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videoWINnovation Award Winner: Harvest Watch by InnoVint
videoWINnovation Award Winner, WineSpot ai
video13th Annual WIN Expo Tomorrow
George Christie, CEO of Wine Industry Network inviting North Coast wine industry professionals to join us for the 13th annual WIN Expo on Thursday, Dec.4 , 2025. www.wineindutryexpo.com
videoWIN Insider Series: Adam Bird - Trailer
In this WIN Insider Series episode, George interviews Adam Bird, Director of Strategy and Partner at Deksia and Highway 29 Creative, about navigating marketing challenges in today's wine industry. Adam draws on extensive experience across multiple marketing sectors to share strategic insights on evolving consumer behaviors and what it takes to adapt and grow in a shifting marketplace. The conversation covers critical topics including the importance of authenticity in wine marketing, how regional and generational differences shape strategy, the challenge of engaging younger consumers, and what the future of wine marketing looks like. Whether you're a winery owner, marketer, or industry professional, Adam's candid insights offer practical guidance for positioning your brand in an increasingly competitive landscape. Watch to learn how successful wine brands are staying culturally relevant while building long-term customer loyalty. You can also hear more from Adam at the North Coast Wine
videoWIN Insider Series with Adam Bird
In this WIN Insider Series episode, George interviews Adam Bird, Director of Strategy and Partner at Deksia and Highway 29 Creative, about navigating marketing challenges in today's wine industry. Adam draws on extensive experience across multiple marketing sectors to share strategic insights on evolving consumer behaviors and what it takes to adapt and grow in a shifting marketplace. The conversation covers critical topics including the importance of authenticity in wine marketing, how regional and generational differences shape strategy, the challenge of engaging younger consumers, and what the future of wine marketing looks like. Whether you're a winery owner, marketer, or industry professional, Adam's candid insights offer practical guidance for positioning your brand in an increasingly competitive landscape. Watch to learn how successful wine brands are staying culturally relevant while building long-term customer loyalty. You can also hear more from Adam at the North Coast Wine
videoUsing OKRs to Drive Wine Business Profitability
REGISTER TODAY AND JOIN THE LIVE CHAT - https://wineindustryadvisor.com/boldpredictions/ For many working in the wine industry, the day-to-day demands of running the business leave little time for big-picture planning. But without a clear framework for setting and tracking goals, it’s easy to stay busy without making real progress toward long-term growth and value. Join Heather Schmidt, Growth Consultant and Certified Exit Planning Advisor at Crews & co., and M+A Advisor at Exit Equity, for a practical session on Objectives and Key Results (OKRs), a proven goal-setting framework for driving alignment, accountability, and performance. In this session, you’ll learn how to: - Turn your vision into clear, actionable goals - Get your team aligned and executing with focus - Build consistent profitability and predictability - Strengthen the long-term value of your business Whether you’re growing, scaling, or preparing for an eventual exit, this session will help you lead with clarity and
videoWIN Insider Series with Raquel Royers
In this WIN Insider Series interview, George speaks with Raquel Royers, the influential voice behind "Watch Me Sip" and a wine industry marketing professional making wine culture accessible to younger audiences. Raquel shares her unconventional path from crime reporter to digital wine marketer, discussing her passion for authentic storytelling and breaking down the intimidation factor of traditional wine culture. The conversation explores how spirits brands are outpacing wine with bold marketing strategies, the evolving digital and social media landscape, and why memorable experiences matter more than ever for consumer engagement. Raquel offers candid insights on current challenges facing wine marketers—from pricing pressures to connecting with modern consumers—and reveals what the wine industry can learn from the innovation happening in spirits. Essential viewing for anyone in wine marketing or looking to understand how to reach the next generation of wine drinkers. Looking ahead,
videoWIN Insiders - Rodolphe Lameyse
Rodolphe Lameyse, CEO of Vinexposium discusses the challenges facing wine, particularly the decline in consumption and how the program at Wine Paris is designed to help producers prepare for the future.
