Maya Dalla Valle
Winemaker, Dalla Valle Vineyards
Dalla Valle Vineyards is a family legacy that began in 1986 when Japanese-born Naoko Dalla Valle moved from the West Indies to Napa Valley with her Italian husband Gustav Dalla Valle. Today, their daughter Maya is continuing her parent’s stewardship of the vineyard and dedication to creating exceptional terroir driven wines while also forging her own legacy as an industry leader. One of just a few second-generation female winemakers leading the Napa Valley into its next phase, Maya blends innovation with tradition, a reflection of Dalla Valle Vineyard’s rich history and her bold vision for the future.
Nadia Caterina Munno
Personality, The Pasta Queen
Nadia Caterina Munno, a New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author and Italian icon, is celebrated for her contagious energy, love for people, classic recipes, and spreading the beauty of Italy worldwide. Born and raised in Rome, Italy, she comes from a long family line of pasta makers dating back to the 1800s. To millions of followers across her social channels, she is The Pasta Queen, sharing her mouthwatering and unique recipes in the kitchen with a healthy side of authenticity, wicked humor, and dramatic storytelling. Nadia has appeared on shows like TODAY, The Drew Barrymore Show, Sherri, and Good Morning America, and Entrepreneur Magazine has dubbed her “a force to be reckoned with in the digital space.
Philana Bouvier
President, Demeine Estates
Philana Bouvier is the President of Demeine Estates where she provides leadership and vision in creating a best-in-class sales and marketing organization. The fast-paced and evolving nature of the wine industry is well-suited for Philana’s dynamic personality and work ethic, rooted in a quest for collaboration. Philana possesses a fierce commitment in advocating for diversity in the wine and spirits industry and was named to Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 list in 2023 for inspiring innovation and helping to bring the drinks business into the future.
Meghan Zobeck
Winemaker, Burgess
Meghan’s career started in a very different world than wine, negotiating NFL player contracts for the Denver Broncos. Working extremely hard for several years, Meghan created a space for herself in this niche world, challenging the preconceived notions of who someone working in football should be. A lover of wine, Zobeck pivoted and started making her own in her Denver basement. She became an obsessive student of the science and alchemy of fermentation, falling deeply in love with wine. Leaving professional football and shifting her energy to wine, Meghan worked harvests in four countries, and sought out great winemakers to mentor and teach her. As the winemaker for Burgess (under the Lawrence Wine Estates portfolio), Meghan is revolutionizing this historic winery and is known as a leader in promiscuous farming.
Brittany Sherwood
Winemaker, Heitz Cellar
Brittany was fascinated with biology and living organisms—an interest that led to her enrollment in the pre-med program at UC Davis before finding her passion for wine and shifting her major to Viticulture and Enology; she would go on to gain winemaking experience in Europe and Oregon. Under the Lawrence family’s leadership and as only the third winemaker at the iconic Heitz Cellar, Brittany remains excited to carry the iconic Heitz Cellar’s traditions forward. Brittany’s approach to winemaking is one of minimal intervention that highlights each vineyard’s unique qualities, as well as vintage expression. Brittany works closely with vineyard management, from poring over shoot thinning schedules in summer to choosing smaller picks between blocks at harvest. She oversees and manages the production and laboratory team to ensure quality every step of the way, from crush and fermentation to the wines’ extensive aging and determining when they are ready for bottling.
Joann Spiegel
Vice President, Miracle and Sippin’ Santa
Joann Spiegel has over 25 years of experience in the bar, restaurant, and hospitality industry. She has been recognized by her industry peers, media, and beverage brands alike, and dedicates herself completely to the art of great service. Joann has her hand on every part of Miracle’s successful growth and development as a business. She and her team are the direct line of contact for technical and logistical support for over 200 Miracle and Sippin’ Santa locations worldwide. Prior to joining the Cocktail Kingdom team as Director of Operations for their Logistics Division and now the Vice President of the Miracle and Sippin Santa brands, Joann was a bar manager and bartender at the award-winning cocktail bar, Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog. Joann is also the creator of the Miracle cocktail menu. All cocktail creations must first pass through her hands to be adapted into cocktails that universally work in so many markets around the world.
