Conference Agenda
Registration Is Open.
Please note that room locations are not final and the agenda is subject to change.
Page Last Updated: 6/18/2026
There are 37 sessions to choose from including some great new presenters!
Click any of the following buttons to jump to a specific session to read the session descriptions.
Wednesday, October 21st
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Tour
2:00 pm – 3:30 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk
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Thursday, October 22nd
12:00 pm – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 1 – Main Street 1
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 2 – Main Street 2
7:00 am – 5:00 pm Wine Judge Certification – Year 3 – Main Street 3
8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 1 – Main Street 4
8:00 am – 5:00 pm WineSmarts Level 2 – Main Street 5
9:00 am – 5:00 pm Pre-Conference Tour
2:00 pm – 5:00 pm RA/VLT/Chapter Chair Meeting (optional if you want to attend a tour or education opportunities!) – Clearwater
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm “First-Timers” Orientation – Orlando
5:00 pm – 6:00 pm The Grapevine – Clearwater/Clearwater Terrace
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm Presidential Reception – Mathews
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Opening Reception sponsored by AG MAC Old World Imports – Grand 4-5
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – Mathews
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Friday, October 23rd
7:00 am – 6:00 pm Registration Desk Open (closed during meals) – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk
7:30 am – 8:45 am Sparkling Wine Breakfast – Grand 4-5
8:45 am – 6:00 pm Exhibits Open – Grand Foyer
8:45 am – 6:00 pm AWSEF Silent Auction Open– Grand Foyer
8:30 am – 12:00 pm Wine Judge Certification Program 3rd Year Final Exam- Main Street 8
9:00 am – 10:15 am Sessions A
Session A
Session A1
Title: 75 Minute Wine Expert
Presenter: Dr. Joseph Fiola, Specialist in Viticulture, University of Maryland, & Dr. Gary Pavlis, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers University
Description: This is the class everyone should take to start and better appreciate the conference! Drs. Pavlis and Fiola, long-time AWS presenters, will hone attendees’ skills to objectively evaluate and appreciate wines, including discerning the levels of various wine components. You will also be a “wine judge for the day” learning how to best utilize the AWS 20-point judging scale to evaluate wines of various quality to calibrate everyone’s tasting ability. This class is a must to truly understand, evaluate, and enjoy wine.
Session A2
Title: Kiki – From Crisis Comes Opportunity: How Wineries Deal with Climate Extremes
Presenter: Chris Pearmund, Winemaker, Founder and Managing Partner, Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Effingham Manor Winery
Description: Kiki is a Japanese word that can mean both “crisis” and “opportunity”. Winemakers around the globe are being forced to deal with ever-increasing crises, from falling consumer interest in wine to crippling extremes is weather including drought, hail, torrential rains and killing frosts. Resilient winemakers “adapt and overcome” these challenges to not only survive but also develop new processes and methods to push forward, and in some cases make some of their finest wines. Join veteran, award-winning Virginia winemaker Chris Pearmund as he relates his and other’s experiences in dealing with and overcoming the challenges faced by winemakers today and enjoy some of the wines coming from these “to be forgotten” vintages that ultimately become winners.
Session A3
Title: Wine Amid War: Ukraine Wines
Presenter: Heidi Mulholland, Wine Educator, Wines of the Times Consulting
Fee: $35
Description: Ukraine’s vineyards aren’t abandoned to the inevitabilities of war. Ukraine’s winemakers are doing everything they can do to put Ukraine on the map with war vintages of quality and style. Featuring wines from across Ukraine with unique stories to tell, this wine tasting highlights the unique history of Ukrainian wine, the people behind the grapes, and their daily courage to harvest the next war vintage. Presenter Heidi Mulholland lived in Ukraine in 2017 and 2018 and supports U.S. importers and their producers to bring Ukrainian wine to every table in the United States.
