2024 Speakers

Tim Allen

CPA and Managing Partner, Allen Wine Group

Timothy Allen, CPA, managing partner of Allen Wine Group, has more than thirty years of winery finance experience, including five years with a Big 4 CPA firm, fourteen years working in operations and finance at wineries, and fourteen years leading Allen Wine Group.

Jon Berg

Thought Leadership VP – Beverage Alcohol Vertical for NielsenIQ

Jon started his career working in sales for Pfizer but moved over to the Beverage Alcohol industry where he has been for the last 20 years. His recent work history has been with MillerCoors, Bacardi USA and Moet Hennessy. Jon’s roles have been focused on commercial insights development, category management, shopper research, and retail pricing design. His investigative work and primary consumer research has taken him to all the major US and Canadian markets, as well as global projects in Europe. Now within the Thought Leadership framework at NielsenIQ, Jon is working across BevAl segments to develop insights material that can support and help define NIQ client success.

NielsenIQ is a global measurement and data analytics company providing the most complete and trusted view of consumers and markets in 90 countries covering 90% of the world’s population. Focusing primarily on consumer packaged goods manufacturers and fast-moving consumer packaged goods retailers, NielsenIQ gives customers the power to defy what’s possible.

Danny Brager

Beverage Alcohol Fact-Based Industry Analyst

Danny Brager has a wealth of experience in the U.S. Beverage Alcohol industry, analyzing trends over many years. He formerly headed Nielsen’s (now known as NIQ) Beverage Alcohol Practice Area in the U.S, leading teams that supported relationships with Nielsen’s clients as well as key industry groups and the media.

In his current consulting role, Danny provides data-driven analysis and insights to Beverage Alcohol companies seeking to translate information into authoritative, fact-based insights in support of their corporate and brand goals. Each year, he presents at many notable industry and company events and is a frequent thought leader contributor to the media/press. His informed opinions are highly respected by the beverage alcohol producers, importers, distributors, retailers, and financiers.

Danny partners with 3 Tier Beverages – a company that facilitates the provision of data, and provides outsourced analytics, is a Special Advisor to the Wine Market Council, and is Managing Director of Category & Consumer Insights at Azur Associates. Azur was founded to bring comprehensive advisory & consulting services – including strategic advisory, mergers & acquisitions, and route to market solutions – to wine and spirits companies.

Danny was born in Calgary, Alberta and moved to Toronto where he graduated from the Schulich School of Business at York University. He relocated to Mission Viejo, California in 1993 where he now resides.

Audra Cooper

Broker/Partner, Turrentine Grape Brokerage

When it comes to getting her boots dirty and walking vineyard rows, Audra Cooper has years of experience in both the North Coast and Central Coast. Audra grew up on ranches in the Central Coast and graduated from California State University at Fresno with a degree in Agricultural Economics.

Audra began her successful career with Turrentine Brokerage in 2006, providing support for our grape brokers throughout the state. Following her role as grape sales support, Audra was promoted to North Coast Grape Broker. In 2012, Audra transferred to the Central Coast as our lead grape broker for the region. Her experience and knowledge of both growing regions provides our clients with a unique perspective. She has a keen sense of vineyard details and agricultural development. She is involved in the agriculture community in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara County.

Audra’s upbringing and life-long love of horses has led her to work on ranches as often as possible, as well as participating in horse shows and rodeos. She resides in Paso Robles, California with her husband and two dogs.

Todd Combs

Owner/Founder, The Vinery

Founder/Owner of The Vinery, Todd Combs’ expertise is rooted in his passion for wine and finance. With over 15 years of experience, he’s widely recognized as the leading expert for winery and vineyard valuation, along with being a trusted broker/consultant for investors, growers, and wineries. A sought-after presenter and educator, Todd is at the forefront of his field. In addition to being the immediate past president of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers (CA-ASFMRA), he also serves as the Co-Chair of the highly regarded Trends in Agricultural Land & Lease Values publication, and authors the Central Coast vineyard section. He’s also a dad of four, a volunteer coach, and a collegiate athlete.

Henry Danielson

Technical Advisor, California Cybersecurity Institute

Henry Danielson is an experienced Space & Cybersecurity strategist. He has successfully been a part of the Interplanetary Networking Special Interest Group (IPNSIG), Academy Working Group (AWG) and the Technical Documentation working group. Mr. Danielson has collaborated with the United States Space Force, Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL) , and Space Systems Command to help develop the Space Grand Challenge (SGC), which is a global cybersecurity virtual game-based capture the flag (CTF) competition for middle and high school students. He promotes awareness for middle and high school students all over the country. Mr. Danielson is also on staff with the Aerospace Village to promote Space cybersecurity.

