Wine Hosts

For many generations, the Forrests have called Marlborough, New Zealand home. With daughter, Beth Forrest now at the helm, they remain one the few family-owned wine producers in New Zealand. Founders John and Brigid Forrest both had successful careers in scientific research and medicine before they chose to leave it all behind and try their hand at a reasonably green New Zealand wine industry in the late 1980s. Thirty-five years later, Forrest remains committed to the future of wine. The Forrest brand is reserved for the premium wines from the Marlborough terroir. An enthusiasm for experimentation and innovation and progressive plantings throughout their Marlborough Vineyards over the years has created a viticultural treasure trove of alternative grape varieties. This allows the Forrest family to present a diverse, quality-focused range to the wine lovers of New Zealand and the world. Celebrating their history and a multi-generational future, and still very much hands-on, they create premium, small-batch wines under the Forrest label with an impressive library of hand crafted and different wines and styles. John’s passion, drive, ever-inquiring mind and out-of-the-box thinking has also created one of the excellent consumer wine brands in the world; The Doctors’ – naturally produced wines with a lower alcohol content.

Jill and Steve Matthiasson started making wine in their backyard a month after they started dating. In 2003, they started making wines to sell when Steve happened upon an undiscovered jewel of a vineyard in the Napa Valley. Naming the winery MATTHIASSON was the easy part; the hard part was convincing people that a tiny, unknown winery could produce world-class, balanced, fresh tasting wines from the Napa Valley.

Jill and Steve have since become internationally acclaimed vintners, with their wines being featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The San Francisco Chronicle (where Steve was named “Winemaker of the Year”), Bon Appétit Magazine, In-Style Magazine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Decanter Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, JancisRobinson.com and The Wine Spectator, to name a few. They have been featured extensively on the SOMMTV channel and Steve is a 6-time nominee for the prestigious James Beard Award. Steve and Jill are committed organic farmers, farming about 50 acres of mostly grapes, plus some peaches, plums, nectarines and lemons in the Napa Valley.

Peter Neptune is one of only 269 individuals in the World to hold the wine industry's most prestigious title: Master Sommelier. He is a 35-year veteran of the wine business, beginning as a sommelier in New York City, where he trained and worked for 10 years. Upon returning to his native California, Peter entered into Wine Education full time, and has established a nationwide reputation as one of the premier wine educators in the USA.

In addition to his MS Diploma, Peter holds the title of Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators (for which he was recognized with the Banfi Award for Excellence in 2003), holds a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in London, and is an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits. He also holds the credential French Wine Scholar, with Highest Honors.

Peter is one of the teaching Masters at the Court of Master Sommelier Intro and Advanced Courses, and is an examiner at the Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier Examinations.

In 2003 Peter began the first WSET school in Southern California. Currently, Neptune School of Wine administers the WSET Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Diploma Certification programs, as well as the French and Spanish Wine Scholar programs and exams. To date he has taught over 1,500 students at the various levels. Neptune School is proud to be celebrating over 20 years as a WSET APP!

California-born Patrick Taylor’s journey to winemaking was unconventional but inevitable. While his earliest interests were culinary-based, he subsequently discovered a passion for fermentation while home-brewing beer. This led him to Oregon where his interests began to shift from beer production to winemaking. After learning about the viticulture program at Oregon State University, he soon after enrolled, eventually earning his BS and MS degrees in viticulture and fermentation sciences. During this time, he worked harvest for several Willamette Valley wine producers including a stint as assistant winemaker at Torii Mor. In 2004, he became assistant winemaker at Cana’s Feast under owner Gino Cuneo. Taylor was handed the reins as Head Winemaker in 2007 and has continued learning the craft while never losing his love for fermentation and gratitude for the opportunity to find his calling.

Matthieu was born in Crozes Hermitage in the Rhone Valley of France. Coming from a family of viticulturists and wine lovers, Matthieu was predisposed to continue his family’s pursuit of making and enjoying wine. He first studied viticulture and oenology at Beaune, in the heart of Burgundy. After graduating in 1995, Matthieu worked in many different wine regions around France including Rhone Valley, Bordeaux, Burgundy, Provence, and Jura. He then worked in Italy and South Africa to gain experience around the world before settling in Virginia. Since arriving in 2003, Matthieu has worked with wineries throughout the state. He enjoys working in the Monticello Appellation most because he likes the excitement of the region’s growth and being close to Charlottesville..

Little did Lee and Emily know that a chance meeting on a cold and rainy December afternoon in Seattle would profoundly change their lives forever.

Fast forward to today -- the Fergestroms are now married, embarking on the vintners' life in the heart of the Yakima Valley (Wash.).

Neither of their families come from the wine world or agriculture - although Emily did have some cows and rabbits as a child and Lee was in 4-H. Instead they have used their combined four decades of business, start-up tech and strategic communications experience to launch a successful boutique winery.

Fortuity Cellars, established in 2017, was quickly recognized as a winery to watch and also names the 2019 Small Business Administration Rising Startup of the Year for Washington state.

