Ann Bliss aka Sister Cider is a cider enthusiast and certified Pommelier building community around craft cider. 
She is the Special Events Coordinator for the New York Cider Association and head bartender at Mullers Cider House in Rochester, NY. 

Adrian Luna’s journey into the world of cider began five years ago as a spontaneous adventure with friends. What started as casual Instagram Live reviews evolved into a dedicated platform and a cross-country mission to capture the stories of cidermakers for his YouTube channel.

Today, Adrian serves as the Membership and Communications Coordinator for the New York Cider Association, where he works to strengthen the cider community across the state. In this role, he serves as a primary point of contact for New York’s diverse cidermakers, managing member engagement and crafting the strategic messaging that brings the story of NY cider to a wider audience.

Adrian is also a Licensed Educator for the American Cider Association and a Certified Pommelier. His dedication to the industry was recognized in 2023 when he was awarded the prestigious Cider Is For Everyone scholarship. This experience solidified his commitment to the industry’s sense of community and fueled his drive to educate the next generation of enthusiasts. With infectious enthusiasm and deep technical knowledge, Adrian is dedicated to raising awareness about the craft and complexity of cider throughout the region.

Michelle Pagano (@TheBrewBabe) is an award-winning cider maker, brewer, and content creator with over 17 years of fermentation experience. She began her journey in 2008 and later specialized in cider and gluten-free fermentation following a Celiac Disease diagnosis. 
 
Michelle is a respected cider judge and public speaker, holding certifications as a Certified Cider Guide, Certified in Cider and Perry Production, and General Brewing. She has served as a judge at multiple national cider competitions, including GLINTCAP, The Big E, and GIBCC, and brings a thoughtful, education-driven perspective to cider evaluation.

Damin is a long standing member of the Hard Cider community as both a personality online, as well as building a reputation with his work with Original Sin Cider of NY. He has been a previous judge in this event, as well as a GLINTCAP & PA Farm Expo Competition judge in the past. He first discovered hard cider in a hotel bar on a snowy night in 2013, and since then, he has dove headfirst into the industry in all of its aspects from tree to bottle. 

Tami Ward-Dahl is a newly retired nonprofit executive with twenty-five years of leadership experience and a long-standing interest in beverage education. She is in her third year of the American Wine Society (AWS) Wine Judge Certification Program and has also completed WineSmarts 1 through AWS. Tami serves as Chapter Chair of Northern Neck Uncorked, a local AWS chapter in Middle Neck, Virginia.

New to cider, she’s currently working toward the Certified Cider Guide credential through the American Cider Association. Tami and her husband split their time between Virginia and Washington, DC, which gives them plenty of chances to explore a wide range of wines and ciders close to home. Her curiosity about how things are grown, made, and shared is what continues to draw her deeper into this world and now into cider judging.

Searching for a place where the water tastes like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Tim's roots run deep in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where he grew up surrounded by his grandfather's vineyards. As the winemaker for Hazlitt Winery, he will celebrate 34 years of winemaking in 2025, with a total of 40 years’ experience in the grape and wine industry. Throughout his career, Tim has crafted many award-winning wines from vinifera, hybrid, and native varieties, specializing in dessert wines like Port, Sherry, Late Harvest, and Ice Wines. In recent years he has expanded his portfolio to include hard cider, formula wines and RTD cocktails. He has also had the privilege of judging wines in several international competitions. When not at the winery, Tim remains deeply connected to his community, helping his son with the family farm, playing music professionally, and serving as an assistant chief with his local volunteer fire department.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Doris Miculan Bradley is a Professor at The School of Hospitality Tourism Management at George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario. Her career includes Restaurateur for Canada’s National Monument the CN Tower’s 360 Revolving Restaurant, Certified Chef, Five Level Certified Sommelier, International Wine Judge, Wine and Beverage Journalist, AGCO Licensed Import Agent, Brand Ambassador for The Wines of Vinho Verde Portugal. Doris has served the Board of Directors for The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Grapes for Humanity as President and CEO. Her most recent academic publications include Wine and Tourism: A Strategic Segment for Sustainable Economic Development, New World Labels for Old World Traditions and Wine and Tourism: Eurac Research, Vinsseaux Traditionel. She holds the title of Gentle Dame, knighted by Chateau Magnol in Bordeaux, France. “Life is an interaction and exploration of people, food and beverage and culture. How wonderful it is when the appreciation for this journey aligns with life.”

JoAnn is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Adv. Sommelier earning both a Certified American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. A Certificated Wine judge, American Wine Society. She has judged at numerous competitions all over the country. She works part time at two Hudson Valley Wine Destinations Brotherhood Americas Oldest Winery and is a Sommelier and Wine Educator at the Glenmere Mansion in Chester, N.Y JoAnn teaches numerous wine courses and continues her own education taking many master classes and advanced courses and has studied with some of the best in the business like Mary Ewing Mulligan MW, Charles Curtis MW, Roger Bromrich MS, Dr. John Buechsenstein UC Davis, Nick Jackson MW, Jamie Goode, Kevin Zaraly, Ian D'Agata, Denise Gardner and many other talented educators. She maintains a protocol of continuing wine education to stay relevant and current.

