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30 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER { conference partner } D.C. WAS HEADQUARTERS FOR THIS YEAR'S SOCIETY OF WINE Educators (SWE) conference, a well-attended and much praised event, wel- coming in Barry Wiss as the society's new President. Seminars covered topics on wine regions, grape varieties, spirits, wine cul- ture, pairing wine and cheese, myth-busting on alcohol and health, creating meaningful relationships with Millennials and, of course, the on-going argument about minerality. The Society of Wine Educators was founded in 1977 and as a non-profit educational organization, has a mis - sion to set the standard for quality and responsible wine and spirits education and professional certification. Its CSS, CSW, CWE and CSE programs confer certifica- tions—not certificates or diplomas—and members are encouraged to use their post-nominals as part of their professional signatures. New SWE President Barry Wiss, who is also VP of Trade Relations for St. Helena-based Trinchero Family Estates, gave the closing speech at the conference. "SWE offered the environment to foster my new passion," said Wiss. "And when I say 'environment,' I mean all of the SWE members—any of whom I still consider inspirations to me, and always will. I look out to our members and see the people who have built the high standards of wine/spirits education in our industry and the future generation of educators. I have proudly served on the SWE Board and Executive Committee for nearly ten years. My involvement in the SWE has enhanced my career and overall enjoyment of my life. My wife and I have been very blessed to have the opportunity to travel to many of the world's greatest wine regions with a knowledge and appreciation for everything they have to offer. I am very humbled and honored to have the opportunity to pay back the SWE in being its President for the next two years." This year's speaker presentations are available at www.societyofwineeducators.org. Next year's conference will take place August 10–12 at The Red Lion on the River in Portland, Oregon. The Somm Journal is proud to be the organization's media partner. IMAGE_BILL DEUTSCH Barry Wiss, CWE, CSS, is the new President of the Society of Wine Educators. He is also Vice President of Trade Relations for family-owned Trinchero Family Estates. Enhancing Careers WITH A NEW PRESIDENT AT THE HELM, THE 40TH ANNUAL SOCIETY OF WINE EDUCATORS CONFERENCE WAS A MAJOR SUCCESS Keynote Speaker: BILL DEUTSCH The commencement of the SWE's 40th anniversary conference featured industry veteran Bill Deutsch, who captivated the crowd in retracing his 35 years of building one of the country's largest wine companies. Deutsch believes that the "six P's" are crucial for market success: People, Product, Package, Price, Promotion, and Potential; however, "People" always come first. He set the stage for an epic three days to follow. C M Y CM MY CY CMY K PHOTO COURTESY OF SWE PHOTO COURTESY OF SWE