Marilisa Allegrini: The Voice of Amarone

“The beauty that surrounds us still surprises me,” says Marilisa Allegrini, global representative and CEO of Allegrini Estates, on the Allegrini family’s acclaimed estates in Tuscany and the Veneto. Together with her brother Franco Allegrini, head winemaker for Allegrini Estates, Marilisa carries on the legacy of their father Giovanni, a visionary viticulturist in Valpolicella credited with revolutionizing Amarone and appassimento winemaking. Steeped in centuries of winegrowing expertise, the family is recognized for crafting the benchmark Amarone, pioneering a focus on single-vineyard sites, and consistently marrying tradition with innovation.

Sharing the Legacy of Italian Wine with the World Marilisa was brought up in the vineyard by Giovanni, and was heavily influenced by his dedication to Italian winegrowing of the highest caliber. After studies at the University of Verona, Marilisa became Director of Sales and Marketing for Allegrini and began traveling throughout Italy and the world to share the story of her family’s heritage and wines. Her passion and ambassadorship helped cement the reputation of Amarone as one of the world’s finest wines and Allegrini as its top producer. Today, Marilisa is president of Amarone Families (Famiglie dell’Amarone d’Arte), and has been recognized as one of the top ambassadors for Valpolicella worldwide.

Breaking new ground in Bolgheri.

Bolgheri in Tuscany represented to Marilisa and the Allegrini family not only a beautiful new domain but also a promise to continue their exploration of what’s possible in Italian wine. So in 2002, Marilisa, Franco and their late brother Walter embarked on a new winegrowing journey in the region’s renowned coastal terroir, focused once again on the premise of developing extraordinary vineyard sites. The family’s Poggio al Tesoro estate and its wines have already received acclaim, thanks to the dedication, relentless pursuit of quality and respect for the land the family upholds in all of its endeavors.

“Tradition is not immobility,” Marilisa says of the family’s Tuscan exploration. “When accompanied by true respect for a territory, there is always something to discover, to interpret, to see in a new light.”

Celebrating Italian culture and hospitality.

Marilisa and the Allegrini family channel their passion for hospitality at Verona’s Villa della Torre, their 16^th century renaissance palace, which was once home to visiting artists and bears a rich cultural past. Today, this world-class destination welcomes guests with the family’s phenomenal wines as well as dining experiences from a Michelin-starred chef. Every detail is thoughtfully anticipated, and the result is a distinctly Italian sense of welcome, grace and vivacity. “It is thrilling to us that the Villa della Torre’s façade, grand rooms, archways and gardens today recall their former 16th century grandeur—and thus reflect our commitment to honoring Italian culture,” says Marilisa.

Whether she is sharing the story of Allegrini’s enduring success in the Veneto or introducing wines from the family’s latest chapter in Tuscany, Marilisa draws on her singular knowledge to inspire and inform.

Heather Alper is Vice President of Supplier Management & Business Development at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits.  She has over nineteen years of experience in the wine & spirits industry and has held a variety of finance, marketing & sales management roles.  Prior to joining SGWS, Heather spent two years at William Grant & Sons and eleven years at Moet Hennessy USA. 

She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX, where she played Division  One soccer for two years.  In 2001, Heather earned her M.B.A. from The Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.

Heather is on the advisory board of the WSWA Women’s Leadership Council and was selected to join Deloitte’s Women to Watch program.  She received the President’s Award for Excellence in Mentorship while at Moet Hennessy in 2007 and the William Grant & Sons Award for Excellence in Leadership in 2011.  

Heather lives in Dallas, TX with her extremely supportive husband John and their two children – Ava (10) and Shane (8).  Heather enjoys playing sports with her children, volunteering at their elementary school, shopping and decorating, as well as beach vacations, family time, belly laughs and drinking wine with her girlfriends.

Rachel Ashley is Vice President of Wine Production with Treasury Wine Estates. This role leads the Americas Grape Resources, Winemaking and Winery Operations teams and is accountable for grape to glass delivery of quality wines across a 50 Brand portfolio.  Rachel holds a PhD in Viticulture from the University of Adelaide and embarked on her wine industry career in the Barossa Valley. Rachel relocated to California 9 years ago, during which time has gained extensive exposure and knowledge of the Californian Wine Industry from vineyard through to wine and built capability in team leadership, driving a high-performance culture.

Other interests include cycling, sailing, hiking and camping with her partner and his 2 energetic boys.

Susana Balbo – Founder & Owner - Susana Balbo Wines

A woman of strong convictions, in 2015 Susana decided to utilize all of her experience and knowledge as a business woman for the good of the community by accepting Pro's proposal to become part of their team as a candidate for congresswoman. In the elections of October 2015, she became a National Congresswoman for the political party 'Cambiemos' (“Let's Change”), representing the province of Mendoza.

Within Congress, she is currently PyMesCommission Vice President, PyMes (Small and Medium Sized Companies) being an important project implemented by Mauricio Macri's new government to create new jobs. As an entrepreneur and founder of a PyMe, Susana's perspective is a key asset. Her input also into the Regional Economy Commission and the Foreign Affairs and Worship Commission is invaluable. Her vision of the world from the business perspective, thanks to her experience as a business woman in different regional economies, allows Susana to propose legislation reforms that boost a more current, fair and inclusive economy model, and create more jobs.

With a career in the wine industry of over 30 years, Susana Balbo is certainly the most well-known Argentinian female winemaker in the country and abroad, especially in countries where Argentinian wines are exported.

 Three times she was elected by her wine industry colleagues to be president of 'Wines of Argentina' for2006-2008, 2008-2010 and 2014-2016. It was during this time that Argentinian wine exports made history, growing to double figures and gaining recognition for the country on the world's wine map. By performing this role she became an influential leader in this new wine-producing Argentina after decades of commercially relying only on the internal wine market.

A pioneer in Argentinian wine exportations, Susana has travelled the world representing the country with Malbec as Argentina's flagship.

As early as 1997, her success as a business woman was highlighted by Argentina's Business Women Association, when they recognized her as 'Entrepreneur of the Year.'

In 2003, Susana was nominated as Endeavor Entrepreneur, and in 2006 she was labeled a High Impact Entrepreneur by Endeavor Global. Always being aware of the difficulties that women face in the business world, she was also a founding member of Argentina's International Women Forum and, since 2009, she's been a member of Vital Voices, a non-governmental organization that identifies, trains and empowers emerging female leaders.

In 2008, BEM Bordeaux Management School appointed her as mentor for their wine MBA program.

In 2011, she was nominated for the award 'Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur.'

Jan Barnes is the Vice President, Group Brand Director for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates (SMWE), the leading wine producer in Washington state and owner of wineries in California and Oregon as well as the exclusive US importer of Antinori wines, Torres wines, Champagne Nicolas Feuillatte and Villa Maria Estate.

Jan has over 25 years of experience in consumer & brand marketing, promotions and PR.  Prior to joining Ste. Michelle Wine Estates in 1997, Jan worked with Millstone (gourmet coffee) and Proctor and Gamble. 

She is responsible for the brand marketing and strategic development for a 3 million case portfolio, including Chateau Ste. Michelle, Domaine Ste. Michelle and Eroica.  Chateau Ste. Michelle is currently the #2 premium brand sold in the U.S. (Nielsen) and was recently awarded its 22^th Winery of the Year honor from Wine & Spirits, more than any other American winery.    In addition to successfully managing and growing a broad portfolio, Jan was the marketing lead for Eroica, a joint venture between Chateau Ste. Michelle and Germany’s famed Dr. Loosen Estate. “I have a great passion for delivering exceptional winery experiences to consumers, be it through a glass of wine, the packaging or a promotion, or an exceptional visit to the historic grounds of Chateau Ste. Michelle,” Jan says. 

Jan is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University. 

Kristen Barnhisel

Winemaker, White Wine

J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines

At J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, acclaimed winemaker Kristen Barnhisel brings two decades of viticulture and winemaking experience spanning three continents to her role as winemaker for all white wines. Known for her gifted palate and technical skill, Kristen uses her expertise with a range of white wine varieties, styles and winemaking methods to guide J. Lohr’s white wine portfolio.

