2024 Road Trip Attendees

DISTRIBUTOR

GUEST BIOs Cesar aguado | key account director - florida • winebow

pompano beach, florida 25+ years of peddling libations to the world 1 glass at a time. Live to travel and experience the world one breathe at a time. 20 years with Winebow (Stacole Fine Wines) in Florida.

Raised Cuban in Miami. Married to an amazing woman and 2 great beings to follow my footsteps. Always up for an adventure and getting to know more great humans. Knowledge seeker.

PJ ALexander | somerset club • sommelier

boston, massachusetts I have been a Sommelier since 2007. Starting as a cellar man for the Oxford Colleges in England. I lived in Bordeaux and studied full time in 2013 before moving to the United States.

Stints in Aspen, Vail and Rhode Island at award winning hotels followed and then restaurants in Florida and Houston. In 2021, I joined the Somerset Club in Boston as Sommelier and bought a wine shop in late 2023. I am always learning and developing myself and my understanding.

kimberlie beers | co wine director & wine buyer • efron restaurant group

jacksonville, florida A life long lover of wine with a passion for knowledge and over 15 years in the hospitality industry. Born and raised in Minneapolis, MN. Relocated to Jacksonville, FL in 2015.

Jeffrey Bencus | Wine director of picasso in the bellagio • bellagio

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las vegas, nevada A serendipitous encounter in college was the start of a wine career. This first glimpse into the world of wine at a retail store in Rochester, NY awakened a passion which continued to grow as he eventually became Whitehouse Wine & Liquor’s General Manager. The years spent in retail afforded numerous international buying trips and opened the door to working the floor at some of the best restaurants in Rochester. Finally, in early 2007 Jeffrey moved full-time to the restaurant side of wine when he was hired as a sommelier by Chef David Burke to open his first Las Vegas restaurant. In late 2009 Jeffrey joined Raj Parr and the wine team of Chef Michael Mina in opening American Fish in the new Aria Tower at City Center, Las Vegas. In 2011, he took over the Spanish wine list at Julian Serrano Tapas and in the spring of 2015 he opened Chef Serrano’s Italian concept on the Bellagio fountains, LAGO. Finally in 2021, Jeffrey took over the 20-time Wine Spectator Grand Award-winning wine list at Picasso, Julien Serrano’s Crown Jewel, where he is currently running the wine program. Picasso is a 2 Star Michelin awarded restaurant which in 2022 received the highly-coveted Forbes 5 Star Award, given to less than 100 venues worldwide. Jeffrey is an Advanced Sommelier. He has been a Ruinart Challenge winner and was awarded the silver medal in the national finals of the Top Somm competition.

GUEST BIOs savannah billedo | bar manager • elliott’s oyster house

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seattle, washington My journey into the culinary world began at Elliott’s Oyster House, where I landed my first restaurant job. From there I was hooked. I continued my journey at the Metropolitan Grill, Daniel’s Broiler, and Lola’s moving from Host to Server to Bartender. All the while, immersing myself with food, spirits and, most importantly, wine. The more I learned, the more I realized how little I knew and how expansive the world of wine is. In 2022 I received a call to see if I wanted to try my hand at Management, eventually moving to my restaurant alma mater Elliott’s Oyster House. Here I was able to work with Beverage Director Amanda Reed, who through her expertise and passion, has helped solidify my desire to continue expanding my knowledge in the enchanting world of wine. When I’m not wrapped up in the culinary world, I enjoy the challenges of hapkido and embracing the beauty of the outdoors. I am an avid gardner, book lover and art enthusiast. Home is with my Husband Paul Donovan and our two cats Bug and Pepe.

Stefano biscotto | sales manager • breakthru beverage

richmond, california North California Sales Manager for Breakthru Bev (Aspect) Previously at Chambers & Chambers wine merchants. Founding member Estate Group.

Lauren Blumenthal | owner / general manager • sorella

spokane, washington I’m 35 years old, love all things culinary, wine + travel. I have been in the hospitality industry for 20 years in both Seattle and Spokane. Last year, I took the leap to open a restaurant of my own and it is the greatest accomplishment of my life thus far.

