Meet Chris Tunstall, Co-Founder and Chief of Brand and Product Development at A Bar Above. With a decade of hospitality experience and a passion for mixology, Chris is dedicated to sharing advanced cocktail techniques. As host of the A Bar Above Podcast, they lead bar education content creation and product development, ensuring A Bar Above sets the…

Mary Pellettieri, Co-Founder and creative mind behind Top Note Tonic began her beverage industry journey as a homebrewer with a focus on craft beer. After gaining technical expertise at the Siebel Institute and making waves at Goose Island, she transitioned from larger breweries to launch her own venture. Top Note Tonic, born from her entrepreneuri…

Meet Eamon McDonald, a seasoned entrepreneur who excelled in circuit boards and off-road race cars. Inspired by a Belgian customer, he ventured into the sangria business, importing and selling thousands of cases. Facing a change in partnerships, McDonald collaborated with a legacy winery in Spain to create Pasmosa Sangria. Now, as Pasmosa Sangria's…

Meet Paul Weaver, The Head of Cannabis at the Boston Beer Company. With over a decade in the beverage industry, he started in Toronto's beer business before joining Canopy Growth Corporation in 2017. There, he led innovation, playing a crucial role in launching recreational cannabis in Canada. Paul's expertise in cannabis beverages brought him to t…

Reed Woogerd, the Director of Operations at Valdemar Estates, is a seasoned leader with a history of success in Ohio's hospitality scene. After venturing into markets like the Bay Area and Austin, Reed now oversees multi-site operations for Valdemar Estates in Walla Walla, WA. His journey began during a working holiday visa in Hawkes Bay, New Zeala…

Meet Rachel Svoboda, the trailblazing founder of Lynxx Spirits, known for pioneering the first-ever bourbon crafted by an all-female team. With a background in running a successful marketing company, Rachel's journey into the liquor business began during a bike ride with her father, sparking the idea to create a bourbon tailored for women. Her visi…

Meet Jeff Gillis, the Founder and CEO of Winelikes. With an MBA in entrepreneurship and a background in hospitality, Jeff brings a unique blend of expertise to the wine community. Winelikes is his brainchild, a social media app designed to engage wine novices in a friendly, community-driven space. Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: Discover the…

Nathan Carlson, Winemaker and General Manager at Center of Effort Wines blends a family farming background with a passion for winemaking. From Sta. Rita Hills to Napa Valley, his career reflects a commitment to sustainability. Joining COE in 2010, Nathan oversees production, emphasizing site-specific techniques and cohesive teamwork. His influence …

Meet Chris Kenefick, the CEO and Second Generation Proprietor of Kenefick Ranch Vineyard & Winery. The Kenefick family has owned the property in Calistoga since 1980. Chris's journey led him from a Napa upbringing to a career in hospitality in Denver. In 2016, he returned to Napa to follow his passion for wine. Over the next five years, Chris delve…

Howard Marx is the Founder and CEO of Vinvinea, a global B2B enterprise at the forefront of reshaping the wine industry. His visionary leadership has catalyzed a transformation by providing wineries, distributors, and retailers with cutting-edge digital solutions that enhance profitability and redefine product positioning and sales strategies. As F…

Philip James is the Founder and CEO of Firstleaf, one of the largest wineries in the US, directly serving hundreds of thousands of consumers with wines from around the world. With over $500 million in online sales to his name, he's an entrepreneur known for combining technology, consumer insights, and the expertise of world-class winemakers. He has…

Meet Gail Sherman, the passionate Founder and CEO of Wine Lovers Travel. With a deep love for wine and travel, Gail has built a reputation for curating distinctive global excursions. Based in California's wine heartland, she nurtures personal ties with winemakers, offering unparalleled access to the industry. As a Wine Specialist recognized by WSET…