Fortuity delivers crisp, clean and aromatic white and rosé wines and brilliantly balanced, fruit forward red wines from the Yakima Valley. They believe the people and the unique climate, soil, sun, slopes, wind and water help produce some of the highest quality wines in the world. This is why they only source from some of Washington’s top vineyards, many now certified sustainable.

Fortuity focuses on single varietal, single vineyard wines that showcase the truest expression of this place. Red blend lovers will appreciate our traditional and unconventional blends that have gained recognition in recent years.

Emily and Lee look forward to exploring France’s world-class wine regions with you, while sharing their love of #wawine.

Marjorie Speer began her career in the wine industry over 16 years ago, starting at the distributor level and later managing multiple Southeast states on the importer side and specializing in Italian, South American, French, and South African wines.

Currently, Marjorie is National Sales Director at Dialect Imports, an Italian wine importer focusing on Sustainably farmed indigenous varietals and female led, multi-generational family producers. Marjorie is also a member of the Society of Wine Educators and Women of the Vine and contributes to local publications.

Marjorie enjoys combining her love of wine and travel, hosting travel groups and presenting wines of the regions they visit. When she’s not traveling to vineyards around the world, Marjorie keeps busy gardening, beekeeping, teaching Pilates, working out, and serving the community through the Junior League and other nonprofit community organizations.

A Florida native, Marjorie is proud to participate in many of the wine events throughout her home state and the East Coast and looks forward to hosting fellow wine afficionados on a magical wine adventure through France.

Wolff Vineyards is located on 125 acres of ecologically friendly, certified sustainable farm just minutes from downtown San Luis Obispo California, scenic beaches, and major tourist attractions. The vineyard and winery are in the Edna Valley and San Luis Obispo Coast Appellation, 4.5 miles from the Pacific Ocean providing a coastal marine influence. The vineyard was planted in 1976 and the winery opened in 1999. Wolff Vineyards is family-owned where every member brings their own passion and unique talents consistently producing high accolade wines. Jean-Pierre Wolff Ph.D. and Elke Wolff are the principal owners, their two sons Clint and Mark are respectively tasting room-events manager and assistant winemaker. Elke bringing her public accounting background and Jean-Pierre his engineering and scientific background managing the vineyard, winery, as well as being head of the “Wolff Pack.” Jean-Pierre is fluent in French, a seasoned European traveler, and a frequent host of vineyard tours and “vines to wine” educational presentations with an emphasis on cool climate and Rhone wine grape varieties. The overall business philosophy is reconnecting farming with nature, having a passion in wine making, being European influenced and Central Coast California inspired.

Located in the beautiful hills above Saratoga, CA, House Family Vineyards was founded by Dave House in 1998. As part of the Santa Cruz Mountains winegrowing region, House Family produces award-winning wines from their estate grown Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Chardonnay.

As a family member, Jim has been involved in the vineyard and winery operation since the beginning. He has been the winemaker since 2010. Jim believes in the value of letting the wine express itself with a minimal amount of intervention, and oversees the harvest, fermentation and aging processes with a gentle hand. Jim's approach has paid off greatly, as House Family produces award-winning wines, which repeatedly garner both local and national critical acclaim.

As a champion of the Santa Cruz Mountain’s AVA, Jim serves as the president of the Winegrower’s Association. Along with his fellow growers, he believes that organic and sustainable farming are the best path forward to creating world class wines.

Chris James Cellars is a family owned and operated vineyard and winery that produces unique and interesting wines in Carlton, Oregon. The vineyard was planted in 2012 with additional blocks planted in each year since. What started with Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc has now expanded to include 17 varietals in 24 acres of grapes. Some of the types grown include Dolcetto, Lagrein, Gamay Noir, Riesling, Chardonnay and more! Wine Host, Chris Barnes is an engineer who has worked in the technology sector for over 20 years. After taking classes in winemaking, he was able to fulfill his dream of winemaking with his first vintage of just 200 cases in 2015 with the first grapes from his vineyard. Chris has become a fantastic winemaker receiving a variety of awards on his wines and in spring 2022, Chris James Cellars was named Oregon Winery of the Year by great Northwest Wine Magazine.

Established in 2002, Sojourn Cellars produces highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. We source fruit from celebrated vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa Valley, where we work closely with vineyard owners who use world-class growing methods for cultivating grapes of the highest quality. Our hands-off winemaking style allows the character and personality of these special vineyard sites to shine through in the finished wines.

Randy Bennett started as Sojourn’s Assistant Winemaker in 2008. He is now responsible for making all the Sojourn wines and overseeing cellar operations and vineyard management activities. He works closely with our growers and cellar crew to achieve Erich’s vision for the wines each vintage. Randy is also Sojourn’s General Manager, running the day-to-day operations of our production, marketing, and business operations. Randy’s introduction to winemaking came under the tutelage of Thomas Brown and Mike Smith while working in the wine caves of Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma. Randy was introduced to the art of making distinctive high-end wines during his time helping Thomas and Mike, as they produced wines for Schrader Cellars, Rivers-Marie, Myriad Cellars, Tamber Bey, and Nicholson Ranch.

