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

Founder, Cultivar Marketing

John Cedillo III

Chief Experience Officer, Be Hospitable Consulting

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Isis Daniel

The Millennial Somm

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Jessah Diaz

Director of DTC, Cakebread Cellars

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Jasmine Egan

General Manager, Winery Sixteen 600

Ed Feuchuk

General Manager, Tank Garage Winery-Farm Collective Napa Valley

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Laura Perret Fontana

Founder, LPF Digital Marketing

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Barbara Gorder

President, Undisclosed Location | Managing Partner, DTC Wine Symposium

Meredith Hayes

Wine Marketing consultant

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Kasey Helt

Director of DTC Operations - Laetitia Vineyards and Winery

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James Lovaas

DTC Operations Manager, Wente Family Estates

Kelly Mantel

Director, DTC Marketing & eCommerce, Harney Lane Vineyards

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Patricia O’Brien

Director of Hospitality, Truffle Pig Winery

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Vicki Tomiser

Elevator in Chief, Wine Flight Consulting

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Cyndi Yoxall

Wine Club Manager Balletto Vineyards – Santa Rosa, CA

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Heather Daenitz

Craft & Cluster

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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.

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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.

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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

Why should I attend?

The Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium is the nation’s premier industry conference dedicated to winery DTC sales and marketing. Content includes keynote speeches from thought leaders from outside of the wine industry. Other leaders from within the industry offer topical insights and practical workshop sessions that deliver actionable ideas. Plus, our tradeshow features the industry’s top suppliers. But perhaps the most valuable benefit is the chance for top-tier networking opportunities within our community.

Why the move?

We are committed to providing the best experience for our attendees, helping them improve their sales and marketing skills and enhance their professional development. The move to Monterey will offer a more elevated experience for our attendees, and the Hyatt Regency provides more space to host more attendees and sponsors alike. We’re thrilled to offer an even more dynamic conference in this new location, reaching new audiences from diverse geographic areas along the way.

Why is the Symposium now three days?

We recognize the travel commitment it takes to attend the Direct to Consumer Wine Symposium. Our move to this schedule allows attendees to arrive on Tuesday, January 20, for the opening Wine Keynote, afternoon programming, and great networking opportunities at the hotel and in Monterey. Wednesday, January 21, will provide a full day of content, learning, and networking opportunities. Then, on Thursday, January 22, we’ll wrap things up earlier to make travel planning easier.

What kind of pricing/discounts can I expect?

Can I share my ticket, as in past years?

What hotel options are there?

Will you have information on how to plan my trip?

Can I get a refund if I can’t attend?

About the Symposium

50+ Experts

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

600+ Attendees

Frequently Asked Questions For DTCWS26

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