Arnaud Fabre, Founder and General Manager at Benom, was born into a family of winegrowers in Bordeaux, France. Although immersed in winemaking, his passion lay in the business and sales side of the wine industry. Arnaud studied at INSEEC University of Bordeaux before venturing to the United States with his brother, Guillaume Fabre, to explore wine …

Bryanna Grebe's journey from an aspiring pediatric dentist to a Technical Winemaker at Laffort is a tale of unexpected passion. Growing up in Atwater, California, she initially pursued molecular biology at UC Merced, aiming to improve healthcare in her community. However, a twist of fate led her to an internship at E. & J. Gallo, where she discover…

Meet Martin Cody, a seasoned executive with over 35 years of experience in sales, strategic partnerships, and market development in the healthcare industry. As the CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Cellar Angels, he embarked on a remarkable journey to revolutionize the wine industry. In 2010, Martin co-founded a fine wine company that not only prov…

Meet Justin Medcraft, Co-Founder of Mate Maker Co Hard Kombucha, and Josh Makler, the Brewmaster. This venture was born from a group of lifelong friends who reunited with a common mission: to bring transparency and better ingredients to the world of drinks. Their community, a fusion of musicians, artists, brewers, and creatives, has fueled their jo…

Can Algul is the Co-Founder & CEO at Pubinno, a San Francisco-based company leading the charge in revolutionizing the draft beer industry. Can is not just a tech innovator; he's also a passionate beer connoisseur and a nature lover, embodying a unique blend of interests — from exploring the great outdoors to staying abreast of the latest tech trend…

Neeta Mittal, Founder of LXV Wine, embarked on a love-fueled journey into the world of wine. Meeting her now husband, Kunal, in Berkeley, they both discovered their shared passion for wine. A chance visit to Paso, reminiscent of India's close-knit communities, ignited their passion for winemaking. As one of the first Indian women to own a U.S. wine…

Meet Katarina Bonde, a Swedish-rooted individual whose path led her from the world of tech to the enchanting realm of winemaking. University classes kindled her fascination with wine, sparking journeys through Europe's vineyards. Settling in Seattle in the early nineties, Katarina's tech career intertwined with her growing passion for wine. She and…

Mike Metheny is the Owner and Winemaker at Three of Cups Winery. With a background in technology, Mike's journey into the world of wine is as unique as the vintages he crafts. From Boeing Employees Wine and Beer Making Club to Napa trips, his passion for winemaking grew. Balancing tech and a newfound passion, he pursued enology education. With Lisa…

Dr. Henry Barham is a leading ENT Physician specializing in sinus surgery and the Chief Medical & Scientific Officer at Phenomune. As the Chief Science Officer and co-founder of TASTR, Dr. Barham is no stranger to scientific innovation. However, this same expertise also founded VinoTastr, where he discovered the science behind choosing wine that wi…

Barry Waitte, the President, Founder, and Vintner at Tamber Bey Vineyards, has transitioned from a tech industry background at Apple and AOL to become a prominent figure in the wine world. As the President of the Oakville Winegrowers Association, who’s also armed with a business degree from California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo, h…

Ryan Christiansen, President, and Head Distiller at Barr Hill by Caledonia Spirits, discovered his passion for fermentation through brewing beer at home. This fascination led him to open a home brewing store, but fate intervened when he met beekeeper, Todd Hardie. Their shared vision of infusing spirits with the essence of honey inspired Ryan to ve…

Randy Detrick is the owner and winemaker of Blue Ridge Estate Vineyard and Winery in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania. A former ski racer, Randy's journey into winemaking began when his wife sparked the idea of growing grapes on their farm during a trip to Italy. Taking a leap of faith, they embraced the wine business and made their dream come true. Now, …

Andre Crisp is the Co-Founder and CEO of Legend Napa Valley Custom Crush, Global Wine Brands, and The Crisp Family Foundation. From an early age, Andre had the privilege of immersing himself in the captivating ambiance of the wine country, often spending weekends with his family in this picturesque region. After a decade of remarkable experiences i…

