The Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference Advisory Board
The Tasting & Tap Room Expo and Craft Beverage Expo & Conference Advisory Board provides guidance, expertise, and strategic input to ensure the success and growth of these events. The advisory board, through its collective expertise, industry knowledge and business contacts, plays a pivotal role in guiding the organizers to create educational offerings as well as a successful, impactful, and well-regarded experience.
In addition, the advisory board plays a crucial role in shaping the direction of the events and conference including guiding the event’s conference content as well as recommending and securing relevant speakers.
Meet the 2024 Advisory Board Members
Marc Farrel
Founder of Ten To One Rum
Tom Fischer
Founder of the Bourbon Blog
Taylor Foxman
CEO of The Industry Collective
Taylor Foxman
CEO of The Industry Collective
Taylor Foxman - Veteran beverage alcohol expert with over a decade of experience, having worked for globally recognized wine, beer and spirit companies including most recently Pernod Ricard in addition to others such as Gruppo Campari, Boston Beer, Edrington Americas, Sidney Frank, Patron Spirits and Stoli Group.
Currently Foxman serves as the Founder & CEO of The Industry Collective, the leading beverage and cannabis advisory firm for 70 emerging brands in these sectors as well as a co-host of two beverage and CPG podcasts and contributor for Rolling Stone on the convergence of culture, beverage and cannabis. She is also a Board Advisor for six venture capital firms investing in beverage, cannabis, underrepresented communities and beyond.
As of Sept 2023, joined as Partner of Alethia Ventures (Stealth F&B Fund; 1st fund) and Associate Partner of MacArthur Capital – only female in both funds.
Currently Foxman serves as the Founder & CEO of The Industry Collective, the leading beverage and cannabis advisory firm for 70 emerging brands in these sectors as well as a co-host of two beverage and CPG podcasts and contributor for Rolling Stone on the convergence of culture, beverage and cannabis. She is also a Board Advisor for six venture capital firms investing in beverage, cannabis, underrepresented communities and beyond.
As of Sept 2023, joined as Partner of Alethia Ventures (Stealth F&B Fund; 1st fund) and Associate Partner of MacArthur Capital – only female in both funds.
Shae Frichette
Frichette Winery
Shae Frichette
Frichette Winery
Shae Frichette is Co-owner and Assistant Winemaker at Frichette Winery, a limited production winery and tasting room in the Red Mountain AVA in Washington State, USA.
Shae completed Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2, and Introductory Course and Exam to Court of Master Sommeliers. She is the 2015 ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient, a recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneurial Award, 2015 Young Professional Award recipient, inductee as a Rising Star in the Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame and graduate of the Leadership Tri-Cities Class XX.
Shae introduced her label at Frichette Winery called Sashay focusing on approachable reds and off dry rosés using Columbia Valley AVA wine grapes. The Sashay wines included Rosé of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (available May 2020).
Shae has served as Chair of the Board of the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Red Mountain AVA Alliance, Visit Tri-Cities and Advisory Board for UW Foster School of Business. She is a mentor with eMERGE, a STEM based leadership program for girls. She is an active volunteer with the American Heart Association hosting an annual fundraising and awareness event and also founded the Benton City Wineries Giving Garden Project where more than a dozen wineries grow food and provide financial donations to the local food bank. As a community advocate, Shae volunteers by sharing wine and wine education for more than twenty non-profits in the Tri-Cities area each year.
Prior to starting Frichette Winery, Shae lead the Organizational Development Function for Stanley Black & Decker - HHI where she designed Leadership Development Programs for associates in four countries. Today, Shae is the head winemaker for Sashay and assistant winemaker for the Frichette Wines. She’s active in speaking at conferences and events on topics such as networking, providing stellar service and teambuilding.
Shae holds a B.A. in Theatre from Winthrop University in South Carolina, leadership and facilitator certifications from Franklin Covey, Ken Blanchard and Achieve Global and has the distinction of the CPCC from Coaches Training Institute.
