Description
7th Annual Hill Country Virtual Symposium
presented by TDA – Texas Wine Marketing
January 12-14, 19-21, 26-28, 2021
The Hill Country Wine Symposium was established in 2015 by Texas Hill Country Wineries. Symposium usually includes two days of seminars, lectures and panel discussions with over 25 sessions in 4 dedicated tracks.
We’re going VIRTUAL in 2021! While we’ll miss the Grape Exchange, Annual Reception, Scholarship Awards and all the networking that comes with it, this year we’re able to focus more on the educational sessions and topics you’ve asked for. The 4 regular tracks – Vineyard, Winery, Sales & Marketing and Business – will be covered with the addition of 2 new tracks focused on Hospitality Staff and New Wineries.
Virtual Symposium sessions will take place on 6 different days in January 2021 with each day dedicated to one of the 6 tracks. All sessions will be hosted on Zoom with interactive Q&A at the end of each presentation. You have the option to register for 1 track at a time with the Day Pass Live, all 6 tracks and the recordings with the All Access Pass or just the recorded sessions with the Instant Replay Pass to watch on your own time. Please see details below for packages and pricing. Session details coming soon.
And we didn’t forget about our Exhibitors! Every Wednesday between session days we’ll be hosting many longtime partners for 1/2 hour sessions on Zoom to connect with wineries and vineyards. Virtual Symposium registration not required to participate in Exhibitor Days, these will be open to the entire Texas wine industry. Complimentary Registration HERE
We hope you’ll join us VIRTUALLY in 2021
Event tech brought to you by The Bracero Group
EMAIL US if you are interested in becoming an Exhibitor or Sponsor
WEEK 1
Tuesday, January 12 – VINEYARD TRACK
9am: Small Vineyards Don’t Have Small Problems – Daniel Pate, Apical Texas – Sponsored by Allied Ag
We ALL have problems in our vineyards. Solving them is often harder the smaller the vineyard. Should you hire an “expert”? What if my “expert” gave me horrible advice?!? Should you try to save a struggling block? Can you even make a profit??? We’ll walk through these problems and more because small can be a strength, too! And we’ll talk about “Pro Tips” for Napa-style aesthetics without harming premium fruit quality.
11am: Mitigating Mother Nature and Protecting Your Bottom Line – Bree Nelson, Ag Texas
A comprehensive conversation about the dos, don’ts and best practices to answer the questions of “What is Crop Insurance?” and “Why do I need it?”. For many vineyards, both large and small, the concerns of loosing a crop due to an adverse weather event is at the forefront of our minds; from dormancy to harvest. We will discuss and evaluate current options available to grape producers including federal disaster programs, private multi-peril products and products coming soon; all in efforts to protect the investment made by producers
1pm: Texas Vineyard Development Costs "Time & Money" – John Rivenburgh, Kerrville Hills Winery & Sherah Mills, Rustic Spur Vineyards – Sponsored by Producer Supply Co
A Talk with John Rivenburgh & Sherah Mills
Wednesday, January 13 – Exhibitor Day
The Vintner Vault – MEETING LINK- 9:45am
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88505167486?pwd=cmZYYkpySnh5RHh2K0RuY0lXTmhJUT09
Meeting ID: 885 0516 7486
Passcode: 317193
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,88505167486#,,,,*317193# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,88505167486#,,,,*317193# US (Tacoma)
TN Coopers – MEETING LINK- 10:30am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81943556190?pwd=ZjN2RktHaHBSU2dzRU1SWHRscnY0dz09
Meeting ID: 819 4355 6190
Passcode: 687029
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,81943556190#,,,,*687029# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,81943556190#,,,,*687029# US (Tacoma)
Novavine – MEETING LINK – 11:15am
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87483482950?pwd=eldhQTJFNzcvVUdVcDl2RGdFMit2UT09
Meeting ID: 874 8348 2950
Passcode: 178689
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,87483482950#,,,,*178689# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,87483482950#,,,,*178689# US (Tacoma)
Tonnellerie de Mercurey USA – MEETING LINK- 12pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85776399784?pwd=c1dZVkpYSFpwd3hGeWg0UjZqNlZiQT09
Meeting ID: 857 7639 9784
Passcode: 431985
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,85776399784#,,,,*431985# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,85776399784#,,,,*431985# US (Tacoma)
Texas Tech University Viticulture & Enology – MEETING LINK – 12:45pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81024035302?pwd=dmJZVytQMkp5UXJNNlA2MC9iWWYrZz09
Meeting ID: 810 2403 5302
Passcode: 423960
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,81024035302#,,,,*423960# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,81024035302#,,,,*423960# US (Tacoma)
Ademo, Inc – MEETING LINK – 1:30pm
Join Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86763156988?pwd=TFo1N3FVWTMxS0x1NDNFcFNsSzdxZz09
Meeting ID: 867 6315 6988
Passcode: 871180
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,86763156988#,,,,*871180# US (Houston)
+12532158782,,86763156988#,,,,*871180# US (Tacoma)
TricorBraun WinePak – MEETING LINK, 2:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84486598679?pwd=cXB2V1VnMkprNXhVMitaSzJpUmNLQT09
Meeting ID: 844 8659 8679
Passcode: 206495
One tap mobile
+13462487799,,84486598679#,,,,*206495# US (Houston)
+16699006833,,84486598679#,,,,*206495# US (San Jose)
Thursday, January 14 – WINERY TRACK
9am: Sulphur Dioxide in Wine Production: Current and Future Trends – Maureen Qualia, Texas Tech University
This presentation will look at the traditional uses of sulfur dioxide in wine production and explore SO2 alternatives and reduction strategies now being employed in the wine industry.