Kristen was raised in Santa Rosa by a microbiologist mother, who worked for Simi Winery, and a father who was a home winemaker. Though she grew up immersed in the wine industry, even working harvests as a summer job, it wasn’t until she traveled to Italy while earning her B.A. in Italian literature that she was inspired to become a winemaker. Encouraged by legendary California winemaker, and family friend, Zelma Long, Kristen became one of the first women, and the first American, to work harvest for Ruffino in Italy—an experience that deepened her desire to become a winemaker. Kristen went on to earn a master’s degree in enology from UC Davis, while also working a number of coveted internships, including Warwick Wine Estate in South Africa, Opus One, and Long Vineyard, where she gained invaluable knowledge working alongside her mentor, Zelma Long.

After graduation, eager to build on her growing knowledge of different wine regions, Kristen moved to Washington State, where she spent two years as the enologist at Columbia Crest. Returning to California, Kristen held positions as the assistant winemaker at Jordan Vineyard & Winery and later Belvedere Winery, before joining Handley Cellars in Anderson Valley, where she was co-winemaker with founder Milla Handley for eight years. Prior to joining J. Lohr in 2015, Barnhisel was the quality control manager at Inglenook, where she was charged with ensuring wine quality of the Rubicon, Inglenook's flagship Cabernet Sauvignon, and the Blancaneaux, the winery's top white wine.

Today, utilizing her extensive experience with cool-climate white wine varieties, Kristen works alongside President/COO and longtime Director of Winemaking Jeff Meier to guide J. Lohr’s white wine program. “We are a winery that values leadership, experience and a willingness to experiment,” says Jeff. “From her work in multiple countries and appellations to her role as a director at the American Society for Enology and Viticulture, Kristen has shown a remarkable commitment to research and experimentation. She’s also a phenomenal winemaker.”

“I love the challenge of making serious white wines that reflect their vineyard roots,” says Kristen. “It is incredibly  rewarding to take an inherently transparent grape and to find that perfect place where fruit flavors, aromatics, alcohol, acidity, texture and palate length all come into perfect balance.”

Mary Barrazotto

Senior Vice President

General Counsel – North America and Latin America

Brown-Forman

Mary Barrazotto is Senior Vice President, General Counsel – North America and Latin America for Brown-Forman.  She represents Brown-Forman in all regulatory issues involved with the production and marketing of its brands globally as well as the sale of its products in North America, Latin America and IMEA (India, Middle East and Africa).  In addition, she manages all litigation for the company and provides legal support to the Human Resources Department.

Barrazotto began her legal career as an associate with the law firm of Wyatt Tarrant & Combs.  In 1990, she joined Brown-Forman as senior attorney.  In 1992, Barrazotto was appointed corporate officer, three years later to assistant vice president, and to vice president in 1998.  She was appointed Senior Vice President in 2012 and to her current position as General Counsel in 2014.

Barrazotto serves as Brown-Forman’s representative to the Code Review Board, where she is chair, and to the Laws and Regulations Committee of the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States (DISCUS).  In addition, she serves on the Wine Institute’s Public Policy Committee.  Along with her professional responsibilities, she actively participates in community-based, volunteer organizations.  She is a former Chairperson of Metro United Way, a former Chairperson of Maryhurst and was President of the Louisville Bar Association.  She currently serves as an officer on the board of Gilda’s Club Louisville as well as the Teach Kentucky Board.

Barrazotto earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Virginia and a Juris Doctorate (cum laude) from the University of Louisville.  

Founder, Sokol Blosser Winery, Dundee, Oregon

Susan Sokol Blosser, wine industry pioneer, community leader, environmental advocate, and author, is a contemporary Oregon icon. When women were rarely decision makers in business or agriculture, Susan distinguished herself in both. Over three decades, she managed every aspect of Sokol Blosser’s vineyard and winery operation. As president, she saw Sokol Blosser grow to become one of the largest and most innovative Oregon wineries, with national and international distribution.

Susan was a forerunner in instituting environmentally friendly business practices at the Sokol Blosser Winery and practicing the triple bottom line concept of people, planet, profit. With its certified organic vineyard, the first LEED certified winery building in the US, and business practices based on the Natural Step model of sustainability, the winery made social responsibility and its environmental ethic priorities, while still pursuing its vision of producing fabulous wine. Sokol Blosser Winery has been honored by Oregon Business Magazine as one of Oregon’s “100 Best Companies to Work For” and by the Portland Business Journal as one of the “Most Admired Companies in Oregon.”

After turning over the winery in 2008 to her two of her children, Alex and Alison, who serve as Co-Presidents, Susan stepped back, retaining the title of Founder. She started the Yamhill Enrichment Society (YES) a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to build community through innovative and collaborative projects which promote childhood literacy, further music enrichment, encourage women leaders, nurture community history, and work towards a robust local food economy.

Susan holds a B.A. from Stanford University, an M.A.T. from Reed College, and an Honorary Doctorate of Public Service from the University of Portland, citing her entrepreneurship within the context of environmental and social responsibility. She holds Lifetime Achievement awards from wine industry organizations and was the first non-California woman inducted into the Women for WineSense Hall of Fame.

She and her husband, Russ Rosner, Sokol Blosser’s Winemaker Emeritus, live at the vineyard with three cats, eight chickens and a Tibetan Terrier puppy.

Philana Bouvier is the Senior Vice President, New Business Development at Young’s Market Company, the premier distributor of wines, spirits, and select beverages in the western United States: Alaska, Arizona, California, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Utah, Washington, and Wyoming. She leads the New Business Development team to partner with current and potential supplier clients, capitalizing on market and category opportunities. Bouvier’s role influences a diverse scope across the entire company, focused on strategic business development, brand activation, innovation, and new supplier relations. 

In 2011, Bouvier became the first non-family related, female statewide General Manager of a major alcohol distributor in the United States. As Executive Vice President, General Manager of the Young’s Market Hawaii business unit, she oversaw all operations including warehouse and delivery, purchasing, inventory management and demand planning, pricing and marketing, public relations and promotions, finance, administration, human resources, new business development, and sales execution.

Before joining Young’s Market Company in 2010, Bouvier began her career in the restaurant & wine industry in Hawaii during an 18-year span in the beverage sales and distribution wholesale business. Bouvier moved to Oahu on her own at age 17, after graduating from Newport Harbor High School at 15 years old. A dedicated and passionate survivor having to raise herself, she has successfully accomplished a series of entrepreneurial pursuits and milestones. She is the Co-founder and former CEO of Waiwera Artesian Water USA. Prior to that, she started her own company, B&Co., a boutique brokerage firm that provided distributor sales support and unique services focused on exceptional customer experiences for supplier clients. In 2015, Bouvier was a finalist for the Pacific Business News “For-Profit Business Woman of the Year” and the American Savings Bank “Business Leader of the Year” in Hawaii.

Bouvier is the current Vice-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Council (WLC) for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). WLC is comprised of leaders in the wholesale tier of the U.S. beverage alcohol industry. Its primary mission is to help foster relationships between members, as well as industry leaders within the three-tier system, and to provide a platform for the exchange of ideas and knowledge with peers. She also currently serves as an Officer for the Council of Leadership Development, WSWA.

She is an active Corporate Board Member for the Boys & Girls Club and the Hawaii Culinary Education Foundation. Bouvier’s passion is to work with youth to assist in advocating and inspiring their career paths. Her interests include travel, fine arts, cooking & music. She lives in San Francisco, California. 

Deborah Brenner, Founder & President, Women of the Vine & Spirits

Deborah Brenner graduated from the University of Delaware with degrees in English and Journalism, and was soon hired by a television and film technology company that required international travel to countries for which wine is a part of everyday life. After over 20 years in the male-dominated field of high-end technology and owning a marketing and public relations firm, Ms. Brenner discovered during a fortuitous trip to Napa and Sonoma that many women in the wine industry - like in her own industry - are under-recognized. Compelled to tell their stories, she authored a bestselling collection of profiles on women in the wine industry, Women of the Vine: Inside the World of Women Who Make, Taste and Enjoy Wine, which Wine Spectator named a Critical Read of 2007.

