Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/735312
26 / the tasting panel / october 2016 T he premiere conference and expo for the business of wine, SommCon will include ses- sions and educational classes led by Master Sommeliers and Masters of Wine. Join the panel from our sister publication, The Somm Journal, called "Digging In to Unique Terroir," moderated by Eric Hemer, MS, MW, of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits, at the San Diego Marriott Marquis & Marina on Thursday, November 17 from 10:30 a.m.–12 noon. Hemer will talk with representatives from unique appellations—from the Russian River Valley AVA to Tokaj, Hungary. Digging In To Unique Terroir at SommCon 2017 "Digging In to Unique Terroir" will be moderated by Eric Hemer, MS, MW, of Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. PHOTO: VANESSA RODGERS Check www.SommJournal.com for the most up-to-date list of panelists and presenters. Register at www.sommconusa.com. Nikolai St George, Chief Winemaker, Giesen Estate Originally from the King Country, Nikolai St George's winemaking career has taken him around New Zealand and the world. St George was drawn to Giesen because of its potential, saying that while the winery has achieved so much over the past 30 years, it still feels like it's on the cusp of something great. Lisa Tuttle, DWS, Director of Wines – West, Stoli Group USA Lisa Tuttle received her Level 4 Diploma Certificate from the WSET (Wine and Spirits Educational Trust). Tuttle's wine experience started 27 years ago while working for Martine Saunier/Martine's Wines, Sebastiani Family, Allied Domecq, Cline Cellars and Constellation Brands, before taking her current position with Stoli. Boyd Morrison, Winemaker, MacMurray Estate Vineyards Boyd Morrison brings years of Pinot Noir winegrowing expertise and his signature laser focus to the cellar at MacMurray Estate Vineyards, eliciting the unique flavors and characteristics inherent in each of their cool- climate vineyards. Steve Peck, Red Wine Winemaker, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines Born and raised in California, Steve Peck began cultivating his love of winemaking as a teenager while traveling to vineyards alongside his uncle, a dedicated home winemaker, inspiring Peck to enroll at the University of California, Davis. In 2007, Peck was appointed winemaker for the full portfolio of J. Lohr red wines. István Szepsy Jr., Chief Winemaker, St. Tamás Winery An 18th-genera- tion winemaker, István Szepsy Jr. graduated as an enologist in 2004. As Chief Winemaker of the St. Tamás Winery, Szepsy Jr. creates wines that express the real values and individual character of the terroir from Tokaj—the world's first classified historic wine region—through the indigenous Furmint variety. Toshio Ueno MSS, CSW, FWS, Vice President & Executive Instructor, Sake School of America Toshio Ueno is the only person in the world to hold a Master of Saké, Master Saké Sommelier and WSET Saké Educator diploma. In 2002, Ueno joined Mutual Trading Company, where he is Manager of the Business Development Department in marketing Japanese foods, jizake (artisanal saké) and shochu. Since 2010, he has been Vice President & Executive Instructor at the Saké School of America. Joseph Herzog, Family Co-Owner, Royal Wine Company/ Herzog Wine Cellars For over 50 years, Royal Wine Corp. has been owned and operated in the United States by the Herzog family, whose winemaking roots date back eight generations to 19th-century Czechoslovakia. Royal prides itself on providing the finest wines, spirits and liqueurs from all over the world. The family also owns Herzog Wine Cellars on California's Central Coast. Panelists will include: PHOTO COURTESY OF GIESEN ESTATE PHOTO COURTESY OF MUTUAL TRADING COMPANY PHOTO: ALEXANDER RUBIN PHOTO COURTESY OF ST. TAMÁS WINERY PHOTO COURTESY OF STOLI GROUP USA PHOTO COURTESY OF MACMURRAY ESTATE VINEYARDS