Los Angeles International
Wine Competition Judges

Born in London, raised in Sydney Mark has over 40 years of experience in the hotel, restaurant, and wine business, 20 of those as a Sommelier. In 2001 he was name Sommelier of the Year at the Vancouver Wine Festival- also won the Spirited Industry Professional award in 2014. Mark is an annual judge at Texsom International Wine Awards and has judged many other competitions in both Canada and the US.

He is the author of Wines of Australia (2023) which is part of the Classic Wine Library series through the Academie du Vin.

Marks education role at Wine Australia has seen him lecture on Australian wine in the UK, Scandinavia, China, Southeast Asia, Canada and the United States.

Peter Marks, Master of Wine, is a Partner and Instructor with the Napa Valley Wine Academy in Napa, California. Marks is one of only 59 Masters of Wine residing in the United States and one of 418 in the world. Marks received his MW designation in 1995 when he became the 10th American to pass. That year he also became the first American to receive the Madame Bollinger Foundation Award, which is bestowed annually to the MW candidate with the highest blind tasting score.

From 2008 to 2019 Marks was Vice President of Education for Constellation Brands. Before joining Constellation Wines, he was the Senior Vice President of Wine at Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food & the Arts in Napa. Previous to working at Copia Marks was the Chief Wine Merchant at Wine.com. For 15 years prior, Marks was Director of Wine for the upscale Draeger’s Supermarkets located in Northern California. Marks is the Panel Chair of the Practical (Tasting) Exam for the Institute of Masters of Wine, and he judges many international wine competitions. WineBusiness Monthly named him one of its Wine Industry Leaders in 2025. He assists with many charitable fundraisers throughout the year. Marks enjoys riding his bike in the Napa Valley, especially up Mt. Veeder and through the beautiful vineyards.

Rob Holder is Director of Brand Development for International Cuisine and now overseeing 9L Marketing. He is a veteran beverage professional with more than twenty-seven years dedicated to wine, spirits, and guest-centered program development. Based in Scottsdale, he has led beverage strategy for acclaimed multi-market restaurants—including the Roka Akor portfolio—where he shaped sourcing, cellar standards, tasting protocols, and education across Scottsdale, Chicago, San Francisco, and Houston. Rob began his beverage career in 1999 under mentor Paul Carter, building foundational expertise in wine and spirits management before moving into consulting and ultimately joining International Cuisine after nine years with JNK Concepts. His work has focused on producer relationships, category strategy, and pairing integration, curating lists that balance classical regions with emerging discoveries and a strong sense of place. With deep tasting experience and strong calibration discipline, Rob is a seasoned competition judge. He has served on the panel for the Arizona Wine Competition and is celebrating his tenth-year judging at the Los Angeles International Wine Competition. His evaluation approach blends technical precision with service-minded perspective, emphasizing purity, varietal character, balance, structure, and overall drinkability. A Certified Sake Professional, Rob brings cross-category range to judging panels, often integrating sake into comparative flights and educational tastings. He values producers who take a careful, quality‑focused approach to farming and winemaking, allowing regional character to come through naturally. Rob is honored to continue his work as a wine judge, recognizing excellence and supporting the growers, winemakers, and innovators who elevate the world of wine.

Stephanie Brisson is a storyteller of taste, a French wine professional whose path has been shaped as much by curiosity and travel as by terroir. Born into a family of winemakers, she has been immersed in the world of wine from an early age, developing a deep connection to both tradition and terroir. Before founding Les Comètes, her creative consultancy dedicated to immersive wine, beer, and sake experiences, she lived in China, the US and England among other countries—experiences that broadened her palate and deepened her understanding of how culture shapes the way people taste, learn, and connect. Her early career in the world of business and luxury, including time spent at Hermès, refined her eye for detail, craftsmanship, and the emotional resonance of well-made things. These foundations now inform her approach to wine communication: precise, sensory, and anchored in narrative. Today, her work spans event design, tasting workshops, and editorial contributions for regional publications. She has covered major industry events such as Wine Paris and regularly interviews leading voices in French wine. Her writing and tastings highlight the richness of regional identities—especially those of the Jura—and the human stories behind each bottle. She is also planning to open a café–wine bar in Jura, designed as a vibrant community hub offering tastings, cultural programming, and events.