Through the process of writing the book and championing its subjects, Ms. Brenner became inspired to enter the wine business herself, releasing wine from a first-of-its-kind collective of seven artisan women winemakers from Napa, Sonoma and Paso Robles. For the following seven years, Ms. Brenner learned the business inside and out, but but eventually saw that producing wine wasn't the most effective way to support and advance women's careers in the wine industry. Shuttering the brand, she returned to the drawing board.

After one year of thought, research, and long conversations, Brenner organized a first-of-its-kind event: the inaugural Women of the Vine Global Symposium. The conference, first held in March of 2015, existed to support, educate, and connect women working in the alcohol beverage industry; registration sold out quickly to 500 women from five countries. Given the overwhelming response, Brenner and the Women of the Vine Advisory Board went to work developing a consortium that supports professionals in the alcohol beverage industry year-round. Thus emerged the Women of the Vine Alliance, a membership-based organization, anchored by the annual Symposium, whose mission is to empower and equip women worldwide to advance their careers in the alcohol beverage industry, fostering gender diversity and talent development across the industry at large.

Ms. Brenner has received a Rising Star Award from Women for WineSense (2008), a New York Small Business Administration Women in Business Champion Of The Year (2009), a New York City National Association of Women Business Owners Signature Award (2010), the Lillian Vernon Award for Outstanding Community Service by the Women's Enterprise Development Center (2011), a NY Women in Communications Rising Star Award (2013), and the Rockland Business Women's Network Woman of the Year Award (2014). She is also a member of Senator Gillibrand's NY Agriculture Working Group. She resides in Rockland County, New York.

Director of Strategic Sourcing - Beverage.

Gwen Chappell Director of Strategic Sourcing for MGM Resorts International

Gwen is responsible for leading and directing all strategic sourcing activities for assigned categories relating to beverage, responsible for negotiations and implementation of all sourcing contracts under the Beverage Program for 14 MGM Resorts International Properties.  Manage Spend of $100 Million in annual spend subsidiaries.  Strategic planning of processes to ensure compliance across the enterprise.

Gwen joins us from Bellagio, where she had served as Director of Beverage since February 2008. In that role, she oversaw the Property’s beverage program for all restaurants and Banquets, as well as the maintenance of six service bars and three main lounges, and direction of more than 500 beverage employees.

Gwen began her Food & Beverage career with MGM Resorts in 1998 as a Cocktail Server at The Mirage, and was quickly promoted to Department Supervisor.  Gwen continued to rise through the ranks ultimately becoming Director of Beverage at Mirage.

Béatrice Cointreau international CEO now lives between California and France.

Béatrice Cointreau was born into a long line of vine-growers and distillers. With a Masters in law, in business (ISG), a degree in marketing and a MBA from Cornell University – Johnson Graduate School of Management, she completed her studies at the Bordeaux Institute of Oenology and at the ISIPCA European school of perfumery.

Great-granddaughter of the Cointreau liquor founder and granddaughter of the founder of Rémy Martin, she is proud to carry their values of entrepreneurship without working in those historical companies

Member of the Wine Academy of France, formed at the University of Bordeaux wine, Béatrice Cointreau has successfully managed a house of Cognac and Champagne for nearly 25 years,  she created an advertising agency specialized in wine and food and developed an international expertise as manager of various companies during a quarter of Century.

Beatrice Cointreau was honored by the French government, receiving both official titles of chevalier de “l’Ordre du Merite Agricole” for her input in the agricultural industry & the highest recognition of “Legion of Honor”  for her civilian activities.

She is the author of “Sense & Quintessence” (Cherche Midi 2009), “organic wine: the marketer’s guide” (Issued in April in French & Fall in the US 2015) and “C’est si bon Paris…by night” (May 2014).

She is also the owner of  “ADMIRABLE family vineyards in MALIBU” and distribution & now focuses on developing wines internationally as CEO & MD, since her acquisition in 2013.

Rachel Espersen oversees Creative Programming and Partnerships for INTERSECT BY LEXUS | NYC, a unique, permanent space in select global cities where people experience Lexus without getting behind the wheel of one of their cars. It is a place where creative minds meet and share ideas, where inspired people intersect with sublime expressions of design, technology, cuisine and living. Following successful launches in Tokyo and Dubai, INTERSECT BY LEXUS | NYC is set to open Summer 2017.

In her role, Rachel also serves on the Advisory Board for the CFDA Lexus Fashion Initiative, whose mission is to inspire thought leadership, facilitate the implementation of innovative practices and elevate the level and percentage of sustainability within the businesses of the selected designer finalists. Rachel also manages the U.S. rollout of the Lexus Design Awards, a global design competition, and works on New York Fashion Week, where Lexus serves as the official automotive sponsor.

Rachel joined Lexus with over 10 years’ experience in luxury, entertainment, media and wine & spirits, most recently managing public relations and events for Maisons Marques & Domaines, the premier importer and marketer of family-owned, world-renowned wine producers including Champagne Louis Roederer, Domaines Ott, Pio Cesare, Dominus Estate and others.

Her ability to develop innovative solutions, design creative events and cultivate powerful relationships is an asset to organizations striving to reach the new vanguard consumer who has redefined what luxury means to them. 

Sara Fasolino, Senior Manager, Beverage for Brinker International has the task of overseeing the  beverage programs for Chili's and Maggiano's. A Certified Cicerone®, Certified Sommelier, Certified Specialist of Wine and Advanced Mixologists wine, beer and spirits are Fasolino’s passion and in her role at Brinker, she has truly found her home.

Originally from Buffalo, NY, Fasolino moved to Chicago on a whim and landed a dream job at Morton’s The Steakhouse as the Corporate Beverage Manager before moving on to Brinker International. “I am thankful and humbled every day I come to work and do my job,” says Fasolino. “I am extremely fortunate and grateful.”

Fasolino started working in the restaurant industry while waiting tables throughout college and that’s when she knew she was destined to be part of the restaurant and hospitality industry. She now resides in Dallas with her family.

Sara Floyd has had a varied and colorful career in the wine business, launching her wine career working as an assistant to Larry Stone, the "dean" of American sommeliers, at Rubicon restaurant in San Francisco.  Ms. Floyd then became Wine Director for the Vertigo Restaurant, where she developed an award-winning wine list and worked with some of the top chefs of the city. In 1998, Ms. Floyd concluded her active restaurant work as the Wine Director for Wolfgang Puck's Postrio, the most popular and elegant restaurant of its era in San Francisco.

After just two years at this post, Martine Saunier of Martine’s Wines selected Ms. Floyd to run her National Sales. It was at Martine’s Wines where it became obvious where her future was in the marketing and sales of wines.

Looking to make her own mark in the wine world, in 2001, Ms. Floyd launched Swirl Wine Brokers in San Francisco with Lawrence Boone.  Swirl is a state-wide broker that carefully selects and represents wines from California, Washington, Oregon, France, Spain, Italy, Germany and Austria.  It has also been innovative in seeking out wines from Hungry, Switzerland, Greece, and Macedonia.   

Ms. Floyd has also been the National Sales Director for Jorge Ordonez wines. She assisted Mr. Ordonez in the sampling and blending of many of the wines that were produced for Jorge Ordonez &Co.  She has traveled extensively throughout the wine regions of Spain.  

Her success as a business woman should be sufficient enough to establish her credibility. But in addition to all she has done, Sara Floyd is a Master Sommelier, the tenth woman in the world to have earned the title.

In 2007 Ms. Floyd and the Pisoni Family launched Luli Wines, specializing in high quality, value wines from the Santa Lucia Highlands.  Luli produces Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah and rose, with an annual production of fifteen thousand cases.

In 2010 at the young age of forty, Ms. Floyd and her husband Jim became parents to fraternal twin boys which along with co-running two companies keeps Ms. Floyd on her tiptoes. 

Jeff Fromm is Partner at Ad Agency Barkley.  He is also a contributor at Forbes.

Jeff is a frequent speaker/expert resource on marketing, trends & innovation. Jeff is the co-author of “Marketing to Millennials” and “Millennials with Kids” and has previously published numerous research reports on millennials, the financial impact of millennial influence on Baby Boomers and Gen X as well as a pending deep-dive report on Gen Z.