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)is passionate about wine.  Her entire professional career has been devoted to this Industry; learning and sharing her knowledge with the staff she trains, at lectures, seminars and with fellow enthusiasts in the wine organizations to which she belongs.  She is a member of The Dionysian Wine Society, The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Society of Wine Educators (SWE), and The American Wine Society (AWS), where she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter.  She is a Certified Wine Judge (CWJ) with AWS, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with SWE, and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.   Sharyn is also a dipWSET graduate (diploma level 4, their top ranking).  As a CWJ she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International Competitions across the country since 2010, including the Sommelier’s Choice Awards, USA Wine Ratings, Texas International, The Great American and the Finger Lakes International.

Having grown up in her family’s restaurant, specializing in wine was a natural progression for Sharyn.  Throughout her career she expanded operations for multi-unit chains, increasing profits and creating popular neighborhood venues through special events and promotions.  She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing their standards of service (still in use today).  In Beverly Hills, California she restructured a dining venue for Barneys New York and created elaborate on and off premise events for Hollywood Elite.  Sharyn was also the wine director at these locations, training the staff and overseeing the Wine Lists.  She has consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) for her lists at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade.

Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, serving as a National Wine Educator.  Sharyn founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Julie Purpura has spent more than half her life working in the hospitality industry.  Born and raised in the Finger Lakes, Julie has spent the last 20 years following her two greatest passions: education and wine.

Upon graduating with a Master of Science in Teaching, Julie was hired as Winery Program Coordinator and Instructor of Hospitality & Tourism at Jefferson Community College.

She is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, has attained her WSET level 3, and is a C.S.W. through the Society of Wine Educators.

Notably, she is proud of her personal relationships within the incredible wine community. Julie is respected for her approachable style, insightful knowledge, and authentic passion for sharing her stories about the wine and spirits industry.

She has worked with the NY Wine & Culinary Center (now called ‘New York Kitchen’) and the NY Wine & Grape Foundation in helping promote our family-owned craft beverages.

Her company, Wine Knot Experiences' mission is to Educate, Entertain, and Connect.

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

From his first sips of wicker basket Chianti at his grandfather’s dinner table to a 1986 Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, Tilden knew that there was something magical about wine. He earned his Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Having been with Wine Enthusiast catalog since 2005, when he is not writing about wine he also runs the wine storage division and is head of the Wine Enthusiast Academy, Wine Enthusiast's WSET education program.

Searching for a place where the water tastes like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Tim's roots run deep in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where he grew up surrounded by his grandfather's vineyards. As the winemaker for Hazlitt Winery, he will celebrate 34 years of winemaking in 2025, with a total of 40 years’ experience in the grape and wine industry. Throughout his career, Tim has crafted many award-winning wines from vinifera, hybrid, and native varieties, specializing in dessert wines like Port, Sherry, Late Harvest, and Ice Wines. In recent years he has expanded his portfolio to include hard cider, formula wines and RTD cocktails. He has also had the privilege of judging wines in several international competitions. When not at the winery, Tim remains deeply connected to his community, helping his son with the family farm, playing music professionally, and serving as an assistant chief with his local volunteer fire department.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Doris Miculan Bradley is a Professor at The School of Hospitality Tourism Management at George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario. Her career includes Restaurateur for Canada’s National Monument the CN Tower’s 360 Revolving Restaurant, Certified Chef, Five Level Certified Sommelier, International Wine Judge, Wine and Beverage Journalist, AGCO Licensed Import Agent, Brand Ambassador for The Wines of Vinho Verde Portugal. Doris has served the Board of Directors for The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Grapes for Humanity as President and CEO. Her most recent academic publications include Wine and Tourism: A Strategic Segment for Sustainable Economic Development, New World Labels for Old World Traditions and Wine and Tourism: Eurac Research, Vinsseaux Traditionel. She holds the title of Gentle Dame, knighted by Chateau Magnol in Bordeaux, France. “Life is an interaction and exploration of people, food and beverage and culture. How wonderful it is when the appreciation for this journey aligns with life.”

JoAnn is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Adv. Sommelier earning both a Certified American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. A Certificated Wine judge, American Wine Society. She has judged at numerous competitions all over the country. She works part time at two Hudson Valley Wine Destinations Brotherhood Americas Oldest Winery and is a Sommelier and Wine Educator at the Glenmere Mansion in Chester, N.Y JoAnn teaches numerous wine courses and continues her own education taking many master classes and advanced courses and has studied with some of the best in the business like Mary Ewing Mulligan MW, Charles Curtis MW, Roger Bromrich MS, Dr. John Buechsenstein UC Davis, Nick Jackson MW, Jamie Goode, Kevin Zaraly, Ian D'Agata, Denise Gardner and many other talented educators. She maintains a protocol of continuing wine education to stay relevant and current.

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)is passionate about wine.  Her entire professional career has been devoted to this Industry; learning and sharing her knowledge with the staff she trains, at lectures, seminars and with fellow enthusiasts in the wine organizations to which she belongs.  She is a member of The Dionysian Wine Society, The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Society of Wine Educators (SWE), and The American Wine Society (AWS), where she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter.  She is a Certified Wine Judge (CWJ) with AWS, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with SWE, and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.   Sharyn is also a dipWSET graduate (diploma level 4, their top ranking).  As a CWJ she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International Competitions across the country since 2010, including the Sommelier’s Choice Awards, USA Wine Ratings, Texas International, The Great American and the Finger Lakes International.

Having grown up in her family’s restaurant, specializing in wine was a natural progression for Sharyn.  Throughout her career she expanded operations for multi-unit chains, increasing profits and creating popular neighborhood venues through special events and promotions.  She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing their standards of service (still in use today).  In Beverly Hills, California she restructured a dining venue for Barneys New York and created elaborate on and off premise events for Hollywood Elite.  Sharyn was also the wine director at these locations, training the staff and overseeing the Wine Lists.  She has consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) for her lists at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade.

Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, serving as a National Wine Educator.  Sharyn founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Julie Purpura has spent more than half her life working in the hospitality industry.  Born and raised in the Finger Lakes, Julie has spent the last 20 years following her two greatest passions: education and wine.

Upon graduating with a Master of Science in Teaching, Julie was hired as Winery Program Coordinator and Instructor of Hospitality & Tourism at Jefferson Community College.

She is a Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers, has attained her WSET level 3, and is a C.S.W. through the Society of Wine Educators.

Notably, she is proud of her personal relationships within the incredible wine community. Julie is respected for her approachable style, insightful knowledge, and authentic passion for sharing her stories about the wine and spirits industry.

She has worked with the NY Wine & Culinary Center (now called ‘New York Kitchen’) and the NY Wine & Grape Foundation in helping promote our family-owned craft beverages.

Her company, Wine Knot Experiences' mission is to Educate, Entertain, and Connect.

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

From his first sips of wicker basket Chianti at his grandfather’s dinner table to a 1986 Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, Tilden knew that there was something magical about wine. He earned his Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Having been with Wine Enthusiast catalog since 2005, when he is not writing about wine he also runs the wine storage division and is head of the Wine Enthusiast Academy, Wine Enthusiast's WSET education program.

Searching for a place where the water tastes like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

From his first sips of wicker basket Chianti at his grandfather’s dinner table to a 1986 Premier Cru Gevrey-Chambertin, Tilden knew that there was something magical about wine. He earned his Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators. Having been with Wine Enthusiast catalog since 2005, when he is not writing about wine he also runs the wine storage division and is head of the Wine Enthusiast Academy, Wine Enthusiast's WSET education program.

Originally from Washington, DC, I have been in hospitality for 18 years. I worked at many great bars in Boston, including the innovative cocktail bar Backbar in Somerville, MA operated by award winning bartender Sam Treadway. I also worked in Washington DC for Derek Brown who operates The Columbia Room, voted best cocktail bar in the country at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans last year. I have created cocktail programs with cocktails on tap, including a Nitro Tap Margarita at Casa Verde Bar and an Aperol Spritz at Pastoral Restaurant and many other Beverage programs in Boston working for chefs such as Frank McClellan, Todd English, and Andy Husbands.

I am currently representing Sage Hospitality Group as a brand ambassador in the Boston market, expanding to New York and DC. I can also be found behind a few bars in Boston as a hired gun!

Finally, I am the lead singer in the Boston based Prince tribute band LoVeSeXy (lovesexyband.com).

Chris is a Journalist, Photographer, Certified Cognac Educator, Professional Spirits Judge and Consultant, Writer, Mixologist, Adventurer, Social Activist.

George is the "Whiskey Guy" and Floor/Social Media Manager at Parkway Wine and Liquor in Rochester, NY. He has been in the beverage industry since he turned twenty-one and has worked as; the Bar Operations Manager of a wine bar, an Assistant Distiller and Supplier Rep for a craft distillery, and has even hosted a spirits review web series on YouTube under the moniker 'Just One Dram'. George draws from his ecclectic experience to, in his 7 years at Parkway, harbor strong relationships with consumers and better educate them on how to find the best spirits available on the marketplace to suit their tastes.

Brian is a co-founder and owner of Artisan Spirit Magazine.  He started Artisan Spirit with a close group of friends and family to celebrate the art and science of craft distilling and quickly grew the magazine into the largest and most popular distilling trade publication in America.  He is passionate about distilling education and consumer outreach.  Brian also sits on several advisor boards and committees within the distilling industry such as the American Craft Spirits Association, Craft Beverage Expo, and numerous state distilling guilds, as well as acting as Judging coordinator for craft spirits competitions within the industry.

Courtney Crockett has been a resident of KC since 2005 but is currently consulting and building a program in Bismarck, ND

Growing up in the Midwest she was steeped in the tradition of hospitality. She decided to re enter the hospitality/bartending industry in 2011 after volunteering for The Greater KC Bartending Competition and has served as the FOH organizer for Paris of the Plains cocktail festival for the last seven years. In addition to festival planning she has also worked to build craft cocktail scene within the KC Community as well as the national scene by building bar programs and advancing the craft through continued bar education. An alumni of Camp Runamok, a week long camp in Bourbon Country KY to learn about bourbon distillation, and Bar Institute focusing on continuing bar education in Baltimore, Phoenix, Austin and Portland, Juniper Harvest in Wisconsin learning about gin production and spirit distillation. She received her Tequila CRT certification in May 2016.

As an active member of the local and national chapter of United States Bartender's Guild she focuses on growing the local trade community and recruiting others to do the same.

She started her independent brand of bartending in February 2016 with the creation of The Traveling Cocktailian, a project dedicated to spreading education, hospitality and passion to other cities while documenting and writing of the comradery that exists behind the bar as well in the other side of the wood.

Today she continues to educate bar professionals and enthusiasts about all subjects spirit related focusing heavily on cocktail and bar history throughout the country.

Rachel Herman-Gross got her start in the hospitality industry in New York City in 2004. She was mentored by several Hospitality professionals, most recently Alla Lapushchik (Death & Co., Post Office, OTB, Ladybird); whom Rachel credits for her appreciation of spirits. Currently the Sales Representative for M. S. Walker, she has a great passion for a unique and refined aesthetic.