She loves spending time with her family, enjoying a glass of wine and writing.
Shae completed Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 2, and Introductory Course and Exam to Court of Master Sommeliers. She is the 2015 ATHENA Young Professional Award recipient, a recipient of the 2015 Entrepreneurial Award, 2015 Young Professional Award recipient, inductee as a Rising Star in the Mid-Columbia Ag Hall of Fame and graduate of the Leadership Tri-Cities Class XX.
Shae introduced her label at Frichette Winery called Sashay focusing on approachable reds and off dry rosés using Columbia Valley AVA wine grapes. The Sashay wines included Rosé of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah (available May 2020).
Shae has served as Chair of the Board of the Tri-Cities Regional Chamber of Commerce and on the Board of Directors for the Red Mountain AVA Alliance, Visit Tri-Cities and Advisory Board for UW Foster School of Business. She is a mentor with eMERGE, a STEM based leadership program for girls. She is an active volunteer with the American Heart Association hosting an annual fundraising and awareness event and also founded the Benton City Wineries Giving Garden Project where more than a dozen wineries grow food and provide financial donations to the local food bank. As a community advocate, Shae volunteers by sharing wine and wine education for more than twenty non-profits in the Tri-Cities area each year.
Prior to starting Frichette Winery, Shae lead the Organizational Development Function for Stanley Black & Decker - HHI where she designed Leadership Development Programs for associates in four countries. Today, Shae is the head winemaker for Sashay and assistant winemaker for the Frichette Wines. She’s active in speaking at conferences and events on topics such as networking, providing stellar service and teambuilding.
Shae holds a B.A. in Theatre from Winthrop University in South Carolina, leadership and facilitator certifications from Franklin Covey, Ken Blanchard and Achieve Global and has the distinction of the CPCC from Coaches Training Institute.
She loves spending time with her family, enjoying a glass of wine and writing.
Aaron MJ Gore
Director, Partnership & Community, Arryved
Aaron MJ Gore
Director, Partnership & Community, Arryved
Aaron MJ Gore is the Director of Partnerships and Community for Arryved, helping to connect craft breweries with the tools and resources that they need to succeed.
With a decade of sales, retail management, and business analytic experience in the craft beverage industry, he loves the opportunities that he has every day to make a difference for small business owners across the country. He is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Pommelier, Certified Cheese Scholar, and is (AF)(NA) Beer Certified.
Additionally, he is an active industry advocate, public speaker, beer educator, and the father of two daughters who are the true passion of his life.
With a decade of sales, retail management, and business analytic experience in the craft beverage industry, he loves the opportunities that he has every day to make a difference for small business owners across the country. He is an Advanced Cicerone, Certified Pommelier, Certified Cheese Scholar, and is (AF)(NA) Beer Certified.
Additionally, he is an active industry advocate, public speaker, beer educator, and the father of two daughters who are the true passion of his life.
Karen W. Hertz
Founder, Holidaily Brewing Company
Karen W. Hertz
Founder, Holidaily Brewing Company
Karen W. Hertz is the founder of Holidaily Brewing Company. In her early 30’s, Karen survived both melanoma and thyroid cancers, leading to a treatment regimen including
a gluten-free diet.
After adopting a gluten-free diet, Karen struggled to find a great tasting, 100% glutenfree beer. If the lack of quality gluten-free options was a challenge for her, she thought it certainly was a challenge for others as well. With an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver and 15 years of beer industry experience under her belt, Hertz researched gluten-free ingredients, tested alternatives, and gained an understanding of brewing processes in order to create a better solution. Thus, the idea for Holidaily Brewing Company was born.
Since opening the brewery in 2016, Holidaily has grown over 1500%. After years of exponential growth in Colorado, Holidaily Brewing opened the doors to a new production brewery in May of 2019, making them the largest dedicated gluten-free brewery in the U.S. In addition to opening a second taproom location in Colorado, Holidaily has expanded distribution to Arizona, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and California with continued growth in their future.