Jeff has over 25 years of marketing consulting experience across a variety of brands, including Anheuser-Busch InBev. He is a shareholder and Board Member at Three Dog Bakery, Service Management Group, Tickets For Less and Change Labs, an Israeli financial tech disruptor. Jeff graduated from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a major in marketing and attended The London School of Economics.

Gina Gallo: From Family Apprentice to Artisanal Winemaker

The Gallo Signature Series is a collection of wines handcrafted by Gina Gallo, the acclaimed third-generation winemaker from one of America’s most historic winemaking families. In many ways, these wines are the culmination of Gina’s journey as a winemaker, from her days spent walking in the vineyards with her grandfather Julio, to her time in the cellar, honing her craft as an artisanal winemaker.

A Winemaker’s Journey

Gina’s journey as a winemaker began when she was just 10 years old, tending the gardens with her father and grandfather and picking fruits and vegetables that her mother and grandmother would turn into family meals.  One of eight brothers and sisters, Gina has fond memories of working alongside her family. She spent her high school summers working at the Gallo family’s winery, and she joined the Gallo sales team after earning her bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University.

It’s no surprise that Gina found her true calling as a winemaker, following in her grandfather’s footsteps. She studied winemaking at the University of California at Davis and later became an apprentice winemaker at the Gallo family’s experimental micro-winery in Modesto, CA. Under the tutelage of Julio Gallo and Marcello Monticelli, a 30-year veteran of the Gallo team, Gina flourished as a winemaker. Three years later, she completed her first full harvest in Sonoma County, working side by side with her brother, Matt.  He grew the grapes and she made the wine, in a partnership that has thrived for more than two decades.

Nurturing a Personal Passion

Today, as the winemaker behind the Gallo Signature Series, Gina is intimately engaged with these special wines from the Gallo family’s premier estate vineyards in Napa, Sonoma and Monterey counties. She carves out the specific blocks on her family’s most sought-after vineyards to hand craft limited batches of wine. Gina’s personal passion is behind each bottle of Gallo Signature Series wine, which is why her signature is printed on every label.

“This endeavor has allowed me to follow a deep passion that was instilled in me by my grandfather Julio so many years ago: to craft wine with care, from start to finish,” explains Gina. “The Gallo Signature Series allows me to work with the best grapes from a handful of vineyard blocks on our incredible estate properties. I am able to stay close to the wines in the cellar, so that I can create something truly special. This is why I became a winemaker in the first place.”

Marlene Gordon is the Vice President, General Counsel – North America for Bacardi North America Corporation.  In this role Ms. Gordon serves as a strategic business partner and the senior key point of contact for the legal and compliance activities for the companies within the Bacardi North American business unit.  Ms. Gordon also serves as a member of the Global Legal Leadership Team and the Americas Leadership Team.  Ms. Gordon also serves as the Global chair for Bacardi’s Global Women-In-Leadership Program.

Prior to joining Bacardi, Ms. Gordon spent 14 years at Burger King Corporation with increasing U.S. and global roles of responsibility dealing with marketing, intellectual property, operations, supply and distribution, and information technology, ultimately rising to the role of Vice President, Assistant General Counsel.  During her tenure at Burger King, she also served as Chief Legal Crisis Officer, chaired the company’s Women’s Leadership Forum and received Burger King Corporation’s Crowning Achievement Award for outstanding work and accomplishments in support of the company’s Go Forward Plan.  Ms. Gordon previously worked for Republic Industries, Inc. and Blockbuster Entertainment Group, and was in private practice with a leading Florida law firm earlier in her career.    Ms. Gordon obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Chicago and her Juris Doctor degree from Northwestern University School of Law.  Ms. Gordon was named one of 2013’s Most Powerful & Influential Women by the Florida Diversity Action Council.

Jeffery Tobias Halter - Gender Strategist, Author

Jeffery Tobias Halter is the President of YWomen, a strategic consulting company focused on engaging men in women’s leadership issues. YWomen focuses on driving actionable business plans and strategies to help organizations create Integrated Women’s Leadership Strategies. Jeffery is the former Director of Diversity Strategy for The Coca-Cola Company.

Jeffery is author of two books, WHY WOMEN, The Leadership Imperative to Advancing Women and Engaging Men and Selling to Men, Selling to Women. He is a contributing writer to the Huffington Post, the New York Daily News, Working Mother magazine and a two-time TEDx speaker. His work has been profiled in Forbes and US News and World Reports. Additionally he is a regular contributor to Fox Business Radio and Good Morning Charlotte.  

His clients include two Catalyst Award winning companies, The Coca-Cola Company and Kimberly Clark, as well as dozens of other Fortune 500 companies. He has led best practice work with companies such as McDonald’s, Deloitte, Novartis, GE, Walmart and Costco. 

Systems Engineer with a Harvard Degree in Advanced Management.

Mrs. Henriquez is a professional with 38 years of experience, out of which 26 have been spent as President and/or CEO of multinational or global companies in Venezuela, Mexico, Argentina and now, France.

Mrs. Henriquez, better known as Maggie, is renowned for developing and implementing strategies to manage companies in difficult contexts and circumstances. For
26 years she contributed to different companies by developing and executing the right strategies to successfully lead the way as president and/ or C.E.O. of companies which produced and distributed wines and spirits in Venezuela, food in Mexico, sparkling and still wines in Argentina and now in the House of Krug, in Reims, France. The House of Krug is at the very top of the Champagne industry – it is the only house that has created only Prestige Champagnes since it was founded in 1843.

Maggie was also president of the Association of Manufacturers in Venezuela, Mexico and actively participated in the transformation of the Argentinean wine industry. In Argentina, she got deeply connected with winegrowing and winemaking during her eight years at the head of Moët Hennessy properties there.

During her experience leading different companies she was also a member of the international executive committees of Seagram, Nabisco, Moët Hennessy Latin America, Caribbean, Canada and Middle East, Moët Hennessy Estates & Wines, and now belongs to the Moët Hennessy International executive committee.

During her stay in Mexico, she was Professor of New Product Development for International Markets and Strategic Alliances at the Universidad Panamericana for post-graduate and/or Master degrees. Maggie has conducted seminars on various topics, which range from Wine, Champagne, Luxury Brand Building, Strategy and Marketing, Facing Crisis, Leadership, and Women’s Development.

Among other recognitions, she was appointed “Keeper of the Quaich” by the Scotch Whisky association in 1993; in Argentina in 2008 was

appointed among the best five executives of the year during the last 10 years by Fundaciôn Konex; and recently was appointed as the 2013 woman of the year by Drinks International – one of the most important trade media in the UK.

She is a system engineer with an advanced program in Harvard. She has two children
living in Mexico, 35 and 31, she is also a grandmother of a girl and a boy. Maggie loves sports, biking, water skiing, tennis, horseriding, aerobics and spinning. She is fluent in three languages: English, French and Spanish and understands Italian and Portuguese. Maggie is computer skilled, loves wines, gastronomy, traveling, arts, reading, music, opera and a good spa. 

Amy Hoopes is the President of Wente Family Estates. Hoopes’ role includes oversight of sales, marketing, hospitality and retail operations for the family-owned wine portfolio.  This includes Wente Vineyards (the oldest, continuously operated family-owned winery in America), Murrieta’s Well, Entwine, Hayes Ranch, and Double Decker brands, as well as the lifestyle operations: The Course, The Restaurant and The Concerts at Wente Vineyards.

Ms. Hoopes is heading a long-term brand-driven strategy with the ultimate goal of positioning Wente Family Estates as one of the most respected family-owned wineries in the world. Ms. Hoopes joined Wente Family Estates in 2007 as Vice President of Marketing. She worked on the alignment of brand strategy and portfolio mapping, together while managing Wente 4th and 5th generation family members. Today, she focuses on brand strategy and guest experience, working with a team of marketing, sales and hospitality leaders at Wente.