Session A4
Title: Style Shifts: Australia’s Varietal Evolution
Presenter: Mark Davidson, Head of Education Development – Americas, Wine Australia
Description: The vineyard landscape in Australia has evolved in response to a changing environment and global marketplace. Much of the change centers on experimentation with new varieties however the many old vine heritage sites are showing why they were planted in the first place. This seminar will explore an important element of a sustainable future for Australia – varietal suitability and evolving wine style.
Session A5
Title: Beyond Nouveau: An Exploration of the Wines of Beaujolais
Presenter: Lee Schlesinger, Vice President, Winesellers, Ltd. Importing
Description: While Beaujolais is best known for (or perhaps infamous for) the relatively simple wines of Nouveau, the region produces the world’s best examples of Gamay with regional nuances. We will explore wines from Village level through the TEN Cru’s, including some of the region’s top domaines. Don’t underestimate the quality or value that Beaujolais offers!
Session A6
Title: From the First Privately Owned Macedonian Winery to ‘Champion Award’ Winning Wines
Presenter: Vesna Bogevska & Kosta Kitanovski, Owners, Bovin Winery
Description: What does it take to build a world-class winery in a country that few wine lovers have explored? Join Vesna Bogevska and Kosta Kitanovski as they tell the inspiring story of Bovin Winery, the first privately owned winery in Macedonia. From producing its first wines in 1998 to earning Champion awards and international acclaim, Bovin has helped put Macedonian wine on the global stage. Along the way, you’ll discover the rich winemaking heritage of the Tikveš region and sample wines that showcase the character and potential of this emerging wine destination.
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions B
Session B
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Session B — A Plenary Session for Everyone!
Title: SIP AND SAVOR: PAIRING EUROPEAN WINES AND DELI MEAT
Presenter: Dana Beninati, MBA, DipWSET, Educator, Journalist, Producer, and Resident Sommelier for the Food Network
Description: The Roero DOCG appellation is a region with a strong winemaking identity. Here, nature meets culture and innovation, giving life to wines that reflect the soul of a unique landscape. The denomination features two main varieties: Roero Arneis DOCG, a refined and harmonious white wine made from Arneis grapes; and Roero Rosso DOCG, an intense and structured red wine made from the noble Nebbiolo grape. Two different expressions of a land that passionately and consistently tells the story of its deep identity and unbreakable bond with its roots. These exceptional wines will be paired with Salumi from IVSI (Institute for the Promotion of Italian Salumi). Co-funded by the European Union, Sip and Savor is an invitation to slow down and enjoy complete food and wine experiences, where every taste becomes a moment of mindful pleasure and discovery of new flavors. Join Dana Beninati as she tells stories of culture, travel, and joy through food and wine.
12:30 pm – 2:00 pm Luncheon & Business Meeting – Grand 4-5
2:15 pm – 3:30 pm Sessions C
Session C
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Session C1
Title: The Amazing Wines of Arizona 2
Presenter: Bill Nestel, Wine Enthusiast, WSET 2 Student and AWS Committee Member
Description: Come sample and learn about these surprising premium quality wines, some of which are regularly served at the White House! Arizona wine country is picturesque and unique. The AVAs are diverse high elevation terroir: one is river valley, a second is grassland prairie and the third is high desert. There is a long history of wine production that began with Spanish Missionaries in the late 1600’s, ranging to the beginning of the modern era in the 1990’s. With abundant sunshine and low rainfall, the terroir is similar in many ways to Rioja in Spain, or Southern Rhone/Italy without the Mediterranean influence.
Session C2
Title: Petit Manseng – A Hidden Gem
Presenter: Chris Pearmund, Winemaker, Founder and Managing Partner, Pearmund Cellars, Vint Hill Craft Winery and Effingham Manor Winery
Description: Quickly gaining acclaim and popularity across the country, Petit Manseng may just be the next “big” thing in the U.S. wine industry. This increasingly popular white wine varietal came to the U.S. from Southern France and is the highest quality varietal from the Manseng family of grapes. It is best known for its capacity to concentrate sugar in the berries while maintaining high acidity. That acidity and its bright flavors make Petit Manseng a versatile wine that can be vinified from bone-dry to dessert-wine levels of sweetness. Join veteran, award-winning Virginia winemaker Chris Pearmund as he discusses the amazing qualities of this up and coming varietal and compares various U.S. expressions of the wine with the heritage versions made today in France.