Tiffany bobbs | wine director / gm / sommelier • the manship wood fired kitchen jackson, mississippi

I grew up in Sumrall, Mississippi & moved to the Metro Jackson area in 1999 to attend Mississippi College. While studying premed, I began working in hospitality part-time at Char Restaurant, where I became introduced to wine. I worked at The TreeHouse Grill & Willows in Vicksburg as Assistant General Manager, at Del Sol in Jackson as bookkeeper & server, & at Tico’s in Jackson as bartender before moving to Table 100 in Flowood full-time. While there, I took the introductory sommelier exam with the Court of Master Sommeliers & took over their wine program. I moved to The Manship in 2018 as General Manager & Wine Director. I’ve done continuous wine study for the past 13 years. I hold a Certified Specialist of Wine & Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators & have passed the WSET2. I’m currently studying for the Oregon Wine Expert certification from Napa Valley Wine Academy & the WSET3 certification. I have participated with organizations/events such as Oregon Pinot Camp, TexSom International Wine Awards, TexSom Conference, SommCon Atlanta, GuildSomm, Society of Wine Educators, & many local events in Mississippi. Most importantly, I am mother to a 17-year-old 13 daughter & two very spoiled dogs.

GUEST BIOs Ben christiansen | owner & founder • waterford wine & spirits

DISTRIBUTOR

milwaukee, wisconsin Owner and founder of Waterford Wine & Spirits, which over the last twenty years has grown into four retail locations across Wisconsin as well as three wine bars.

Corey Cline | director of sales for domaine & estates - CA • southern glazers wine & spirits

Cerritos, california I grew up in Los Angeles and studied Marine Biology and Evironmental Science at UC Santa Cruz. My all-time passion is the ocean, but I have now incorporated wine as well. I have worked with Southern Glazers for 12 years, but first got into wine in New Zealand where I worked a few harvests post university. I have a dog named Scully (named after Vin Scully not the X-Files, she’s a big Dodgers fan) and I also love to ski. That’s me in a nutshell!

Chris clodfelter | general manager • valley brook country club

mcmurray, pennsylvania Chris is the General Manager of a Country Club in Pittsburgh, PA. His Hospitality background includes managing country club’s in VA, IN, IL, OH and KY. He is actively involved in several wine groups in Pittsburgh and enjoys learning, tasting and introducing wine to his membership and friends who are new to wine. His love of the hospitality industry led him to name his first two dogs, Riesling (Giant Schnauzer) and Brie (Finnish Spitz).

courtney conte | senior account executive • colangelo & partners

new york, new york Courtney is a New York-based Senior Account Executive who has been with Colangelo & Partners since November 2020. Starting as a PR Assistant, Courtney has been able to interact and grow with many parts of the business including influencer marketing, digital integration, event execution, spirits media relations, as well as leading a strong presence in wine media relations and luxury lifestyle, where her current expertise lies. Courtney works with an array of West Coast clients from California, Washington State, and Oregon. Courtney is WSET Level 2 Certified.

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GUEST BIOs Evan Davis | regional wine educator • spec’s wine, spirits, and finer foods

austin, texas Evan Davis is a Regional Wine Educator for Spec’s Wine, Spirits and Finer Foods in Austin, Texas. A classically trained chef, Evan cut his teeth working in some of Austin’s finest restaurants. His passion for wine blossomed through a passion for food, and a culinary exploration trip to California eventually sparked a full-on obsession and a career in wine.

When not working with wine, (but often while drinking it) Evan spends his time working on his other love: music. In his spare time he plays guitar, piano and writes songs, and is currently working on recording a solo album under his band name Friends of the Snowman.

jennifer delgado | beverage manager • upward projects

phoenix, arizona With more than 10 years of experience with Upward Projects, she’s their go-to gal for all things vino and ale. In addition to her charm and hospitality, Jenny is an exceptional teacher and shares her beverage knowledge with Upward’s next wave of wine and beer aficionados.

When Jenny is not teaching about wine, she’s on the hunt to find the best Pinot Noir this side of the Mississippi to add to her personal collection.

