Come early and get acquainted with your colleagues before the first session starts at 8:30 am. 
Doors open at 8 am. 

Larissa Dubose will lead a panel discussion with a dynamic group of Black Wine Professionals within the wholesale arena. Attendees will gain career insights on one of the most integral parts of the wine
industry…Distribution. Hear firsthand experiences of how to get your foot in the door, navigate, and thrive. Is enough being done to increase diversity? What initiatives are working? Where are the areas of opportunity? How can you find advocates and mentorship?

Learning Outcomes

• Discuss the wholesale wine industry's role in the overall wine industry
• Identify how the wholesale wine industry could be a part of your career progression
• Explain how the wholesale wine industry impacts buyers

Influence of terroir on Chardonnay- An Exploration of Chardonnay’s Growing Conditions. We will explore soil/airborne terroir of certain chardonnay vineyards.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the impact various terroirs have on chardonnay vineyards
• Explain various growing conditions have on the chardonnay grape

Introducing Japanese Sake New Trend, Sparkling Sake, and tasting 6 different styles of Sparkling Sake. The naturally effervescent sake created by secondary fermentation is called "AWA SAKE" sake has become prominent in the last five years since AWA Sake Association was formed in 2016. It's the beginning of a new toast scene with a nice sound .
Aspiring Japanese brewers have worked hard to create a new type of sake. A transparent sake that uses only carefully selected rice, rice jiuqu, and water, and has natural foaming due to secondary fermentation.
We recognize only those that have cleared strict quality standards by advanced brewing technology as "Japanese AWA SAKE". A sparkling bubble innovation that attracts people all over the world while inheriting the spirit and tradition of sake brewing.  It is suitable for those who live vividly in the present.

Let's learn about these glittering bubbles from rice. Japanese AWA SAKE

Wine list:

Mutsu Hassen Dry Sparkling Sake - Non Vintage
Dewatsuru Ashitahe Sparkling Sake- Non Vintage
Kikuizumi Hitosuji Sparkling Sake- Non Vintage
Kikuizumi Hitosuji Rose Sparkling Sake- Non Vintage
Hakkaisan AWA Clear Sparkling- Non Vintage
Nanbubijin AWA Sparkling Junmai Ginjo- Non Vintage

At the end of this presentation, the learner will be able to: 

1. Explain how Sparkling Sake came about
2. Define Sparkling Sake Association Regulation
3. Explain how they are made including the production process, how they taste, and why sparkling sake matches the current market

While beverage sales often only account for 25%-40% of a restaurant's gross revenue, the beverage program often contributes in excess of 80% to gross profit. This session will explore tips and tricks for maximizing profitability in an ever-changing restaurant landscape. With the wheels falling off our industry due to COVID decreased inventories, lowered budgets and reduced dining capacity coupled with increased expenses are the new normal for the foreseeable future. Now, more than ever, it is critical to understand how beverage strategies can keep your operation profitable.

Learning Objectives:

• Demonstrate how to increase beverage sales/gross revenue
• Identify a strategy for dealing with diminished operating budgets and lean inventories
• Explain tips and tricks for designing beverage collateral as a sales tool

There’s a movement growing in Virginia vineyards. A community of farmers is crafting wines that embody the grace, grit and experimental spirit of Virginia. With 5,000+ acres of grapes that span the state, the Commonwealth is home to over 300 wineries across ten wine regions and eight AVAs.

Discover Virginia wines through seven glasses. Lunch attendees will taste the unique varieties and styles defining the region.

Wines for sponsored lunch:

• Linden Vineyards Chardonnay
• Early Mountain Vineyards Petit Manseng
• King Family Vineyards Small Batch Viognier
•  2021 Strange Collapse Lightwell Survey
• Ankida Ridge Vineyards Pinot Noir
• Paradise Springs Winery Cabernet Franc
• Barboursville Vineyards Octagon

Join Adam Verona on an informative journey to taste and learn about the characteristics of the esteemed Moscato d'asti DOCG.

Learning Objectives:

• Analyze the Region
• Recognize the History
• Discuss Terroir and soil
• Highlight Vinification Techniques

Wine to taste: Michele Chiarlo "Nivole" Moscato d'asti, 2021

This class will focus on one of the world's favorite red grape varieties: Syrah. We will explore this variety from it's origin place in France, and also from Washington. Typicity in wine is a collaboration between nature and people. In this special Master Class, Tanya Morning Star Darling will be joined by Winemaker and Sommelier Nakenge Adisa to explore the nuance of factors, which contribute to a wine’s identity, including soil, climate, winemaking traditions, vineyard practices, and more. A focused sensory exploration of one of the world's most important grape varieties will form the basis for discovering what makes these wines so iconic and unique. Students will be invited to take part in discussion and tasting, in an inclusive and open forum, and will practice community engagement, and critical thinking as it relates to the origins and elements of wine’s sensory identity.

Learning Outcomes:

• Define the concept of Terroir
• Demonstrate ability to taste for winemaking choices
• Explain the basic character and structure of each grape presented
• Describe how to taste for terroir factors
• Discuss the concept of typicity in the wines of Washington, Bordeaux, and Northern Rhone as it relates to wines made from Syrah