Laura was an in-demand Napa Valley sommelier who spearheaded the wine program for Top Chef Michael Chiarello’s restaurant group and worked for Iron Chef Morimoto and TORC’s Sean and Cynthia O’Toole. She honed her palate at the Culinary Institute of America and holds an Advanced Sommelier title from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Currently, Laura is the Director of Fine Wine for Wine Access.

Spreti Valente, is a Certified Sommelier and Chair of the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, overseeing judging, marketing, and consumer engagement for thousands of attendees. The first woman to hold this role in nearly 100 years, she champions wine competitions as a marketing tool for wineries of all sizes. As Wine Coordinator for Pigs & Pinot, she coordinates the competitions, Smackdown, and emcees the Gala Rooftop dinner. A wine buyer with 17 years of experience, she leads marketing-driven events that promote wine brands. In 2024, Wine Business Monthly named her a Wine Industry Leader for advancing excellence, innovation, and industry growth.

Group: Chair

Greg Burns of Lodi, California is a fifth generation descendent of Jessie’s Grove Vineyards & Winery. Greg is the director of, and Head Winemaker for Jessie’s Grove Winery. His family has been in Lodi since the 1850’s and has been growing grapes in the Lodi area since the 1880’s. He continues that legacy today having returned to manage his family vineyards in 1994. With 280 acres of grapes in full production his selections for Jessie’s Grove Winery have been carefully hand selected. As Greg puts it, “With Lodi’s heritage as an AVA and its rich history of producing high quality grapes, making wine from your own heritage is the perfect balance”. Professional wine judging has been a passion of his for the last 15 years. Greg thoroughly enjoys his time with his wine judging piers and truly feels the passion for being the eternal student of wine.

Group: Winemaker

Founder and President Charles Communications Associates. – The Captain of the ship, Kimberly Charles has worked her PR and marketing mojo all over the world for 36 years. As an employee and an agent, she has tackled marketing issues of every size, shape and color, generating buzz & tangible results for wineries, gourmet food producers. She has largely focused her efforts on the wine, spirits and food industries, but has also crafted cause marketing and co-branding campaigns in co-operation with luxury brands including BMW, Ritz-Carlton, American Express, the Marriott and Hyatt Hotel chains, the Tony Awards^® and others. Her keen mind, palate and strategic approach caught the attention of Ernest Gallo, who recruited her away from Manhattan to become Director of Communications for E. & J. Gallo Winery, reporting directly to the head of the U.S. largest wine company. Kimberly holds a B.A. in History & Government from Georgetown University and also successfully completed the Diploma course for the Wine & Spirit Education Trust in London in 1997, one the early cohort of American candidates to attempt this challenging exam. She is a member of Slow Food, a board member of Les Dames d’Escoffier San Francisco and the Glancy Wine Education Foundation.

Group: Marketing

Sofia holds a degree in Communication Sciences and has also obtained WSET 3 Level Certification from Florida Wine Academy, qualifying her as a Wine Sommelier. Sofia has worked as a Brand Ambassador and Sommelier at Cava Quintanilla, a Mexican Winery for three years. Currently, she serves as the Portfolio Manager at La Competencia Imports, the largest importer of Mexican wines into the United States. Sofia’s expertise and networking skills makes her a key liaison between Mexico and the United States. Sofia has also earned the certification of Tea Sommelier from the International Tea Masters Association in San Diego.

Group: Marketing

Nicolas Diaz-Larrañaga was born and raised in Mexico City. At 18, he moved to Miami where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus on finance and international business from Florida International University. As a college student, he took an elective course on wine tasting studying under Chip Cassidy and Bill Hebrank. He promptly fell in love with wine and took his first industry job as a sales clerk at a wine shop. He continued to take courses on wine, where he met winemaker Daryl Groom. Daryl invited everyone in his class to work as a harvest intern at Geyser Peak, Nicolas was the only one who said yes. He worked his first harvest with Daryl in 2005, returned to California in 2006 to work a harvest at Domaine Carneros and moved out full time in 2007. He has since completed the online winemaking certificate from UC Davis, and has worked harvests in California at Etude, Stags’ Leap Winery, and Rudd. He has also worked a harvest in New Zealand. Nicolas has worked as a member of the winemaking team at Fantesca Estate & Winery since 2010 and was promoted to the position of Assistant Winemaker in 2016.