Session C3
Title: Presidential State Dinners Part III
Presenters: Tony Lawrence, Chef & Bill Stefan, AWS Past President
Fee: $65
Description: As a sequel to their presentations from the last two conferences, Tony Lawrence and Bill Stefan return to offer Part Three of Presidential State Dinners. These events are the pinnacle of White House dinners prepared for visiting kings, queens, presidents, and other heads of state. The formal meals include phenomenal dishes paired with the best wines. The President and First Lady are engaged with White House staff, the State Department, famous chefs, and many others to prepare the ultimate dinner where even the smallest detail is critically important. Enjoy a food course taken from four different State dinners. This session will discuss the foods, the original wines served, the pairings, and alternative wines that you can find today if you wanted to recreate one of these amazing events. In addition, Bill will share anecdotes and stories from the actual dinners. Note: To allow for full enjoyment of the extensive food and wine courses without being rushed, this presentation will be held spread across both of the Friday afternoon session blocks (C and D). The single add-on fee covers both halves of the presentation. Please note that a copy of Bill’s book is not included in the fee. Presidential State Dinners books will be available for purchase and personalization by Bill during the conference.
Session C4
Title: Wagner Family of Wine: The Story of Six Cabernets
Presenter: Justin Botha, Florida North-East Market Manager, Caymus Vineyards
Description: Chuck Wagner and his late parents, Charlie and Lorna, started Caymus Vineyards making 250 cases of Cabernet Sauvignon. Over the years, Caymus Cabernet came to be known for a signature style – rich, dark, concentrated and luxurious. Making different expressions of the Cabernet varietal remains a passion for Chuck and his children, winemakers Charlie and Jenny Wagner. The family has never stopped pursuing new ideas and exploring vineyard sites throughout California. At its root lies their ongoing pursuit of excellence, in both their farming and their winemaking. Learn about the Wagner Family story and a full spectrum of their signature Cabernets, from Bonanza California all the way up through the iconic Caymus Special Selection.
Session C5
Title: The Best of Argentina
Presenter: Lee Schlesinger, Vice President, Winesellers, Ltd. Importing
Description: Argentina is the world’s fifth-largest wine producer, renowned for high-altitude vineyards along the Andes Mountains, with Malbec as its signature, rich red grape. With winemaking centered in Mendoza, the country produces intense reds with a revolution in white wine coming on strong. The sunny, dry climate tempered by high altitude, cool temperatures yield wines with ripe fruit flavors combined with proper structure, making them complex and ageable. We will use the top wines of one of the country’s leaders, Zuccardi, to explore cutting-edge styles and what to expect next from the region.
Session C6
Title: Idaho Wines, New Audiences: Teaching the Next Generation of Wine Consumers
Presenter: Amanda Ryan, PhD., Director, Beer and Wine Studies Program at Boise State University
Description: Idaho has emerged as one of the most dynamic wine regions in the United States, producing wines that consistently earn national and international recognition while remaining relatively unknown. This session explores the factors that make Idaho wines distinctive, including the state’s high-elevation vineyards, continental climate, diverse soils, and growing portfolio of successful grape varieties.
4:15 pm – 5:30 pm Session D
Session D
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Session D1
Title: Does Michigan Need a State Grape?
Presenter: Brian Cain, The Michigan Vintner
Description: Outside of California, most states struggle for notoriety. If they are known at all, it is that they are not known for anything. Yet, a case for Oregon Pinot Noir, Washington Merlot, New York Riesling or Missouri Norton can certainly be made. Michigan makes some great wine. Would being known for a specific wine help get that word out? Brian will shed some light on that question by discussing and tasting Cabernet Franc and Riesling grown in the regions along the shore of Lake Michigan.
