Virginia Wine Trade Intensive: Full Schedule

The Virginia Wine Trade Intensive is a high-impact professional development experience built for the trade to taste, learn, and sell Virginia Wine with confidence.

8:45am EDT

Breakfast & Registration

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 8:45am - 9:30am EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

9:15am EDT

Opening Remarks by Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Katie Frazier

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:15am - 9:25am EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Speakers

Katie Frazier

Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry

Katie K. Frazier, a native of the Shenandoah Valley, has dedicated her career to supporting the growth of two of Virginia’s top industries: agriculture and forestry. With extensive experience in advocacy, Katie has worked tirelessly at both the state and federal levels on a wide... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:15am - 9:25am EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

9:30am EDT

Virginia in Context: A Comparative Grand Tasting

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

A guided, comparative blind tasting that places Virginia wines alongside classic global benchmarks, allowing attendees to evaluate Virginia through a familiar lens. Expect clear takeaways on where Virginia stands apart, where it aligns with known categories, and how to communicate about it with confidence.

Moderators

Jay Youmans MW

Educational Director, Capital Wine School

Jay Youmans has been tasting wine professionally for nearly 30 years. He is the Educational Director and Owner of the Capital Wine School; and the Owner of Rock Creek Wine Merchants, a sales and marketing consultancy. Jay has served as a wine judge for numerous wine competitions and... Read More →

Speakers

Cheron Cowan

Writer-at-Large, Wine Enthusiast

Cheron Cowan is the beverage director at Craft, Tom Colicchio's flagship restaurant in NYC. Her 20-year career working in high-profile restaurants includes wine director and general manager roles at Esca Restaurant and guest-engaging positions at Blue Hill NYC and Gramercy Tavern. Cowan... Read More →

Dave McIntyre

Food & Wine Writer, Dave McIntyre's WineLine

Dave McIntyre is the author of “Dave McIntyre’s WineLine,” recommended by The Wall Street Journal as one of the best wine publications on Substack. He is also Associate Wine Editor and columnist for The SOMM Journal. Dave wrote the weekly wine column for The Washington Post... Read More →

Winn Roberton

Head Sommelier, Bourbon Steak Four Seasons Hotel

As a child in suburban Washington, DC, Winn Roberton's dining out experience was limited to family birthday celebrations, but the 'magic' of restaurant operations that entranced him then has had a fast hold ever since. These days, as a member of the wine team overseeing the capital... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 9:30am - 10:45am EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

11:00am EDT

Blends with Intention: How Virginia Builds Balance and Style

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Blending is one of Virginia wine’s most effective tools for achieving balance and consistency in a climate that rewards thoughtful composition. This session explores blend styles where Virginia consistently excels, highlighting how intentional blending helps producers manage vintage variation and results in wines that perform well on the list and in the market.

Moderators

Joy Ting

Winemaker, Joy Ting Wine

Joy Ting is an independent Virginia winemaker producing small-lot wines under her own label, Joy Ting Wine. She sources fruit from local vineyard partners and makes her wines at the Virginia Wine Collective in Charlottesville. Before launching her own project, Joy worked at Michael... Read More →

Speakers

Chelsey Blevins

Winemaker, Fifty-third Winery & Vineyard

Virginia Native, Chelsey Blevins, is a first generation winemaker that has been diligently crafting in the Virginia Piedmont since 2014. “My role in this world is to make wine, not just any wine but Virginia Wine. The same minerals and water that flows through our soils, and the... Read More →

Luca Paschina

Estate Director, Barboursville Vineyards

A third generation winemaker , born in Torino he graduated at the School of enology in Alba in 1981 and then worked in grape-growing and winemaking in Piemonte, Puglia, Napa Valley, Finger Lakes NY and Switzerland.He has been managing the Barboursville Vineyards Estate since July... Read More →

Nate Walsh

Walsh Family Wine

Nate Walsh is the founder of Walsh Family Wine, focusing on vineyard-designate wines in Loudoun County, VA. He has worked for vineyards and wineries in Northern Virginia, Central Virginia, Oregon, and New Zealand.

