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Neb Lukic

Nebojsa “Neb” Lukic is the President of Luxury Sales and Marketing at Treasury Americas, where he oversees an esteemed portfolio of wineries, including Beaulieu Vineyard (BV), Beringer, DAOU Vineyards, Etude, Frank Family Vineyards, PATRIMONY, Penfolds, and Stags’ Leap Winery. In this role, Neb drives strategy and innovation across the luxury division, focusing on elevating brand prestige, enhancing consumer engagement, and positioning Treasury as a global luxury wine market leader.

Previously, Neb served as President of DAOU Vineyards from 2019 to 2024, where he played a pivotal role in transforming DAOU into one of the fastest-growing luxury wineries in the U.S. Under his leadership, DAOU’s flagship Cabernet became the #1 luxury Cabernet Sauvignon in the country, leading to its high-profile acquisition by Treasury Wine Estates.

Before joining DAOU, Neb spent 17.5 years at Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (SGWS) as Vice President of On-Premise Sales, leading the country’s largest on-premise market network and driving consistent year-over-year growth. During this time, he engaged with the world’s top luxury wine brands, which ultimately lead him to DAOU, particularly because of Soul of a Lion, a wine he recognized as California’s next benchmark Cabernet Sauvignon.

Neb also serves on the board of the Paso Robles CAB Collective, a nonprofit organization committed to showcasing the Paso Robles AVA as a world-class destination for exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux varieties. Founded in 2012 with the support of DAOU, the PRCC continues to elevate the region’s reputation on the global stage.

A dynamic leader with a wealth of expertise, Neb’s passion for wine and dedication to excellence and details have defined his career, driving growth and innovation in the luxury wine sector. Neb lives in Redondo Beach, California, with his wife, Jennifer, and their three children.

Stefan Matulich

Stefan Matulich is the president of Alma Rosa Winery, a leading producer of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rhône varietal wines from Santa Barbara County’s Sta. Rita Hills AVA. A seasoned executive, he brings more than 25 years of experience in the wine and hospitality industries to his role.

Throughout his career, he has combined a deep understanding of consumer behavior with a passion for connecting people through food, wine and memorable experiences. This belief has guided Stefan’s career, which included a 15-year tenure at Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits in Napa, where he rose from wine scout to CEO. There, he helped transform the company into a nationally recognized luxury brand, introducing innovative spirits programs, modernizing digital marketing and expanding direct-to-consumer initiatives, ultimately driving annual revenue beyond $35 million.

Most recently, Stefan served as general manager at Twin Rocks Estate Winery in the Sierra Foothills before joining Alma Rosa in 2025.

 

Jason Haas

Jason Haas is the second-generation proprietor of Tablas Creek, serving in the dual roles of Partner and General Manager. In his two decades at the winery his family founded in partnership with the Perrins of Chateau de Beaucastel, Jason has overseen the business, production, sales and marketing.

In addition to his work at Tablas Creek, Jason has led the boards of directors of both the Rhone Rangers and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, and is a board member of Free the Grapes and WineAmerica. His writing has been published in Wine Business Monthly, Wines & Vines, Decanter, Wine Industry Network and Wine Searcher. His photography has appeared in Wine Spectator, Forbes, the Washington Post, and Wine Enthusiast. He is principal author of the Tablas Creek blog, an eight-time finalist and two-time winner for the Wine Blog Award’s “Best Winery Blog”.

In recognition of his contributions to the Paso Robles wine community, he was voted by his peers 2015 Paso Robles Wine Country Wine Industry Person of the Year and 2017 San Luis Obispo County Wine Industry Person of the Year. In 2022 he was named a Food & Wine Magazine Drinks Innovator of the Year and in 2024 he was nominated by the Wine Enthusiast for the “Wine Person of the Year” Wine Star Award.

Terry Stanley

Terry L. Stanley (T.L. Stanley) is a Los Angeles–based journalist whose work appears in Muse by Clios, following a long tenure as a senior editor at Adweek. She covers consumer trends, brand innovation, beverage, plant-based/natural foods and cannabis categories, as well as much of the creative work shaping modern marketing.

Her reporting has also appeared in the Los Angeles Times, Mashable, and AdAge. As a speaker and moderator, she offers clear, incisive insights on culture, storytelling, and the evolving relationship between brands and consumers.