After graduating from the University of Pennsylvania in 1997 with a degree in Anthropology, Ms. Hoopes joined E. & J. Gallo’s Management Achievement Program and her last position after 10 years of diverse responsibilities was a Director of Marketing at E. & J. Gallo Winery. In this capacity, she oversaw marketing of the Value Wine Portfolio, as well as new product development and innovation for wines and spirits.

Ms. Hoopes was among Direct Marketing News distinguished list of “40 Under 40” marketers in 2014, and was inducted into the Marketing Hall of Femme in 2015.  She is a member of the Communications Committee for Wine Institute, an executive board member and current President for Livermore Valley Winegrowers Association, a Member of Monterey County Vintners and Winegrowers Association, and the Past President of Les Dames d’Escoffier.

Ms. Hoopes lives in Pleasanton with her husband and two daughters.

Chris Indelicato

President and CEO – Delicato Family Vineyards

As President and CEO of the family-owned business with over 90 years of California winemaking and grape growing heritage, Chris Indelicato oversees the winery’s strategic direction, company culture and commitment to sustainability.

Born and raised in Manteca, California where his grandfather, Gaspare Indelicato planted the family’s first vineyards in 1924, Chris has been ingrained in the industry since childhood. Chris spent his teenage years alongside his father, uncles and brother harvesting, crushing, bottling and pouring wine behind the counter of the family’s tasting room.

Chris went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles where he quickly launched his career as a Certified Public Accountant. His tenure in the financial field provided invaluable experience and a renewed interest in returning to the family business. In 1994, Chris rejoined Delicato Family Vineyards initially working with his brother Jay on the viticulture and winery operations side, then moving on to become National Accounts Manager, and Chief Financial Officer. After ten years of experience, relationship building and a passion for continuing his family legacy, Chris assumed the role of President and CEO in 2004.

Now in its fourth generation, family-run Delicato Family Vineyards has grown to rank among the top ten wineries in the United States in volume with the largest growth in the wine industry. Named Wine Enthusiast magazine’s 2011 “American Man of the Year” for his outstanding achievement in innovation, distinctive brand positioning and big picture thinking, Chris has led the launch and long term, national and international success of brands like Gnarly Head, Noble Vines and Bota Box. With prestige brands like Black Stallion Estate Winery in Napa Valley and Z. Alexander Brown, the #1 new brand of 2016 crafted in partnership with Grammy award-winning artist Zac Brown, the Delicato Family Vineyards portfolio continues to over-deliver.

Chris serves as President of the Winegrowers of Napa County, and Second Vice-Chair of The Wine Institute, the public policy advocacy association representing nearly 1,000 California wineries. Most importantly, he is the proud father of two children, son Borja and daughter Caterina. Chris and wife, Maché make their home in Napa.

Nicole Bierig Jordan, is the Vice President, Commercial Strategy and Analytics at Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits (SGWS).  Nicole has 10 years of experience at SGWS in various analytically-driven positions, most recently serving in a dual role leading strategy for the Western Region as well as the Commercial Analytics for the company nationally.    

Nicole earned her MBA from the Wharton School of Business, majoring in Strategic Management and her Bachelors from the University of California Berkeley, where she graduated with Phi Beta Kappa and High Honors in International Business.

In addition to progressive corporate leadership roles at Southern, Nicole Jordan was chosen as member of the initial class of fourteen for Southern’s Emerging Leaders Program — a selective executive development program for top talent from across the company. 

Nicole lives in San Francisco, CA with her husband Clay.  She volunteers locally with Junior League of San Francisco, where she sat on the board of International Rescue Committee (IRC) helping refugees located in the Bay Area.  In her free time, she enjoys cycling, hiking with her dog Tucker, and traveling around the world. 

As the Senior Vice President for Veuve Clicquot, Krug and Ruinart USA., Vanessa Kay directs and manages all business, brand marketing and events in the United States for the 3 champagne brands . Prior to stepping into this role in the fall of 2010, Vanessa was the Business Development Director for the Maison Veuve Clicquot based in France and was responsible for the United States and Asia Pacific regions. In her current position, Vanessa oversees each aspect of the brand including marketing, sales, distribution, events, public relations and digital efforts.

After earning a B.A. degree in French Literature magna cum laude from Cornell University, Vanessa moved to France where she completed an MBA at INSEAD in Fontainebleau and subsequently lived in Paris for 20 years. Prior to joining Moet Hennessy, Vanessa worked for Citibank in Marketing and Strategic Development for 5 years in both NY and Paris and subsequently in management consulting in Paris for over ten years across multiple sectors including banking, pharma, biotech and heavy industry.

Maggie Lapcewich serves as Integration Executive Vice President for Breakthru Beverage Group.  The company was formed through the merger of Wirtz Beverage and Charmer Sunbelt in January 2016.  Maggie is responsible for aligning the practical implementation of the merger with the company’s goals and strategic vision.

She brings extensive industry and functional oversight experience to the company.  With a tenure of more than 24 years, Maggie most recently led Commercial Strategy and Business Development for Wirtz Beverage Group.  There she focused on commercial effectiveness across the sales and trade development teams, and leveraged best practices to enhance market execution.

Maggie has also served in numerous leadership roles for Diageo including President of Diageo Canada until 2014, and was the President of both Global Tequila and U.S. National Accounts for Diageo North America. Additionally she was the General Manager of the Illinois and Indiana region for Diageo, as well as the Central Control States of Michigan, Ohio, Iowa and West Virginia. Her career began with E&J Gallo Winery.

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Iowa and she attended the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth.

Dianne’s entrepreneurial flair has involved her in a diverse range of successful business ventures. In 2000 she entered the wine industry after purchasing a vineyard in the premium wine growing region of Margaret River in Western Australia. Dianne created and constructed one of Australia’s most iconic wine tourism destinations and produced 9 wines under her own label. The wines were presented in unique and elegant screen-printed bottles that set them apart from all others. Both the wine and the packaging received numerous national and international awards. Dianne truly established herself as one of the best in the industry.

Dianne was inducted as an Honouree to the Leading Women Entrepreneurs of the World (LWEW) in Vancouver in 2005. This not-for-profit organisation represents the world's most powerful and successful female entrepreneurs.

In November 2008, Dianne was invited to join the prestigious Harvard University's John F Kennedy School "Women's Leadership Board". The Board's 150 strong community of distinguished women leaders from twenty countries around the world promote the advancement of women and girls on a global scale, both individually and collectively.

In November 2015, Dianne was announced as the winner of the “Champion of Change” category in the inaugural Australian Women in Wine Awards. These wine awards were the first in Australia to recognise and reward the tremendous women who work and succeed in a very male dominated industry. Always standing up and fighting for what she believes in to make change within the wine industry, Dianne has proven herself as an advocate for gender equality and diversity within the workplace.

With a determination to make a difference in the world, Dianne is passionate about the empowerment and education of young girls and women, as well as a strong advocate for gay rights. She is a benefactor of many charities, gives numerous scholarships each year to both young and mature age students, and supports local organisations, events, art societies, emergency services, schools and sporting groups. Dianne says “I know for a fact the more you give in life, the more you get back. So to all of you out there, JUST KEEP GIVING!”

Molly Murphy MacGregor is an educator, historian, and Executive Director of the National Women’s History Project.  She originated the plan for the first Women’s History Week in Sonoma County.  The goal of the observance was to have communities and schools recognize the important contributions that women of all cultural backgrounds have made to society and history.   By 1979, through a mass lobbying effort the idea had spread throughout the country to get Congress and governors nationwide to declare National Women’s History Week, which was recognized by President Carter in 1980. 

That year, 1980 MacGregor co-founded the National Women’s History Project (NWHP), an educational nonprofit institution to continue to spearheaded the movement for National Women’s History Week (which in 1987 became National Women’s History Month).  The National Women’s History Project selects each year’s theme and Honorees and provides the promotional and educational materials need to have successful celebrations.

As Executive Director and Co-founder of the National Women’s History Project for the past 36 years, MacGregor has worked with leaders of national women’s organizations to encourage them to celebrate their own organizations’ history as well as to build coalitions to develop programs and events that celebrate the vast array of women’s lives.  