Session D2
Title: Paying it Forward – Mentoring New Winemakers
Presenter: Joel Peterson, Winemaker, Once and Future Wine
Description: It has been 50 years since Joel Peterson founded Ravenswood. In that time the Ravenswood lineage has employed or mentored a number of talented individuals who have gone on to start their own unique wine brands or become head winemakers at important high quality wineries. This seminar will feature 6 of those individuals, their stories and their wines. Potential wines include Napa Valley Cabernet, Mountain grown Chardonnay, Grenache, Syrah, Vernaccia, and Old vine Zin field blend.
Session D3
Title: Presidential State Dinners Part III
Presenter: Tony Lawrence, Celebrity Wine Chef & Bill Stefan, AWS Past President
Description: Continues from C3 session
Note: To allow for full enjoyment of the extensive food and wine courses without being rushed, this presentation will be held spread across both Friday afternoon session blocks (C and D). The single add-on fee covers both halves of the presentation. Please note that a copy of Bill’s book is not included in the fee. Presidential State Dinners books will be available for purchase and personalization by Bill during the conference.
Session D4
Title: Bordeaux: Iconic Wines and Beyond
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Wine Educator & Owner, ombiasy Wine Tours
Description: The Bordeaux wine regions present an undisputed benchmark in the world of wine. They are the birthplaces of iconic wine styles which have shaped international tastes. The wine regions are located close to the Atlantic Ocean, giving it a maritime climate. “Left Bank” and “Right Bank” refer to the two primary wine-producing sides of the Gironde Estuary and its supporting rivers. However, there is a big difference between wines from the Right Bank and Left Bank. The terroir and soils are different, the landscape is different, the percentage of the allowable grape varieties planted is different, the culture and history of each region differs and the wines from each region smell, taste, feel and age differently. In this presentation, we’ll compare wines from the Médoc on the Left Bank and St.-Émilion on the Right Bank. It is for you to judge if you are a Left Bank or Right Bank personality.
Session D5
Title: Mollydooker: Left-handed Wines = Lots of Fun
Presenter: luke, the older kid and co-founder of don’t tell mum, Mollydooker
Description: Left-handed wines? Lots of fun? Absolutely. Join Luke Marquis for a lively look at Mollydooker, the Australian winery whose name means “left-hander” in Aussie slang. Learn how founders Sarah and Sparky Marquis combined passion, innovation, and a touch of whimsy to create a globally recognized wine brand. Through stories, insights, and tastings, discover the people, philosophy, and wines that have made Mollydooker one of Australia’s most beloved producers. Mollydooker blends art with agriculture to produce and harvest fruit of exceptional quality into wines of distinction. With careful balancing of flavor and sensations, we combine the hard work of the family and treasured stories with unique characters who bring each wine to life.
Session D6
Title: Combining the Past, the Future, and Now; Keeping Our Story Alive – Kamnik Wines
Presenter: Natalija Kuzmanova Export Director and Sandra Georgievska Chief Winemaker Oenologist
Description: How do you honor the past while embracing the future? At Kamnik Wines, the answer lies in a relentless commitment to quality, innovation, and storytelling. Join Export Director Natalija Kuzmanova and Chief Winemaker Sandra Georgievska as they share the remarkable journey of a winery that grew from one man’s passion for wine into an internationally acclaimed producer. Discover how Kamnik combines tradition, vision, and modern winemaking to create award-winning wines while keeping its story from the first vines and a castle-inspired boutique winery to internationally recognized wines enjoyed around the world – and the story of Macedonian wine – alive for future generations.