Sebastian Zutant

Primrose & Lightwell Survey, Owner

Sebastian began his career in wine in 2003–2004 as the opening sommelier at Komi in Washington, DC. Early on, he developed a strong interest not just in service, but in the culture, history, and craft behind wine, setting the foundation for everything that followed.

In August 2006, he moved to Sonoma, California, where he spent a year working alongside several winemakers during the 2006–2007 harvest. This hands-on experience in both vineyard and cellar work gave him a deeper understanding of the process and proved to be a defining moment in... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Morning Breakout

11:00am EDT

Rooted in Resilience: Viticultural decisions shaping Virginia’s winemaking future

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Explore how Virginia’s winemakers and growers are making deliberate viticultural choices to meet the challenges of a changing climate. It examines how decisions around variety selection—including the increasing role of hybrids—along with farming practices and vineyard management are shaping both sustainability and wine quality in the state. Attendees will gain practical tools for framing...
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Moderators

Lee Campbell

Sommelier

Known as an integral player in the establishment of the natural wine movement in this country, I am an ardent supporter of sustainable vine-farming and traditional, low-intervention winemaking. I was raised in the New York’s Hudson Valley, and earned an undergraduate degree in American... Read More →

Speakers

Justin Rose

Winemaker, Rosemont of Virginia

Justin Rose, born in Houston, TX and raised in Midland, MI, received his B.S. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Virginia in 2004. Upon graduation he returned to the family farm, Rosemont, in LaCrosse, to help establish Rosemont Vineyards. In 2005, Justin went to Napa... Read More →

Karl Hambsch

Vineyard Manager and Winemaker, Loving Cup Vineyard & Winery

Karl Hambsch is the owner, vineyard manager, and winemaker of Virginia's only certified-organic vineyard and winery. Karl has worked in the wine industry for 25 years, has been making wine for 20 years, and has begun his 15th vintage year at Loving Cup.
Karl endeavors to farm with humility and attempts to work with nature, rather than against it. "Do no harm" is the standard against which all farming practices at Loving Cup are measured. Biodiversity and soil health are protected and encouraged, adding layered resilience in V... Read More →

Kiernan Slater Patusky

Owner and Vineyard Manager, Slater Run Vineyards

Kiernan and her husband Chris Patusky planted their first vines in 2010 to establish Slater Run Vineyards on Kiernan’s family farm in Upperville, Virginia. Kiernan tapped into farming advice from her parents, Bob and Alice Slater, along with professional guidance from vineyard consultant... Read More →

Matthieu Finot

Winegrower, Domaine Finot

Domaine Finot is a bi-national viticultural bridge between the French Alps and Virginia’s Blue Ridge. Winemaker Matthieu Finot brings a "garagiste" soul to Turk Mountain Vineyards, championing minimalist intervention: natural yeasts, no added SO2, and sustainable farming. By blending... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Morning Breakout

11:00am EDT

Today’s Industry: Trends & Virginia’s Role

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

The wine industry is navigating one of its most dynamic periods in recent history. In this session, we’ll examine the trends reshaping wine consumption and what they mean for Virginia. This conversation explores what consumers are buying, how regional identity influences purchasing decisions, and why education, storytelling, and stewardship are more critical than ever. We’ll take a candid look...
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Moderators

Frank Morgan

Frank Morgan has been writing about the wines, wineries and winemakers of Virginia for over 15 years. He serves as Director of Judging for the Virginia Governor’s Cup wine competition and organizer of the Monticello Cup Wine Competition and the Shenandoah Valley Wine Competition... Read More →

Speakers

Aileen Sevier

Marketing Director, Winebow

Aileen is Director of Marketing for Winebow’s strategic national focus on the “Upper Left,” supporting an group of leading Willamette and Columbia Valley wineries. She helps guide their wholesale strategies and build collaborative programs to enhance growth for the regions as... Read More →