Lauren denyer | diploma events & enrichment manager • wset school london

london, united kingdom Wine has been a passion of mine for well over 10 years. I turned that passion into a job in 2017 when I joined WSET School London as an educator. In the same year I completed the WSET Diploma in Wine and following that, later became a Master of Wine student. I am a certified Cava, Rioja, Bordeaux and Sherry educator. My main role is to support the Diploma students at WSET School London to help them achieve their wine dreams!

John devine | president • michael j. devine and associates

deerfield, florida I’ve been in the wine business for over 30 years. I’m the President of our family company MJDA...We sell wine to cruise ships and airlines.

Tom Drake | Buyer / manager • delaurenti food & wine

seattle, washington I moved to Seattle in 2010 to attend the University of Washington and have worked at DeLaurenti Food & Wine in the historic Pike Place Market since 2013. I was fortunate enough to become the store’s wine buyer in 2018. I’m looking forward to the opportunity to learn more about wine from my home state on this exciting trip!

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GUEST BIOs Dimitri draves | chain director • winebow

lantana, florida I have been with Winebow for 8 years. A graduate of Florida State University with experience from Total Wine and More before moving into Wine distribution.

Katie finn | owner • desert wine shop on 111

la quinta, california Katie Finn drinks wine for a living. As a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers and Certified Specialist of Wine, she has dedicated her career to wine education and sharing her passion with others. After 8 years in Napa, working with notable estates and winemakers, she returned to the desert with her husband and two children. In addition to writing a wine column for CV Independent, providing wine education to restaurants and hotel staff, Katie is also the owner of Desert Wine Shop on 111 in La Quinta. Recognized as one of Palm Springs Life Magazine’s 40 Under 40, she continually strives to connect with her community and loves sharing her latest wine discoveries!

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Brian Fitzpatrick | Business manager • breakthru beverage

richmond, california I was born and raised in the Chicago suburbs and made my way West to the University of Oregon where I graduated and began my interest in the world of wine with vintage 2001 crush at King Estate Winery. Since that experience, I have wholeheartedly pursued a career in wine holding many roles in the distributor and supplier areas of the business. I have enjoyed working with many retail and restaurant partners over the years helping them meet their wine program goals. I am currently the Portfolio Manager for the Aspect Fine Wine Division at Breakthru California. In my spare time, I enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, golf, and skiing.

Kevin good | district manager / events team • twin liquors austin, texas Golden retriever enthusiast!

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GUEST BIOs Anne guarino | category merchant analyst - wine • whole foods market

austin, texas I’m on the Wine Category Merchant team for Whole Foods Market, as a Category Merchant Analyst. My team sources, authorizes, and maintains WFM’s best-in-class Wine core and promotional assortment. Additionally, I support Local wine programming. I love all sorts of wine, from Cru Beaujolais to commodity Sauvignon Blanc served in a tumbler. I love to cook for my friends and family.

Andrew hamline | operations manager • indian hills country club

mission hills, kansas I’m a proud Kansas Citian, born and raised, who loves to be a hometown ambassador while traveling. My partner Lizzie and I aspire to create a wine and cocktail education course in the coming years and both serve as sommeliers in Kansas City hospitality.

Lauren harris | wine director • tria

philadelphia, pennsylvania Lauren Harris has spent 20 years in the wine industry, most of it happily dedicated to Tria. She began her wine journey at 20, diving into learning to keep up with Tria’s vibrant opening team.

Lauren’s adventures in wine took her to Sydney, where she worked as a sommelier while deepening her wine studies. This Aussie chapter added a delightful twist to her expertise. As Tria’s Wine Director, Lauren selects the wines and crafts the menus for their two wine bars, ensuring there’s always something exciting. She leads fun weekly training sessions to keep her team sharp on the classics and thrilled by new finds. Her favorite region is the Loire Valley for its diversity and energy, and she’s a huge fan of South African Chenin Blanc. One of Lauren’s most memorable escapades was a spontaneous tour through the Loire Valley with friends, discovering hidden gems along the way to La Dive. She’s also explored Tuscany, Oregon, the Finger Lakes, and even Mexico on wine adventures. Lauren loves hosting weekly guest classes at Tria, making wine fun and approachable. She enjoys sharing her passion and creating enjoyable experiences for both guests and team members.