Greg Jones is the CEO of Abacela Winery in Southern Oregon, renowned as both an atmospheric scientist and wine climatologist. With a background in Environmental Sciences and a Ph.D. from the University of Virginia, Greg has spent over 25 years studying the impact of weather and climate on grapevine growth and wine characteristics worldwide. He has …

Jonathan Egan, a sixth-generation Egan, has taken on the momentous task of revitalizing his family's renowned business. In 2015, he emerged as the refounder of Egan's Irish Whiskey, a brand deeply rooted in history and tradition. The parent company, P. & H. Egan, was originally established in the year 1852 by Jonathan's ancestors, marking the incep…

Ken Lineberger is the President of Waters Edge Wineries, an innovative venture that offers a one-of-a-kind franchise model, allowing individuals to fulfill their aspirations of owning and operating their own winery. Together with his wife Angela Lineberger, Ken embarked on this extraordinary journey in 2004 when they established the first urban win…

Michael Honig is the President of Honig Vineyard & Winery. He embarked on his wine-selling journey in December of 1983 at the age of 21. Taking charge of the struggling family business at just 22 years old, he transformed it into a thriving success over the past 30 years. He is a leader in sustainable farming, chairing the development of a "Code of…

Jordan Kivelstadt, the Owner and Wayward Son at Kivelstadt Cellars & WineGarten is a prominent figure in the wine industry known for his innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. With his journey beginning in 2006, Kivelstadt embarked on a career in winemaking, crafting wines for various clients and exploring different wine regions around the wo…

Eric Fullerton is the Owner and Associate Winemaker at Fullerton Wines. Born in California, his European upbringing ignited a passion for winemaking. A chance encounter in Germany introduced him to the world of wine, and he embarked on a journey of exploration and appreciation across Europe. Settling in Oregon 25 years ago, Eric was amazed by the q…

Janell Dusi, the fourth-generation owner, and winemaker at J Dusi Wines, leads the way in crafting exceptional wines at this boutique Paso Robles Zinfandel winery. As a female-owned and operated establishment, J Dusi Wines embraces Janell's expertise and vision. Janell's roots run deep in the world of winemaking, having been born and raised on the …

Jeanette Tan, the founder of QB Winery Solutions, is a fractional CFO and an Advanced Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor. With a passion for small winery profitability, Jeanette's expertise is dedicated exclusively to the wine industry. As the accountant for Kokomo Winery in Sonoma County, she worked alongside owners, office managers, and bookkeepers,…

Jill Osur, a visionary and luminary in the spheres of political fundraising, the Special Olympics, and entrepreneurship, derives inspiration from her athletic background and unwavering dedication to empowering women. As the founder and CEO of Teneral Cellars, Jill employs her leadership prowess honed through her former tenure as a UC Berkeley softb…

Nick Buzzell is the Chairman & CEO of NBTV, Spirits Network, and Golf Nation. As a platform that was established in 2019, Spirits Network fosters connectivity with spirits experts and enthusiasts through shoppable streaming video content that can be used on any device. Members can further enjoy exploring the world of spirits with access to exclusiv…

Brandon Amoroso is the Founder and Head of Shopify Plus agency Electriq Marketing. Under his leadership, the company grew to a team of 45 employees within three years, before it was acquired by DRINKS.com in April 2022. Brandon also earned coveted certifications in the DTC field such as Shopify Plus, Klaviyo Elite, Attentive Pioneer, Okendo Platinu…

Scott Yeates established Mythology Distillery out of his passion for spirits, producing, and bringing people together. The idea came to him while he was on a ski trip in Haines, AK, and he saw potential in creating a premium spirits brand that fosters shared experiences. Scott is in charge of Mythology Distillery's vision, expansion, and branding, …