Last year, the National Women’s History Project has established the Women’s History Alliance to help promote the anniversary of women in the United States winning the right to vote.  2020 will mark the hundredth anniversary of this historic achievement.  The goal is to have August 26, 2020,  Women’s Equality Day, the centennial of the victory of women being written into the Constitution declared as a federal holiday.

Under MacGregor’s leadership, the NWHP has been recognized by the National Education Association with its prestigious Mary Hatwood Futrell Award for outstanding contributions to women’s and girls’ education, the National Association for Multicultural Education, and the Center for Women Policy Studies for scholarship, service and advocacy on behalf of the “feminist enlightenment.”

MacGregor has also been honored by the American Education Research Association with its Women Educator’s Curriculum Award, the Giraffe Foundation for “sticking her neck out,” the Sonoma County NAACP as Woman of the Year, the California Commission on the Status of Women as one of California’s 12 Outstanding Women of 1987, Congresswoman Lynn Woolsey for contributions in shaping women’s political and social landscape, California Business and Professional Women as an Outstanding California Leader and Sonoma State University as a Distinguished Alumna.

In 1999, MacGregor was chosen as one of three appointments from the White House to the Women’s Progress Commemoration Commission, which was responsible for advising the Secretary of Interior on ensuring the historic preservation of sites that have been instrumental in American women’s history, creating a living legacy for generations to come.

DR. MAKAZIWE (MAKI) MANDELA – was born in Johannesburg, South Africa on the 1st of March 1954. She grew up in Soweto, Johannesburg and is the eldest daughter of Evelyn Mase and Nelson Mandela. After matriculating from High School in Swaziland, she went on to study for her BA degree in Social Work at Fort Hare University in the Eastern Cape, and then her Honours Degree in Sociology at the University of Natal in Durban.

In 1984, she received a Fulbright Foreign Scholarship and a Fulbright Distinguished Fellowship Award to study at the University of Massachusetts in the US for a Masters in Sociology and a Doctorate in Anthropology.

She has had a full and chequered career that has involved working in several other countries, and holds directorships in Nestlé SA among others. She has presented numerous papers over the years, including the role of women in a changing South Africa. She has been intricately involved in developing a substantial investment portfolio within Nozala, a women’s investment group, and using these funds in the economic upliftment and empowerment of women in South Africa.

She has worked for a number of academic institutions in South Africa and abroad. She spent a number of years working for the Development Bank of Southern Africa as Executive Manager Corporate Services. Prior to that, she worked for Spoornet as General Manager Human Resources.

Dr. Makaziwe Mandela previously sat on the Boards of Rand Water Services, Myriad Medical, Envirosev and the Nelson Mandela Foundation. She is also a consultant in training development and life skills at Self Empowerment International. Dr. Mandela is currently the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of House of Mandela, a business that she started with her daughter Tukwini Mandela in 2010. 

Lisa Mattson

Director of Marketing & Communications
Jordan Vineyard & Winery

Lisa Mattson possesses nearly twenty years of experience in writing, event planning, public relations, marketing and digital media strategy in the wine industry. She is considered a thought leader in video storytelling, social media and digital brand strategy for luxury wines.

As Director of Marketing & Communications at Jordan Vineyard & Winery, Mattson is responsible for developing and executing brand strategy, social media strategy, the photography and videography program, email marketing and website, as well as managing traditional press relations. As an early adopter of social media and video storytelling, Mattson developed the “The Journey of Jordan” blog, which was named Best Winery Blog (2013, 2012) and Best Photo/Video Blog (2014, 2013) by the Wine Blog Awards. She has been featured in Apple Inc.’s iPad at Work series, Sonoma Discoveries, Sonoma, and Tasting Panel and quoted in Wall Street Journal, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Business Monthly and Wines & Vines. She won Best Music Video at the 2016 International Wine Film Festival, Best Wine Themed Video at the 2015 Born Digital Wine Awards and 2015 Winery Chief Marketing Officer of the Year in the North Bay Business Journal Wine Industry Awards.

From 2005 to 2009, she served as director of communications at Napa Valley-based importer and marketer Wilson Daniels Ltd., handling traditional public relations and special events. Prior to joining Wilson Daniels, Mattson served as event marketing manager at E&J Gallo Winery. She worked as news editor at Wine News magazine in South Florida and in various public relations and communications’ positions at South Florida wine distributors before moving to Northern California in 2001. She graduated magna cum laude from Florida International University in 1997.

The story of her raucous journey from lust to love and beer to wine is captured in The Exes in My Glass: How I Refined My Taste in Men & Alcohol, a memoir of the ex-boyfriends and drinks that honed her palate and guided her destiny. She hosts wine tasting book chats throughout the year, offering advice on career path, relationships and how to live your best life.

Elizabeth McCall

Master Taster & Senior Quality Control Specialist, Brown-Forman

Woodford Reserve Master Taster Elizabeth McCall, CSS (Certified Specialist of Spirits) is the second generation of her family to work in the bourbon industry.  She followed in her mother’s footsteps starting as a sensory expert and working in the quality department.  McCall has a master’s degree from the University of Louisville and has been a member of Brown-Forman’s R&D Department since 2009.  She works directly with Master Distiller Chris Morris and R&D on innovation and the develop0ment of new products within Woodford Reserve.  McCall helped develop tasting notes for Distillery Services expressions, Sweet Mash Redux and Double Double Oaked.  Additionally, she worked to define the sensory standard to which every batch of Woodford Reserve must comply.

When she’s not using her expertise in the lab, McCall travels around the country as a brand ambassador educating consumer and trade audiences on the Woodford Reserve family of brands.  In her role as Master Taster, she interacts one-on-one with consumers through personal barrel selections and education on sensory methodology and the Woodford Reserve flavor profile.  McCall works alongside the Woodford Reserve Distillery production team to ensure the quality of Woodford Reserve.

Catherine McDaniel is Vice President, Federal Affairs for the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA). She joined WSWA in 2007 and manages WSWA-PAC, the association political arm along with serving as a registered lobbyist and advocate on Capitol Hill.  Additionally, Catherine was instrumental in establishing the association’s new Women’s’ Leadership Council (WLC), a national networking and professional development resource for industry women.

Catherine travels the country educating WSWA members on the benefits of WSWA, WSWA-PAC and the WLC program.  She has elevated the WSWA-PAC to a Top 15 trade association PAC that raises $2 million per election cycle and leads specialty tasting events such as WSWA’s annual “Toast to Congress.”  She is a true advocate on behalf of the association on Capitol Hill and is has devoted her time to encouraging wholesale executives to incorporate women in leadership roles and branding women leaders with the WLC Advisory Board.

Prior to joining WSWA, Catherine worked for the Outdoor Advertising Association of America (OAAA) as Director, Legislative and Political Affairs, overseeing its PAC, fundraisers, compliance and legislative conferences.

She began her career at Lamar Advertising’s corporate headquarters in Baton Rouge, La., in the national sales/marketing department. As a young professional in Washington, she spent her off hours as a retail wine sales specialist where she completed Society of Wine Educators training.

Catherine received her Bachelor’s Degree Mass Communication, with minors in marketing and political science from Louisiana State University.  She currently resides in Alexandria, VA with her husband, Malloy and three children, Maxwell, Murphy and Vidrine.

Stephanie J. Macleod

Master Blender

In Dewar’s illustrious 170-year history, Stephanie is only the seventh person to hold the proud title of Dewar’s Master Blender—and, she is the first woman. Stephanie is distinctly qualified for her critical role at Dewar’s, with excellent credentials primarily in the sensory analyses of whisky and blending.

Stephanie began her career in whisky as a Sensory Analyst at the University of Strathclyde, Scotland, working on a project which attempted to unlock the maturation secrets of Scotch whisky. She also studied rum, olive oil, wine and cheese, and has published a number of scientific papers on the results of her research.

In 1998, Stephanie moved to Dewar’s and within a short time was placed in charge of the Spirit Quality Laboratories at the Company’s head office in Glasgow. In 2003, Stephanie became Blender Designate, and began her official three year training with the then Master Blender, Tom Aitken.