Jenne Baldwin-Eaton started her career with Plum Creek Cellars, one of the largest Colorado wineries in 1994. Hired as a chemist in the lab and then having an “Aha moment” with a bottle of 1992 Cabernet Franc, made by her mentor Erik Bruner, art and science were forever woven together. For 22 years, Jenne made award- winning wines from 100 % Colorado grown grapes. Her next six years were spent developing and teaching the first Viticulture and Enology program at Western Colorado Community College, a division of Colorado Mesa University. Although retired from academia, Jenne has a long-standing passion for the Colorado wine industry and continues to support, educate, research and consult. For Jenne, wine is a beautiful culmination of terroir, art, and science. She looks forward to exploring the wines of the Rhône Valley and introducing folks to the high-quality wines of Colorado.

Jenne will bring with her wine from two Colorado wineries Bookcliff Vineyards and Whitewater Hill Vineyards. Both wineries make wines from Rhône Valley cultivars and each have their own style from 100 % Colorado grown grapes. Join Jenne as she shares with you the new world vs old world styles of this wonderful French valley!

I was born and raised in Hungary, in the middle of a wine region where almost every family had a little vineyard and made their own wine. My grandfather was a winemaker and viticulturist, so from a young age I was helping out around the family vineyard and winery. Though winemaking was part of my family history, my family never actually drank wine (except on special occasions). It was only later on, after meeting my wife Sabrina, that I got exposed to another part of wine culture. Today, it is what makes our dinners special, inspires our travels, and introduces us to great people.

In 2008, I decided to study winemaking and viticulture in Villány, one of the most famous wine regions in Hungary. After working for a few wineries, my wife and I decided to move to California where I learned even more about vineyard management and winemaking working for wineries in both Napa and Sonoma.

We moved to Washington in 2016 after taking a short trip to discover the wines of the region. Amazed by the wines we tasted, moved to Woodinville, Washington later that year. We started Prohibition Cellars at home in our garage in 2017, later moving to Woodinville’s iconic Warehouse District in 2019. We opened our tasting room on January 16th, 2020, the 100th anniversary of Prohibition. Today, we produce approximately 2,200 cases, focusing on creating distinctive, terroir driven wine, working with some of the most exceptional vineyards in the state.

Breathless Wines is a family affair, built by the love of three sisters, and the passion for life that their mother passed down to them. The sisters are dedicated to creating sparkling wines that pair well with life’s special moments. Located in Healdsburg, CA, Breathless Wines Earned Rising Wine Stars “Winery of the Year” in 2020.

Sharon Cohn is one of the 3 sisters who own Breathless Sparkling Wines. She is the “glitz, glamour and panache” behind the bubbles of Breathless. Sharon is the “feet on the street” of Breathless, traveling with the bubbly far and wide to meet with restaurants and retailers to share the passion behind Breathless. Sharon’s love of travel grew after four years in the US Air Force and she has enjoyed traveling to places far and wide: Canadian Rockies, Greece, Italy, Calgary and places that take her wherever there are mountains—her favorite!

When it comes to crafting wine, Cara brings an uncommon wealth of knowledge and passion to Sonoma-Cutrer. After receiving her enology degree at the University of California at Davis, Cara spent a year traveling the other winemaking regions of the world, working at wineries in Australia, Chile, and New York while also studying the craft in New Zealand, Eastern Europe, Italy, Germany, and France. Out of money but full of energy, Cara joined the Jekel Vineyard winemaking team in 1998. In 2000, she was selected as the Winemaker/White Wines at Fetzer Vineyards. Cara often talks about the first time she tasted Sonoma-Cutrer and in that moment, she knew that this food-friendly, well-balanced style was the wine she wanted to make. She got that wish when she joined the Sonoma-Cutrer team in 2005 and immersed herself in crafting Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in our classic, Burgundian style. Winemaking is often a family profession and, true to form, Cara is married to another Sonoma County winemaker and they live with their two children near the winery. When Cara isn’t busy making wine, she enjoys skiing, hiking, and volunteering with local nonprofit organizations.

Thumbprint Cellars Founder/Winemaker Scott Lindstrom-Dake majored in Fine Arts and studied Art History in Florence, Italy in College. Upon returning home from his first travels Scott decided to turn his inspiration toward winemaking. After bottling and consuming most of their inaugural 1995 vintage wines, Erica insisted Scott sign some bottles with a gold ink pen she provided to gift to friends for the holidays. The pen malfunctioned and spewed gold ink onto one of the bottle. Scott cleverly used his thumb to wipe up the dripping gold ink then inadvertently placed it on one of the other bottles. Scott’s gold thumbprint soon emblazoned each of these wine bottles which they lovingly gave to their friends.

This passion for wine coupled with their passion for travel has led the Lindstrom-Dake’s to many of the world’s premier wine regions. Erica and Scott look forward to sharing their stories, experiences, knowledge and their thumbprint wines with everyone lucky enough to be traveling with them.

Bon Voyage!

Brad Beard is the charismatic but down-to-earth force that drives Mercury Wine. A self-taught winemaker, Beard learned the wine trade in Arizona, starting in high end restaurants, then made the leap to wine sales and distribution. He then moved to California to fulfill his winemaking dream.

Mercury Wine was founded in 2008 in the sleepy little town of Geyserville, located in the northern reaches of Sonoma County, nestled in the heart of Alexander Valley. The downtown district on Geyserville Avenue runs a mere 2 blocks, but boasts three world class restaurants along with Mercury’s tasting room.