Holidaily’s success has garnered recognition from Bon Appetit Magazine, Gluten-free Living Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, Today, Popsugar and more. The brewery has won hardware in three of the last four Great American Beer Festivals and World Beer Cup. The brewery was recognized as “Colorado’s Craft Brewery of the Year” as well as “Colorado’s Woman Owned Business of the Year”. 8
Outside of her role as Chief Brewista, Karen enjoys living in Golden, Colorado with her husband and twin daughters and taking advantage of all that the Colorado outdoors have to offer.
After adopting a gluten-free diet, Karen struggled to find a great tasting, 100% glutenfree beer. If the lack of quality gluten-free options was a challenge for her, she thought it certainly was a challenge for others as well. With an MBA in Entrepreneurial Studies from the University of Colorado at Denver and 15 years of beer industry experience under her belt, Hertz researched gluten-free ingredients, tested alternatives, and gained an understanding of brewing processes in order to create a better solution. Thus, the idea for Holidaily Brewing Company was born.
Since opening the brewery in 2016, Holidaily has grown over 1500%. After years of exponential growth in Colorado, Holidaily Brewing opened the doors to a new production brewery in May of 2019, making them the largest dedicated gluten-free brewery in the U.S. In addition to opening a second taproom location in Colorado, Holidaily has expanded distribution to Arizona, Wyoming, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and California with continued growth in their future.
Holidaily’s success has garnered recognition from Bon Appetit Magazine, Gluten-free Living Magazine, Food & Wine Magazine, Today, Popsugar and more. The brewery has won hardware in three of the last four Great American Beer Festivals and World Beer Cup. The brewery was recognized as “Colorado’s Craft Brewery of the Year” as well as “Colorado’s Woman Owned Business of the Year”. 8
Outside of her role as Chief Brewista, Karen enjoys living in Golden, Colorado with her husband and twin daughters and taking advantage of all that the Colorado outdoors have to offer.
Quinton Jay
Founder and Managing Director of BCG
Quinton Jay
Founder and Managing Director of BCG
Quinton Jay has 20 years of experience running both boutique and well-known wineries, as well as a wine-focused private equity fund, and has been an expert witness in the alcohol beverage industry on five different occasions. Quinton has spoken at over 25 industry conferences and is quoted in the press on a regular basis as a subject-matter expert. Quinton has experience working as a traditional lender and with alternative lenders to private equity firms. He has lent and funded over $100,000,000 in his career in finance and private equity.
Quinton is the Founder and Managing Director of Bacchus Consulting Group (BCG) (http://www.bacchuscg.com/), an independent alcohol beverage consulting firm he founded in 2002; the consulting firm is focused on restructuring/turnarounds and optimizing business by integrating operations sales (wholesale and direct to consumer), and financial management. BCG has the largest database of Alternative Lender/Financing companies that are interested in working with Alcohol Beverage Companies.
Concurrently, Quinton is the Proprietor of Bacchus Wine Shop (BWS) a full-service retail merchant of fine wines, artisanal spirits, and craft beers co-located inside a butcher shop, the Pape Meat Company store (est. 1958) in Millbrae, CA. BWS is leveraging the “store within a store” concept to drive wine and spirit sales, tastings, and clubs.
Before BCG and BWS, Quinton was the Managing Director of Bacchus Capital Management (BCM). At Bacchus Capital Management, Quinton’s responsibility included the sourcing and structuring of the transactions that became the portfolio of wineries for the fund.
Prior to joining BCM in 2009, Quinton was Vice President, General Manager of Artesa Vineyards and Winery, managing all aspects of the 100,000+ case ultrapremium brand. Quinton was the General Manager of Bonny Doon Vineyard.