Jess Wade is the owner and winemaker for Topophilia Wine Company, Jess who was born and raised in Sonoma County, and comes from a family of chefs. His mom has been employed in some of the area's popular eateries and his father has been supplying them with handmade pasta through his Wine Country Pasta for many years. Growing up, Wade was often found…

Bartholomew Broadbent is the CEO of Broadbent Selections, Bartholomew has been widely recognized for his influence on the US wine market. Decanter Magazine named him one of the fifty most influential people in the wine world in 1997 and IntoWine.com ranked him 48th in the Top 100 Most Influential People in the US Wine Industry in 2013. He is a freq…

Angela Zuba is the owner of Waters Edge Winery & Bistro in Kalispell, Montana. Angela Zuba is the driving force behind operations, bringing a wealth of business acumen and a broad understanding of wine and food cultures from around the world. Combined with Trevor's expertise in fine dining and enthusiasm for customer service, guests of the Winery c…

Adam Spiegel, a native of San Francisco, is the (Re)Founder & Whiskey maker of Corning & Company. Established prior to the Prohibition era, the company was (Re)founded to provide high-quality and accessible whiskey. Adam also established Sonoma Distilling Company in 2010, one of the earliest distilleries in Sonoma County's wine country and among th…

Gareth Moore is the CEO of Virginia Distillery, continuing the work of his father George with the production of American Single Malt. Additionally, Moore serves as Principal at Adelphi Capital, a middle-market merchant banking business in DC. He is also President of the Virginia Distillers Association and sits on the DISCUS Craft Advisory Council a…

After leaving the US Army and moving to New York City, Tyzok Wharton discovered a passion for craft beverages and their culinary counterparts. In 2005, he moved to San Francisco and began his winemaking career. In 2010, he helped launch Bluxome Street Winery and in 2016 he relocated to Denver to join the Carboy Winery family. As the Director of Win…

Adam Rudolph is the Regional VP of Sales of SLRRRP. He has been in sales for over 10 years. Most of that experience took place in the Domestic, Craft Beer, and Wine Industries. He has acquired proficient territory management, product knowledge, and new product launching through this experience. He was promoted in this industry due to his hard work,…

Janie Brooks Heuck, a native of Portland, is the Managing Director of Brooks Wine. For over 10 years, she worked in the healthcare industry until she was entrusted with the business operations of the winery. After the passing of her brother Jimi, the Oregon wine community was incredibly generous and supportive, which made Janie realize the signific…

Kristen Barnhisel is a highly skilled winemaker at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, where she is responsible for crafting the company's white wine portfolio. With over two decades of viticulture and winemaking experience from around the world, Kristen has established a reputation for her excellent palate and technical skill. She puts her expertise to use…

Danielle and Derek Busch are the Founders of Batch Mead, a family-owned meadery in Temecula, California. Under their leadership, the meadery specializes in locally sourced, small batches of mead and hard cider. Batch Mead consecutively won “Best in Show” from the San Diego International Beer Festival from 2020 to 2022 and was also named “Best Mead”…

Alie Shaper is the Co-founder and Winemaker at Chronicle Wines, which produces wines of character and purpose from the North Fork of Long Island. As an experienced wine and spirits professional, Alie has established an urban winery brand as an impactful marketing angle for the New York wine industry. Aside from leading Chronicle Wines, she runs a p…

Maria Rivero González is the CEO of RGNY Wine in the North Fork of Long Island. She’s bringing a new winery steeped in her family’s Mexican roots to the North Fork. The Rivero González family opened a wine store in Mexico City in 2013 and additional stores in Monterrey and Parras two years later, before expanding their business to the North Fork wi…

Andrew Quady is the Co-founder and CEO of Quady Winery. His path into the wine world started when he and his wife, Laurel, moved to the San Joaquin Valley to pursue a rural lifestyle. While there, Andrew discovered an unused patch of the rare Orange Muscat grape varietal, known in Italy as Moscato Fior d'Arancio. These grapes became Quady Winery’s …