11am: Q&A with Bénédicte Rhyne, Kuhlman Cellars
A full hour of Q&A with Bénédicte Rhyne to talk in depth winemaker processes.
1pm: Post Mortem 2020 Winemaker Panel – Moderator: David Kuhlken, Pedernales Cellars. Panel: Tim Drake – Texas Wine Co, Seth Urbanek – Wedding Oak Winery, Nic Compton – Bell Springs Winery – Sponsored by TDA- Texas Wine Marketing
2020 Harvest and more
WEEK 2
Tuesday, January 19 – SALES & MARKETING TRACK
- 9am: How to Pitch a Story a Wine Writer Will Notice – Jessica Dupuy & Denise Clarke
- It’s hard to know the best way to get media coverage. Sometimes it’s a matter of catching a writer at the right time, but more often, it’s about strategizing your story, your uniqueness in the market, and your specific wines to fit a range of writers’ needs. It requires a lot more research than people realize, but a little extra effort can make all the difference in the end. Join PR expert Denise Clarke and wine journalist Jessica Dupuy for a casual yet honest conversation about the kinds of story pitches that work and the kind that don’t. Be ready with a pitch or two of your own for honest feedback from Clarke and Dupuy.
- 11am: Expanding Your Brand Reach While Maintaining Authenticity – Cory Wiese, YETI – Sponsored by TDA- Texas Wine Marketing
- Expanding your brand reach to new audiences without alienating your core all while maintaining authenticity. If your core consumers are an older demographic and your current marketing strategy appeals to that audience, but you want to go after a younger, more hip demographic, doing so in a way that still resonates with your current audience and keeps authenticity intact.
- 1pm: Post Pandemic Events – Moderator: Lindsey Senyard. Panel: Hunter Conner – The Terrace Club, Kristen King – Gruene Hall/The Grapevine & Jesse McClister – Slate Mill Wine Collective
Wednesday, January 20 – Exhibitor Day
- Complimentary Registration HERE
- Texas Tech University Viticulture & Enology – MEETING LINK, 10:30am
- Core Enology Analytical Services – MEETING LINK, 11:15am
- Tonnellerie de Mercurey USA – MEETING LINK, 12pm
- Cork Pops – MEETING LINK, 12:45pm
- TricorBraun WinePak – MEETING LINK, 2:15pm
- Western Square Industries & Dan Humphries Sales Co – MEETING LINK, 3pm
Thursday, January 21 – BUSINESS TRACK
- 9am: Supply Chain Management – Moderator: Chris Brundrett, William Chris Vineyards. Panel: Chris Dietzmann – Berlin Packaging, Andrew Sides – Lost Draw Cellars, Randy Jones – Fortis Solutions Group – Sponsored by WINECUB
- 11am: Distribution Post 2020 – Moderator: Daniel Kelada, Vinovium. Panel: Shawn Croft – Pedernales Cellars, Andrew Sides – Lost Draw Cellars & Tommy Wellford – Duchman Family Wines – Sponsored by EcoBox
- 1pm: Wine Club Panel – Moderator: Jesse Barter. Panel: Tiffany Stetson – Goose Ridge Winery, Leigh Behrens – Mauritson Wines and Katy Jane Seaton & Traci Furgeson – Farmhouse Vineyards – Sponsored by TDA- Texas Wine Marketing
WEEK 3
Tuesday, January 26 – STAFF FOCUS TRACK
- 9am: Brave New World – Moderator: Jennifer Beckmann, ReRooted 210. Panel: Tim McDiarmid – The Good Kind, Jennifer Cobb – Kuhlman Cellars, Tim Henke & Errica Williams-Henke – Stonewall Motor Lodge. – Sponsored by Pro Refrigeration
- With Covid-19 detrimentally disrupting the service industry, how are service oriented businesses navigating new regulations, marketing and creating a safe environment for both employees and guests? With a panel of professionals in all areas of the service industry we’ll discuss the evolution of the new service atmosphere and how some have adapted to restrictions and public relations including; Social media, DTC marketing, disgruntled guests and changes to your physical service areas.
