Past Speakers

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• Ron Fenolio of Veedercrest Wines, Napa.  Ron and partners started Veedercrest Winery and in 1976 and it was one of the participants in the historic “Judgement of Paris” wine competition where his wine won "the most French wine" award... Ron's presentation covered the history of the wine industry in California, Judgement of Paris and the current state of the wine business.
   

• Travis Gallagher of Amorim Cork spoke on selecting right cork for the right usage in bottling your wine and offered in-depth information of cork realities. For the last several years Travis has worked in wine regions across the country advising winemakers big and small on the proper cork selection for their vintages.
   

• Cameron Hughes, one the country's most successful negociants, founder of the nationally known Cameron Hughes Wine label offered his perspective on the wine business and future wine consumption. "Changes in the wine world: a Negociant's  perspective."
   

• Jay and Nick Jensen of Novavine brought decades of grapevine, vineyard and nursery experience to this talk that focused on the proper selection of vines, it's importance and steps to insure success from the moment they're in the ground.
   

• Katie Nydell, principal at VinLuxe Consulting spoke on fining techniques and tips. Her presentation included "Before and After" samples and details on how a simple fix can greatly enhance and even save a wine. 
   

• Adam Fey, SVP & Senior Relationship Manager, Global Commercial Banking Wine Team Lead spoke about The State of the Wine Business​" 
   

• Leslie Hennessy, owner of Gourmet Wines and host ofKSVY-FM "Wine Around with Hennessy" spoke on winter vineyard management tips and secrets. 
   

• Leo Prada, the owner of ReCoop Barrels spoke on the interplay of wine and wood, and advantages of re-cooping.
   

• Dennis Stroud, owner of Vintage Supply Partners. Dennis shared his knowledge of harvesting preparation.
   

• Mike Officer is an owner and winemaker at Carlisle Winery & Vineyards, known for high end Zin and Rhône style, old vines and superb quality.
   

• Robyn Sebastiani spoke about the role of the Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Alliance.
   

• Allison Bettis, viticulturist at Silver Oak Cellars & Twomey Cellars. We would like to thank her again for sharing with us her methods of vineyard management.
   

• Robert Rex, founder and winemaker at Deerfield Ranch Winer Talked about “How to make your wine better from handling the fruit through fermentation and aging.”
   

• Eric Close, A Vineyard Manager with Enterprise Vineyard Management . Winemakers and vineyard owners call on Enterprise Vineyards when they aspire to the highest standards of responsible stewardship of land and resources.
   

• Maggie Staines, Assistant General Manager of La Rochelle Winery.  She spoke about “The Tasting Experience - Past, Present, & Future.” We strongly encourage you to visit her at La Rochelle Winery.
   

• Leigh Meyering, Enologist & Winemaker at myEnologist.Leigh's technical skills enhance her creative vision creating a diverse background in all levels of production. myEnologist
   

• Ruben Calatayud, Second part of the seminar on "common winemaking mistakes". Rueben, the “Wine Doctor”,  presented 16 common problems and solutions. Ruben is Enologist at Kosta Browne Winery  that is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio.
   

• Kelley Levin, Marketing Communications Manager for sister brands Marin French Cheese Co. and Laura Chenel.  Kelley conducted a class on the Art of Pairing Cheese and Wine. 
   

• Mike Faulk, Lab Technician for Enartis discusses tips for the home winemaker- yeast strains, nutrients and wine adds. Mikes favorites yeast strain is WS.
  Enartis winemaker's solutions
   

• Rick Tranchina, Co-owner of the new shop in town, Pomme Cider Shop & Tap Room discusses the changing trend towards lighter, lower alcohol and even alcohol-free beverages.  These beverages include artisanal ciders, Pét Nats, natural fermentations, and other styles of wines and ferments. 
   

• Ruben Calatayud, Enologist at Kosta Browne Winery . Rueben has earned the reputation as the “Wine Doctor” and the solver of wine problems by fixing any wine issues that come his way.  Kosta Browne is part of the Duckhorn Portfolio.
   

• Sam Baron, Winemaker GM at Kivelstadt Cellars -  California non-traditional varietal & style winemaking.
   

• Jack Sporer, the co-owner and manager of Magnolia Wine Services -  Ways to make the vineyards better using natural, organic and regenerative farming methods.  Jack makes wine under the label Fresh Wine Co. 
   

• Brian Casey, Sommelier at The Sonoma  Mission Inn - Wine varietals and history of local grape growers.
   

• Taylor Serres, History of the valley through the eyes of The Serres Ranch Farm and Winery that spans six generations of growers and winemakers. 
   

• Mike Benziger, Founder of Benziger Winery - Importance of pollinators in the vineyard and beyond. 
   

• Mike Sangiacomo, 3rd gen. grape grower Sangiacomo Wines.
   

• Robert Rex, Winemaker at Deerfield Ranch Winery - Use of sulfites in winemaking. 
   

• Katie Madigan, Winemaker at St Francis Winery - Winemaking techniques.
   

• Steve Hill, Grower and winemaker. History of winemaking and vineyard management. Durrell Vineyards
   

• Alison Crowe, Winemaker at Garnet Vineyards, columnist, UC lecturer and author of the Winemaker's Answer Book - winemaking techniques.
   

• Ken Wornick, Winemaker at Dysfunctional Family Winery - Fruits, tannins and the best time to pick grapes.
   

• Bill Reading with Sonoma Portworks - The art and science of making Port.
   

• Jeff Murrell, Director of Research at StaVin - Barrels, Oak,and Aging Techniques
   

• Michael Jones, Fermentation Specialist at Scott Laboratories - Yeast and Fermentation.
   

• Lydia Constantini, Manager of Sonoma Mission Gardens- Compatible local plants to support sustainable vineyard farming.
   

• Jeff Gaffner, owner/winemaker of Saxon Brown - The business of wine marking and harvesting grapes.
   

• John Rodrigues, Founder of Home Wine Lab - Testing and analysis to protect what goes in the bottle.
   

• Casey Graybehl, founder and winemaker at The Grenachista Wine Company - Producing the Rhone-style varietal, Grenache.
   

• Bob Peak, Writer/Editor for Winemaker Magazine - Critical decisions that need to be made on harvest and winemaking.
   

• Doug Ghiselin, SHW member - Managing vine growth and removing suckers. 
   

• Rich Treghillo, Chef and SHW member - Wine and food pairing.
   

• Dennis Przybycien, SHW member - Vineyard pruning demonstration.