Since 2006, when she assumed the role of Master Blender she has continued the Dewar’s blending legacy by maintaining the award winning taste of Dewar’s and other brands in the Scotch whisky portfolio.  The portfolio has been expanded to include amongst others the award winning blends Dewar’s 15 and Dewar’s Legacy and Dewar’s Ne Plus Ultra 30 year old, a range of single cask expressions of Aberfeldy, and more recently the long awaited release of the ‘Last Great Malts’.

Wendy Nyberg  - Vice President Marketing, Trinchero Family Estates

Before she was even old enough to enjoy wine, Wendy Nyberg began her career in the industry, turning a college job into a lifelong pursuit. In 1987, she joined Freixenet USA as a part-time assistant, but after successfully launching its new winery, Gloria Ferrer, was quickly promoted to the Marketing and National Sales groups. This fast-paced introduction exposed her to every aspect of the business, and during more than a decade with the company, she served as Brand Manager and led sales of key national accounts. 

After consulting for private labels for several years, she ventured to Racke USA, where she was Vice President of Marketing for multiple brands, including Buena Vista, Donum Estate, Haywood, and Robert Stemmler Wines. She also established the Carneros Marketing Alliance to bring awareness to the burgeoning wine region.

While she enjoyed working regionally, Wendy missed the challenge of marketing larger national brands and connecting with retailers and consumers. In 2003, she joined Trinchero Family Estates as Senior Director of Marketing for the nation’s top retail brand, Sutter Home. Today, as Vice President of Marketing at Trinchero, she oversees brand positioning, advertising, strategic promotions, and packaging for several of the company’s top labels, including the best-selling brand, Sutter Home.

A competitive strategist, marketing expert, and creative brand builder, Wendy believes: “Passion is the difference between being good at what you do and being great at what you do.” A resident of Sonoma, she enjoys boating, music and relaxing with a great glass of wine.

K.D. Organ joined Chateau Ste. Michelle as an enologist in 2008, was promoted to Assistant Winemaker in 2011, and added Anew Wines to her responsibilities in 2015. Based at Chateau Ste. Michelle’s Canoe Ridge Estate red winery near Paterson, Washington, K.D. assists in managing the day-to-day production of wines.  Her major area of focus is the Reserve Program, which includes single vineyard wines, varietal reserves, the Artist Series Meritage blend, and Tenet wines. 

“I love the pure intensity, natural acidity, and the ample tannins in Washington’s fruit,” K.D. says. “When tasting and blending wines, I try to look for a balance point, where all the components in the wine work together to create a harmonious impact.”

K.D. attended Washington State University and majored in Agricultural Science with emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. She graduated in 2004, and joined Snoqualmie, Chateau Ste. Michelle’s sister winery, as an enology intern that year. She then moved to Covey Run as a lab technician for three years before joining Chateau Ste. Michelle.  2013 afforded an opportunity to work a vintage in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand, at Te Awa, a small winery owned by Villa Maria, which gave K.D. the experience of working with wines made from the unique terroir of the Gimblett Gravels District. 

“Winemaking is my passion because it embodies the creativity of art, the mystique of history, and the methodology of science,” K.D. says. “I love working in Washington wine country because we’re still young as a growing region, and there’s still so much to learn.”

Kelly Poulsen, Vice President of Federal Government Affairs - Distilled Spirits Council of the United States 

Kelly Poulsen is Vice President of Federal Government Affairs for the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States, where she advocates on behalf of the distilled spirits sector with members of Congress and Federal government agencies.  

Before joining the staff at the Council, Poulsen was Vice President of Government Affairs at the American Frozen Food Institute (AFFI) and worked for Congressman Denny Rehberg (MT-At Large) as his adviser on financial services, tax, small business and economic development issues. She also staffed the Congressman in his role as a member of the House Appropriations Committee.  

Prior to that, Poulsen served on the federal government affairs team at the National Association of Home Builders and began her career on Capitol Hill with Congressman Mark Green (WI-08).  She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in history from the University of Kansas.

Rachel Roberts was appointed Vice President Global Marketing Operations for Beam Suntory Inc., the world’s third-largest premium spirits company, in January 2017.

Roberts has more than 20 years of brand building, sales, marketing, and innovation experience in the beverage, spirits, and wine industries. Prior to serving as Vice President Global Marketing Operations, Roberts held several leadership roles at Beam Suntory, including Senior Director of Innovation, Senior Brand Director, Vice President of Activation, Vice President GSM Control States and Vice President Commercial Marketing & Insights.

Roberts joined Beam Suntory in March 2006, and relocated to Chicago in 2007, following eight years with Pernod Ricard, formerly Allied Domecq, where she most recently served as Global Innovation Director, managing an extensive team of innovation leads across multiple markets internationally.

Prior to Allied Domecq, Roberts progressed through a number of sales and marketing roles at Pepsi, including ABM for Diet Pepsi and London Field Sales Manager.

Roberts earned a degree in business from Manchester University in England.

Roberts, who hopes she and her husband have instilled their shared love of sports and strong sense of team spirit in their two children, lives in Chicago’s Northshore neighborhood.

Caley Shoemaker
Head Distiller at Hangar 1 Vodka

Caley Shoemaker is one of a handful of female distillers to lead operations for a major American spirits brand. As Head Distiller of Hangar 1 Vodka, Caley draws on inspiration from the California’s abundant seasonal ingredients to make the fresh tasting vodkas that give Hangar 1 its signature crisp and clean taste.

A Denver native, Caley got her start in craft spirits distilling at Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey. As she worked her way up under Master Distiller Rob Dietrich’s guidance, Caley immersed herself in every aspect of the production process, from the sourcing of grains to distillation and bottling. She is a self-proclaimed “spirits nerd” who is fascinated by how the chemistry of distilling affects the quality, texture and flavor of the final product.

In 2014, Caley left the world of whiskey and joined Hangar 1 Vodka where she brings her expertise of capturing flavors from all ingredients to create a clean, well crafted spirit with a signature style.

In 2016, Caley most recently oversaw the full buildout of the distillery’s Visitor’s Center and Tasting Room, which offers visitors around the Bay Area and afar an indepth vodka tasting experience. Also available at the distillery is Distiller’s Exclusive, a limited edition line of specialty flavored vodkas that Caley develops on a regular basis using farm-fresh fruit, vegetables and botanicals of the Bay Area.

Anna Smaga-Trzaskalska - BIO

Wine Entrepreneur and Consultant

With an experience in the wine industry in Poland of over 15 years, Anna Smaga – Trzaskalska had decided to strengthen her position as an expert joining PhD studies at Kozminski University in Warsaw, Poland and conducting a research about women in wine. Few years ago she decided to switch her career a little bit from business to the academic teaching. That is why, in 2016 Anna Smaga-Trzaskalska created post graduate studies in Luxury Brand Management dedicated mostly to luxury wines and fine dining areas, at the same University. She actively promotes lifestyle entrepreneurship born from passion to work as she is a great example of a women who succeeds in the business born from passion to wine.

Anna is also a member of AAWE (American Association of Wine Economics) and actively takes part in academic conferences organized by the Organization.

Anna’s career began in the wine business by opening her own wine shop & bar in Warsaw City Center. Few years later she set up with her friend a wine consulting company, named Taste Italy, that was introducing Italian wine brands to the Polish market. She successfully managed the launch of known Italian brands such as Foss Marai, Il Molino di Grace, Fondo Antico, and many more. Anna is keen on organizing wine events as being highly professional and well-organized is her attitude.

In 2012, with her company’s business partner and with two best Polish wine writers: Wojciech Bońkowski & Marek Bienczyk, she created the first wine portal in Poland. Today, Winicjatywa.pl is the most dynamic and the biggest wine portal in her mother country. The aim of the portal is to educate the Polish society about wine and to integrate the group of wine professionals in Poland.

As the climate has been changing and the Polish economy has been developing, new opportunities for Polish wineries arise. Anna strengthens her position as a Polish wine business consultant. Her main goal is to make the Polish wine business famous abroad and to promote Polish women winemakers on international scale.