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GUEST BIOs timothy holst | lead sommelier • the allison inn & spa

newberg, oregon I am an enthusiastic representative of PNW wines for visitors from around the world. After years in wine production I swapped to hospitality to share my love of wine with everyone who visits our restaurant.

ross jackson | wine manager • mike’s wine & spirits

kansas city, missouri Ross is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers as well as a Certified Sake Professional through the Sake Education Counsel. He was previously the Wine Director of James Beard Award Winning The American Restaurant and Corvino Supper Club & Tasting Room. He is currently the Wine Manager of Mike’s Wine & Spirits with multiple locations in Kansas City, MO and sits on the committee for ShuttleCork, a wine-centric fundraiser for The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Fine Art.

kristina jacobs | general manager • waypoint seafood and grill williamsburg, virginia

Kristina Jacobs is the General Manager of Waypoint Seafood and Grill in Williamsburg, Virginia, renowned for its exquisite seafood. With a strong passion for wine, Kristina has meticulously developed the restaurant’s wine program, personally selecting each bottle to perfectly complement Waypoint’s culinary offerings. Her expertise and discerning palate ensure an exceptional dining experience for every guest. Originating from the quaint town of McColl, South Carolina, Kristina brings an authentic Southern charm and warm hospitality to her leadership, creating a welcoming and elegant ambiance that resonates throughout the restaurant. Her dedication to excellence and attention to detail have made Waypoint Seafood and Grill a beloved establishment among locals and visitors alike. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Kristina is a devoted mother to four children: Kayly, Tripp, Logan, and Lane. Balancing her dynamic career with her family life, she exemplifies grace and commitment in all aspects of her life.

Kristina’s journey is a testament to her passion for fine dining, wine, and her unwavering dedication to both her craft and her family, making her an inspiring figure in the culinary world.

Chris james | beverage director & sommelier • lonesome dove western bistro austin, texas

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GUEST BIOs marcell keys | beverage director • chops lobster bar

DISTRIBUTOR

boca raton, florida I’ve been in the restaurant business since 2007 and this will be my first trip to Washington.

Jill Kidd | mid atlantic chain director • winebow

ashland, virginia 25+ years in the wine industry with extensive experience in Distributor Network and Supplier relationships. Proven manager with successful sales results over the past 20+ years. Manage $60+MM in sales across six states with multiple regional manager and directors. WSET 1 & 2 certifications and Winebow certified level 2.

torrey lewis | wine manager • willows lodge / barking frog

woodinville, washington Barking Frog Wine Manager and Sommelier, Torrey Lewis, has been in the hospitality business for over 12 years. His career began at South Seattle’s Pastry and Baking Arts program. After working in baking and pastry for several years before switching to hotel service and then ultimately catching the wine bug, Torrey takes a more relaxed approach to wine and beverage service. He guides guest experiences looking to create memories, and go beyond standard service, aiming to be relatable and knowledgeable. Torrey’s wine experience includes working at Purple Café and Wine Bar and Light Sleeper Wine Bar, both in downtown Seattle. He has also completed the Certified Sommelier accreditation with the Court of Master Sommeliers, as well as the Italian Wine Scholar certification. He is currently pursuing the Advanced Sommelier accreditation through the Court of Master Sommeliers. In his spare time, he pairs wine and music as well as being an avid but fairly unsuccessful fly fisherman.

amy loll | culinary director • high flying foods

sausalito, california I have proudly called San Diego home for the past 15 years. Over the last decade, I have been managing operations and purchasing for High Flying Foods at our seven restaurants within SAN airport. More recently, I have assumed responsibility for the company’s purchasing program across 23 restaurants, specializing in the Food, Liquor, and Wine programs. We tailor these programs for each airport market, aligning with our philosophy of supporting local and small producers.