Group: Winemaker

Anna Marie Dos Remedios is a former journalist turned winemaker who began her career in wine in San Benito County, where she was influenced by renowned winemaker Josh Jensen. She learned minimal intervention techniques from her mentor and produces single vineyard wines with native yeast and gravity flow. In 2008, she co-founded Idle Hour Winery in Oakhurst, CA, near Yosemite National Park and her 12-room inn and wine bar, the Queen’s Inn. Anna Marie opened a second tasting room in Carmel Valley in the Monterey Bay in early 2014 and began judging wine competitions throughout California. In 2016, Anna Marie began hosting European wine tours yearly aboard AMA Waterways river cruises. In 2018, she was inducted into Les Dames d’Escoffier, the renown culinary organization. In 2019, Anna Marie expanded her winery to include a restaurant, focused on a scratch kitchen with Mediterranean cuisine to match her wines.

Group: Winemaker

Chris graduated from Cal Poly in 2005 with a degree in agricultural business with a focus on marketing, as well as a minor in viticulture. Concurrently, he earned a diploma in enology from Washington State University. So why not put those talents to use close to home? Chris accepted a position at Eberle Winery as assistant winemaker in 2006. But by 2009 his wanderlust enticed him away from the Central Coast to look for opportunities in other winemaking regions…many of them. For fifteen vintages, Chris spent time expanding his winemaking knowledge in South Africa, Germany, New Zealand, Australia and France. That knowledge base would come in handy. In 2015 Gary Eberle, in his search for a new winemaker, contacted Chris in Australia and offered him the head winemaking job in Paso Robles.

Group: Winemaker

Winemaker at the historic Galleano Winery. Domenic Galleano is the fourth-generation winemaker at Galleano Winery, carrying forward a family legacy that dates back to 1927. His father, the late Donald Galleano, was a highly respected figure in the wine industry, known for his dedication to preserving historic vineyards and his deep influence on California winemaking. Domenic continues this commitment, honoring both his father’s vision and his great-grandfather’s legacy by maintaining traditional winemaking techniques at the last bonded Prohibition-era winery in Cucamonga Valley still owned and operated by its founding family. With a hands-on approach and a respect for heritage, Domenic ensures that Galleano Winery remains a cornerstone of California’s winemaking history.

Group: Winemaker

Alejandro is the owner and wine buyer of Tres Muchachos Wine Bar & Kitchen in Costa Mesa, California. With over a decade of experience curating and hosting food and wine events across Orange County and Los Angeles, he has worked alongside top restaurateurs, winemakers, and industry experts to craft unforgettable dining experiences.

A skilled wine professional, Alejandro has consulted on wine and food menus for multiple restaurants and startups, ensuring exceptional pairings that enhance the guest experience. At Tres Muchachos, he showcases a thoughtfully curated, unconventional wine list, offering selections that go beyond the expected. His deep understanding of wine allows him to introduce guests to exciting, under-the-radar bottles, always with a keen sense of what his clientele will love.

Bringing a refined palate and a dedication to quality, Alejandro is committed to celebrating and elevating the wine experience. A graduate of Vanguard University with a B.S. in Business and a minor in accounting, he blends business acumen with a love of food, wine, and music to create welcoming spaces where people can connect over great flavors.

Group: Buyer / Chef

Barry has more than three decades of experience in the wine industry, ranging from sommelier and wine shop owner to high-level retail and private cellar acquisitions. He was raised in Southern California, where he earned his stripes in some of LA’s most celebrated restaurants, among them Chinois on Main and Osteria Angelini. Most recently, Barry was General Manager of the Rare Wine Company in Sonoma, as well as working with Soutirage and Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits in Napa Valley. Currently, he is the wine buyer for Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa, CA, a 15,000 square foot superstore and arguably has the largest and finest selection of fine wines north of San Francisco. Barry blames a bottle of 1980 Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux for having sent him down the rabbit hole many years ago. Today, he lives in Petaluma, CA with his wife, two children and Australian Shepherd, Elvis, to whom he happily dedicates every spare moment outside of work.