videoFarming on Autopilot: What AI Means for the Vineyard
REGISTER TODAY TO JOIN THE LIVE CHAT: https://wineindustryadvisor.com/growingforward/ This session maps how AI adoption unfolds in three waves: Efficiency (closing the loop on irrigation and maintenance), Quality (tighter stress bands, higher pack-out, more uniform fruit), and how our industry will Transform as a result. Arthur Chen—one of North America’s most connected AgTech innovators—offers an insider’s perspective on how AI is transforming agriculture right now and will show practical, near-term use cases such as adaptive irrigation, predictive maintenance, computer vision, and weather intelligence that will increase farm efficiency. Chen will also highlight work from across the ecosystem alongside Verdi’s own field learnings, to show what’s real now, what’s next, and how growers, from boutique operations to multi-site enterprises, can benefit from preparing for the upcoming changes in technology as AI becomes a dependable co-pilot in the vineyard. Presenters: Graham Buksa, He
videoWIN Insider Series with Pat DeLong
In this WIN Insider Series special edition, George interviews Pat DeLong, managing partner and founder of Azur Associates, a wine industry consultancy specializing in mergers and acquisitions and strategic advisory. Pat shares his 30-year wine business journey and how Azur evolved into a full-service firm combining consulting with M&A expertise. The conversation covers critical topics including wine industry real estate and brand valuations, preparation strategies for owners considering exits, market oversupply impacts, and the influx of new private investors with long-term horizons. Learn More: https://www.azur-associates.com/ Chapters: 0:00:00 - Introductions 0:01:04 - Getting into the Wine Industry 0:06:35 - Seghesio Family Vineyards 0:08:22 - Has Azur Shaped Up as Envisioned? 0:11:39 - Advice on Getting Ready to Sell 0:16:53 - Moët Hennessy 0:21:12 - How Has Evaluations Changed Over the Past 10 Years? 0:27:29 - Mergers & Acquisitions
videoWIN Insider Series: Joel Peterson - Trailer
Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, shares his journey into the wine industry and discusses what makes Paso Robles unique as both a wine destination and recognized brand. Joel explains how the Alliance collaborates with growers, vintners, and tourism organizations to maximize marketing impact while avoiding duplication of efforts, promoting the region to both consumers and wine buyers. The conversation covers current industry challenges including shifting demographics, economic pressures, and generational transitions, while highlighting innovative efforts to attract younger consumers and broaden wine accessibility. Joel discusses popular Alliance events like Paso Wine Fest and BlendFest on the Coast, plus the growing appeal of areas like Tin City that foster younger, innovative winemakers. He also previews his upcoming role moderating a panel on vineyard-focused marketing strategies at the North Coast Wine Industry Expo. Learn More About the Pa
videoWIN Insider Series with Joel Peterson
Joel Peterson, Executive Director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance, shares his journey into the wine industry and discusses what makes Paso Robles unique as both a wine destination and recognized brand. Joel explains how the Alliance collaborates with growers, vintners, and tourism organizations to maximize marketing impact while avoiding duplication of efforts, promoting the region to both consumers and wine buyers. The conversation covers current industry challenges including shifting demographics, economic pressures, and generational transitions, while highlighting innovative efforts to attract younger consumers and broaden wine accessibility. Joel discusses popular Alliance events like Paso Wine Fest and BlendFest on the Coast, plus the growing appeal of areas like Tin City that foster younger, innovative winemakers. He also previews his upcoming role moderating a panel on vineyard-focused marketing strategies at the North Coast Wine Industry Expo. Learn More About the Pa
videoThe Rise of CRM: How Wineries Are Transforming DTC Sales & Customer Relationships
The rise of CRM is reshaping the way wineries connect with their customers, turning data into deeper relationships and higher DTC sales. This session will focus on how wineries can create a 360-degree view of their customers by integrating wine club, e-commerce, and tasting room data. Learn how better segmentation, personalized marketing, and automation can enhance the customer experience, drive engagement, and boost lifetime value.