Chris Lindstrom is a Rochester based food and drink personality and owner of the Food About Town podcast and blog. Chris is also a co-founder of Phrankly, a startup working to make it easier for people to find the products they love and add transparency to sourcing of food and drink. He is a pizza obsessive and loves finding the best flavors from all cuisines and drink styles.

A native of the Midwest, Matty moved to Northern California in 2005 where he eventually landed in Oakland for art school. Art school didn’t stick, but bartending did. He has since worked all over the East Bay tending bar, as well as running bar programs. Matty is now at Prizefighter, a world renowned bar in Emeryville where he has happily tended bar and cut ice for the past five and a half years.

A native of Southern California, Brenna has worked across the US as a bartender and spirits specialist for various companies, including Suntory, Lejay Cassis, and Campari America. She co-founded the United States Bartender's Guild chapter in Rochester, NY and has been a judge for the New York State Craft Spirits Awards and the American Craft Spirits Association Awards. Currently Brenna represents the Scotch Malt Whisky Society in California and works as a Mental Health Consultant for Jigger & Dash Wellness and Lush Life Productions, organizations that support education and community for bartenders nationwide.

Hailing from a small suburban town in Westchester County, NY, Dara has been in the hospitality industry for 17 years. Working in Boston and Melbourne, Australia, before moving to Rochester, in 2016, Dara spent the last decade honing her craft cocktail bartending skills and learning the history of both true and modern classics. Dara is passionate about education and sharing her ever growing knowledge with guests, but she is most passionate about community and building relationships. Currently you can find Dara on the bar at Cure in the Public Market in Rochester, NY.

My name is Phil Stratigis DiTramontos. I'm originally from Parsippany, NJ, but moved up to Rochester in 2005 to attend the University of Rochester. There, 2 big surprises happened: I ended up meeting my wife, Victoria, and I got into bartending. After a brief experiment in the desk-job world, I found myself back in the bar and restaurant business, and I haven't looked back since. In my spare time, I make dog treats, cook, play disc golf, and love to tour around the local and regional bar, restaurant, brewery, and distillery scene with my wife.

Searching for a place where the water tastes like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

JoAnn is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Adv. Sommelier earning both a Certified American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. A Certificated Wine judge, American Wine Society. She has judged at numerous competitions all over the country. She works part time at two Hudson Valley Wine Destinations Brotherhood Americas Oldest Winery and is a Sommelier and Wine Educator at the Glenmere Mansion in Chester, N.Y JoAnn teaches numerous wine courses and continues her own education taking many master classes and advanced courses and has studied with some of the best in the business like Mary Ewing Mulligan MW, Charles Curtis MW, Roger Bromrich MS, Dr. John Buechsenstein UC Davis, Nick Jackson MW, Jamie Goode, Kevin Zaraly, Ian D'Agata, Denise Gardner and many other talented educators. She maintains a protocol of continuing wine education to stay relevant and current.

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

Searching for a place where the water tastes like wine, Peter made his way to the Finger Lakes in 2006. Harboring among the vines at Anthony Road, he never left. Years of apprenticing gave way to opportunity in 2014 when he took over chief expression of site responsibilities at Anthony Road Wine Company. With a healthy respect for the region’s past, presently Peter forges the excitement of the Finger Lakes’ future.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Doris Miculan Bradley is a Professor at The School of Hospitality Tourism Management at George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario. Her career includes Restaurateur for Canada’s National Monument the CN Tower’s 360 Revolving Restaurant, Certified Chef, Five Level Certified Sommelier, International Wine Judge, Wine and Beverage Journalist, AGCO Licensed Import Agent, Brand Ambassador for The Wines of Vinho Verde Portugal. Doris has served the Board of Directors for The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Grapes for Humanity as President and CEO. Her most recent academic publications include Wine and Tourism: A Strategic Segment for Sustainable Economic Development, New World Labels for Old World Traditions and Wine and Tourism: Eurac Research, Vinsseaux Traditionel. She holds the title of Gentle Dame, knighted by Chateau Magnol in Bordeaux, France. “Life is an interaction and exploration of people, food and beverage and culture. How wonderful it is when the appreciation for this journey aligns with life.”

JoAnn is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Adv. Sommelier earning both a Certified American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. A Certificated Wine judge, American Wine Society. She has judged at numerous competitions all over the country. She works part time at two Hudson Valley Wine Destinations Brotherhood Americas Oldest Winery and is a Sommelier and Wine Educator at the Glenmere Mansion in Chester, N.Y JoAnn teaches numerous wine courses and continues her own education taking many master classes and advanced courses and has studied with some of the best in the business like Mary Ewing Mulligan MW, Charles Curtis MW, Roger Bromrich MS, Dr. John Buechsenstein UC Davis, Nick Jackson MW, Jamie Goode, Kevin Zaraly, Ian D'Agata, Denise Gardner and many other talented educators. She maintains a protocol of continuing wine education to stay relevant and current.

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)is passionate about wine.  Her entire professional career has been devoted to this Industry; learning and sharing her knowledge with the staff she trains, at lectures, seminars and with fellow enthusiasts in the wine organizations to which she belongs.  She is a member of The Dionysian Wine Society, The Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Society of Wine Educators (SWE), and The American Wine Society (AWS), where she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter.  She is a Certified Wine Judge (CWJ) with AWS, Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with SWE, and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.   Sharyn is also a dipWSET graduate (diploma level 4, their top ranking).  As a CWJ she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International Competitions across the country since 2010, including the Sommelier’s Choice Awards, USA Wine Ratings, Texas International, The Great American and the Finger Lakes International.