- 11am: Telling Your Winery Story – Carl Hudson, 4.0 Cellars – Sponsored by Rowland Taylor Vineyards
- 1pm: Turning Your Passion Into A Paycheck – Moderator: Trey Blankenship – Messina Hof Winery. Panel: Donna Rene Johnston – Wine Texas Friendly Consulting, Rebecca Conley – Red Loves Wine, Cheramie Law – Cheramie Wine & Jennifer McInnis – Bending Branch Winery
- The amazing and overwhelming thing about Texas wine is that you can do just about anything and turn it into a paycheck. Our panel of industry experts will share their growth experiences and help you learn to navigate a career in Texas wine that you might not see while still suiting your skills and abilities. – Sponsored by TricorBraun WinePak
Wednesday, January 27 – Exhibitor Day
Thursday, January 28 – NEW WINERY/VINEYARD TRACK
Sessions will be 1 1/2 hours
- 9am: Building Your Brand – Matt McGinnis, Big Thirst Marketing – Sponsored by TDA- Texas Wine Marketing
- 11am: Texas Grapes: How To Get Them, Meet Growers & Expand – Moderator: John Rivenburgh – Kerrville Hills Winery. Panel: Barbara Lecuona- Siboney Cellars, Reed Williams- Hoover Valley Vineyards, more TBA. – Sponsored by WinStar Insurance Group
- 1pm: Winery Compliance-Record Keeping and Reporting – Livia Schorlemer, Pedernales Cellars – Sponsored by Texas Tech University Viticulture & Enology
REGISTRATION*
- DAY PASS LIVE – $30/day
- Register for each day individually. Includes 3 LIVE sessions for that day & presentations emailed afterward (if applicable).
- ALL ACCESS PASS – $150
- Includes all 18 LIVE sessions (3/day for 6 days), presentations emailed afterward & access to session recordings to watch anytime
- INSTANT REPLAY – $75
- Includes access to all 18 recorded sessions after close of Virtual Symposium to watch anytime
Confirmation email with Zoom details will be sent shortly after registration is completed.
Registration is per person, please do not share session links or recordings.
Due to the Virtual element of this years’ event, there are no Media or Student registration discounts.
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS
Virtual Symposium presented by
Event Technology sponsored by
Session Sponsors
Click here for 2021 Sponsorship Opportunities
2021 EXHIBITORS
Week 1, Wednesday, January 13:
- The Vintner Vault – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 9:45am
- TN Coopers – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 10:30am
- Novavine – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 11:15am
- Tonnellerie de Mercurey USA – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 12pm
- Texas Tech University Viticulture & Enology – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 12:45pm
- Ademo, Inc – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 1:30pm
- TricorBraun WinePak – Virtual Meeting Session Week 1, 2:15pm
Week 2, Wednesday, January 20:
- exas Tech University Viticulture & Enology – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 10:30am
- Core Enology Analytical Services – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 11:15am
- Tonnellerie de Mercurey USA – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 12pm
- Cork Pops – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 12:45pm
- TricorBraun WinePak – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 2:15pm
- Western Square Industries & Dan Humphries Sales Co – Virtual Meeting Session Week 2, 3pm
Week 3, Wednesday, January 27:
- Core Enology Analytical Services – Virtual Meeting Session Week 3, 11:15am
- Capa Bunga – Virtual Meeting Session Week 3, 12pm
- TricorBraun WinePak – Virtual Meeting Session Week 3, 2:15pm
Click here for 2021 Exhibitor Details & Registration