DEER PARK, CALIFORNIA | APRIL 2, 2019: The Napa | Sonoma chapter of Women for WineSense’s (WWS) Winemakers’ & Viticultural Roundtable will host noted writer, Sara Schneider, consulting editor of wine and spirits at Robb Report, Wednesday, April 3, 2019, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:30 pm at Viader Vineyards & Winery, located at 1120 Deer Park Road, Deer Park, CA, 94576.
The Roundtable will be generously hosted by founding winemaker and roundtable member, Delia Viader, her winemaker son, Alan Viader and daughter-in-law, Mariela Viader at their family’s highly acclaimed mountain vineyard and winery.
ABOUT THE SPEAKER: Continuing our tradition of personal conversations with key wine writers and critics, WWS welcomes noted writer, Sara Schneider, consulting wine and spirits editor at Robb Report since 2018. She additionally writes for The Press (S. F. Chronicle). She is a seasoned writer, editor, and content creator for print and digital, an educator and wine and food event curator. Previously, she was the long-time wine and food editor at Sunset magazine. She has been nominated for multiple James Beard and IACP journalism awards and holds the Academy of Wine Communication’s Certificate for Excellence in Wine Writing.
ABOUT THE EVENT: Early arrivals will meet at 3:00 p.m. to enjoy time for mingling and catching up with peers and Ms. Schneider while sampling estate wines and refreshments. At 3:30 p.m. the Viaders will lead a behind-the-scenes production tour. At 4:00 p.m., the group will gather for announcements then enjoy the speaker’s comments, followed by a question and answer session.
Ms. Schneider will share her views on writing and tasting for Robb Report and more, evaluating what wine stories appeal to her readers, working effectively with the press and different publishing platforms.
Roundtable chair Julie Lumgair notes, “This is an exceptional opportunity for attendees to interact with a noted expert and ask candid questions in a very friendly, relaxed environment.”
Attendees are encouraged to bring a bottle or two of their wine as thanks for the hosts and speaker.
RSVP DETAILS: Please, no walk-ins. The free roundtable meeting is open to WWS Winemaking and Viticulture Roundtable members and interested women winemakers and viticulturists that have emailed and received RSVP guest confirmations through the Roundtable Chair.
To RSVP, or for any questions on this event or future WWS Winemaking Roundtable events, please contact the Chair, (Julie@Lumgair.com).
ABOUT THE HOSTS: Viader is a leading Napa Valley estate winery established in 1986 by Delia Viader, and recognized around the world for consistently producing sought after Bordeaux style red wines. The estate is located on the foothills of Howell Mountain spanning from 600 to 1300 feet in elevation. Argentine-born, Ms. Viader came to the United States as a post-graduate student. She holds a doctorate in Philosophy and pursued advanced business studies at MIT, prior to moving to Napa with her children and developing their estate as owner and founding winemaker. In 2002 Alan Viader joined his mother as vineyard manager of their Napa Green Certified vineyards, becoming winemaker in 2006. Their acclaimed wine style is a product of years of hard work and cellar experimentations to best express their 30 acres of steeply angled, high density “non-terraced” vineyards which are carefully farmed with organic and biodynamic elements. Their cellar and caves meld tradition and technology, producing 4000 cases of luxury wines annually.
ABOUT THE WINEMAKING & VITICULTURAL ROUNDTABLE: This Roundtable meets six times a year, taking a harvest break. Ms. Lumgair noted, “Our past meeting topics have focused upon the C-suite professional skills and insights women winemakers and viticultural professionals need but aren’t always easy to get in their daily work environment.” She further explained that, “Held at some of Napa and Sonoma’s finest host wineries, these programs have been a fantastic opportunity for women winemakers and viticulturists to connect directly, in a friendly professional forum, with experts that they otherwise wouldn’t get to meet for personal advice and questions. Some of our recent speakers have included authors, leading wine publication critics and senior editors, global sensory consultants, sommeliers, media trainers, CFO’s, entrepreneurs and GM’s in panel discussions.”
Professionally qualified winemaker and viticulture guests may attend up to two Roundtables before deciding to join. It is a great way to expand skills while reconnecting and meeting new industry professionals.
ABOUT ADDITIONAL WWS ROUNDTABLES: WWS’ eight current professional roundtables serve to provide a welcoming and confidential environment to meet in small peer groups on a bi-monthly or quarterly basis. Members network, provide advice and support for one another, as well as foster educational occasions by inviting guest speakers in their fields and discussing ‘hot issues’ facing members in their day-to-day work. Multiple Roundtables have developed for WWS industry members in finance, accounting, human resources, winemaking/viticulture and marketing/direct-to-consumer fields.
The Napa/Sonoma Chapter currently has more than 400 members of which 80% are wine industry professionals. To join or learn more about WWS’ roundtables, please visit www.womenforwinesense.org. For inquiries about other WWS roundtables for additional functions besides winemaking and viticulture, contact the Napa| Sonoma Chapter’s President, Maryam Ahmed.
ABOUT WOMEN FOR WINESENSE: WWS is a not-for-profit organization 501(c)6. The Napa| Sonoma Chapter founded in 1990 is the founding chapter of this national organization which provides outstanding educational and networking opportunities to both wine industry professionals and wine enthusiasts by presenting educational, insightful and stimulating events in a welcoming, fun environment. Both men and women of legal drinking age are welcome to join. There is an exciting line-up of events planned for 2019. To join or learn more, please visit www.womenforwinesense.org.