Jason Wilson

Wine Writer

Jason Wilson is Senior Correspondent for The New Wine Review. He also writes Everyday Drinking, a newsletter about the world of wine and spirits that was awarded Substack’s Food Intensive Fellowship.
He is the author of Godforsaken Grapes, which The New York Times named one of... Read More →

Lisa Granik MW

Managing Director & CEO, Master of Wine, Tastingwordks

Lisa Granik MW entered the wine trade following an earlier career as a lawyer and law professor. Having worked in both the importing and distribution channels, she currently advises European wineries, regions, and importers on strategies for the US market. As a specialist in Russian... Read More →

Lisa Katic

Wine Gallery 108, Owner

Lisa started her career in hospitality while she was in college studying for her Dietetics and Nutrition degree. She spent 20+ years working in many different capacities as a nutrition professional while expanding and cultivating her knowledge of wine. With her artistic abilities... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 11:00am - 12:15pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Morning Breakout

12:15pm EDT

Lunch

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 12:15pm - 1:45pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

1:45pm EDT

Pour with Purpose: Virginia Wine & Trade Strategy

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Virginia wins when it’s poured purposefully, especially by the glass and through smart list placement. Built for buyers, sommeliers and distributors, this session explores which Virginia styles perform best BTG, how to place them effectively on wine lists, and how thoughtful programming can support margin and encourage discovery.

Moderators

Kristi Delovitch

Vice President Sales, Winebow Mid Atlantic, Winebow

Speakers

Antoinette Landragin

Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association, Cork & Fork Fine Wine Merchants

Antoinette Landragin brings over 20 years of wine trade experience as the Brand Manager for the Loudoun Wineries & Winegrowers Association and as the CEO of Cork & Fork Fine Wine Merchants in Washington, DC.

Antoinette launched "Uncork Loudoun," a trade marketing initiative that elevates the profile of Virginia's dynamic wine region through coordinated industry outreach, professional events, and strategic communications. Her work bridges traditional winemaking knowledge with modern marketing... Read More →

Crystal Cameron-Schaad

Owner, Sommelier, Crystal Palate Wine & Gourmet

Crystal Cameron-Schaad, DipWSET, is the owner and lead educator at Crystal Palate, a wine boutique and tasting room in Norfolk, Virginia.

Crystal is a certified wine educator with Wine & Spirt Education Trust (WSET), and offers the WSET L1-L3 courses at Crystal Palate as a satellite provider for Vitis House. She is also a certified sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, a keynote speaker, and writer. Crystal... Read More →

Swati Bose

For the last ten years, Swati owned and operated Flight Wine Bar in Washington, DC. Her goal was to provide a neighborhood spot featuring small-production and minimal intervention wines. Flight was nominated as a James Beard semi-finalist for Outstanding Wine Program twice and was... Read More →

Robert Jones, MS

Robert Jones grew up in Roanoke VA and holds a BA in Psychology from Roanoke College. He received the Master Sommelier diploma in March 2001 and since June of 2001 has worked as a national account manager for the wine importing company Kysela Père et Fils, LTD. He also runs the wine... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Afternoon Breakout

1:45pm EDT

Same Grape, Different Stories: Cabernet Franc Across Virginia

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Cabernet Franc has become one of Virginia’s most compelling calling cards—fresh, lifted, and quietly complex. This guided tasting explores five distinct expressions of the state’s most planted grape, ranging from bright, red-fruited and floral to savory, herbal, and peppery; from lighter, chillable styles to more structured, cellar-worthy bottlings. Along the way, discover how site and...
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Moderators

Erin Scala

Market Street Wine

Erin hails from Market Street Wine in central Virginia, a wine hub dedicated to sustainability, wine education, and community building. She’s also a content creator and wine journalist, and has written articles for Wine & Country Living, Wine & Spirits, Knife & Fork magazine, and... Read More →