Group: Buyer

Michael Horn is President/CEO of CRN Digital Talk Radio, the nation’s largest radio syndicator to multiple platforms. CRN is heard on AM/FM Radio, Satellite Radio, Cable TV, Internet, Mobile and streaming Applications, via podcast and end even on ROKU and Apple TV. Michael is the host of the daily “What’s Cookin’ Today” show, the nation’s food, wine, travel, health, wealth and entertainment show and “The What’s Cookin On Wine” show. Michael has reported and covered major wine events around the world including Auction Napa Valley, The Sonoma Showcase Of Wine and Food , Kaanapali Fresh, the Hawaii Food and Wine Fest and many more. He produced “Brown Bag Wine Tasting” with William Shatner and is proud to return to judge the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Group: Journalist

Stacie is a Certified Silver Pin Sommelier, AIS and Co-founder of SPLASH Productions, producers of Wine, Cuisine & Art exhibitions and video documentaries and producing/hosting live streaming shows for wineries and regions.* As an Emmy-Award winning journalist, she contributes her column to the award-winning online magazine, MY LA Lifestyle and other publications. Additionally, she is an international wine judge and, a taster for Wine & Spirits Magazine.

Stacie serves as Vice President on the board of the National Association of Wine Retailers and is an adjunct professor at Cal Poly and UCLA. In this capacity Stacie co-created the Certified American Wine Specialist course for the North American Sommelier Association.

Stacie is producer of the one-hour award-winning documentary for Wine Spectator magazine and producer of dozens of Satellite Media Tours featuring wineries. She is an Emmy and Belding Award winner for her news and journalism work with NBC. As a product/brand spokesperson she has conducted international webcasts and shows for Bertolli Foods and Saeco and spokesperson for the Baja Winemakers.

Group: Marketing

Wing Lam is the eldest of the three founding brothers and the enigmatic character widely recognized as the face of the iconic Wahoo’s Fish Taco brand. A 30-plus-year restaurant industry veteran, he is often in the public eye participating as a panelist and speaker at global events such as the IEG Conference and guest lecturing for MBA programs at Yale, UCLA and USC. In addition to being featured on the ABC hit show “The Secret Millionaire,” Lam also starred in a national Merrill Lynch commercial and two Food Network shows, “Unwrapped” and “Beach Eats USA,” he actively supports and attends many national and local community-based events. Wing and his brothers have been named among the 500 Most Influential by the Orange County Business Journal, with Wahoo’s Fish Taco the recipient of the Golden Foodie Award and Best OC Brand by OC Weekly. Wing graduated from San Diego State University with a B.S in science and a minor in Spanish. Wing has been a long-time wine judge at LA Wine and Spirits competition.

Group: Chef / Buyer

Adam LaZarre is a veteran winemaker with nearly 20 years of experience behind him. Previously, he was the Vice President of Winemaking for Hahn Estates winery in Monterey County and was part of the team that created such superstar wines as Rex-Goliath and Cycles-Gladiator. Prior to that, Adam produced wines for a number of Central Coast and North Coast wineries as well as participated in the production of wines in Chile and in Spain.

Adam first fell in love with wine while serving honorably in the U.S. Navy. Rather than continue his military service, he chose to enroll in Fresno State’s highly acclaimed Enology program where he graduated, despite all the wine he drank while in school. During his studies, he fell in love with and subsequently relocated to the Central Coast of California where he produced wines for Elliston Vineyards, Jekel Winery, and Constellation Wine Company.

Adam is one of the most accoladed winemakers in California, with Best-of-Show wins at the most prestigious wine competitions in the world including the L.A. International Wine Competition where he is the only three time winner of this respected wine competition. In 2005, Adam was named “Winemaker of the Year” in the Sacramento Bee and was also named “One of the Top Five Winemakers” in the San Francisco Chronicle in 2006. Earlier in 2012, Adam was ranked #69 on IntoWine.com’s “100 Most Influential People in the US Wine Industry”.