5:45 pm – 6:45 pm Amateur Wine Competition Awards – City Terrace 12
7:00 pm – 9:30 pm Showcase of Wines sponsored by SIP AND SAVOR: PAIRING EUROPEAN WINES AND DELI MEAT – Grand 4-5
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Hospitality Suite Open – Mathews
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Saturday, October 24th
7:00 am – 4:00 pm Registration Desk Open – 2nd Floor Skybridge Registration Desk
7:30 am – 8:45 am Breakfast & AWSEF Annual Meeting – Grand 4-5
8:45 am – 4:00 pm Exhibits Open – Grand Foyer
m Session E
Session E
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Session E1
Title: New Research & Discoveries in Enology
Presenter: Aliyah Brewer, PhD candidate, Cornell University, Daniela Menendez, Graduate Research Assistant, PhD student, Virginia Tech
Description: This session will highlight the research work of PhD and Master’s students funded by American Wine Society Educational Foundation (AWSEF) Research Grants. This session will provide an opportunity for two AWSEF research grant recipients to provide attendees with an in-depth understanding of their research and how it will assist both farmers and winemakers in addressing challenges that they face in the ever-changing landscape caused by climate change, invasive pests and diseases and genetic engineering of new varietals. Please note this session may or may not include wine. The two students selected to present their research are:
Aliyah Brewer, PhD candidate, Cornell University, is advancing the resilience of new wine grape varieties through downy mildew disease resistance. Supported by AWS Chapter of Dayton/Springfield, OH Scholarship
Daniela Menendez, Graduate Research Assistant, PhD student, Virginia Tech, works to advance the sustainable management of the spotted lanternfly (an invasive planthopper, SLF) in American vineyards. Supported by W.J. RACHELE Endowment Scholarship
Session E2
Title: Appassimento Winemaking
Presenter: Jay Raffaldini, Owner, Raffaldini Vineyards
Description: Lovers of big, bold Amarone Italian wines are familiar with the appassimento method for drying grapes before crushing. The process concentrates flavors, sugars and structure, resulting in wines with greater richness, complexity and intensity. North Carolina’s Raffaldini Winery is the foremost practitioner of the appassimento drying process in the U.S. and continues to dry more fruit than any vineyard in the country. Join award-winning winery founder Jay Raffaldini as he discusses the impact of the appassimento process as it applies to grapes grown on the East Coast and explains how the process changes tannins, acidity, pH, fruit profile and structure to make extraordinary wines.
Session E3
Title: “Identity” Wines of the Southern Hemisphere
Presenter: Gregg Perkins, EVP Broadbent Selections
Description: New World wineries, especially those thriving in the Southern Hemisphere, are not subject to the strict appellation laws that are so common in Old World wine producing countries. They are not bound by restrictions telling them which varietals they can grow, how their vineyards must be planted and how they must vinify and age their wines. As such, Southern Hemisphere wineries in Australia, New Zealand, South America and South Africa are free to experiment and innovate to create and produce the best quality wines that their terroir will support. Join Broadbent Selections EVP, Gregg Perkins as he leads us on a globe-trotting exploration of six wines from the Southern Hemisphere where the varietal that we will taste has emerged as the best choice to reflect the uniqueness associated with the region’s identity.
Session E4
Title: The Riedel Wine Experience
Presenter: Skye Potter, West Coast Retail Sales Manager, Riedel Glassware
Fee: $65
Description: As veteran wine explorers, we’ve always heard and accepted that the shape of the wine glass can impact the enjoyment of wine. However, have you ever actually tested that theory? How much of a difference does it make, and why? This fun and informative session will take you through a unique and enlightening presentation that “proves and explains” why the theory is actually fact. Every attendee will get to keep a set of four specialized wine glasses from Riedel’s Veloce collection, along with a convenient carrying case. The set includes a glass designed for big red wines like Cabernet, a glass for lighter reds, like Pinot Noir, one for full bodied whites, like Chardonnay, and lastly a glass that can be used for crisp whites or sparkling wines. This premium glassware set would normally retail for $200, but for this tasting experience, Riedel will give each attendee a set to keep as part of the $65 add-on fee. In addition, attendees will receive a special AWS discount to facilitate purchasing additional Riedel glassware from the Riedel website, should you wish to expand your collection.
