Toshio Ueno, Executive Instructor & VP of Saké School of America, aims to further promote Japanese food and Sake to international audiences.
Regina McCarthy Regina McCarthy joined The Vineyards at Dodon in March of 2016. A Maryland native, Regina graduated with a degree in Mass Communication and Public Relations. She spent three years as Marketing Coordinator for the Maryland Wineries Association, a year working in farm-to-table food aggregation followed by two years representing premium wine and spirit…
Nicole MacKayWine Communicator Nicole MacKay is the managing editor of the SOMM TV Online Magazine, freelance wine writer, consultant, judge, and general enthusiast of everything related to wine, food, and travel. Based in Calgary, Alberta, she’s a Spanish Wine Scholar through the Wine Scholar Guild and holds her level 3 from the Wine & Spirit…
Molly Brooks is the Wine Buyer and Director of Events at Meritage Wine Market and teaches in SDSU’s business of wine certificate program.
Jackie Summers is a James Beard Finalist, public speaker, and entrepreneur. He is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc.
Dan Valerino A seasoned hospitality professional, Dan Valerino has nearly two decades of restaurant experience. Valerino’s career began at the Desert Mountain Club where he grew into bartending and management roles at the luxury establishment. While overseeing multiple beverage programs, Valerino was a crucial element in the property’s recognition in 2012 as the most desirable…
Lars J. LeichtVP of Education for The SOMM Journal / The Tasting Panel Magazine Lars J. Leicht is VP of Education for The SOMM Journal and The Tasting Panel Magazine. A former news reporter in Oneonta, NY, passion for Italian culture lured him to the wine business. Over a 33-year career with leading US wine…
Larissa C Dubose is a Wine Educator and business-savvy wine and spirits professional with a unique background in business development in wholesale wine and hospitality.
Hai Tran With a background in science from Duke University, the wine industry was not immediately the obvious career path for Barclay Prime’s sommelier, Hai Tran. A first generation Vietnamese-American, wine had virtually no presence during his upbringing in Orlando, FL. A stint in the restaurant industry, while pursuing a career in biotechnology, proved transformative.…
Dr. Hoby Wedler is a blind chemist, entrepreneur, and sensory expert with a Ph.D. in organic chemistry from UC Davis.