Group: Winemaker

Jeff Mangahas is the VP Director of Winemaking at Williams Seylem. On most wine tasting trips with friends, conversation tends to center on the beautiful surroundings, the aromas in the glass, and where is everyone having their next amazing meal. When Jeff started wine tasting back in his 20’s, the question that kept popping into his head was “why does this wine taste the way it does?” It would be this burning curiosity about what happens before wine enters the bottle that would lead Jeff to leave a career as a medical research scientist and enroll in the UC Davis winemaking program. Jeff has graduated with an M.S. in Enology and then takes on his first harvest with Artesa Vineyards. Soon after, Jeff has become Assistant Winemaker at Dutton-Goldfield, digging into the world of cool-climate Pinot wine growing. Then he was on to the role of Winemaker at Hartford Family Winery, specializing in Pinot Noir from Russian River Valley and Sonoma Coast appellations. Today, as Winemaker at Williams Seylem, Jeff continues to ask the question of what makes a wine taste the way it does, now tempered with, “how can we coax the best out of each vintage?” Jeff also brings another perspective to the making of wine as a gardener and home chef.

Group: Winemaker

Florence was born and raised in the Paris Region, she has always been drawn to the world of hospitality and fine dining. Her journey began with a degree in hotel management from Thonon-les-Bains and Paris, where she honed her skills and developed a deep appreciation for the art of gastronomy and wines. Her love for human interaction led her to explore various roles within the hospitality industry, but it was her passion for wine that truly captured her heart.

In 2005, she embarked on a new chapter of her life, joining her husband in managing their family’s vineyard. From the vineyards to the winery, she immersed herself in every aspect of winemaking, learning the intricacies of the craft and refining her palate through tastings and blendings. Over the years, she has become deeply involved in the Champagne World, participating in tastings, joining the youth group of the “Syndicat Général des Vignerons de la Champagne,” and collaborating with other Champagne producers.

In 2018, she became a member of the Feminalise jury, furthering her commitment to the wine industry and expanding her knowledge through tasting competitions. Her thirst for knowledge has led her to pursue certifications, including the WSET Level 2, with plans to achieve WSET Level 3. She is constantly seeking new experiences and opportunities to grow, traveling extensively to visit wineries both in France and abroad.

As the Sales Manager for their family domain, she is dedicated to building relationships with wine professionals worldwide and participating in wine events whenever possible. Her journey in the wine industry has been a rewarding one, and she is excited to continue exploring and sharing her passion for wine with others.

Group: Marketing

Stefania Marcuz is an expert in Science and Culture of Food and in Sensory Analysis applied to the Food & Beverage sector. She is a professional and certified taster of wine, olive oil, honey, cheese, coffee, olives, chocolate, grappa & spirits, etc., and is Judge and Panel leader in the juries of some of the most prestigious national and international competitions and guides of the sector. Moreover, she works as a Quality & Marketing Consultant by important and award winning agri-food companies and as a Food & Beverage Consultant, Trainer and Project Manager for private and public companies, institutions, organizations, exhibitions and trade fairs in Italy as well as abroad. Furthermore, due to her international working experiences and indepth knowledge of several agri-food products, she works as a consultant for some important Italian and foreign Food & Beverage buyers and distributors. She also holds the position of Member of the National Board of the European School for Sommeliers as well as of its Delegate for the Friuli Venezia Giulia Region and Eastern Veneto.

Group: Marketing

Brian Marquez, Winemaker, born and raised in Southern California has been in Temecula Valley for over 30 years. A self-described perfectionist, he has constantly refined his practices, wines, and techniques. Brian likes to approach classic wines with a southern California flair while applying his knowledge from his studies at UC Davis. With his passion and love for his hometown of Temecula, Brian is constantly pushing to improve the quality and reputation of wines from this esteemed region of California.

Group: Winemaker

Kim McPherson comes from a pioneering Texas wine family, with over 50 years of history in grape growing and winemaking. His father, Dr. Clinton A. “Doc” McPherson, co-founded Llano Estacado Winery in 1976, launching the modern Texas wine industry. A Texas Tech graduate, Kim later studied Enology and Viticulture at UC Davis before working in Napa Valley. He returned to Texas as winemaker for Llano Estacado and Cap*Rock Winery, earning over 500 medals for his wines. In 2000, he founded McPherson Cellars to honor his father, transforming a historic 1930s Coca-Cola bottling plant into one of Texas’ most celebrated wineries.

