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

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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

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, Inc.

Meredith Hayes

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

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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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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?
Why the move?
Why is the Symposium now three days?
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?
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