Speakers

Megan Seibel

Owner, 15 Peaks

Megan Seibel is co-owner of 15 Peaks, a Roanoke-based vineyard and wine label rooted in more than two decades of Virginia winegrowing. With permission from her father-in-law, Megan spearheaded planting the first four of twenty acres of vines in March of 2000 on limestone outcroppings... Read More →

Todd Henkle

Owner / Winemaker, Lost Creek Winery

Todd Henkle began his winemaking journey in 2012. He worked alongside winemaking and vineyard consultants for the first few years at Lost Creek until becoming the Winemaker & Vineyard Manager in 2015. Todd’s first vintage at Lost Creek won multiple accolades including a San Francisco... Read More →

Boela Gerber

Winemaker, Southwest Mountains Vineyards

Boela Gerber is an internationally recognized winemaker whose career has spanned continents and decades, earning him a reputation for craft, curiosity, and restraint. A graduate of Stellenbosch University with a BSc in Agriculture focused on oenology and viticulture, Boela went on... Read More →

Corry Craighill

Winemaker, Septenary Winery/Wound Tight

Corry brings many years of winemaking experience from a variety of regions, including South Africa, France, Australia, New Zealand, California, and Oregon in addition to her native Virginia. A graduate of the University of Virginia, she is excited to be in Charlottesville making... Read More →

Joy Ting

Winemaker, Joy Ting Wine

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Afternoon Breakout

1:45pm EDT

The Pour That Changed Everything

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

A candid, story-driven tasting featuring buyers, sommeliers, distributors, and writers who once had doubts about Virginia wine—and the specific bottle that changed their mind. Hear the turning-point moments and unpack the cues that signal quality, value, and list-worthiness.

Moderators

James Tidwell, MS

TEXSOM

James Tidwell is a writer, speaker, and educator. Tidwell founded and produces the TEXSOM Conference and produces the TEXSOM Awards.He consulted on The World Atlas of Wine 8th Edition as well as the forthcoming update to the Oxford Companion to Wine, contributes to the annual Hugh... Read More →

Speakers

Booth Hardy

Owner, Barrel Thief Wine & Provisions

Growing up in Williamsburg, Virginia, Booth was torn between two passions: food and music. Choosing music, he studied percussion at Berklee College of Music and spent years performing, but a harvest job in Sonoma County in 2005 changed his path. The blend of art, science, and camaraderie... Read More →

Grayum Vickers

Sommelier, AMP Hospitality

Growing up, Grayum Vickers wanted to study tornadoes. After earning a Graduate degree from Florida State University for meteorology, Vickers moved to Brooklyn, New York, where his roommate at the time, a bartender at New York’s Death & Co, helped him land an interview at The NoMad... Read More →

Kabir Amir

Owner, Flight Wine Shop

Kabir is the co-owner of Flight Wine Shop alongside his wife and business partner, Swati Bose. Originally from Afghanistan, Kabir was sent to Hungary at 15 for safety and educational opportunities before reuniting with his family in San Diego at age 20. After years of working and... Read More →

Sedale McCall

Writer

Sedale is a writer and editor focused on the stories and conversations that are not being told enough. His passion is for stories related to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of the industry. A Virginia-native, Sedale focuses on people and places wine is enjoyed outside of typical... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 1:45pm - 3:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Afternoon Breakout

3:00pm EDT

Palate Pause

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:00pm - 3:45pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

3:45pm EDT

Through the Judges’ Glass

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

A look at Virginia Wine through one of its most consistent lenses: the Virginia Governor’s Cup. Drawing on years of judging insight and trend observation, this session—led by Competition Director Frank Morgan—traces how Virginia’s varieties, styles, and regional strengths have evolved, highlighting what’s rising now and what it signals for buyers, wine lists, and the broader market.

