About the Symposium

The Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium is more than an industry event — it’s the driving force behind progress in winery DTC shipping, leadership, and education. Presented by Free the Grapes, this annual gathering funds this 501(6)C’s work to eliminate shipping restrictions and expand consumer choice in wine across the U.S.Meet the dedicated volunteer Steering Committee whose leadership makes this event — and its impact — possible.

Brian Baker

Brian Baker

Founder, Cultivar Marketing

John Cedillo III

John Cedillo III

Chief Experience Officer, Be Hospitable Consulting

Woman in an orange dress holding a wine bottle and empty glass, standing against a light-colored wall.

Isis Daniel

The Millennial Somm

Susan DeMatei

Susan DeMatei

President, WineGlass Marketing

Woman with long dark hair in a denim shirt smiling, standing outdoors among green leafy plants.

Jessah Diaz

Director of DTC, Cakebread Cellars

Smiling woman with long brown hair holds a glass of white wine, standing indoors near a window.

Jasmine Egan

General Manager, Winery Sixteen 600

Ed Feuchuk

Ed Feuchuk

General Manager, Tank Garage Winery-Farm Collective Napa Valley

Woman smiling outdoors, wearing a black turtleneck, with trees and blue sky in the background.

Laura Perret Fontana

Founder, LPF Digital Marketing

Woman in sunglasses holding a drink, smiling, seated outdoors in sunlight. Black and white photo.

Barbara Gorder

President, Undisclosed Location, Inc.

Meredith Hayes

Meredith Hayes

Wine Marketing consultant

Woman with curly hair in a black jacket smiles while holding a wine glass outdoors at sunset.

Kasey Helt

Director of DTC Operations - Laetitia Vineyards and Winery

A man wearing glasses and a striped shirt stands outside with trees and a house in the background.

James Lovaas

DTC Operations Manager, Wente Family Estates

Smiling bald man with glasses standing in front of a blurred, sunlit field with rows of crops.

Kelly Mantel

Director, DTC Marketing & eCommerce, Harney Lane Vineyards

Smiling woman with natural hair in a black dress and gold necklace, standing outdoors with blurred lights behind her.

Patricia O’Brien

Chief Operating Officer, Callaway Vineyard & Winery

Woman with brown hair and a brown jacket smiles indoors; “Peace” sign is on the wall behind her.

Vicki Tomiser

Elevator in Chief, Wine Flight Consulting

50+ Experts

Inspiring voices from within and outside the wine industry.

Gain insights from industry leaders and forward thinkers as they tackle the issues shaping your business today and tomorrow.

94% Approval in Past Years. 100% in 2025.

Exceptional Programming—A Defining Feature.

Year after year, at least 94% of attendees say they’d recommend the conference to a friend or colleague. In 2025, we hit 100%. Just wait until you see what we’ve in store for 2026.

600+ Attendees

Exclusive wine industry DTC focus

Last year’s conference welcomed over 600 wine industry professionals, spanning marketing, sales, wine club management, hospitality, and influencer engagement. Notably, 40% of attendees held senior roles, including Owner, C-suite, or VP titles. Participants represented 16 U.S. states and several international markets, highlighting the event’s wide-reaching appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions For DTCWS26

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