing touch with the realities of farming.
Rob believes the most effective Ag-Tech helps farmers make faster, more confident decisions at the moments that matter most. From improving fruit quality to cutting waste and avoiding costly mistakes, he sees technology as a critical tool for navigating the chaos and complexity of modern vineyard management. The future of farming belongs to those who know how to use it.
Maggie Zeman brings over 20 years of PR and marketing experience to her career built out of turning “meh” into magnetic. Whether she’s rebranding a legacy label or masterminding a media blitz, Maggie finds the heartbeat of a brand and makes it impossible to ignore.
As Executive Vice President at Double Forte, Maggie leads the agency’s beverage practice with spark and strategy. Her journey began in the high-stakes arenas of public affairs and tech PR—think the State Department, Netscape, and America Online—before she uncorked a second act in wine, spirits, food, and lifestyle. She’s led campaigns for small and big brands alike including Clif Bar & Company, Beringer Vineyards, The Wine Group and Dutcher Crossing proving that storytelling, when done right, can be both art and impact.
In 2006, Maggie founded The Barn Group in Healdsburg, CA, where she built buzzworthy, bottom-line-driving campaigns for wine and spirits clients. That bold vision led to a merger with Double Forte in 2011, giving rise to Double Forte Wine & Spirits, a powerhouse PR division known for results and originality, all while also managing the Clif Bar business.
After 17 vibrant years in Sonoma and six years in New York City, Maggie and her husband now reside among the culturally cool in Kansas City. Maggie’s left, right, center geographical journey means she gets what drives today’s lifestyle consumer. Mixing that with her West Coast warmth and East Coast edge she brings impact to everything she touches. She holds certifications from the Culinary Institute of America Wine School and the Court of Master Sommeliers.