For over twenty years, Henry has been a professor at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He serves as the Technical Advisor & Curriculum Developer for the California Cybersecurity Institute as well as the Technology Director of the Coast Unified School District. He also guest lectures on Social Engineering and OSINT every quarter at Cal Poly’s Computer Science course Everyday Computer Security. Mr. Danielson holds multiple certifications in cybersecurity.

Additionally, Henry is a GOON at DEF CON; the largest hacking convention in the world. In 2023, he published a book on cybersecurity tools and tactics to combat social engineering.

Pat DeLong

Founder and Principal, Azur Associates

Pat DeLong is the Founder and Principal of Azur Associates. He has over 30 years of experience working with consumer brands across private and public companies. Pat has served in a number of roles including Chief Executive Officer, President, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer at some of the leading consumer beverage companies, including Crimson Wine Group, Constellation Brands, Robert Mondavi Corporation and Francis Ford Coppola Companies. Pat’s early career includes consulting and advisory work with Deloitte in San Francisco.

Pat’s history as a leader has provided him with significant experience working with Board of Directors and executive management teams on strategic planning, management and organization structure, financing, capital allocation, mergers and acquisitions, route to market strategy and performance management. Pat’s background in mergers and acquisitions includes some of the most significant transactions in the wine space, both on the buy and the sell side.

In addition, Pat has significant experience with public companies and public company BOD’s having served as a public company CEO, CFO and Senior Vice President of Planning and Finance over a 20 year span.

Pat completed the Strategic Planning Executive Program at the University of Michigan, post graduate studies in the Masters of Applied Economics Program at the University of Seattle and his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance & Accounting from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In his early career, Pat earned his Certified Public Accounting license in both California and Washington.

Pat has served on multiple Board of Directors (BOD’s) in the beverage space. In addition, he has served on college BOD’s including Cal Poly’s Alumni Association where his work there led to his award as Alumni of The Year for the Cal Poly Orfalea College of Business in 2011.

Aaron Fishleder

VP Operations, Cakebread

Aaron Fishleder joined Cakebread Cellars in 2020 as the Vice President of Operations. Prior to Cakebread Cellars, Aaron spent more than 20 years with the Far Niente Winery, becoming President of their farming operations and land holding company, across their entire brand portfolio.

Aaron’s passion for wine started at UC Davis where he studied plant science, viticulture, and horticulture. To his role at Cakebread, he brings deep experience building and managing grape growing and wine production teams, which help enhance the integration among viticulture, winemaking, and facilities management. Aaron is supporting and swiftly implementing the company’s newest sustainability efforts, “Sustainability has been part of Cakebread Cellars since its inception, and I am looking forward to incorporating additional green practices in the vineyards and at the winery.”

Aaron lives in Napa with his family and enjoys traveling, landscaping, outdoor activities, playing tennis, and has become an avid golfer. He loves serving Cakebread Cellars’ Vaca Cabernet Sauvignon when entertaining friends and family.

Chris Giordano

Sales Manager Southern California, ASPECT Fine Wine at Breakthru Beverage Group

I currently manage the Southern California Fine Wine Team for Breakthru Beverage Groups Aspect Division. My role is to coach and develop my team to deliver maximum impact in the market. Additionally, a high level of customer and supplier engagement in the field to deliver customized plans and programs to enhance their business.

Upon graduating from the University of Kansas, I started my career as a restaurant manager with several stints between corporate and independent establishments. I was relocated to Los Angeles by the Cheesecake Factory, but quickly realized that restaurant management was not conducive to seeing my family. My wholesale career began at Wine Warehouse in 2005 where I held several roles. Small Accounts Retail Rep in LA and Santa Monica, Broad Market Rep in Santa Monica and Brentwood, Region Manager South Bay Region, Founding Director for Independent Retail and Founding Statewide Director of Fine Wine. I earned Sales Representative of the Year in 2006 and 2008, Region Manager of the Year in 2012.

I’m passionate about wine, customer service, supplier engagement and developing a team. I am WSET Level 2 Certified, and I’m actively involved in many wine pairing events and charities. I have extensive experience in developing marketing programs in both Independent Retail and On-Premise Channels.

I grew up in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After college in Lawrence, Kansas, I moved to Kansas City (GO CHIEFS!!) where I met my wife. We have lived in Los Angeles since 1997. We have a 15 year old son Jack attending Loyola High School. I love to hike, outdoor activities and cooking.

William Goebel

Bulk Wine Broker / Partner, Turrentine Grape Brokerage

William Goebel graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Business Administration with a specialty in Wine Business Strategy. Prior to signing on with Turrentine Brokerage, William worked for Trinchero Family Estates, both working in the cellar and administering wine sales.