Having grown up in her family’s restaurant, specializing in wine was a natural progression for Sharyn.  Throughout her career she expanded operations for multi-unit chains, increasing profits and creating popular neighborhood venues through special events and promotions.  She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing their standards of service (still in use today).  In Beverly Hills, California she restructured a dining venue for Barneys New York and created elaborate on and off premise events for Hollywood Elite.  Sharyn was also the wine director at these locations, training the staff and overseeing the Wine Lists.  She has consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) for her lists at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade.

Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, serving as a National Wine Educator.  Sharyn founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Tim's roots run deep in the Finger Lakes region of upstate New York, where he grew up surrounded by his grandfather's vineyards. As the winemaker for Hazlitt Winery, he will celebrate 34 years of winemaking in 2025, with a total of 40 years’ experience in the grape and wine industry. Throughout his career, Tim has crafted many award-winning wines from vinifera, hybrid, and native varieties, specializing in dessert wines like Port, Sherry, Late Harvest, and Ice Wines. In recent years he has expanded his portfolio to include hard cider, formula wines and RTD cocktails. He has also had the privilege of judging wines in several international competitions. When not at the winery, Tim remains deeply connected to his community, helping his son with the family farm, playing music professionally, and serving as an assistant chief with his local volunteer fire department.

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

Peter Bell has been making wine in the Finger Lakes since 1990. He was head winemaker at Fox Run Vineyards for 27 years before retiring in 2022 and now consults to a number of eastern wineries.

Peter was an adjunct lecturer at Cornell University for 15 years and also found time to serve as visiting winemaker at the University of Adelaide in 2004. He has also lectured and consulted in Hungary, France, Spain, Serbia, China, and throughout the USA.

Fox Run Vineyards was named one of the top 100 wineries in the world by Wine and Spirits Magazine in 2008. Peter was named one of the 20 most admired winemakers in North America by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine in 2014. In 2019 he received the Atlantic Seaboard Unity Award, and in 2020 the Jim Finkle Industry Award, both for his services to wine. Most recently, he was listed as One of Wine's Most Inspiring People in 2023 by Wine Industry Advisor.

Lorraine's a lecturer at the Rochester Institute of Technology's Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management. She's also an instructor at the New York Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Lorraine is a Certified Sommelier with The Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a Certified Specialist of Spirits and Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators, Certified Bordeaux Educator with L'ecole du Vin de Bordeaux/SOPEXA and sits on the SWE Board of Directors. After becoming a Certified Wine Judge through American Wine Society, she became an instructor for the program. Lorraine enjoys attending and presenting at conferences as well as judging competitions around the world.

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Annemarie Morse has a Master's Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has worked through harvest and blending as an assistant winemaker. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society, an organization dedicated to consumer wine education with a program in wine judge certification, having over 7000 members nationwide. Annemarie is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers and writes for various publications. She has taught as a wine studies and marketing Lecturer, at a college level and guest lectured at Cornell University for more than 8 years in various classes. Annemarie is a certified wine judge with Merit and has judged internationally and nationally for wine competitions for over 11 years. She is a trained member of the Cornell University Sensory Evaluation Panel, evaluating research and client wine, spirits, and cheeses. Annemarie has tested out of WSET Level 1&2 and is preparing for the Level 3 exam. She has passed the Court of Master Sommeliers First level exam and studied at the certified level. Annemarie has hosted wine tours nationally and internationally.

Her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC, http://winebyannemarie.com/ provides consulting services to restaurants, as well as classes and events for staff, students, alumni and the community. Her passion for wine and increasing her wine knowledge has led to continued wine education opportunities, including certifying as a specialist in the Wine and Food of Central Italy, with Ian D'Agata.

To Scott Osborn, Rochester native, the acquisition of Fox Run Vineyards was the natural culmination of his passion for wine and commitment to the industry.

The son of two professors, Osborn's first interest was international politics. Attending the Friends World College, now Global College, with campuses all over the globe, it is still the only college that is 100% immersible in the culture of each country. He lived and studied in Kenya, India, Thailand, Japan, and England.

He went into real estate development in 1974, later opening an office in Lake County California, a well-known viticulture area. The move there proved to be fortuitous; living so close to the vines Osborn became interested in wine. In 1980 he took his first job at Konocti Winery hand labeling bottles. He then went on to work at Firestone Vineyards, Zaca Mesa, and Byron Winery in Santa Barbara. In 1984 During his time at Byron he came back to visit family and during a wine tasting trip around Seneca Lake tasted a Wagner Vineyards 1982 Barrel aged Chardonnay. It was his first experience with a brilliant cool climate wine, and he realized that this was where he wanted to make wines and ultimately own his own vineyard and winery.

In 1985, there was not a lot of winemaking jobs available here in the Finger Lakes, so he began working for a wine distributor and then went on to be General Manager of Pindar Vineyards on Long Island. In 1993, Fox Run became available and in partnership with Andy Hale they purchased it.

When he purchased Fox Run there were only 14 wineries on Seneca Lake, now there are over 100. Since the purchase of the winery in 1994, he has resided in the beautifully renovated farmhouse originally built on the property in 1870. Initially assuming the responsibilities of winemaking, along with the myriad tasks of management, speaking engagements and travel, he chose to hire a full-time winemaker. His selection of Peter Bell in June of 1995 satisfied his desire to engage the most gifted winemaker in the Finger Lakes region. Their shared vision for quality wine production has freed Osborn to the task of managing the winery and planning for its future. In 2022, after 27 years Peter retired, and we hired Craig Hosbach to take Fox Run on its next journey. 