Brad’s winemaking philosophy is to bring the style and elegance of European wines, blended with the world’s best grapes; occasionally shredding all the rules to put his personal and unique touch on his unruly American winemaking.

Brad lives in Geyserville with his husband Danny & winery dog Freddie.

Under his grandmother’s influence, John Aver developed a passion for wine at an early age. John ventured into planting vineyards and making wine which evolved into a professional venture for he and his wife Carolyn, Aver Family Vineyards. John farmed his vineyards organically and regeneratively, growing grapes that produced outstanding wines. Together, he and Carolyn created a loyal following that embodied their winery’s philosophy, “where friends become family”. Now, as retired vignerons, John and Carolyn spend their time sharing their passions for wine and food.

Toussaint Cellars is a micro boutique winery established in 2016 by Paul and Gina Toussaint in the Santa Barbara County wine region of California.

Paul is the winemaker and has lived in the Santa Barbara area for 40 years. He learned to love the unique vineyard characteristics and many varietals grown in the Santa Barbara wine region and developed a great appreciation for the local winemakers. He started making his own wines 15 years ago.

Wines are handcrafted in limited quantity to fully express the unique varietal and vineyard characteristics of Santa Barbara County AVA’s. Most grapes are sourced from smaller vineyards to offer a unique expression of Santa Barbara varietals.

French, Italian and Spanish varietals are produced to be enjoyed with family and friends, great food and music. You can find their wines at local wine festivals, events and river cruises. Or through the website at ToussaintCellars.com

As proprietors of Mill Creek Vineyards & Winery, one of three generations who have run the winery, Bill and Yvonne Kreck have a hard time separating family life from work. For them, being part of a winemaking family is both a way of life and a way to make a living. The best part is that neither could have asked for a more fitting way to blend similar backgrounds and beliefs. Their childhood experiences also provided them with a strong sense of community, and a commitment to maintain the rural lifestyle. Both Bill and Yvonne came from backgrounds that emphasized respect for agriculture. Both had the idea of wise and conservative use of land, and deep respect for those who make their livings from it, ingrained from the time they were children.

While their paths temporarily separated, they both returned to their roots in Sonoma County to marry, raise a family, and help run the family business. Mill Creek’s estate property was first planted in Dry Creek Valley in 1969 to three white and three red varietals. Bill’s dream of a small vineyard on their home Chalk Hill Road property came true in 1991; amidst two hundred-year-old valley oaks are seven acres now planted to the classic Bordeaux varietals Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Malbec used in the Kreck Estate Meritage, Reflections. Mill Creek Vineyards now incorporates grapes from this vineyard with those from the Dry Creek Valley Estate property for their wine portfolio.

In 2017, after a career in technology, Scott Haladay was looking to put his passion into the Walla Walla Wine industry and was very fortunate to purchase one of Walla Walla Valley’s iconic brands, Walla Walla Vintners. He has worked tirelessly with his team to craft a new era of Walla Walla Vintners wines that blends the brand’s almost 30 years of traditions with a modern approach to winemaking and viticulture.

In addition to the classically styled Cabernet, Merlot, Syrah and Sauvignon Blanc, Walla Walla Vintners has always had a unique focus and fascination with Cabernet Franc and Sangiovese. The Cabernet Franc is newworld styled, balancing the fruit and spice characteristics typical in this varietal. The Sangiovese sees more old-world inspiration of classic Italian wines, being bright red fruited and acid driven. The wines from the Walla Walla Valley are large, expressive, and full of lively personality. The goal for each vintage at Walla Walla Vintners is to make decisions in the vineyard and in the cellar to craft wines that are rich, dense, textural, elegant, and most importantly, pleasurable. Creating pleasurable wines that pair well with food, friends, and family make for memorable experiences. You are invited to join in on an epic adventure to make memories and immerse your heart in viticulture enchantment with Walla Walla Vintners and AmaWaterways in Germany where old world meets new world.

D Russell Smith, our winemaker, has an impressive 41 years of experience. Originally from Houston, Russell began his winemaking career in Napa Valley in 1983. He returned to Texas in 1989 and has been making wine here ever since. In 2012, Russell bought two vineyards in northeastern Spain and makes wine there part of the year. He has been crafting exceptional wines in the picturesque vineyards of Texas, California, and Spain for Barons Creek Vineyards since we opened in 2015. His touch transforms grapes into liquid art. Each blend reflects his decades of expertise, capturing the essence of the vineyards and the spirit of BCV.

Stephen Storrs and Pamela Bianchini-Storrs began Storrs Winery with the harvest of 1988. Both graduates of UC Davis with degrees in Viticulture and Enology, they had worked and consulted for many prominent wineries prior to starting their own. Beginning with their very first vintage, they focused on the Santa Cruz Mountains – a very cool, marine-influenced climate. Having worked in this terrain for years, they knew there was no better climatic match in California for the classic Burgundian varietals of Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Their focus on Pinot & Chardonnay was further honed with a fortuitous trip to Burgundy in the 1980’s when wineries and winemakers were quick to open their doors and share their love and knowledge of these special varietals. Their dedication to these two amazing grapes has only continued to grow with their winery.