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GUEST BIOs tori long | bar manager • 2120

seattle, washington I’ve been in the restaurant industry for 10 plus years. Originally from Tri-Cities Washington, I’ve found myself on the other side of the state in Seattle. Currently, I’m the bar manager for 2120 where I design seasonal menus, oversee daily operations, and through these have found a love for Washington wine. Outside of work, I enjoy attending concerts, trying new bars and restaurants, and unwinding with my two cats, Debbie and Randall.

neil loomis | vp of beverage • fine dining restaurant group

jackson, wyoming I have lived in Jackson Hole for over 30 years. In 2001, I helped open the flagship restaurant for our group, The Rendezvous Bistro. Over time we have now become a restaurant group with 7 restaurants, 2 wine shops, 2 breweries, a catering company, a sausage business and an ice cream company. Beverage has always been my passion, specifically wine. A lifetime goal of mine is to spend time in every major wine region in the world. So far I’m doing pretty well! I think to truly understand a place, one must visit it, to soak up the culture and to get a real feel of the terroir. I feel extremely fortunate to live where I do, and to have created the job I have. As such, I seek to continually learn more about the beverage world and to share my knowledge with the staff we have in all our businesses. Cheers

harry luong | server / sommelier • capital grille

denver, colorado I graduated from the University of South Florida with a degree in Hospitality management in 2016.

My wine journey began while I was bartending and serving at the Ritz Carlton in Florida. Working in fine dining motivated me to learn more about food, beverage, and wine, so in 2018 I enrolled in the CMS Introductory course. Shortly after, in 2019, I became Certified. I currently live in Denver, Colorado, working at the Capital Grille and pursuing Advanced certification.

Cameron Mascia | Sommelier • coqodaq

new york, new york From a young age, I was immersed in the world of hospitality, starting my journey in my father’s kitchen in Philadelphia at 11 years old. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for the industry. After spending a decade honing my skills in the kitchen, I transitioned to front-of-house roles, beginning as a barista at La Colombe. My time there expanded into a successful wholesale career, where I managed a $2.5m portfolio supplying coffee to some of NYC’s top restaurants and hotels. After 7 years with La Colombe, driven by a desire to deepen my beverage expertise, I ventured into bartending and wine study. I passed CMS Certified as well as my Q-Arabica Grader and began working under the leadership of Mia Van De Water and Victoria James at the flagship COTE Steakhouse, as well as contributed to the opening team at COQODAQ. Currently, I am preparing for the CMS Advanced exams, with plans to sit for them early next year.

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GUEST BIOs matthew mclaughlin | wine director • guard and grace

houston, texas Originally from Michigan but living in Houston since the summer of 2000, I have spent the past thirty years in the restaurant and wine industry. I have worked in a variety of restaurants, wine bars, and retail shops as well as wholesale wine distribution.

Meg norman | beverage manager • jf restaurants

new york, new york Deeply passionate about fermentation and the science of spirits and wine. My career is driven by a commitment to sustainability and supporting small businesses that aim to positively impact the industry. Blending innovation with respect for artisanal traditions to shape a sustainable future for the industry.

Ryan O’connor | beverage director • surrell

seattle, washington “I feel sorry for people who don’t drink. When they wake up in the morning, that’s as good as they’re going to feel all day.” -- Dean Martin

Megan Overman | wine buyer / manager • Island prime

san diego, california I have been a Sommelier and running wine programs for world class restaurants for the last 20 years. I started my career in Seattle, Washington and moved down to San Diego 8 years ago. I have studied all over the world, worked in France and make wine in Mexico.

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GUEST BIOs jade palmer | wine buyer / manager • hop city craft beer & wine

atlanta, georgia Jade found her way into the wine world as a Delta Air Lines flight attendant, where she became a “Sky Sommelier,” trained in wine pairings and wine service in premium cabins.