During his first three years with Turrentine Brokerage, William managed our sample department, provided sales support for the brokerage team and directly handled bulk sales for many clients. William was then promoted to Bulk Wine Broker through his hard work and dedication to the company and our clients. Turrentine Brokerage’s clients have appreciated William’s approachable demeanor combined with his high energy and organization to get things done.

William resides in Sonoma County and enjoys thrashing the local trails on his mountain bike and skiing the slopes in Tahoe with his family.

Cyrille Hanson

Hi Time Wine Cellars

Essentially weaned and raised in a wine cellar, Cyrille is both family member and dedicated wine sales associate at the esteemed wine retailer, Hi-Time Wine cellars in Costa Mesa, California. Forty years of experience ranging from retailer to broker, tasting room hostess to harvest veteran, and wine educator to oenological attaché. Her reverent irreverence for all things wine, spirits and eats brings a unique and refreshing voice to the ever-evolving world of libations.

Randy Heinzen

President, Vineyard Professional Services

Randy Heinzen is the President of Vineyard Professional Services, a farm management group operating on California’s Central Coast in over 4,000 acres of vineyards stretching from San Benito County down to Santa Barbara County. Prior to moving his family down to Paso Robles in 2013, he was the vineyard manager for Beckstoffer Vineyards Napa Valley. He currently serves on the board of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, local Resource Conservation District, CDFA’s PD/GWSS Advisory Group, National Grape Research Alliance, and several state and regional water and farming committees

Melanie Mann

Principal Category Merchant for Wine, Whole Foods Market

Melanie Mann, is the Principal Category Merchant for Wine at Whole Foods Market. With a relentless dedication to sourcing wines that weave compelling narratives and uphold impeccable quality, Melanie stands at the forefront of crafting a wine selection that resonates with the values of Whole Foods Market’s discerning customers.

In her role as the leader of the team responsible for curating all wines stocked in over 350 stores across the United States, Melanie’s passion for her work shines through in the rich diversity of wines available to Whole Foods Market patrons. Alongside her colleagues she shares a common commitment to delivering a truly memorable wine experience.

One of the pivotal areas of focus for Melanie and her team is the organic and biodynamic sector. Wines crafted with certified organic grapes or eco-certified practices hold a special place in their hearts. However, it’s not merely about certifications or flavors; it involves probing into a winery’s practices related to worker responsibility, social responsibility initiatives, environmental impact, and much more.

Lee Ann Pearce

SVP and Market President, Bank of the Sierra

Lee Ann Pearce is a Senior Vice President for Bank of the Sierra located in Templeton, California. Lee Ann leads a team of Ag and Commercial lenders covering the Central Coast, and Commercial Real Estate lending activities for the Western States. Lee Ann also leads Capital Market activities for the bank.

Lee Ann joined The Bank of the Sierra in 2021 after serving as SVP and Manager of the Wells Fargo Food and Ag Institute where she covered wineries nationally. Prior to that time, Lee Ann was a market leader and lender on the Central Coast for more than 20 years with a specialty of lending to wineries and vineyards.

An Ag Business graduate of Cal Poly, SLO, Lee Ann lives with her husband Mark in Templeton California on a small grape vineyard with their 3 dogs. Lee Ann is a past Board Member of the SLO County Farm Bureau, the Templeton Music Boosters, and the Chrysalis House.

Tony Porras

Director of Wine, Beer & Spirits, Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres and New Leaf Market

It will be 2 years in October, that I have been the Director of Wine, Beer & Spirits for Bristol Farms, Lazy Acres and New Leaf Market for CA. Before coming on as Director, I was with E & J Gallo for 24 years. I was recruited to Gallo and started on the Chain Division as a Sales Rep. and I was promoted to District Mgr. and then to Area Mgr. I was then promoted to the Off Premise / Broad Market Division, where I opened numerous premium markets and I managed the So. Cal. Fine Wine Division. Through the years with Gallo, I managed several So. Cal. and California Divisions in the premium wine sector.

In 2021, Gallo merged their Sales Division with RNDC and I was an Account Executive where I managed Total Wine, Whole Foods and Sprouts Markets as National Accounts and Bristol Farms and Gelson’s as Regional Accounts.

Heidi Scheid

Executive Vice President, Scheid Family Wines

Heidi Scheid is Executive Vice President of Scheid Family Wines. She joined the company in 1992 as Director of Planning and served as VP of Finance and Chief Financial Officer from 1997 to 2001. Since 2001, her executive role has encompassed many facets of the business, including overseeing sales and marketing for a wide-ranging portfolio of wines for the company. During her tenure, Heidi has guided the company’s evolution from a grape growing operation that supplied product to other wine companies into a grapes-to-glass business of estate-driven wine brands approaching 1 million cases annually. In 2020, Heidi and her team launched an innovative wine brand in the trending ‘better for you’ wine category, Sunny with a Chance of Flowers – a zero sugar, low alcohol and low calorie offering. Sunny is a category leader and ranks as the most highly rated ‘better for you’ wine on the market.