videoThe Secret to Seamless Wine Fulfillment: How to Reduce Costs While Improving Customer Satisfaction
Wine fulfillment isn’t just about getting bottles from point A to B—it’s about delivering an exceptional customer experience while keeping costs under control. In this session, we’ll break down the key strategies wineries can use to streamline fulfillment, minimize expenses, and enhance customer loyalty. From smart inventory management to optimizing packaging, discover how the right fulfillment approach can drive both efficiency and satisfaction. Event Information: https://winesalessymposium.com Produced by: Wine Industry Network Event Date: May 14, 2025
videoSmart Shipping Strategies: Finding the Right Balance Between Cost and Customer Experience
Free shipping isn’t the only way to win customers—it’s about finding the right strategy that supports both your winery’s profitability and your customers’ expectations. In this session, we’ll review various shipping models and showcase real-life examples of how wineries successfully implement these strategies to increase conversions, boost retention, and maximize margins. Event Information: https://winesalessymposium.com Produced by: Wine Industry Network Event Date: May 14, 2025
videoSend Less, Sell More: RedChirp’s New AI Sentiment Forecasting
Striking the right balance in text messaging is a constant challenge—too many messages can annoy your best customers, too few mean missed sales opportunities. In this session, we’ll explore how RedChirp’s groundbreaking Sentiment Forecasting uses AI to predict customer reactions before you hit send. You’ll learn how to: - Focus your budget on customers most likely to buy - Reduce opt-outs by filtering out low-score recipients - And customize AI predictions for your unique brand Real-world DTC professionals will share their experiences using RedChirp’s new Sentiment Forecasting to send smarter texts and drive more revenue. Walk away with actionable insights to level up your winery’s communication strategy. Event Information: https://winesalessymposium.com Produced by: Wine Industry Network Event Date: May 14, 2025
videoExpert Perspective: Root Causes of Declining Alcohol Consumption
In the Fall 2025 issue of Winescape, Dr. Chris Bitter, Senior Wine and Grape Analyst at Terrain, dives into the data behind the decline in alcohol consumption to find its root causes. In this episode of Expert Perspectives, he outlines the five major factors and what he thinks is the biggest driver. You can download and read the full Fall issue of Winescape for free at: https://winescape.com/ Sponsor: Terrain - https://www.turrentinebrokerage.com/ --------------------------------------------
videoWIN Insider Series: Alexandra O'Gorman - Trailer 2
In this WIN Insider Series episode, George Christie interviews Alexandra O'Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines. Alexandra shares her journey from Carmel, California into the wine industry, working her way through sales, marketing, hospitality, and communications at prestigious wineries including Flowers Vineyard and Korbel, while earning her MBA from Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute. Her career is defined by taking risks, embracing change, and continuous learning. Alexandra discusses her current role overseeing community relations at Foley Family Wines, blending social impact, sustainability, and strategic philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of industry inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic leadership while addressing current challenges like market perceptions, product focus, and member engagement within winery associations. Her insights on connection, community involvement, and focused portfolios provide valuable inspiration for wine pr
videoWIN Insider Series: Alexandra O'Gorman - Trailer 1
In this WIN Insider Series episode, George Christie interviews Alexandra O'Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines. Alexandra shares her journey from Carmel, California into the wine industry, working her way through sales, marketing, hospitality, and communications at prestigious wineries including Flowers Vineyard and Korbel, while earning her MBA from Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute. Her career is defined by taking risks, embracing change, and continuous learning. Alexandra discusses her current role overseeing community relations at Foley Family Wines, blending social impact, sustainability, and strategic philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of industry inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic leadership while addressing current challenges like market perceptions, product focus, and member engagement within winery associations. Her insights on connection, community involvement, and focused portfolios provide valuable inspiration for wine pr
videoWIN Insider Series with Alexandra O'Gorman