Scott regularly participates in wine judging's, panel discussions, and symposiums dealing with the many challenges of an increasingly sophisticated appellation.

On Christmas day of 1998 three days after turning 50 Scott married long time sweetheart Ruth Worden and in 2012 Ruth’s sister Kathy and her husband Albert became partners and now Fox Run is a family owned winery. 
The highly successful working relationship between Scott, Peter/Craig, and Vineyard manager John Kaiser has resulted in spectacular grapes, wines, and successful introductions of State-of-the-Art vineyard practices, keeping Fox Run Vineyards on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking.

Scott is constantly working to improve our environmental impact and in 2002 received the Lake Friendly Farm designation from Yates County Soil and Water Conservation. This award is given to farms whose farming practices do not negatively impact the water quality of Seneca Lake. In 2015 he also installed a 151-Kilowatt solar system which provides 100% of the electrical needs for the winery, tasting room and café. In 2020 he planted a 4.5 acre Butterfly and Bee habitat. We have reduced our herbicide and pesticide use and are replacing them with organic and biological sprays that are less impactful on the environment. In 2023 Fox Run received the New York Sustainable designation. 

He has been President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail two times and a founding member and past President of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; he is a founding member of the New York Wine Policy Institute which was founded in 2009 to represent the Wine Industry to educate legislators in Albany on issues that will impact our wineries and vineyards here in New York State. He was elected by his peers in the NY wine industry as the New York representative on the Board of Wine America which is the national advocacy organization for the American Wine Industry in Washington DC. He now serves as Vice-Chair of the organization. 

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Doris Miculan Bradley is a Professor at The School of Hospitality Tourism Management at George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario. Her career includes Restaurateur for Canada’s National Monument the CN Tower’s 360 Revolving Restaurant, Certified Chef, Five Level Certified Sommelier, International Wine Judge, Wine and Beverage Journalist, AGCO Licensed Import Agent, Brand Ambassador for The Wines of Vinho Verde Portugal. Doris has served the Board of Directors for The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Grapes for Humanity as President and CEO. Her most recent academic publications include Wine and Tourism: A Strategic Segment for Sustainable Economic Development, New World Labels for Old World Traditions and Wine and Tourism: Eurac Research, Vinsseaux Traditionel. She holds the title of Gentle Dame, knighted by Chateau Magnol in Bordeaux, France. “Life is an interaction and exploration of people, food and beverage and culture. How wonderful it is when the appreciation for this journey aligns with life.”

Owner and CEO of Sustainabilityfy / Vinofeelglobal company, who promotes Slovenian wines and work on sustainability tourism projects

Certified Sommelier of Le Cordon Bleu USA ( wine and management program )

Certified wine judge ( Biochemical University Slovenia)

Master degree from University of Tourism / Turistica Slovenia

Degree from wine and management program within Le Cordon Bleu

Tourism and marketing project manager

Wine knight of Eu order

Wine lover, enthusiast

5 years at Celebrity Cruises as sommelier and wine master

over 20 years of work in the wine and tourism industry

Dedicated to promote Slovenian wines around the world - focus on USA within last 6 years through numerous tourism and specialized wine events, tastings, etc..

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

To Scott Osborn, Rochester native, the acquisition of Fox Run Vineyards was the natural culmination of his passion for wine and commitment to the industry.

The son of two professors, Osborn's first interest was international politics. Attending the Friends World College, now Global College, with campuses all over the globe, it is still the only college that is 100% immersible in the culture of each country. He lived and studied in Kenya, India, Thailand, Japan, and England.

He went into real estate development in 1974, later opening an office in Lake County California, a well-known viticulture area. The move there proved to be fortuitous; living so close to the vines Osborn became interested in wine. In 1980 he took his first job at Konocti Winery hand labeling bottles. He then went on to work at Firestone Vineyards, Zaca Mesa, and Byron Winery in Santa Barbara. In 1984 During his time at Byron he came back to visit family and during a wine tasting trip around Seneca Lake tasted a Wagner Vineyards 1982 Barrel aged Chardonnay. It was his first experience with a brilliant cool climate wine, and he realized that this was where he wanted to make wines and ultimately own his own vineyard and winery.

In 1985, there was not a lot of winemaking jobs available here in the Finger Lakes, so he began working for a wine distributor and then went on to be General Manager of Pindar Vineyards on Long Island. In 1993, Fox Run became available and in partnership with Andy Hale they purchased it.

When he purchased Fox Run there were only 14 wineries on Seneca Lake, now there are over 100. Since the purchase of the winery in 1994, he has resided in the beautifully renovated farmhouse originally built on the property in 1870. Initially assuming the responsibilities of winemaking, along with the myriad tasks of management, speaking engagements and travel, he chose to hire a full-time winemaker. His selection of Peter Bell in June of 1995 satisfied his desire to engage the most gifted winemaker in the Finger Lakes region. Their shared vision for quality wine production has freed Osborn to the task of managing the winery and planning for its future. In 2022, after 27 years Peter retired, and we hired Craig Hosbach to take Fox Run on its next journey. 

Scott regularly participates in wine judging's, panel discussions, and symposiums dealing with the many challenges of an increasingly sophisticated appellation.