Heidi is an active and engaged member of the California wine industry. She has been a director of Wine Market Council since 1996 and served as its Chairman. She was on the board of California Association of Winegrape Growers for nine years, serving as Chairman for two years. She was named a Wine Industry Leader by Wine Business Monthly in 2018 and 2019 and received the Wine Star Award “Person of the Year” from Wine Enthusiast in 2020.

Heidi earned an MBA in Finance from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. Prior to joining Scheid Family Wines, she was with Ernst & Young in the valuation consulting practice. Outside of the winery, Heidi enjoys all forms of exercise, in particular running and hiking. She has hiked all over California, including Mt. Whitney twice, and celebrated her 50^th birthday by summiting Mt. Kilimanjaro. Heidi has three children, Siena, Cooper and Owen, and an adorable rescue mutt named Peanut.

Kaleigh Theriault

Director of Thought Leadership, Nielsen IQ

Kaleigh has 8 years of NIQ experience and considerable background working with clients in multiple categories. She has been involved with the Beverage Alcohol category for the last four years working on Thought Leadership and client specific business questions and projects. Kaleigh brings a unique skillset of analytic capabilities, as well as commercial selling story creation, and has significant background in bringing consumer insights to the forefront in support of sales trends. She has been pivotal in the NIQ strategy and tactics for Beverage Alcohol as the industry changes and develops.

Michael Walker

Founding Principal, The Walker Group

Michael Walker brings over 25 years of experience in the public and private sectors. Michael currently serves as Founding Principal at the Walker Group helping organizations navigate the dynamic beverage alcohol policy landscape at all levels of government.

Prior to launching The Walker Group in 2022, Michael was Vice President for External Affairs at Constellation Brands based in San Francisco. He supported the wine and spirits division, but also worked across the business to help the beer division address policy issues that arose in key state markets. In this role, Michael advised company leadership on proposed legislation and regulations that could impact the business as well as initiated action plans to drive policy agendas to help the company realize its goals and objectives.

Prior to his work at Constellation, Michael served 8 years with US Senator Dianne Feinstein, advising her on various policy issues throughout the state, making recommendations for action as well as serving as primary contact for policymakers, community leaders, and industry representatives in Northern California.

Michael worked in the United States Department of Health and Human Services while going to graduate school. He received a Masters in Public Policy from American University in Washington, DC in 1999.

Michael has served on boards and committee of various national industry associations including Wine Institute, WineAmerica, The Distilled Spirits Council, California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance as well as regional associations such as the Napa Valley Vintners and other organization focusing on local land-use issues.

Contact:

(415)601-6559

Michael@WalkerGroupUS.com or www.WalkerGroupUS.com

Laurel Warddrip

Waste Discharge Requirements Program Manager, California State Water Resources Control Board

Laurel started her Water Board career at the Central Valley Regional Water Board as a stormwater student assistant and in 2008 was hired onto the State Water Resources Control Board Industrial and Construction Stormwater NPDES Permitting program team, which Laurel then managed from 2015-2020. In 2020, Laurel transitioned to her current role as the Waste Discharge Requirements Program Manager primarily involving industrial and sanitation waste discharge requirements for discharges to groundwater in collaboration with the nine Regional Water Quality Control Boards. Laurel holds a B.S. in plant science from UC Santa Cruz and has completed an A.S. in Geographic Information Systems from American River College.

Justin Tooley

General Manager & Vice President of Broken Earth Winery

Justin Tooley, a Central Coast native with an impressive career in the wine industry, serves as the dynamic Vice President for Continental Wine Collection, the parent company to Paso Robles’ Broken Earth Winery, CV Wines, and Pull Wines. Bringing a passionate dedication to the wine industry, Tooley leads with a unique blend of financial prowess, business ingenuity, and operational expertise. Starting his professional journey in finance, Tooley discovered his true calling in the vibrant, complex world of wine back in 2010. This newfound passion led him to JUSTIN Winery, where he worked as a Financial Controller before stepping into the role of General Manager/Senior Vice President of Villa San Juliette Winery in Paso Robles.Today, Tooley leads Continental Wine Collection with equal parts integrity and intelligence, devising creative strategies for growth and ensuring operational excellence for all three wine brands. His desire to elevate the Paso Robles wine region to global recognition motivates his commitment to the industry, which is also reflected in his wine-specific professional designations and ongoing keynote speakeropportunities.True to his Irish heritage, Tooley also brings wit and a delightfully cheeky demeanor to his work. In his downtime, he enjoys spending time outdoors with four children, attending sporting events, and appreciating the world-class Paso Robles region he calls home.

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