Legends Behind the Craft

Meet Cory Assink and Zeke Blattler, the visionary co-founders of Los Cuernos Wine. With a passion for wine and extensive experience in the industry, they're revolutionizing the market with premium canned wines. Their brand emphasizes quality, convenience, and accessibility, making great wine approachable for enthusiasts everywhere.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

Meet Duncan Alney, the visionary Founder and CEO of Firebelly Marketing, leading the charge in social media innovation. With a passion for problem-solving and client satisfaction, Duncan sets the vision and values for the company. He believes in the power of social media as the frontline of communication, where content, conversation, community, and commerce converge. 

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll lear...

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 standard in the industry.

Here’s a glimpse of what you’ll learn: 

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 entrepreneurial spirit, explores innovative possibilities in tonic syrups, herbal beers, and tinct...

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 President and CEO, McDonald's commitment to excellence and innovation sets his premi...

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 the Boston Beer Company, where he continues to shape the future of this evolving marke...

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 Zealand, where he discovered his passion for wine. Despite a cha...

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 vision led her to assemble a team of talented female experts, from master bl...

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 extends beyond COE, with a role in industry research and global winemaking connection...

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 delved into national wine sales, gaining comprehensive experienc...

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 Founder and CEO, Howard spearheads multinational, cross-functional teams, dedicated to...

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 also helmed successful ventures like Lot18 and Snooth, earning awards and recognitio...

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, Gail designs immersive land trips, ensuring clients experience the world's finest w...

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 production.

During their American adventure, Arnaud met Chl...

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 discovered the art and science of winemaking. Today, she stands as a dedicated Technical Wine...

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 provides access to the finest wines from Napa and Sonoma but also channels its proceeds t...

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 journey. Mate Maker Hard Kombucha is their pioneering foray i...

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 trends. Thanks to Can's visionary leadership, Pubinno now spans 60 cities across three con...