For the fourth consecutive year, four seasoned wine industry thought leaders return to examine the critical challenges and opportunities defining the wine landscape in 2026. Each panelist will share their most important predictions and trends that wineries need to understand to thrive in the year ahead. This engaging panel discussion offers multiple perspectives on the forces shaping our industry, equipping you with practical insights to make informed decisions and capitalize on emerging opportunities throughout 2026. Session Panel: Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates Moderator: Damien Wilson, Faculty Director and Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business / Sonoma State University

In this episode, George sits down with Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business at Sonoma State University. They discuss Damien’s blue-collar roots growing up in Darwin, Australia and how he started drinking “Chateau Cardboard” before being introduced to his first bottle of wine. His hospitality career journey, spanning barista to wine steward, inspired him to pursue four degrees, including a PhD, in wine business. From Adelaide to Burgundy and Sonoma County, Damien’s story is one of resilience and adaptation, including learning French when he moved to France in 2006, humorously admitting he “spoke French like a Spanish cow.” Now a respected expert in the wine industry, he brings humor and authenticity to discussions about wine, culture, and industry trends. Tune in to hear his fascinating insights and experiences!

2024 Presenting Series Sponsor: Session 1: Four Takes on Twentyfour Date & Time: Wednesday, January 17th – 10:00 AM (PT)  Kicking off the 2024 edition of Bold Predictions, titled “Four Takes on Twentyfour”, we are bringing back moderator Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business Institute and panelists Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates, Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates and Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank. Joining last year’s panel will be Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain all there to revisit some of last year’s “Bold Predictions” along with sharing their insights and thoughts on what we can expect for our industry in the year ahead. Register Now Session Panel:    Session Sponsor: Supporting Sponsor:    

Registration is now open for Wine Industry Network’s (WIN) first session of the Bold Predictions: Wine Industry Leadership Conference Series. This must-attend virtual session will be broadcasted on January 17, 2024, from 10:00 a.m – 11:00 a.m. Registration is free for wine industry professionals. Kicking off the 2024 edition of Bold Predictions, titled “Four Takes on Twentyfour”, we are bringing back panelists Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates, Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates and Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank. Joining last year’s panel will be Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain all there to revisit some of last year’s “Bold Predictions” along with sharing their insights and thoughts on what we can expect for our industry in the year ahead. The session will be moderated by Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business Institute.

Bold Predictions, a virtual Wine Industry Leadership Conference, will feature industry experts who will share their insights and predictions on emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities wineries can expect to face in the year ahead, along with advice on how to best overcome the challenges while taking full advantage of the opportunities. Session 1: Four Takes on Twentyfour Date & Time: Wednesday, January 17th – 10:00 AM (PT)  Kicking off the 2024 edition of Bold Predictions, titled “Four Takes on Twentyfour”, we are bringing back moderator Damien Wilson, Hamel Family Faculty Chair of Wine Business Institute and panelists Dale Stratton, Managing Director / Azur Associates, Philana Bouvier, President / Demeine Estates and Bourcard Nesin, Industry Analyst / Rabobank. Joining last year’s panel will be Chris Bitter, Senior Wine & Grape Analyst / Terrain all there to revisit some of last year’s “Bold Predictions” along with sharin

Don't miss this featured bold prediction from the virtual conference - Bold Predictions: Thriving Post-Covid...

The HENRYs Offer the Greatest Opportunity for the Wine Sector in 2021: Damien Wilson, Ph.D, The Hamel Family Faulty Chair of Wine Business at Sonoma State, is never boring. That bodes well for his students, of course, but for the rest of us, his colorful analysis of the wine industry and his predictions for the future are always layered with a bit of humor... The post Afternoon Brief, December 22nd appeared first on Wine Industry Advisor. Url:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2020/12/22/afternoon-brief-1764?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=afternoon-brief-1764 Published Date:Tue, 22 Dec 2020 22:43:07 +0000 

By Barbara Barrielle Damien Wilson, Ph.D, The Hamel Family Faulty Chair of Wine Business at Sonoma State, is never boring. That bodes well for his students, of course, but for the rest of us, his colorful analysis of the wine industry and his predictions for the future are always layered with a bit of humor. […] The post The HENRYs Offer the Greatest Opportunity for the Wine Sector in 2021 appeared first on Wine Industry Advisor. Url:https://wineindustryadvisor.com/2020/12/22/henrys-offer-opportunity-wine-sector-2021?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=henrys-offer-opportunity-wine-sector-2021 Published Date:Tue, 22 Dec 2020 20:18:45 +0000