Anna Smaga - Trzaskalska is also a Co-Founder of StartUpWomanPoland – an organization for women of XXI century. She leads trainings within programs: StartUpYourFutureâ and StartUpYourCareerâ about lifestyle entrepreneurship and work-life balance. Anna has its own blog StartUpWoman by Ann on startupwoman.org and YouTube channel StartIUpWoman where she shares her values and ideas about lifestyle entrepreneurship.

Anna has also the first degree of sommelier course at AIS (Associazione Italiana Sommelier). She speaks fluent Italian, English and German, and her new challenge is to learn Portuguese. Her hobby was, is and will be WINE, but also fashion and design. 

Joy Sterling represents the second generation at Iron Horse. She is the Chief Executive Officer of the winery and a member of the California State Food & Agriculture Board, appointed by Governor Jerry Brown.

There is a strong French influence in Joy's life. She grew up in Paris, attended a French school and speaks fluent French. Living in Europe and traveling extensively, Joy received an extraordinary education in the appreciation of food and wine.

Joy returned to the United States to attend Yale University where she studied history and economics. She went into journalism and at 29 was Deputy Bureau Chief for ABC Network News in Los Angeles.

In 1985, Joy left ABC's hierarchy to join her family's business and made news headlines for the winery with her first achievement at Iron Horse: In November, 1985, the White House selected Iron Horse Sparkling Wine for the President's toast to peace at the first summit meeting with Mikhail Gorbachev in Geneva.

Joy quietly took up the reins as CEO at the start of 2006 after 20 years presenting the wines across the country, from La Mer at the Halekulani in Honolulu to the Four Seasons in New York. She spearheads an annual fundraising event, celebrating Earth Day at Iron Horse. And she launched a partnership with National Geographic to create a special, limited edition, vintage Blanc de Blancs Sparkling Wine called Ocean Reserve. Iron Horse gives $4 a bottle to help establish marine protected areas and support sustainable fishing practices around the globe.

She has climbed Mt. Kilimanjaro, run white water rapids on the Bio – Bio River in Chile and the upper reaches of the Yank Sing River in China, trekked in Tibet and Bhutan, and traveled to Timbuktu.

Joy sits on the Board of Trustees of the Leakey Foundation and is a member of National Geographic's Grosvenor Council and the Los Angeles Sports and Entertainment Commission Advisory Board. She is the author of A Cultivated Life, published by Random House.

Adam Strum is the Founder and Chairman of Wine Enthusiast Companies and Editor and Publisher of Wine Enthusiast Magazine and heads up the largest group of wine commerce and media companies in the world. With more than 800,000 readers The Wine Enthusiast Magazine and its website Winemag.com provides authoritative reviews and ratings of tens of thousands of wines every year on the 100 point scale from their offices in New York, Rome, Bordeaux and San Francisco. The Wine Enthusiast Catalog/Web business (wineenthusiast.com) is the leading inventor and seller of wine accessories and wine storage. Finally Wine Enthusiast hosts each year the prestigious "Wine Star Awards," to be held in Miami for the first time in 2017, which honor excellence in the Wine Industry.

Strum, a second generation 38-year veteran of the wine business, is a pioneer whose diverse wine related business has had a major impact on increasing wine consumption and wine culture in America. Since 1979 Wine Enthusiast Companies has mailed and distributed more than 300 million wine related publications in the United States and around the world introducing millions of people to the pleasures of the fruit of the vine.

Jane Thomson is Australia’s own Fabulous Lady of Wine.  She is the Founder and Managing Director of The Fabulous Ladies’ Wine Society, Australia’s first and wildly successful wine community for women. In 2015 Jane also founded the Australian Women in Wine Awards (AWIWA) of which she is Chair.

In both 2016 & 2013 Jane was named ‘Digital Wine Communicator of the Year’ by Wine Communicators of Australia – and is the only person to have won this award twice. She was named as one of Wine Business Magazine’s ‘Top 50 Stars of Wine’ in both 2013 & 2015. Jane is also the Drinks Editor for Taste.com.au Magazine, and regularly moonlights as the National Drinks Editor for News Ltd. newspapers across Australia.

With an MBA in Organizational Leadership, over 16 years in Organizational Development and experience as a public speaker, certified career coach and mentor, Kim brings a hands-on approach to help organizations become more effective through engaged, high-performing employees.

Whether it's a leadership workshop, a panel discussion, a mentoring session or a career development exercise, Kim’s workshops and consulting engagements help employees reach their fullest potential. She is a Gallup certified Strengths Performance Coach and a master facilitator in numerous programs such as Crucial Conversations, Helping Others Succeed and Career Coaching for Managers. In addition, she also successfully piloted a structured Mentoring Program at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates that will roll out organization wide in July.

Kim has worked with employees in almost every business sector, from financial services, telecommunications, retail, and healthcare.  She is currently at Ste. Michelle Wine Estates.  

For fun, Kim enjoys teaching group fitness classes and spending time with her husband and pugs.

Tim has been in the wine, beer and spirits industry for quite a long time, in all tiers; retail, wholesale, supplier, importer.

Tim’s began in San Francisco importing wine beer and specialty spirits from Europe, Australia, Japan and even North Africa. A lengthy stint at Southern Wine and Spirits followed, working in the Northern California and Central and South Florida branches.

After spending three years managing stores for Beverages and More in the San Francisco region, Tim developed an interest in the organic beverage market. This led to work with a specialty distributor or organic wine and beer in California.

Tim is currently a Wine & Beer Buyer with Whole Foods Market in Northern California.

Deborah Brenner and Tim have worked together on a variety of projects and are now shares Deborah’s dream and commitment to make the Women of the Vine Global Symposium the must attend event in the wine and spirit world.

Jackie Wilcox is the Director of Business Development for Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC).  In this role she leads the Spirits Division in the South Texas Region and provides statewide strategic direction to both the RNDC spirits sales teams and supplier partners.  Jackie has responsibility for the development, performance, and execution of the spirits business within the region. 

Jackie started her career with RNDC in 2008 in the Off Premise Wine Division as a Sales Representative.  Her passion, customer service focus, and competitive nature were quickly recognized and she was promoted to the role of District Manager.  She was responsible for leading Retail Wine Sales in the grocery and independent channel and held various progressive leadership roles.  To further develop her industry knowledge, Jackie transferred to the Spirits Division in 2011.  She was promoted to her current role in 2015 where she applies a hands-on, team oriented leadership style.

Throughout her tenure at RNDC, Jackie has been responsible for the training and development of numerous sales teams, as well as building and maintaining strong relationships with customers and supplier partners.  Jackie excels in creating a culture of customer excellence and in driving her teams to achieve and execute results. 

Jackie is a graduate of Texas State University and holds a WSET Level II Certification.  She is member of the RNDC South Texas Recruitment and Mentorship Program and the RNDC National Women’s Leadership Forum.  She enjoys coaching AAU Girls Youth Basketball and is a volunteer with the Texas Special Olympics. 

Jackie lives in Austin, Texas and enjoys traveling, live music, sporting events, and spending time with family, friends, and her three dogs.  Jackie lives by the motto, “work hard, play harder.”

Hillary began her career as a first grade teacher and field hockey coach. Following her long time desire to learn her family’s business, she left teaching after 10 years and started working for Wirtz Beverage.  She began as a Director of Training for 2 years and then transitioned into sales where she was a District Manager for Off Premise, E. & J. Gallo Division.  Hillary then transitioned into On Premise overseeing new accounts in Chicago.  Her current role is On Premise Business Manager, overseeing the on premise business in IL for key customers and community partnerships.

Jennifer Jo Wiseman - Vice President of Consumer Products and Insight Development

Jennifer Jo oversees all research and new product insights for our organization and is one of our most senior members of the company.

Jennifer Jo Wiseman has spent over 25 years innovating in consumer product companies (e.g., E. & J. Gallo Winery, The Gillette Company, Proctor and Gamble, Pepsi-Cola, and consulting firms). Her experience spans innovation, market/consumer/shopper insights, brand development, product guidance and development, quality control, consumer relations, ad claims, and technology development.

Currently her team dedicated to consumer and product insights and development guides business decisions with consumer, shopper, and market insights, as well as creating new product and brand innovation, managing the technology pipeline, and directing to consumer communications.