Along their path, they have won multiple sweepstake and prestigious awards, including the Best of Show (& the Golden Bear) at the California State Fair and San Francisco International Wine Competitions. In 2001 they realized a dream with the purchase of 60 acres in the Pleasant Valley district of Corralitos in the Santa Cruz Mountains A.V.A. establishing their estate vineyard in 2007. In 2012, they broke ground for construction of a new energy-efficient winery on the site of a former quarry that they discovered on their property. They opened their new winery & tasting room to the public in 2018. Today, they continue to pursue excellence with every vintage and celebrate the terroir of their unique region in every bottle.

Mary Joli is the SE Regional Sales Manager with Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley. Mary brings with her a wealth of wine knowledge and experience from 20 years in the Oregon wine industry, starting in wine shops specializing in Oregon Pinots, and later with several small production Oregon wineries. Mary has managed tasting rooms and hosted special events and vineyard weddings. The last 14 years Mary has worked for Willamette Valley Vineyards on the National Sales Team managing Distributor relations in 8 states across the south US and travels throughout Europe hosting riverboat cruises for AmaWaterways.

As a TWA international flight attendant Mary traveled extensively throughout Europe where she first discovered the joy of drinking elegant old world wines. Over a four year period Mary tasted her way across Europe and developed a palate and passion for wine. After settling down and raising a family Mary returned to the workforce to pursue her passion for wines, of traveling and meeting new people, working with Willamette Valley Vineyards has enabled her to live her dreams.

At home in Oregon Mary enjoys hiking, organic gardening and kayaking on the Willamette River. She actively enjoys Oregon’s endless forests, snowy mountains, rugged coastline and, of course, its elegant wines!

For over 166 years, the Young family have lived on and farmed their ranch in Sonoma County, becoming one of the largest family-owned growers of premium wines in Alexander Valley. Since 1997, the family have offered small lot Estate wines under the Robert Young name – big, lush Chardonnays, sublime Bordeaux Blends and powerful 100% Cabernet Sauvignons. Today, visitors to the winery in Alexander Valley are welcomed as members of the extended family and invited to experience the beauty of the vineyard ranch and the wines inspired by Robert Young. Join us as we explore the beauty of the Douro River in Portugal on this magical cruise beginning on August 26, 2025.

Australian Clare Tudor has always had a passion for wine – the places it comes from, the people who make it and the story of how it ends up in your glass.

After an inspiring year living all things wine in Napa California, Clare became a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers and began her career as Wine Director for a Los Angeles restaurant group. With wine education spearheading her passion, Clare has trained numerous budding Somms and oenophiles. Her infectious passion attracts people from all walks of life wanting to know more about the wonderous world of wine with every sip and swirl.

With more than 25 years of experience in the hospitality and television industries, Clare truly is a global wine expert. She also operates her own luxury wine travel business in Provence, France and you’ll always find her curiously exploring vineyards and intriguing wines throughout Europe, the Americas and the lands Downunder.

Barrage Cellars is a family owned boutique winery, making wine in true Garagiste fashion with a focus on terroir and 100% varietals from the finest vineyards and regions of Washington for the last 17 years.

Kevin is not against blending grapes of different varietals but prefers to showcase the elegance and nuances of single varietals from Washington State.

Earning his enology certificate from UC Davis, you can be assured that these wines are one of a kind. Kevin and his wife Bonni are as passionate to get to know those that love their wines as they are to create and share some of the most memorable wines available.

Barrage can be defined as to bombard. Which is exactly what these wines will do to your palate with the intense and unforgettable flavors of Barrage Cellars wines.

After hosting the Captivating Rhine river cruise, Lorraine decided to head to another revered wine region – Bordeaux. With such incredible history, cuisine and array of wines, Bordeaux seemed like a logical next choice. After years in the retail and wholesale markets, she worked in a store recognized globally for its Bordeaux wine selection. That experience provided her with great insights and a passion to share her knowledge with others. Lorraine began teaching beverage courses at RIT in 2001 and students who take her classes find wines less mysterious and more approachable ultimately.

Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Through the Society of Wine Educators, she became a Certified Wine Educator and Certified Specialist of Spirits. She was elected again to their Board of Directors in 2022. As an American Wine Society Certified Wine Judge, she teaches and assists on their education programs. Lorraine judges at and has chaired domestic and international amateur and commercial wine and spirits competitions. She has the Wine and Spirit Education Trust Level 3 and teaches their courses. She also helped start the local chapter of Women for WineSense and received the WWS Lifetime Achievement Award in 2012.

With over five decades of prolific writing experience, Tony is a multifaceted luminary in the worlds of literature, wine education, and culinary arts. His illustrious career includes a 21-year tenure as the wine columnist for the Toronto Star, where he shared his profound expertise with a global audience through esteemed publications like The Wine Spectator, Decanter, and Quench.

Tony's literary repertoire boasts 27 authored books, predominantly focused on the intricate relationship between food and wine, alongside co-authorship of 11 novels, showcasing the depth of his literary contributions. His outstanding achievements have earned him prestigious accolades, including the Order of Canada and induction into the esteemed New York Media Wine Writers Hall of Fame, along with international recognition such as the Officers Cross of the Order of Civil Merit from Spain.