On Christmas day of 1998 three days after turning 50 Scott married long time sweetheart Ruth Worden and in 2012 Ruth’s sister Kathy and her husband Albert became partners and now Fox Run is a family owned winery. 
The highly successful working relationship between Scott, Peter/Craig, and Vineyard manager John Kaiser has resulted in spectacular grapes, wines, and successful introductions of State-of-the-Art vineyard practices, keeping Fox Run Vineyards on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking.

Scott is constantly working to improve our environmental impact and in 2002 received the Lake Friendly Farm designation from Yates County Soil and Water Conservation. This award is given to farms whose farming practices do not negatively impact the water quality of Seneca Lake. In 2015 he also installed a 151-Kilowatt solar system which provides 100% of the electrical needs for the winery, tasting room and café. In 2020 he planted a 4.5 acre Butterfly and Bee habitat. We have reduced our herbicide and pesticide use and are replacing them with organic and biological sprays that are less impactful on the environment. In 2023 Fox Run received the New York Sustainable designation. 

He has been President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail two times and a founding member and past President of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; he is a founding member of the New York Wine Policy Institute which was founded in 2009 to represent the Wine Industry to educate legislators in Albany on issues that will impact our wineries and vineyards here in New York State. He was elected by his peers in the NY wine industry as the New York representative on the Board of Wine America which is the national advocacy organization for the American Wine Industry in Washington DC. He now serves as Vice-Chair of the organization. 

Steve grew up with wine on the dinner table and to this day it’s rare that he doesn’t enjoy a glass or two with his evening meal.  After starting a career at Eli Lilly & Company he joined several wine and food appreciation groups to further his wine knowledge and began visiting California wine countries which has spread to include winery visits on 5 continents.   After early retirement from corporate life he became one of the wine makers at a leading Indiana winery and assumed the lead role during blending trials.  This role lasted 16 years until the owner died and the winery was sold to a larger northern Indiana winery where the production was moved to.  Steve and wife Kim started a small commercial vineyard in central Indiana in 2014 which continues today.

He started judging wine over 40 years ago and, except for the COVID interruption, judges at 4-6 competitions across the country annually.  Steve always feels that he expands his wine knowledge at every competition tasting different varietals and blends while learning from fellow judges’ perspectives.

Full time Professor of Fermentation Technology and Bioprocess, Engineering, University of Ljubljana. Member FIJF and FICB. Attache for Foreign Affaires, Eques de Vino, Order Europeanis de Vino

Member of 21 International Wine Competition Juries :

Sélections Mondiales des Vins Canada,Citadelle de Vin, Bordeaux, France, Vinagora, Budapest, Vinoforum, Czech Republic, Bacchus, Spain, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Terra Vino, Israel, Chisinau, Black Sea Wine and Spirit International Wine Competition, Moldova; Great American International Wine Competition;International Wine Competition Bucharest – Romania; Dubrovnik Wine Fest, Croatia

Chairman of International Wine Competition Juries :

Concours Mondial, Bordeaux, France, Mundus vini, Neustadt, Germany, Great Ljubljana Wine Competition, Slovenia, American International Wine Competition, New York , Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, New York, Michelangelo, Stellenbosch, South Africa, Sauvignon Forum, Czech Republic, Muvina, Slovakia,

Cabernet & Merlot, Bergamo...Italy. Zagreb Wine Competition, Croatia

International Wine Competition Bucharest 2017 – Romania

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

OIV Delegate Muvina, Slovakia, Bucharest International Wine Competition

Chairman of International Wine Competition

Glass of Bubbly, London, UK

Doris Miculan Bradley is a Professor at The School of Hospitality Tourism Management at George Brown College, Toronto, Ontario. Her career includes Restaurateur for Canada’s National Monument the CN Tower’s 360 Revolving Restaurant, Certified Chef, Five Level Certified Sommelier, International Wine Judge, Wine and Beverage Journalist, AGCO Licensed Import Agent, Brand Ambassador for The Wines of Vinho Verde Portugal. Doris has served the Board of Directors for The Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers, The Canadian Association of Foodservice Professionals and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Canada’s Grapes for Humanity as President and CEO. Her most recent academic publications include Wine and Tourism: A Strategic Segment for Sustainable Economic Development, New World Labels for Old World Traditions and Wine and Tourism: Eurac Research, Vinsseaux Traditionel. She holds the title of Gentle Dame, knighted by Chateau Magnol in Bordeaux, France. “Life is an interaction and exploration of people, food and beverage and culture. How wonderful it is when the appreciation for this journey aligns with life.”

Holly grew up in a food-loving family in Pittsford, New York. Her family owned a Cooking School called “The Seasonal Kitchen” for over 45 years. She was the wine columnist for the Rochester Gannett Democrat and Chronicle newspaper for 13 years, and has been a wine consultant at Marketview Liquor since 2015. She often speaks at special wine events, judges at international wine competitions, and leads many educational wine seminars and programs in Rochester and the surrounding areas.

She is an enthusiastic supporter of the Finger Lakes wine region, and leads many tours to the local wineries, breweries, organic farms, cheesemakers, and other locavore destinations. She owns a business called “UNCORKED”, which focuses on wine education.

Since 2013, Holly has been an official Wine Host for AMAWaterways River Cruises in Europe. She has led wine-themed tours through some of Europe’s most picturesque wine regions, including the Rhine of Germany, the Danube of Austria, the Gironde of Bordeaux, and the Douro of Portugal. The cruises include winery visits and daily wine seminars aboard the ship presented by Holly.