In this WIN Insider Series episode, George Christie interviews Alexandra O'Gorman, Vice President of Community Relations for Foley Family Wines. Alexandra shares her journey from Carmel, California into the wine industry, working her way through sales, marketing, hospitality, and communications at prestigious wineries including Flowers Vineyard and Korbel, while earning her MBA from Sonoma State's Wine Business Institute. Her career is defined by taking risks, embracing change, and continuous learning. Alexandra discusses her current role overseeing community relations at Foley Family Wines, blending social impact, sustainability, and strategic philanthropy. She emphasizes the importance of industry inclusivity, mentorship, and authentic leadership while addressing current challenges like market perceptions, product focus, and member engagement within winery associations. Her insights on connection, community involvement, and focused portfolios provide valuable inspiration for wine pr
videoBehind the Scenes of DTC Texting: Carriers, Compliance & the Rise of RCS
Text messaging is one of the most important communication channels for wineries—and it’s changing fast. Join Jennie Gilbert, Co-Founder of RedChirp, and John Anthony, Sr. Account Manager at Bandwidth, one of the nation’s largest voice and messaging carriers, to pull back the curtain on how texting really works behind the scenes. We’ll cover the key players (CSPs, carriers, aggregators), the special compliance hurdles for alcohol, and today’s hot-button issues like spam rejections, shortened links, and holiday slowdowns. Plus, get a first look at the future of messaging with RCS—what it is, why it matters, and how to prepare. You’ll walk away with insider knowledge to help you feel more confident and expert in managing winery text messaging. Bring your questions for live Q&A! Presenters: Jennie Gilmore, Co-Founder / RedChirp John Anthony, Sr. Account Manager / Bandwidth Produced by: Wine Industry Network https://wineindustrynetwork.com ------------------------------------------ Ses
videoWIN Insiders Series: Maggie Zeman - Trailer
In this WIN Insider episode, George Christie interviews Maggie Zeman, a seasoned PR and marketing professional who transitioned from Washington DC's State Department to Silicon Valley tech, before founding The Barn Group in Northern California's wine industry to then merge with a larger PR firm and expand her role nationally. Maggie shares insights on the wine sector's current challenges, emphasizing that the industry faces a marketing problem, not a product problem, requiring targeted communication strategies to engage younger consumers and adapt to evolving behaviors. The conversation covers the dramatically changed media landscape—from traditional wine writers to freelance-driven ecosystems, influencers, and digital creators—plus how AI and new platforms are reshaping media relations. Maggie discusses the importance of mentorship, intergenerational learning, and the challenges remote work poses for career growth. Despite industry headwinds, she remains optimistic about wine's resil
videoWIN Insider Series with Maggie Zeman
In this WIN Insider episode, George Christie interviews Maggie Zeman, a seasoned PR and marketing professional who transitioned from Washington DC's State Department to Silicon Valley tech, before founding The Barn Group in Northern California's wine industry to then merge with a larger PR firm and expand her role nationally. Maggie shares insights on the wine sector's current challenges, emphasizing that the industry faces a marketing problem, not a product problem, requiring targeted communication strategies to engage younger consumers and adapt to evolving behaviors. The conversation covers the dramatically changed media landscape—from traditional wine writers to freelance-driven ecosystems, influencers, and digital creators—plus how AI and new platforms are reshaping media relations. Maggie discusses the importance of mentorship, intergenerational learning, and the challenges remote work poses for career growth. Despite industry headwinds, she remains optimistic about wine's resil
videoVinitaly.USA Returns to Chicago | Adolfo Rebughini on What’s Ahead
In this interview, George Christie speaks with Adolfo Rebughini, General Manager of Veronafiere S.p.A., about the upcoming Vinitaly.USA event on October 5-6, 2025, at Chicago's Navy Pier. This third edition will showcase Italian wine excellence to the American market, featuring top-tier producers like Antinori, Frescobaldi, and Ferrari, plus the prestigious announcement of OperaWine 2026 participants selected by Wine Spectator. The event expects 3,000-3,500 B2B professionals and includes educational components like business forums and masterclasses. Adolfo discusses broader industry challenges, particularly engaging younger consumers, but remains optimistic about innovation opportunities including low- and no-alcohol wines. He emphasizes Italy's unique grape variety diversity and the importance of combining tradition with modernization through education and storytelling. The conversation positions Vinitaly.USA as both a showcase for Italian wine excellence and a forward-thinking platf