Quinton began his career in the beverage industry in brand management and strategic planning at Coca-Cola following his position as Associate Vice President in the corporate finance and investment banking division of Bank of America. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Long Beach and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
Quinton is the Founder and Managing Director of Bacchus Consulting Group (BCG) (http://www.bacchuscg.com/), an independent alcohol beverage consulting firm he founded in 2002; the consulting firm is focused on restructuring/turnarounds and optimizing business by integrating operations sales (wholesale and direct to consumer), and financial management. BCG has the largest database of Alternative Lender/Financing companies that are interested in working with Alcohol Beverage Companies.
Concurrently, Quinton is the Proprietor of Bacchus Wine Shop (BWS) a full-service retail merchant of fine wines, artisanal spirits, and craft beers co-located inside a butcher shop, the Pape Meat Company store (est. 1958) in Millbrae, CA. BWS is leveraging the “store within a store” concept to drive wine and spirit sales, tastings, and clubs.
Before BCG and BWS, Quinton was the Managing Director of Bacchus Capital Management (BCM). At Bacchus Capital Management, Quinton’s responsibility included the sourcing and structuring of the transactions that became the portfolio of wineries for the fund.
Prior to joining BCM in 2009, Quinton was Vice President, General Manager of Artesa Vineyards and Winery, managing all aspects of the 100,000+ case ultrapremium brand. Quinton was the General Manager of Bonny Doon Vineyard.
Quinton began his career in the beverage industry in brand management and strategic planning at Coca-Cola following his position as Associate Vice President in the corporate finance and investment banking division of Bank of America. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree from California State University at Long Beach and a Master of Business Administration from the Kellogg Graduate School of Management at Northwestern University.
John Morris
Tasting Room Manager, Tablas Creek Vineyard
John Morris
Tasting Room Manager, Tablas Creek Vineyard
After growing up in and around Flint, Michigan, John was drawn to the energy of mid-80’s Seattle with its burgeoning music, coffee, beer, and wine scenes, and made the decision to relocate. While managing cafes for specialty coffee retailer Torrefazione Italia, he became increasingly interested in how to better utilize the most important resource in any business: people.
After 20 years in the Northwest, the idea of relocating to a sunnier climate became a stronger and stronger pull, and eventually led John to Paso Robles and the flourishing wine industry. In 2007 he came aboard as Tasting Room Manager for Tablas Creek Vineyard, where he’s overseen constant growth and change, and the transition from a small, newer tasting room, to an industry-leading icon. John leads a staff of 20-plus, who welcome over 30,000 visitors per year, sharing our unique story and authentic Rhône-style wines.
When not at the winery, John can be found working on his ½ acre hobby farm, or playing bass guitar around Paso Robles.
After 20 years in the Northwest, the idea of relocating to a sunnier climate became a stronger and stronger pull, and eventually led John to Paso Robles and the flourishing wine industry. In 2007 he came aboard as Tasting Room Manager for Tablas Creek Vineyard, where he’s overseen constant growth and change, and the transition from a small, newer tasting room, to an industry-leading icon. John leads a staff of 20-plus, who welcome over 30,000 visitors per year, sharing our unique story and authentic Rhône-style wines.
When not at the winery, John can be found working on his ½ acre hobby farm, or playing bass guitar around Paso Robles.
Meridith May
Publisher and Editorial Director
Meridith May
Publisher and Editorial Director
Meridith May is the owner of The SOMM Journal and the co-founder of THE TASTING PANEL Magazine.
She is responsible for the publications’ branding and content and has successfully increased each national magazine’s circulation and readership to reach over a million hospitality industry professionals annually.
These national publications have evolved to become the fastest growing, most widely distributed for the beverage industry.
She is responsible for the publications’ branding and content and has successfully increased each national magazine’s circulation and readership to reach over a million hospitality industry professionals annually.
These national publications have evolved to become the fastest growing, most widely distributed for the beverage industry.