Holly is a CSW (Certified Specialist of Wine) through the Society of Wine Educators; a CS (Certified Sommelier) through the Master Court; and is currently pursuing her diploma through the WSET (Wine and Spirits Education Trust). Holly loves to teach and has an enthusiastic and fun approach to learning!

Linda is retired as winemaker from RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC. She has been a winemaker for 45 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge and has judged all over the United States and Canada. As a lifetime member of over 35 years in the American Wine Society, Linda has served on the Board of Directors, run the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

• Retired from United States Navy, Submarine Service
• Graduate of St. Vincent College, Latrobe, PA - BS Biology
• Retired from West Penn Hospital, Pittsburgh, PA, Neurosurgical Research
• Member of American Wine Society, 1983 - Present
• American Wine Society Outstanding Member, 1998
• Chair, American Wine Society Commercial Wine Competition, 1989 - 2006
• Chair, Festa Italiana Amateur Wine Competition, Vandergrift, PA 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2004 - 2016
• Judge, Great American International Wine Competition, Rochester, NY, 2017 - present
• Judge, North Carolina State Wine Competition, 2018 - 2020
• Judge, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Competition, 2013 - present
• Judge, Pittsburgh Amateur Wine Competition, 1989 - 2019
• Presents wine education/seminars for the Alle-Kiski and Pittsburgh Chapters of the American Wine Society

Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge.  She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal (AmericanWineSociety.org) among other publications.

Ellen is a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintner’s Holidays annual event at the Majestic (formerly Ahwahnee) Hotel in Yosemite, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For sixteen years, she and husband Ken co-owned award winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. They recently sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine.  Ellen was also a Sommelier at the Ritz Carlton for several years.

In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and holds the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers.  Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, The Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Dan Berger International Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Mendocino County Wine Competition, Monterey Wine Competition, Wine Press Northwest Platinum Judging, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.

To Scott Osborn, Rochester native, the acquisition of Fox Run Vineyards was the natural culmination of his passion for wine and commitment to the industry.

The son of two professors, Osborn's first interest was international politics. Attending the Friends World College, now Global College, with campuses all over the globe, it is still the only college that is 100% immersible in the culture of each country. He lived and studied in Kenya, India, Thailand, Japan, and England.

He went into real estate development in 1974, later opening an office in Lake County California, a well-known viticulture area. The move there proved to be fortuitous; living so close to the vines Osborn became interested in wine. In 1980 he took his first job at Konocti Winery hand labeling bottles. He then went on to work at Firestone Vineyards, Zaca Mesa, and Byron Winery in Santa Barbara. In 1984 During his time at Byron he came back to visit family and during a wine tasting trip around Seneca Lake tasted a Wagner Vineyards 1982 Barrel aged Chardonnay. It was his first experience with a brilliant cool climate wine, and he realized that this was where he wanted to make wines and ultimately own his own vineyard and winery.

In 1985, there was not a lot of winemaking jobs available here in the Finger Lakes, so he began working for a wine distributor and then went on to be General Manager of Pindar Vineyards on Long Island. In 1993, Fox Run became available and in partnership with Andy Hale they purchased it.

When he purchased Fox Run there were only 14 wineries on Seneca Lake, now there are over 100. Since the purchase of the winery in 1994, he has resided in the beautifully renovated farmhouse originally built on the property in 1870. Initially assuming the responsibilities of winemaking, along with the myriad tasks of management, speaking engagements and travel, he chose to hire a full-time winemaker. His selection of Peter Bell in June of 1995 satisfied his desire to engage the most gifted winemaker in the Finger Lakes region. Their shared vision for quality wine production has freed Osborn to the task of managing the winery and planning for its future. In 2022, after 27 years Peter retired, and we hired Craig Hosbach to take Fox Run on its next journey. 

Scott regularly participates in wine judging's, panel discussions, and symposiums dealing with the many challenges of an increasingly sophisticated appellation.

On Christmas day of 1998 three days after turning 50 Scott married long time sweetheart Ruth Worden and in 2012 Ruth’s sister Kathy and her husband Albert became partners and now Fox Run is a family owned winery. 
The highly successful working relationship between Scott, Peter/Craig, and Vineyard manager John Kaiser has resulted in spectacular grapes, wines, and successful introductions of State-of-the-Art vineyard practices, keeping Fox Run Vineyards on the cutting edge of grape growing and winemaking.

Scott is constantly working to improve our environmental impact and in 2002 received the Lake Friendly Farm designation from Yates County Soil and Water Conservation. This award is given to farms whose farming practices do not negatively impact the water quality of Seneca Lake. In 2015 he also installed a 151-Kilowatt solar system which provides 100% of the electrical needs for the winery, tasting room and café. In 2020 he planted a 4.5 acre Butterfly and Bee habitat. We have reduced our herbicide and pesticide use and are replacing them with organic and biological sprays that are less impactful on the environment. In 2023 Fox Run received the New York Sustainable designation. 

He has been President of the Seneca Lake Wine Trail two times and a founding member and past President of Finger Lakes Wine Alliance; he is a founding member of the New York Wine Policy Institute which was founded in 2009 to represent the Wine Industry to educate legislators in Albany on issues that will impact our wineries and vineyards here in New York State. He was elected by his peers in the NY wine industry as the New York representative on the Board of Wine America which is the national advocacy organization for the American Wine Industry in Washington DC. He now serves as Vice-Chair of the organization.