 

Phillip Dunn

With over 20 years of experience in the retail, restaurant, and wine; spirits industries, I have demonstrated success in managing high-profile beverage programs and luxury retail brands. My expertise spans roles in retail management, brand strategy, and beverage direction at renowned establishments such as Neiman Marcus, Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Spago Beverly Hills, and Wally’s Wine and Spirits. Recognized for curating award-winning wine programs, I am a dedicated leader with a deep passion for wine education and a commitment to excellence in hospitality.

Key Accomplishments

  • James Beard Finalist, 5-time Semifinalist – Outstanding Wine Program
  • Wine Spectator Grand Award (2009-2023)
  • Washington Wine Awards – Outstanding Wine Program
  • Prix Le Montrachet – Award for Excellence in Burgundy Wine Lists 2015
  • International Academy of Gastronomy – 2020 Sommelier of the Year

Education & Certifications

  • Bachelor of Liberal Arts | Auburn University
  • Diploma | International Sommelier Guild
  • Spanish Wine Educator | Wine Academy of Spain
  • Certified Specialist of Wine | Society of Wine Educators
  • Advanced Sommelier | Court of Master Sommeliers
  • Award “T” Certification | Consejo Regulador del Tequila
  • Burgundy Scholarship | Wine Education Council
  • Bordeaux Scholarship | Commanderie de Bordeaux

 

Scott Estrella

Scott Estrella is Senior Category Manager at Majors Management, LLC—the diversified operating company behind the MAPCO convenience-store chain and related retail ventures. In his role, Scott leads the development and execution of category strategies for alcoholic beverages, emerging channels (such as hemp-THC beverage formats), and retail channel management for small-chain convenience stores. His work has earned industry recognition, including being named a finalist for the “Category Manager of the Year – Small Chain, Nonalcohol Beverages” award by CSP Daily News in 2025.

With more than 20 years of experience in convenience store operations, marketing and category management, Scott brings a results-oriented mindset rooted in data-informed decisions and strong supplier/retailer partnerships. His hands-on expertise spans product assortment, merchandising, vendor negotiations, channel-specific planning and regulatory developments across the convenience-store landscape. 

Based in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Scott remains deeply engaged with evolving product trends, regulatory impacts and retailer mission efficiencies, all while driving profitable growth for Majors Management and its retail network

JoAnn C. Wall

JoAnn C. Wall, ARA/Broker is the CEO at Above & Beyond Real Estate Services, Inc., a company she started in 2009 as Central Coast Ag Appraisal, Inc. Following a short stint as the Regional Vice President of a national appraisal firm in 2015, JoAnn re-launched her company in early 2016. In 2019, she expanded her practice to include brokerage and consulting services and now operates Legacy & Land Group, a specialty brokerage firm she founded with her business partner Vali Nemetz.
Having worked as a staff appraiser in the Farm Credit System for many, contract appraiser for a local independent fee shop, and eventually owning and managing two successful fee-based appraisal businesses herself, JoAnn has a wide range of real estate experience that brings diversity and knowledge to her practice. JoAnn is known locally as the authoritative source for vineyard and winery brokerage and valuation on the Central Coast. In addition to vineyard and winery real estate, she has multiple disciplines and specialties including greenhouse/nursery operations, permanent plantings, special use facilities and cannabis. She frequently teaches and speaks at conferences throughout the U.S. regarding these topics.
JoAnn received her Certified General appraisal license in March 2000 and attained the level of ARA (Accredited Rural Appraiser) through the ASFMRA in October 2008. She is the past Chair of the National ASFMRA Appraisal Education and Accreditation Committee and is an active instructor for both continuing education classes and core courses, many of which she has written herself. She is also a past President for the California Chapter of ASFMRA and has been active on several committees at the State level. She received her Brokerage license in September 2019 and specializes in agricultural real estate transactions.
JoAnn lives in the small town of Templeton, California with her high school sweetheart and husband of 25 years, Brandon, and her son Aiden (Age 19). Her oldest, JoEllen Wall (Age 23) recently graduated from Oklahoma State University and now works for Oklahoma AgCredit.