Recognized as one of the Top 100 Most Influential U.S. Winemakers, Kim continues to shape the Texas wine industry with innovation and dedication.

Group: Winemaker

Jon McPherson is a Master Winemaker with deep roots in the industry. Raised in Lubbock, Texas, he grew up learning from his father, Doc McPherson, a pioneer of Texas winemaking.

After earning a degree in Food & Technology with a minor in Chemistry from Texas Tech, Jon moved to Southern California in 1985 to focus on sparkling wine. As head winemaker at Culbertson Winery (now Thornton Winery), his expertise led to record-breaking accolades, solidifying its reputation as America’s Most Honored Sparkling Wine producer.

Since 2003, Jon has been crafting exceptional sparkling and still wines at South Coast Winery, working with premium vineyards like Wild Horse Peak. A respected wine judge and industry veteran, he remains a leader in California winemaking.

Group: Winemaker

Ann Miller works with Les Bourgeois Vineyards, a top producer of regional varietal wines in the Midwest. Ann has served as a wine judge for several national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, the Florida State Fair International Wine Competition, and the Los Angeles International Wine Competition.

Group: Marketing

Jeff is a graduate of Penn State with a degree in Food Science. Jeff has been Johnson Estate’s winemaker in New York since 2003 and has introduced eight new wines during his tenure there, including Port and Sherry, fruit wines and sparkling wines. Many of these wines have won gold medals in international competitions along with numerous silver and bronze medals. Jeff enjoys making wines that are approachable, food-friendly and elegant. He has a distinct Germanic tilt to his preferences and style of winemaking, eschewing excessive oak and permitting the terroir of the grapes to be revealed in our wines. He regularly attends Pro Wein, held annually in Dusseldorf, Germany, and visits equipment suppliers and wineries elsewhere in Europe.

Group: Winemaker

Mark A. Newman of Studio City, California has been Chairman and CEO of three wine & spirits industry companies and has spent a lifetime in the industry. Mark is currently consulting for wineries in the south of France, Bordeaux, Italy, Spain and California. In his over 35 years in the wine industry, he has owned the largest per unit wine & spirits retail chain in Arizona, held key California winery positions as well as senior level executive positions in the wine distributing business. Mark has also produced wine in both California and France. He received his education at the University of Southern California in Business (Marketing & Finance) and is a member of several wine industry trade groups. Mark was inducted into the prestigious Commanderie de Bontemps du Medoc et Graves recognizing his years of dedication to the wine industry, and is Maitre Consiels of Gastronomy, an honor bestowed by the French Minister of Agriculture, and he has previously had his palate insured for one million dollars.

Group: Marketing

Philippe Nunes is the owner and winemaker of Château Laurence, producing Bordeaux and Bordeaux Supérieur wines on the banks of the La Laurence river. A graduate of the Institut d’Œnologie de Bordeaux in 1996, Philippe has dedicated his life to crafting wines that reflect the exceptional terroirs of Montussan and Saint-Sulpice-et-Cameyrac, just 20 minutes from Pomerol and Saint-Émilion.

At Château Laurence, Philippe cultivates 8 hectares of vineyards, specializing in 100% Merlot for reds and Sauvignon Blanc and Chardonnay for whites and sparkling wines. Beyond his estate, Philippe has been a sought-after wine consultant since 2001, working with Hubert de Boüard Consulting Lab. His expertise extends across Bordeaux’s Left and Right Banks and internationally, with projects in Spain, Italy, South Africa, Lebanon, and possibly soon, the U.S..

Philippe’s winemaking journey began in his childhood, growing up surrounded by vineyards. His passion led him to Pomerol, where he made his first vintage in 1997. He later played a key role in developing La Fleur de Boüard, elevating it to international acclaim. In 2005, he realized a lifelong dream by acquiring vineyards in Montagne Saint-Émilion, establishing Clos Bertineau, a personal and family-driven project.