Bruce Nissen
Co-founder of LDB Beverage Company
Lisa Redwine
General Manager, Burtech Family Vineyard
Lisa Redwine
General Manager, Burtech Family Vineyard
Lisa Redwine brings a whole new level of food and wine knowledge to the San Diego community. Lisa passed the Court of Master Sommeliers’ Advanced Exam in 2010 and is pursuing her Master Sommelier certification. She is one of four women in San Diego to hold Advanced Sommelier accreditation. And having worked as a professional chef and general manager for some of the finest restaurants in San Francisco, Lisa elevates the dining experience to an art form, where service, atmosphere, food and wine intermingle to form a feast for all the senses.
Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Lisa was exposed at a young age to farmer’s markets, freshly baked breads and delicious home cooking. The granddaughter of a butcher and a cheese maker, Lisa learned the importance of fresh handcrafted foods. She enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Stout, where she received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and then attended the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated with honors with a degree in Culinary Arts.
Lisa went from New York to San Francisco, as she was General Manager at the renowned Cypress Club under restaurateur extraordinaire, John Cunin. Lisa then joined the Grand Cafe as assistant General Manager where she worked with General Manager Umberto Gibin. There, she developed a wine program that garnered awards from Wine Spectator and Sante magazines. After relocating to San Diego, she served as General Manager and Hotel Wine Director at Molly’s Restaurant & Bar at the Marriott Hotel. As the Director of Restaurants and Beverage Operations of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Inc., Lisa was responsible in creation of an innovative seasonal beverage programs that encompassed wine, cocktails and beer, staff training, revenue generation and service standards for The Marine Room, The Shores Restaurant, La Jolla Shores Hotel Catering, and La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Catering and Club Dining. Lisa also has worked with the prestigious Regal Wine Company as a sales representative, conveying her passion for the labels she will be representing to wine professionals in San Diego.
Her newest adventure is joining the team at Market Restaurant and Bar. This iconic restaurant is synonymous with excellence. Lisa will bring her passion for food and wine to the service team and guests. This restaurant is the heart and soul of Chef Carl Schroeder and Lisa will bring her knowledge to create a program that pairs with the culinary magic that represents Market.
She brings with her multiple food and beverage certifications, including: Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine from Society of Wine Educators, Certified Wine Professional and an AOS Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
Lisa is a leader in the wine industry and in her hometown of San Diego, she has trained hundreds of individuals to become better beverage professionals. In 2006, she began teaching "Exploring Wine" in San Diego State University's Business of Wine Program. She has expanded her role at SDSU as she serves as an Advisor and teaches multiple wine classes each year. She has been involved for more than a decade with the San Diego Wine & Food Festival and serves as an advisor and Head Lead for SommCon USA. She is a wine judge for the San Diego International Wine Competition, Sommelier Challenge, Toast of the Coast and Lum Eisenman San Diego County Wine Competition. In 2011, after seeing a need for educational opportunities for women wine professionals she created the nonprofit organization, Women’s Wine Alliance. She currently serves as the organization’s President and leads seminars for its members.
Growing up in Madison, Wisconsin, Lisa was exposed at a young age to farmer’s markets, freshly baked breads and delicious home cooking. The granddaughter of a butcher and a cheese maker, Lisa learned the importance of fresh handcrafted foods. She enrolled at the University of Wisconsin Stout, where she received a degree in Hotel and Restaurant Management and then attended the Culinary Institute of America, where she graduated with honors with a degree in Culinary Arts.
Lisa went from New York to San Francisco, as she was General Manager at the renowned Cypress Club under restaurateur extraordinaire, John Cunin. Lisa then joined the Grand Cafe as assistant General Manager where she worked with General Manager Umberto Gibin. There, she developed a wine program that garnered awards from Wine Spectator and Sante magazines. After relocating to San Diego, she served as General Manager and Hotel Wine Director at Molly’s Restaurant & Bar at the Marriott Hotel. As the Director of Restaurants and Beverage Operations of the La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club, Inc., Lisa was responsible in creation of an innovative seasonal beverage programs that encompassed wine, cocktails and beer, staff training, revenue generation and service standards for The Marine Room, The Shores Restaurant, La Jolla Shores Hotel Catering, and La Jolla Beach & Tennis Club Catering and Club Dining. Lisa also has worked with the prestigious Regal Wine Company as a sales representative, conveying her passion for the labels she will be representing to wine professionals in San Diego.