During the pandemic, Jade pivoted into wine full-time by working at a local wine shop. A few certifications later, Jade is now a wine buyer and manager running a ~1,000 placementprogram. She is also a current WSET Diploma Candidate.

tommy pappas | general manager • flint creek cattle co. / bar sur mer

seattle, washington I have been a hospitality professional since I was 15 years old, going on 29 years now. I was raised by a single mother in Memphis, TN. A traditional route to an education was not available to me. The hospitality industry gave me an avenue to learn how to be a good human being and how to be a thoughtful leader.

jim provance | manager • ascend prime steak and sushi

bellevue, washington I am a certified sommelier now, but I plan on going all the way to master sommelier eventually. I aim to perpetuate a cycle of learning and teaching about all things in the beverage world. I have had an obvious bias toward Washington wine since I moved to Seattle in 2016 and I can’t wait to learn more about a place I enjoy so much!

edgardo quanico | bar manager • maripili tapas bar

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seattle, washington Hello! My name is Edgardo Quanico Jr., but I go by Ed and I work at Maripili Tapas Bar in Seattle. I’m looking to delve more deeply into the world of wine. I have spent the last 15 years bartending. Having worked in places like Bazaar, The Cosmopolitan Chandelier Bar, Scotch80 Prime, and Majordomo exposed me to different styles of service and mixology and has allowed me to develop my skills. Speed of service, attention to detail, efficiency, and most importantly completing tasks with a sense of urgency while maintaining a welcoming yet fun persona are among those. These experiences opened up an opportunity to work with Plush Agency as a beverage trainer for Station Casinos. As the current bar manager at MariPili, I find that these skills are greatly benefitting my program here, but I am constantly working on pushing my wine knowledge. An experience like this road trip would be a huge honor and could kick start my growth into the next level of wine experience and knowledge, so that I can contribute that to my program at MariPili and help enrich the wine community in Seattle.

During my free time I enjoy reading comics, playing video games, cooking, wine tasting, spirit tasting and traveling.

GUEST BIOs artem raetckii | sommelier • the polo bar

new york, new york Born and raised in Vladivostok, Russia. Emigrated to USA in 2013. Been working in restaurants and studying wine since then. Certified with CMS since 2017, WSET-3 since 2021. Passionate about cigars, fine wines and spirits, thoughtful movies and being in nature.

Nicole ramirez | sommelier / server • alpana

DISTRIBUTOR

chicago, illinois Nicole Ramirez’ journey into wine was not an obvious one. This Bridgeport native grew up in a Puerto Rican family surrounded by the comfort of food and family but she always knew a more unconventional path awaited her. She was a film major at the University of Illinois at Chicago. While attending college, this proud Bridgeport native made her first foray into the hospitality business at the Stadium Club at Comiskey Park. Shortly after college, she moved to Seattle where she then discovered wine while working at a local wine bar and knew that she had found her calling. Wine combined all of her various interests – food, travel, history and story-telling. Growing up, Nicole did not see a lot of people who looked like her in the food and wine business. This inspired her to make her own mark in the world of wine and to be an example for others. She began working towards her wine certification and starting in 2019, passed the WSET Levels 1, 2 and 3. Always eager to learn and expand her horizons, in 2021 she began working at Porto, a one star Michelin restaurant specializing in Galician cuisine and Spanish wines. In 2022 she was invited by Sommelier Alpana Singh to join the opening team at her eponymous restaurant, Alpana in the Gold Coast. Nicole is currently working on her Court of Master Sommelier level 2. When she is not studying wine, she enjoys spending time with her partner Perry, and her beloved pets, Rigel the Blue Heeler and Gucci the house cat.

Jonathan Ramsey | director of sales - florida • breakthru beverage | aspect fine wine

jacksonville, florida 25 year beverage professional, sommelier, educator and wine lover. Over 18 years in supplier and sales management

janice shiffler | wine director • lazy betty

atlanta, georgia My wine career started with Lazy Betty. I love working with such talented chefs, finding wines that sing in harmony with each delicious dish.

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GUEST BIOs Kenneth skutnik | wine buyer • bluegrass beverages

hendersonville, tennessee I am currently a buyer for a retail location in Nashville looking to further educate myself on wine after completing my WSET 3 examination. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, writing, or just a lazy afternoon enjoying a crisp glass of Pinot Blanc.

brooke smith | co-owner • the ruby tap

wauwatosa, wisconsin I am originally from Michigan, moved to Chicago after college and ended up in Milwaukee after that. I’ve always had a passion for wine and had a career in event planning while living in Chicago.

When the opportunity came up to combine my two passions in Milwaukee, I jumped on it. Twelve years ago we opened my first wine bar with my sister and 9 years ago we opened our second. It’s not always easy but it’s been a fun challenge since day one.