Group: Winemaker

Shawn Richcreek is passionate about people, passionate about wine education and most importantly, he is passionate about providing amazing customer experiences! He is currently the West Coast Regional Business Partner for Total Wine & More, supporting 65+ locations. Shawn also teaches wine education classes for California State University San Bernardino’s Osher Institute in Palm Desert. Prior to Joining Total Wine & More, Shawn worked for 13 years for Beverages & More where he was the Director of Training for their retail stores. Prior to that, Shawn was the Southern California wine buyer for Cost Plus World Market and has worked on the retail side of the Wine and Spirits business in Southern California for more than 25 years. Shawn is a Certified Sommelier and a Certified Specialist of Spirits.

Group: Sommelier / Buyer

Robert Small, Ph.D., is professor emeritus and former dean of Cal Poly Pomona’s Collins College of Hospitality Management. In addition to serving as dean twice, he taught management, wine and beverage courses in his 30-year career. He completed a university textbook, with his wife Michelle Couturier, Beverage Basics: Understanding and Appreciating Wine, Beer, and Spirits released by John Wiley in fall 2011. For 14 years he chaired the Los Angeles International Wine & Spirits Competition and continues to judge wine at several international competitions throughout the country. Bob also leads food, wine and culture trips to Europe sponsored by the Collins College and Cal Poly Pomona University twice a year and was the proprietor of Dr. Bob’s HandCrafted IceCreams from 1999 to 2016.

Nina Sventitsky has spent the past 20 years in the wine industry, in sales and marketing roles. Her expertise is working with global wine regions, creating sponsorships and marketing programs. She is currently head of Business Development at Napa Valley Wine Academy where she oversees partnerships with regions including Champagne, Rioja, Rhône Valley, Bordeaux and the Albertsons Companies.
Group: Marketing

Miro Tcholakov is Vice President and Director of Winemaking Operations for Trentadue Winery LLC in Geyserville, Sonoma County, overseeing all aspects of winemaking; including custom crush and bottling. Chiefly responsible for reinvigorating the Trentadue brand when he came aboard in 1999, Miro has worked tirelessly to take our wines to a new level of quality and prestige. “Making wine has been a lifelong dream of mine. After completing my studies in 1990 at the higher Institute of Agriculture in Bulgaria in Agronomy/Viticulture, I traveled to California on an Exchange program in wine business. I continued my education by attending Santa Rosa Junior College and UC Davis, focusing on specific courses in Winemaking and management. My internship started at Dry Creek Vineyards in the summer of 1990 and in nine years of employment, I transitioned through the ranks of Cellar Master and Assistant Winemaker. It was during this time that I fell in love with two distinctively California varietals; Zinfandel and especially Petite Sirah. In 1999 I took over the winemaking operations at Trentadue Winery. That new opportunity added to my excitement about Zinfandel and Petite Sirah, which have been two long standing staple varietals at Trentadue. My passionate love affair with Zin and Petite Sirah lead to my election to the Board of Directors of ZAP (Zinfandel Advocates and Producers) and also to the Board of Directors of PS(Petite Sirah) I Love you-a nonprofit organization that I helped establish 19 years ago.” Miro is also a Judge at several other prestigious wine competitions.

Group: Winemaker

Jim Trezise is President of WineAmerica, the National Association of American Wineries based in Washington, DC. He also created and for 30 years was President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation; created and was President for 10 years of the International Riesling Foundation; and has served on Boards of Directors of many national and international wine industry organizations. He has received several national awards for his contributions to the American wine industry, and judges in about 10 major wine competitions each year. He lives on Keuka Lake in New York’s Finger Lakes region.

Group: Marketing

Wilfred Wong is a wine critic, writer, and photographer with five decades of experience in the wine industry. A respected wine judge, he has evaluated wines across the globe, including France, Spain, New Zealand, Australia, and the United States. Among his favorite U.S. competitions is the Los Angeles International Wine Competition, where his expertise and keen palate are highly valued.

As the former Cellar Master at BevMo, Wilfred played a pivotal role in creating the company’s wine rating system, a groundbreaking approach that helped guide consumers in selecting wines. Tasting nearly 3,000 wines a year, his scores and concise tasting notes became an influential tool in retail wine buying, earning him a reputation as one of the most trusted palates in the business.

Based in San Francisco, Wilfred’s extensive career has made him a go-to authority in the industry, offering insight through his writing, reviews, and photography. His deep knowledge, sharp judgment, and dedication to wine continue to shape how consumers and professionals alike understand and appreciate wine.

Group: Buyer