Her newest adventure is joining the team at Market Restaurant and Bar. This iconic restaurant is synonymous with excellence. Lisa will bring her passion for food and wine to the service team and guests. This restaurant is the heart and soul of Chef Carl Schroeder and Lisa will bring her knowledge to create a program that pairs with the culinary magic that represents Market.
She brings with her multiple food and beverage certifications, including: Advanced Sommelier from Court of Master Sommeliers, Certified Specialist of Wine from Society of Wine Educators, Certified Wine Professional and an AOS Degree in Culinary Arts from the Culinary Institute of America.
Lisa is a leader in the wine industry and in her hometown of San Diego, she has trained hundreds of individuals to become better beverage professionals. In 2006, she began teaching "Exploring Wine" in San Diego State University's Business of Wine Program. She has expanded her role at SDSU as she serves as an Advisor and teaches multiple wine classes each year. She has been involved for more than a decade with the San Diego Wine & Food Festival and serves as an advisor and Head Lead for SommCon USA. She is a wine judge for the San Diego International Wine Competition, Sommelier Challenge, Toast of the Coast and Lum Eisenman San Diego County Wine Competition. In 2011, after seeing a need for educational opportunities for women wine professionals she created the nonprofit organization, Women’s Wine Alliance. She currently serves as the organization’s President and leads seminars for its members.
Jackie Summers
Founder / CEO JackFromBrooklyn Inc
Jackie Summers
Founder / CEO JackFromBrooklyn Inc
Jackie Summers is a James Beard Finalist, seasoned public speaker, and serial entrepreneur. Summers is the founder of JackFromBrooklyn Inc. and the creator of the award-winning Sorel Liqueur.
Founder / CEO JackFromBrooklyn Inc. Jackie has written for everyone from the James Beard Foundation to Plate, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, Epicurious, Delish, and Edible Brooklyn
Founder / CEO JackFromBrooklyn Inc. Jackie has written for everyone from the James Beard Foundation to Plate, Wine Enthusiast, VinePair, Epicurious, Delish, and Edible Brooklyn
Jennifer Warrington
The Glue, WISE
Jennifer Warrington
The Glue, WISE
Jennifer is an industry professional with more than 25 years of experience, including her time with WISE, a year after its creation. She began her career in the wine industry working for her current boss, Lesley Berglund, in Napa shortly after completing her BA in English Literature. Ten years later, Jenn began working again for Lesley Berglund as The Glue at WISE. In her role as The Glue, Jennifer oversees all the day-to-day operations along with strategic planning and implementation.
Operations includes spearheading the WISE Mystery Shopping Program (now over 6,000 shops); overseeing content development; coaching; account management of WISE wineries and business development; overseeing marketing programs; moderating WISE Cabinets; coordinating, scheduling, and communicating with coaches, attendees and winery partners for a robust class schedule of 30+ courses and onsite training programs throughout United States, Canada, South Africa and more.
In Jenn’s free time, she can be found with her nose buried in her Kindle or puttering in her yard. She also loves to travel, spending time with her family and friends across the globe.
Operations includes spearheading the WISE Mystery Shopping Program (now over 6,000 shops); overseeing content development; coaching; account management of WISE wineries and business development; overseeing marketing programs; moderating WISE Cabinets; coordinating, scheduling, and communicating with coaches, attendees and winery partners for a robust class schedule of 30+ courses and onsite training programs throughout United States, Canada, South Africa and more.
In Jenn’s free time, she can be found with her nose buried in her Kindle or puttering in her yard. She also loves to travel, spending time with her family and friends across the globe.