We are proud to have an excellent Advisory Board that guides our decisions regarding content and speakers.
Tina Caputo is an experienced editor and writer, currently freelancing in wine, food and lifestyle subjects. For almost eight years she served as editor-in-chief of Vineyard & Winery Management magazine and, before that, she was managing editor of Wines & Vines magazine. Tina also produces and hosts her own podcast, Winemakers Drinking Beer.
Nancy Light is Vice President of Communications at the Wine Institute, a public policy association of 1,000 California wineries and affiliated businesses. Prior to her work at the Wine Institute, Nancy was Public Relations Manager at Kobrand Corporation and Vice President of Public Relations at Robert Mondavi.
Morgen McLaughlin is Executive Director of the Willamette Valley Wineries Association in Oregon. Prior to that she was Executive Director of Santa Barbara Vintners and President & CEO of the Finger Lakes Wine Country Tourism Marketing Association. For 12 years prior to that, she was practicing was she now advocates, serving as co-owner and general manager of McLaughlin Vineyards, a small family-owned winery and vineyard.
Colby Smith is Executive Director and Founder of the Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma (CANVAS), a membership organization of over 1,100 Hospitality Professionals supporting the industry with education and experiences to enhance customer service. Prior to moving to Napa, Colby owned a New York PR agency, and in Los Angeles a web development firm. Her focus has continually been relationship marketing.
Paul Wagner is president of Balzac Communications & Marketing and is also an instructor for Napa Valley College’s Viticulture and Enology department, Sonoma State’s Wine Business Program, and the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone. Paul has judged many national and international wine competitions and, with Rick Kushman of Capital Public Radio, hosts “Bottle Talk”, a weekly conversation about wine.
January Wiese is Executive Director and was previously Event Director of Texas Hill Country Wineries, which represents 51 wineries in the popular (5 million annual visitors) Texas Hill Country. Prior to that she served as Hospitality Manager at Flat Creek Estate. Her major experience in the wine industry came via almost 18 years spent at her family’s winery, JanKris.