Session E5
Title: What’s Happening in the California Wine Industry!?!
Presenter: Leah Stafford, AWS-CW Judge, WSET 3, Sommelier, CSW, Wine Writer
Fee: $35
Description: Do you enjoy a nice glass of California Wine? The changes impacting the wine industry in California and elsewhere might be of interest to you. What is going on? Will it survive? What changes are happening? Insights will be shared on how to navigate the wine regions of California for the hidden treasures to match a consumer’s pocketbook and palate.
Session E6
Title: Macedonia-Indigenous Grapes & Wine Regions of North Macedonia
Presenter: Pere Stojanovski & Josif Stavre, Owners, Fine Wines PS, LLC
Description: North Macedonia’s wine heritage spans over two millennia, with indigenous varieties forming the backbone of its terroir. Learn about the country’s three main wine regions – Povardarie (Vardar Valley), Pčinja–Osogovo, and Pelagonija–Polog – each offer distinct climates and soils, producing wines from both native and international grapes. Native grape varietals presented in this session include; Žilavka, Grasevina, Temjanika, Stanušina, Kratosija & Vranec.
11:00 am – 12:15 pm Sessions F
Session F
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Session F1
Title: FLX Beyond Riesling – FLX Blau and Gruner Thrive!
Presenter: Bob Madill, Sommelier and AWS Wine Judge Instructor
Description: The Finger Lakes may be known for Riesling and Cab Franc – but – Blaufränkisch and Gruner Veltliner showcase the exciting depth of adventurous winegrowing in the cool climate of New York’s Finger Lakes. Join Sommelier and AWS wine judge instructor Bob Madill and taste through an exciting lineup of Gruner and Blau from the Finger Lakes Wine Alliance. Another wonderful FLX wine discovery!
Session F2
Title: Exploring Florida Wine: A Fresh Perspective on Muscadine
Presenter: Andrew Meggitt, Director of Winemaking Operations, San Sebastian Winery
Description: What makes the Muscadine family so unique in the grape world? In this session, we will dive into the fascinating world of Florida wine to explore the history, craft, and future of this native subtropical variety. We will break down how Muscadine wine is made and how the process differs from traditional European (Vitis vinifera) winemaking. You will discover the unique challenges of crafting wine in a subtropical climate, the exciting future of the industry, and why you should be drinking these high-antioxidant wines. Join us to challenge your assumptions, shift your thought process, and experience a fresh perspective on a true Southern classic. Come, taste, and find out!
Session F3
Title: Small Family Producers – Macedonian Wines
Presenter: Jadranka Klaric, Oenologist, Fine Wines PS, LLC
Description: Experience the heart of North Macedonian wine through the stories and wines of its small, family-owned producers. Rooted in centuries of winemaking tradition yet driven by innovation, these wineries are crafting authentic, expressive wines that are earning recognition far beyond their borders. Join Jadranka as he introduces several remarkable producers, shares their unique stories, and explores the wines that are helping define the next chapter of Macedonian winemaking.
Session F4
Title: Alpine Wines: Vine Growing on the Margins
Presenter: Annette Schiller, Wine Educator and Owner, ombiasy Wine Tours
Description: Over the last ten years global warming has accelerated significantly. As a result, grapes get riper, the sugar level rises, and subsequently the finished wines show higher alcohol levels. At the same time, public awareness of risks associated with alcohol drinking is on the rise. Wine lovers start looking for wines with moderate alcohol levels and one place to look for such wines is cooler, high altitude vineyard sites. The Alps have a head start. Altitude naturally slows ripening and keeps alcohol in check. At this tasting we will explore six Alpine wine regions in Italy, France, and Switzerland: Alto Adige, Aosta Valley, Jura, Savoyen, Vaud and Valais. We’ll learn about the grape varieties that are adapted to higher altitudes and explore the challenges of high-altitude viticulture.