Beyond his writing prowess, Tony's influence extends to the world of wine judging, having chaired the Canadian wines panel at the Decanter World Wine Awards for an impressive fifteen years. He is the visionary behind the annual Ontario Wine Awards competition and holds esteemed positions including honorary governor of Cuvée and directorship at the Independent Wine & Spirit Trust and The Canadian Wine Library.

Tony's commitment to community and philanthropy is evident through his co-founding of Grapes for Humanity, a charitable foundation that harnesses his passion for wine to enact positive change globally. Honored with accolades like the Royal Bank Business Citizen of the Year Award at the Niagara Grape & Wine Festival 2000 and the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario’s Challenge Coin, Tony's legacy is one of unparalleled dedication to the culinary and oenological arts, as well as to making a meaningful impact on the world.

Teneral Cellars, founded in Northern California, is a women-owned and operated producer of sustainable, phenomenal wines, harnessing the power of business for good. Exceptional wine is the catalyst for connection, crucial conversations, and investments toward an equitable future for all women.

Jill Osur, is CEO and founder of Teneral Cellars, and previous co-founder and director of California-based winery group GL Enterprises. Teneral Cellars is driven by Jill’s belief that wine can be a conduit for change, a force for gender equity and social justice within the wine industry and our culture at large. Jill is a captivating public speaker who has been described as a “firecracker in the room” with her energizing, moving presence.

As veterans of the wine industry, Jill, along with Teneral Cellars, is the first to disrupt it by creating a business that intentionally reflects the wine industry’s largest consumer: women.

Thomas Eggler has been delighting guests and educating them about Austrian wines for many years. Third-generation owner of the four-star ski hotel Arlberghaus in the alps of western Austria, Thomas has developed a deep love of Austrian wines as he has selected them to pair with the delicious cuisine in his own restaurant. Drawing on that expertise—and relationships built through decades with Austrian winemakers—he has launched wine tastings in the hotel, which fill up quickly with European and international guests alike. As we cruise the Danube through Austrian wine country, including the acclaimed Wachau Valley, Thomas will entertain you—as he does his hotel guests—with tales of local winemaking, introduce you to some of his favorite winemakers, curate exceptional bottles for tastings onboard and, working with our chef, pair them with a grand wine dinner.

Stephen grew up in the Napa Valley, where his family first settled in the 1800s. He and his siblings were the fifth generation on land his ancestor had identified as having the right conditions for winegrowing. Always appreciative of a good meal, with good wine and good company, he went off to have a career as a physician researcher, which took him to the National Institutes of Health.

Along the way, at a conference in France, he met Sylvia, also a physician, and a native of Chile. They took their passion for good food and wine to a new level when they decided to move back to the Napa Valley, to oversee the day-to-day operations for Taplin Cellars, the label the family created in 2011, after many years of selling their grapes to famed producers. Stephen and Sylvia, and their rescue dog, Roger, live in an adobe house adjacent to the estate, where they enjoy the visits of their children and grandchildren.

Growing up in Clarksburg, Jody never imagined the opportunities that working for the family business could provide. As a consummate “people person” Jody found her calling in hospitality, from managing the tasting room, to creating the successful wine club, to traveling around the world sharing her family’s history and passion. She also manages Bogle’s direct to consumer sales, as well as internal and external communications. Jody feels blessed to carry on the legacy that her parents and grandparents started.

Nick Elliott brings over 30 years of experience in the hospitality and culinary industries. As a Certified Sommelier, former winemaker, and classically trained chef, Nick is passionate about making wine accessible and enjoyable for everyone, from newcomers to seasoned wine lovers. Through his business, The Wine Guy, Nick offers laid-back wine education, private tastings, and staff training, all with a focus on making wine fun—never pretentious.

When he's not sharing his love of wine, Nick enjoys traveling, singing karaoke, and exploring the latest food trends. His philosophy is simple: wine should be an experience, not just a drink. So, whether you're pouring or exploring, Nick is here to make the journey as enjoyable as possible!

Knapp Winery, now 40 years old, was one of the first wineries established in the Finger Lakes (FLX) AVA, and has always have a tradition of quality and innovation. Cole and Karen Wilson have been the proud owners of this outstanding and historic brand since 2021, and are dedicated to producing high quality and expressive wines that reflect the unique terroir of the region. They are long-time residents and supporters of FLX wines; this adventure has allowed them to realize a long-time dream of supporting the region. Karen also works as a pediatrician in Rochester, NY, while Cole brings his unique background in wine and finance to the business. In addition to the winery, Field & Vine restaurant is a farm to table restaurant tucked into the vineyard. Cole is also a member of the Rochester-Finger Lake Châine des Rôtisseurs, the gastronomic society that has partnered with AMA Waterways.