Moderators

Frank Morgan

Speakers

Andrew Bilenkij

Winemaker, CrossKeys Vineyards

Andrew began his winemaking career in 2002 in Australia and began working Harvest positions in both hemispheres before completing a winemaking and viticulture degree at Lincoln University in New Zealand. He held a winemaking position under Philip Shaw in Orange NSW and completed internships... Read More →

Seth Chambers

Winemaker, The Winery at La Grange

"Seth Chambers has been making wine in Virginia for 20 years. He received his bachelor's degree in Organic Chemistry from Penn State University in 2006. He earned his Enology Certification from Washington State University in 2011 and has been making wine at The Winery at La Grange... Read More →

Rob Cox

Winemaker, Paradise Springs Winery

Rob Cox was born in Carroll County, Maryland. From a family of produce farmers Rob was predisposed to continue working with the land. He first studied Business at Frostburg State. After graduation, Rob attended the University of Maryland’s Institute of Applied Agriculture concentrating... Read More →

Emily Hodson

Winemaker, Veritas Vineyard & Winery

Luca Paschina

Estate Director, Barboursville Vineyards

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Late Afternoon Breakout

3:45pm EDT

Virginia at the Table

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

The best argument for Virginia wine isn't made in a classroom; it's made at the table. This session pairs Virginia wines with a curated spread of Virginia-sourced small bites. Come with your menu in mind. Leave with pairings you can sell and a conviction that Virginia wine doesn't just belong on your list, it belongs on your table.

Speakers

David Dunlap

Chef, Midlothian Chef’s Kitchen & 1807 Restaurant

Chef David Dunlap is a celebrated culinary talent whose journey reflects a deep passion for exceptional food, local ingredients, and warm hospitality. Born in Washington state, Dunlap began his professional career in kitchens at age 19 and honed his skills through formal training... Read More →

Winn Roberton

Head Sommelier, Bourbon Steak Four Seasons Hotel

Troy Hancock

Certified Sommelier, The Roosevelt

I started off in the wine world as a server at a French bistro in Raleigh NC. with a background in agriculture my interest for viticulture and wine production grew into me making hospitality and wine my life here in Richmond VA

Michael Skipper

Chef/Wine Director, The Shack

Chef Michael Skipper has spent over six years in the kitchen at The Shack, including three years working alongside owner Ian Boden. After several years away, he returned to help lead the restaurant’s day-to-day operations and lead The Shack into its next chapter while Chef Boden... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Late Afternoon Breakout

3:45pm EDT

What’s in Your Glass? The New Faces of Virginia Wine

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

A tasting and conversation spotlighting a new generation of small, independent Virginia producers shaping what comes next for the state’s wine identity. Meet the people (and the wines) driving quality and originality through fresh approaches to farming, grape selection and business models.

Moderators

Nate Walsh

Walsh Family Wine

Speakers

Reggie Leonard

Co-Founder, Parralex Project

Kent Arendt

Owner/Winemaker, Boden Young

Kent began working in the wine industry in 2016 in the Columbia Valley, Washington. He has worked at Walsh Family Wine since 2017, starting as a vineyard and cellar hand and working his way up to Winemaker. Additionally, he has completed certificate programs from Washington State... Read More →

Sandy Robertson

Owner/Winemaker, Dogwood & Thistle

Born in Hong Kong, bred in England, Sandy started his career working at wineries in France and England and graduated from Plumpton College, the University of Brighton, with honors in Viticulture and Oenology. He came to Sonoma County in 2007 to work in the cellar at Merry Edwards... Read More →

Corry Craighill

Winemaker, Septenary Winery/Wound Tight

John Noer

Founder/Winemaker, Noer Vineyards

John Noer grew up on a family property featuring a small 2-acre vineyard right in the front yard. He went on to become an assistant winemaker at the oldest winery in Loudoun County and honed his expertise in viticulture and winemaking through UC Davis. Driven by his passion for the... Read More →

Tuesday June 9, 2026 3:45pm - 5:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

Late Afternoon Breakout

5:00pm EDT

Reception

Tuesday June 9, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT

The Jefferson Hotel

Tuesday June 9, 2026 5:00pm - 6:00pm EDT
The Jefferson Hotel

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