Session F5
Title: The Judgement of Paris
Presenter: Terry O’Conner, Premium Wine & Spirits Professional
Fee: $55
Description: Step into one of the most influential moments in modern wine history and test your own palate in the spirit of the 1976 Judgment of Paris. In this interactive seminar, attendees will revisit the historic blind tasting that challenged assumptions about wine quality and changed the global wine landscape forever. Following a brief discussion of George Taber’s landmark book, Judgment of Paris (required pre-session reading), participants will explore the historical significance of the tasting and the role blind evaluation played in reshaping perceptions of wine. Most of the session will be devoted to a guided blind tasting inspired by the original event. Participants will evaluate the wines blind, compare impressions with fellow attendees, and discuss how origin, expectation, style, and bias influence wine perception. And perhaps the biggest question of all: will one of the original producers from the 1976 Judgment of Paris be hidden among the lineup?
Session F6
Title: Call Me Quercus
Presenter: Kevin Ostrowski, AWS Director of Education
Description: Oak use in wine production dates back centuries. It was the ancient Romans who determined that wine seemed better after time spent in its oak transport barrel. In this session we’ll explore the history and extent of oak use in winemaking with a particular focus on the impact oak has on the aromas and flavors of wine. We’ll include discussing the variety of cooperages as well as other techniques that winemakers use to employ oak. Our goal is to provide the taster insights into recognizing and evaluating oak influence by highlighting those unique characteristics that oak imparts on wine including a tasting of some examples of oaked wines.
Session F7
Title: Amarone & Valpolicella’s Fabulous Five: Exploring the Region’s Five Key Wine Styles
Presenter: Michael Wilson, Wine Educator, Judge and AWS Chapter Chair
Fee: $25
Description: If Amarone has ever caught your eye, this is the session that explains why. Amarone and Valpolicella’s Fabulous Five is a guided tasting designed to reveal the full range, beauty, and excitement of Valpolicella through five unforgettable wines. You’ll experience a progression from vibrant and refreshing to deep, luxurious, and sweetly historic, while uncovering the winemaking traditions that make these wines so compelling. For lovers of Italian wine, discovery, and memorable tastings, this session promises flavor, insight, and a richer appreciation of one of the wine world’s most captivating regions.
12:30 pm – 2:30 pm Awards Luncheon / Best in Class Wine Competition Awards – Grand 4-5
2:45 pm – 4:00 pm Sessions G
Session G
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Session G1
Title: Wines of Tuscany
Presenter: Dr. Joseph Fiola, Specialist in Viticulture, University of Maryland, & Dr. Gary Pavlis, Agricultural Agent, Rutgers University
Fee: $40
Description: Drs. Pavlis and Fiola want to explore Italian wines with you again! You will savor through a custom selection of diverse Tuscan wines, including Chianti, Chianti Classico, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, Morellino di Scansano, Super Tuscans, and of course, Brunello di Montalcino. Gary and Joe will bring the flavors of Tuscany to you. Maybe even throw in some EVO and Balsamic? As always, a “cannot miss” session!
Session G2
Title: The Genetic Frontier: Exploring Ancient Grapes, Old Vines & Modern Hybrids
Presenter: Shannon Carlson, AWS Regional Ambassador – Western MO/Eastern KS
Description: Step into the future of viticulture by exploring the three essential pillars of vineyard resilience: ancestry, age, and innovation. As climate volatility and sustainability concerns are reshaping the global vineyard, the “noble” varieties of the past are facing unprecedented challenges. This session explores the Genetic Frontier – a deep dive into the resilient viticultural solutions found in ancient indigenous grapes, old vines and modern interspecific hybrids. Attendees will experience a side-by-side comparison of ancient indigenous varieties, old vine plantings and the groundbreaking science behind modern interspecific hybrids. The session will analyze how ancient varieties leverage centuries of environmental adaptation, and how modern hybrids are redefining quality standards for cold-climate and disease-resistant farming. Participants will leave with a clear understanding of how genetic diversity is not just a link to our viticultural past, but the essential blueprint for the next century of winemaking.