Knapp Winery offers premium estate reds such as Cabernet Franc, and Blaüfrankisch, a German/Austrian vinifera, alongside whites such as signature Rieslings and Chardonnay. Knapp continues to innovate with varietals like Saperavi, a unique Georgian variety that’s gaining new appreciation across the country. Knapp is also the only winery east of the Mississippi to grow the Austrian grape Siegerrebe, the love child of Gewurtztraminer and Madeleine, which creates a wine with aromatic and floral characteristics, and a pleasing minerality.

The FLX AVA climate is very similar to that of Germany, Austria, Alsace, and Switzerland, which is why Cole and Karen were so excited to participate as wine hosts on this AMA Waterways Rhine river cruise. They are looking forward to sharing complementary wines that highlight the similarities and differences between these unique regions.

Immerse yourself in the heart of Bordeaux wine country with Cindy and Jeff Coggin, who specialize in hosting intimate groups on unforgettable river cruises. Jeff's Level 3 Award with Merit from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust, combined with Cindy's Level 1 expertise, promises a deep dive into the world of Bordeaux wines.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just discovering the world of fine wines, Cindy and Jeff’s easygoing charm and infectious passion will guide you on an unforgettable journey through the captivating stories, rich traditions, and diverse flavors of Bordeaux.

Prepare to tantalize your taste buds and awaken your senses through interactive tastings and lively discussions. You’ll gain invaluable knowledge and experience exploring the diverse spectrum of wines this famed region has to offer. Unravel the Mysteries of Left Bank vs. Right Bank Reds. Delight in the Crisp Refreshment of White Bordeaux. Indulge in the liquid gold of Bordeaux – Sauternes.

Embark on an engaging discussion as they share their passion for the stories behind the wines. Delve into Bordeaux’s rich history, where tales of legendary wines intertwine with the evolution of a land blessed with exceptional terroir. We’ll explore the 1855 classification, a landmark ranking that sparked fervent debate and continues to hold undeniable influence – even as the world of wine has undergone dramatic changes.

Each sip of Bordeaux is a journey through time, history, and the passionate craftsmanship of generations of winemakers. Come, join us, and discover the magic that unfolds in every bottle.

In 2006, a girl from Arizona decided to head to Oregon to sip Pinot Noir in the Willamette Valley. It was there she met an ambitious wine enthusiast who had a dream to plant his own vineyard and make World Class Wine. On that very weekend, John and Jody Wrigley met, fell in love, purchased 200 acres and started on a lifetime adventure. Fueled by passion, these two have built a beautiful life in the heart of Oregon’s wine country. John has amassed numerous wine awards and Jody continues to promote and cheerlead her favorite wine-maker. They invite you to join them on their adventure and live by their motto that “All dreams are possible”.

Becker Vineyards was founded by Dr. Richard Becker, a physician in San Antonio, and his wife Bunny. Established in 1992, Becker is one of the original four wineries in Fredericksburg and today they are among the best known and highly respected brands in the state of Texas. Becker Vineyards’ wine has been served in the stateliest of settings, including seven times in the White House, the James Beard Foundation in New York, the Texas Governor’s Mansion and many other famous restaurants in Texas and the United States.

Chris Brundrett’s interest in the art of winemaking was sparked at a young age during a trip through the beloved Texas Hill Country. He knew he wanted to continue this discovery through his studies at Texas A&M, where he earned a degree in horticulture while working on the campus vineyard and spending countless hours learning at the wineries and vineyards in the Texas Hill Country. After graduation, Brundrett quickly took on head winemaking responsibilities, managing vineyard properties in both the Hill Country and the High Plains. Later, he came across a wine by William ‘Bill’ Blackmon, his current business partner and mentor, that piqued a deeper passion for the art of winemaking. The two bonded over the shared belief that wines are not made but grown. In 2008, Brundrett and Blackmon joined forces and bottled their first wine as William Chris Vineyards, using old techniques to bring out the true flavors of the region. In 2010, Brundrett and Blackmon opened their tasting room for William Chris Vineyards in Hye, Texas. As co-owner and winegrower at William Chris Vineyards, Brundrett serves as a CEO, winegrower, grower liaison, innovator, and coach. In October 2020, Brundrett teamed up with fellow winegrower and Lost Draw Cellars owner Andrew Sides to merge their companies and create William Chris Wine Company (WCWC), which is the parent company of the William Chris Vineyards (est. 2008), Lost Draw Cellars (est. 2012), Skeleton Key (est. 2015), and Grower Project (est. 2015) brands, and is the leading producer of 100 percent Texas-grown wines in the Lone Star State.

Both born and raised in North Dakota with rich farming backgrounds, Les and Sharon have long had a dream of getting back to their roots and owning a vineyard in beautiful El Dorado County and the Fair Play AVA.

Upon retiring from a 38-year career in the insurance industry, Les has made his vineyard owning dreams a reality and takes his many years of experience in nurturing people to now nurturing grape vines. As they say, "you can take the boy out of the country, but not the country out of the boy".

With a hospitality background and a caring and nurturing personality, Sharon is the perfect host and representative for our brand and wines made from the heart.

Together, Les and Sharon are creating exclusive wines with extraordinary winemaking practices seldom employed by wineries in the Sierra Foothills, and even in California.