Tony Correia

Tony Correia is widely recognized as a leading authority on the valuation of vineyards and wineries, and other agricultural and rural properties. He has been an instructor of valuation courses and seminars throughout North America and is a frequent speaker on agricultural properties; valuation, taxation, and estate planning issues; water rights, and the wine industry and vineyard and winery markets. Tony has also qualified as an Expert Witness in many local, State and Federal courts in California, Arizona, Nevada and Illinois. Tony was also recognized as one of four top leaders in the wine industry at a gathering of the Top 50 Leaders in the Wine Business in Napa, California.

Tony is currently Principal and Owner of The Correia Company. After undergraduate work at Saint Mary’s College of California and Syracuse University, Tony graduated from California State University, Fresno with a major and post-graduate work in English and a second major in Russian. Prior pursuits include former lives as a grape grower, partner in a large commercial real estate brokerage, and various government positions including a tour as an IRS examiner, and as a military intelligence analyst, cryptanalyst, and linguist. He now lives in San Juan Bautista with his wife Stephanie and enjoys travel, photography, great literature and music, fast cars, slow cooking, gardening, the study of wine, and the pursuit of knowledge.

 

Phil Markert

Phil Markert began his career in the retail grocery industry 45 years ago, where he worked as a stock clerk in an independent liquor store while attending high school in North Torrance.  His career with the Safeway organization began in 1982, where Phil worked as a bagger in a Torrance store.  He quickly advanced through the retail ranks, serving as clerk, head clerk, grocery manager, assistant manager and store manager.

His entrance into the liquor business began in early 1988 when he was introduced to Fine Wine at a restaurant in Santa Monica during a food and wine experience with friends and family that forever changed the landscape of how wine is sold in grocery stores.  At this dinner, a 1985 Groth Reserve Cabernet was served – the first 100-point wine rating given by Robert Parker to a California wine.   Seeing the dinner guests enjoying and talking about it, the idea came to light that there is a correlation between what customers buy at a restaurant and at a grocery store in the same marketing area. Weeks later, with the support of senior management, the birth of the ‘Fine Wine Program’ took place in Santa Monica Ca.

Phil was promoted to store manager of the Belmont Shore Vons in 1991 and moved the Fine Wine Program to the Belmont Shore.  The program included everyday low pricing, expanded wine selection, local specialty foods, community events, in-store chef demonstrations, bottle signings, winemaker dinners at local restaurants, full-service staff, a newsletter and home delivery service.

From 1994 to 2002, Phil moved to the Vons Division office in Arcadia, and was promoted to Fine Wine Sales Manager.  His job was to rollout the Fine Wine Program to fifty Southern California stores, duplicating what he had accomplished in his store.

In 2002 Phil was promoted to National Category Director of Wine and relocated to Pleasanton.  Phil took his experiences from the Southern California program and applied it to twenty-one states across the country, leading a team of people to become the largest wine retailer in the United States.  In 2007, Phil was promoted to Vice President, General Manager for Alcohol and Tobacco and applied his Neighborhood Marketing approach to Beer, and Spirits.

In 2010 Phil left Alcohol and was promoted to VP of Merchandising/Operations for Non-Perishables for the company. His responsibilities included overseeing the merchandising/marketing and the execution at retail. He also led the company’s clustering initiatives, and the Premium store project.

In 2014 Phil was appointed as the company’s leader for Perishables and Non-Perishables of our LOCALIZATION initiative and Neighborhood Marketing efforts.

In 2015 Phil returned to his roots in SOCAL as the LQ. Sales Manager for the newly combined Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions Division of the Albertsons companies. In 2017 Phil took on the additional responsibilities of VP of Marketing/Merchandising of Pavilions. In 2019 he went back full time in alcohol as the Director of Liquor for AVP

Phil supports a wide variety of organizations serving local communities, including City of Hope, Susan G Komen Breast Cancer foundation, and the Christermon Scholarship Foundation. Phil has a passion for fitness and loves Food, & Wine, – hence the workouts!

Mario Zepponi

Mario co-founded Zepponi & Company in 2009, an M&A Firm specializing in the Beverage Alcohol industry, which joined BMO Capital Markets in June 2024. Prior to Zepponi & Company, Mario practiced law as a corporate, real estate and food and beverage attorney. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of California at Berkeley, and his law and MBA degrees from the University of Notre Dame.