Scott Tarwater | Corporate Director of wine • landry’s inc.

houston, texas Hotel/Restaurant Management Graduate: Paul Smiths College ‘79. The past 22 years have been spent with Landry’s Inc. who own and operate over 600 restaurants, 5 casino resorts, 9 hotels, with a strong international and domestic presence. My career has covered virtually all aspects of the restaurant industry, with heavy emphasis on wine, wine education, wine list architect, while also creating dynamic wine based special events. Our locations account for over $250 million dollars in annual wine sales and still growing.

Anna thorn | Bar director • Hogsalt

chicago, illinois Anna Thorn is the Director of Bars for Hogsalt in Chicago, where she oversees all things bars + spirits for the group. Prior to Hogsalt, she ran the cocktail program at Boka Restaurant for 6 years, after moving to Chicago from Salt Lake City.

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GUEST BIOs Cynthia Tom | Senior Category Merchant - Wine • Whole foods market

jersey city, new jersey Cynthia Tom is currently a Senior Category Merchant for Wine with Whole Foods Market specializing in promotions and chilled wine assortments. She has been with WFM for 14 years working in many different faucets of the Specialty department including cheese, coffee, beer, wine, and spirits but has ultimately landed in her dream role on the wine team. When Cynthia is not working, she is actively painting, drinking, and listening to podcasts about wine and food. She loves being environmentally conscious, staying healthy both mentally and physically, and raising her beautiful three children with her loving husband in Northern New Jersey.

sonya Villegas Kelsen | Founder / Operator • Colony Wine Merchant

Anaheim, california Grew up in the restaurant business. Fell in love with wine. Became a certified somm, buyer, sales rep, supplier and sales and marketing manager for a number of wineries. Co-founder and operator at Colony Wine Merchant as well as wine buyer at The Meat Cellar.

Elizabeth wallace | Assistant General Manager / Bar Manager • V. Mertz

omaha, nebraska I’ve been in the hospitality industry for 20+ years, with experience in many facets. I love animals, music, traveling, alone time and creating. And of COURSE food and beverage. And binge watching Netflix on days off.

Chad welch | buyer • costco wholesale

issaquah, washington Chad Welch was born and raised in San Jose, CA with both parents working in the Semiconductor industry. In 2001 Chad graduated college at San Jose State University with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Business Administration. While attending college, Chad was hired at the Sunnyvale, CA Price Club pushing carts. 28 years later, Chad has worked in various roles throughout Costco including Operations, Regional Buying, Ecommerce and is now one of the Corporate Buyers responsible for Kirkland Signature wine and spirits. In his free time Chad enjoys playing golf, fishing the Puget Sound and home remodel projects.

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GUEST BIOs devin yu | sommelier • cafe juanita

Kirkland, washington I am a sommelier working at Cafe Juanita. I have worked on the culinary side of restaurants for a long time before diving into wine. I love eating and drinking anything I haven’t drunk or eaten before, as well as learning the nitty gritty details behind these foods and beverages.

Abe Zarate | head sommelier • contento

new york, new york Abe began his career in wine after noticing the many shared parallels with his past experience in music publishing. He has gone on to run beverage programs at Corkbuzz, Intersect by Lexus, and Contento. Most recently, he worked as a sommelier at two Michelin-starred The Modern. Growing up between Guadalajara, Mexico and the bordertown of Laredo, Texas, Abe is very close to challenges in the bicultural experience. As a board member of Corporate Pero Latinos, he co-leads their English as a Second Language Program for hospitality workers in New York. This program is committed to help eliminate the barrier to entry that language is for a large part of the Latinx community. He hopes to create career opportunities and continue operating in the wine industry with a focus on education and equity.

mary zink | wine category merchant • wegmans food market

rochester, new york 23 years of business experience at Wegmans Food Markets based out of Rochester, NY. Currently, I oversee Domestic Wines. A wine enthusiast that is able to effectively create and execute strategic plans to meet our customers’ needs while improving results. I am motivated by driving innovation and transformative change while maintaining our organization’s culture and values. She is WSET Level 3 certified.

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