Kevin Bersofsky was born an East Coaster but now makes his home outside of San Francisco in Marin County. The closest his family ever got to wine was nice cold gallon jug of screw cap California Chablis on the second shelf of the family fridge. It wasn’t until Kevin went to Cornell University for Engineering that the world of wine would be discovered. In his senior year he was lucky enough to attend the wines class and a new universe opened up to him. Kevin would attend culinary school on the weekends when home from consulting assignments.

In 2005, Sutter Home gave Kevin a front row seat to winemaking, learning the ropes of the wine industry. The wine makers took him under their wing and taught him the basic skills to make wine. Starting around that time he invited 12 friends to make a barrel of Syrah with him in his garage. From that group grew Montagne Russe. The group continued to increase in size until 2013 when he and 130 people were making wine in his Napa garage. Unfortunately Kevin’s neighbor Ross didn’t share in his enthusiasm for wine and called Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms on him in October of 2013. After much legal wranglings Kevin found a loophole in the law, poured 4 barrels of wine down the drain and lived to continue on, starting Montagne Russe for real in 2015. His first pinots scored 94 and 95 pts from Robert Parker. So its no wonder his winery is called Montagne Russe (Roller Coaster in French).

David Duncan, Chairman and CEO of iconic Napa Valley winery, Silver Oak, which also owns Twomey, OVID Napa Valley, and Timeless Napa Valley, leads with a hands-on approach and commitment to continuous improvement. Rather than sitting in an office, he’s often found working in the vineyards, at construction sites or engaging directly with customers. David entered the family business, co-founded by his father Ray in 1972, after completing an MBA in 1994. In 1999, he and his family established Twomey Cellars, producing Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc, and in 2002, David took on a formal leadership role.

A significant turning point came in 2006 when a fire destroyed the Oakville winery, which he rebuilt to become the world’s first LEED Platinum-certified winery. This achievement underscores his commitment to quality, sustainability, and innovation, including developing Berry Sensory Analysis for optimal grape ripeness. In 2015, David secured Silver Oak’s oak barrel quality by purchasing The Oak Cooperage, making it the first North American winery with its own cooperage. Under his leadership, the Silver Oak Alexander Valley Winery was completed in 2017 and is now the largest Living Building-certified winery globally.

A community leader, David has served on several boards, including the Napa Valley Vintners, and supports local and national philanthropy initiatives. He represents the California wine industry and has appeared on major news networks and in national publications. David lives in St. Helena with his wife, Kary, and their three children.

Pavle has a storied career in front-of-house of restaurants in New York, Napa Valley, and Arizona. An early champion of Arizona wines, he volunteered during harvest in Napa to learn winemaking. He returned to Arizona to open FnB Restaurant in Scottsdale with chef Charleen Badman and built a wine list that promoted Arizona wines. The FnB wine list garnered a prestigious James Beard Award nomination for Outstanding Beverage Program. With Los Milics Vineyards, he has realized his dream not just to curate, but to create, uniquely Arizona wines.

Ita, born and raised in the 5th region of Chile, Villa Alemana, Ita is the daughter of Doña Margarita and Don Marco Gomez, whom she refers to as her pillars in life. Mom to a beautiful boy named Renato, who came into her life at age twenty-two. Early on, she discovered a love for plants and nature, a gift passed on from both her grandmothers, Celinda and Hayde. After finding the love of her life, Pavle, she relocated to the United States where the two families were joined: Ita, Renato and Pavle’s kids. She further developed her passion and skills in viticulture through the UC Davis satellite course and working with mentors Kelly and Todd from Dos Cabezas winery. Since 2018, she has been deeply involved in both vineyard and cellar responsibilities with Pavle.

A second-generation winemaker, David is a 35-year industry veteran who graduated from the University of California, Davis. As Director of Winemaking at Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi, he led a team of enologists in creating and evolving their wine style to improve the quality of Woodbridge wines. He helped pioneer winegrower lot processing for direct wine quality feedback, supported barrel aging of premium wines for enhanced quality, and drove stylistic winemaking in hundreds of different wines.

David’s winemaking philosophy stems directly from Robert Mondavi himself, driving continuous improvements while nurturing a respect for both winegrape and wine. Today, his belief in true varietal expression and wine’s natural marriage with food makes him a pivotal member of the LangeTwins team.

Prior to starting the journey into the world of grape growing and wine making, Kathy and her late husband Gary owned and operated a community pharmacy for over 20 years. In 1995, they relocated to Johnson City, Texas and bought land for the vineyard and winery. Always a lover of wine, Kathy's background in pharmacy involved studies in organic and biochemistry which made for a natural progression into being a part of the art and chemistry of wine making. As one of the first wineries in the Texas Hill Country, Texas Hills Vineyard matched the climate to the grape varietals by planting Pinot Grigio, Syrah and Sangiovee in the vineyard. Receiving recognition for their Pinot Grigio in 1997 and followed with many more accolades including winning a Gold medal for his Kick Butt Cab at an International Double Blind wine tasting competition. The Texas Hills Vineyard philosophy for making wine is: “Make wine that tastes good, not just follow what others are doing, follow your own sense of quality and good taste”. This philosophy is reflected in their motto: “Wine to Share With Friends”. Kathy looks forward to sharing their award-winning Texas Hill Country wines and making new friends on this cruise.