Session G3
Title: Snoop Dogg Not Allowed – Celebrities with a True Passion for Wine
Presenter: Graydon Vandament, AWS NoVA Chapter Chair and Governance Committee Chair
Description: We all know the old joke about the best way to make a million dollars in the wine business is to start with two million. There are plenty of celebrities: movie stars, entertainers and sports heroes with the money to fund their interest in wine. Yes, some celebs just sell their name to be slapped on a label, but there are many others who are passionate about wine and who are truly involved in that bear their names. Join Graydon Vandament as he returns for a third year to explore some of these quality celebrity wines and the stories behind them. To throw in a bit of fun, after blind tasting the wines, Graydon will provide you with a series of wickedly hard clues regarding the celebrity’s identity. Will your knowledge of obscure trivia help you be the first to guess the mystery celeb? As a teaser, you can be sure that Calvin Cordozar Broadus Jr. will not be included in this presentation.
Session G4
Title: Exploring South Africa: It’s a Lot More than Pinotage
Presenter: Gregg Perkins, EVP, Broadbent Selections
Description: South Africa has been producing wine since the mid-seventeenth century. With some of the oldest soils on the planet and the cool ocean influence of the Cape, South African wines have steadily increased the quality and variety of the wines they produce and now challenge and rival the best wines from anywhere in the world. This session will lead you on an exploration of six South African wines of exceptional quality that show how the country has earned a place worthy of notice on the world wine stage.
Session G5
Title: Shh, don’t tell mum – It’s a Secret
Presenter: luke, the older kid and co-founder of don’t tell mum
Description: It all started with two siblings, a few late-night brainstorms, some damn good fruit and a passion for making wines that are anything but ordinary. we don’t believe wine should be stiff and unrelatable. to us, wine is all about sharing with friends, creating new memories and reminiscing on old ones.
Join Luke Marquis as he shares the journey behind one of Australia’s most recognizable wine brands and the philosophy that wine should be approachable, memorable, and above all, fun. Through stories, insights and tastings discover how exceptional fruit, family values, and a touch of playful rebellion helped create wines enjoyed around the world.
Session G6
Title: One Grape, Three Identities: A Comparative Tasting of Zinfandel, Primitivo, and Tribidrag
Presenter: Joel Peterson, Winemaker, One and Future Wines & Heidi Mulholland, Wine Educator, Wines of the Times Consulting
Description: This presentation explores the fascinating journey of a single grape variety across continents and centuries, tracing its genetic lineage and stylistic evolution from Tribidrag and Kratošija in the Balkans to Primitivo in Italy to Zinfandel in California . Through a guided comparative tasting of six wines – two from each region – participants will experience how terroir, climate, and winemaking traditions shape the expression of this historically connected varietal. The session begins with Tribidrag from Croatia, the ancestral home of the grape, highlighting its elegant structure, coastal minerality, and restrained fruit profile. It then moves to southern Italy’s Primitivo, showcasing the warmth and rustic charm of Puglia’s Mediterranean climate. The tasting concludes with California Zinfandel, celebrated for its bold fruit, spice, and modern winemaking influence.
4:30 pm – 5:30 pm NOW, YOU BE THE JUDGE! – City Terrace Room 12
7:30 pm – 10:00 pm Grand Banquet – Grand 4-5
10:00 pm – 12:00 am Music, Dancing and Hospitality Suite Open – Grand 4-5/Mathews TBD
Registration begins June 30 and will close for a week at the end of July for session assignment. Deadline to register is October 12, 2026 or when sold out.
Contact us at: memberservice@americanwinesociety.net for more information.
