Jenne Baldwin-Eaton
Instructor of Viticulture and Enology
Western Colorado Community College
Jenne Baldwin-Eaton
Jenne Baldwin-Eaton started her career in winemaking with Plum Creek Cellars in 1994. For 22 years, Baldwin-Eaton made award-winning wines from 100% Colorado grown grapes and was involved in all aspects of running a commercial winery.
The success and growth of the Colorado wine industry is very important to Baldwin-Eaton and as an instructor, her goal is to pass along years of accrued knowledge and practical experience. In 2017, she developed the first Colorado AAS in Viticulture and Enology program at Western Colorado Community College, a division of Colorado Mesa University. Courses are designed to be taught in-person through a combination of ground work fundamentals and hands-on experience. Students learn fundamentals of sustainable viticulture and focusing on plants suitable for Colorado. They are taught how to make wine including the fundamentals of fermentation, the wine production cycle, wine sensory analysis and how to discern good wine. General business management and marketing practices related to winery operations are also part of the curriculum. Baldwin-Eaton, working with the industry, leads her students in applied research trials with wine-making techniques for increasing the success and quality in wine production unique to Colorado’s climate. She is also available as a wine consultant.
VinCO Seminars
Chik Brenneman
Winemaker
Baker Family Wines
Chik Brenneman
Chik is the Winemaker and partner for Baker Family Wines. In 1998, Chik graduated with a Master’s degree from UC Davis’s school of Viticulture and Enology and upon graduation, he went to work for Amador Foothill Winery, in Amador County, CA, Terre Rouge Easton Winery, and eventually became the production lab manager at Woodbridge by Robert Mondavi in Lodi California.
In 2006, Chic was approached by the University of California at Davis to manage their winery. Chik retired from the University in March 2019 to devote full-time energy to Baker Family Wines. As well as being an enthusiastic home winemaker, in any given harvest he will make wine from over 50 different varietals. Chik also writes the “Varietal Focus” column in every issue of WineMaker magazine. Chik will lead “Managing pH & Acid” seminar on Friday and will also be part of the “Advanced Winemaking Q & A” seminar. On Saturday, Chik will participate in the “WineMaker Columnists Live: Winemaking Trends” and later will conduct the “Advanced Wine Chemistry” seminar. Chik will lead the pre-conference “Home Wine Lab Tests Boot Camp” and post-conference “Wine Chem 101 Boot Camp” on Sunday.
VinCO Seminars
Doug Caskey
Executive Director | Colorado Wine Industry Development Board
Doug Caskey
Doug Caskey has served in his role with the CWIDB since 2000. He oversees statewide efforts to promote Colorado wine. Caskey is a 30-year wine industry veteran, with experience in the restaurant and retail wine industries. Previous to the CWIDB, he managed the wine department at Boulder Liquor Mart, one of Colorado’s largest retail liquor stores in Boulder.
VinCO Seminars
Dr. Horst Caspari
Professor & State Viticulturist
Colorado State University
Dr. Horst Caspari
Dr. Caspari is a Professor with the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture at Colorado State University and has served as Colorado’s State Viticulturist since 2000. Dr. Caspari received the equivalent of MS (1989) and PhD (1993) in Agricultural Science from the University of Bonn, Germany. He was a visiting scientist at the Department of Horticultural Science at Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand from 1990 to 1993. He held the position of Post-Doc (1994) and Research Scientist (1995 – 2000) with the Horticulture and Food Research Institute of New Zealand prior to joining Colorado State University in July 2000.
VinCO Seminars
Eglantine Chaffour
Product Manager Winemaking Solutions
Lamothe Abiet
Eglantine Chaffour
Eglantine holds a double Master’s Degree in Viticulture-Oenology and Agronomic engineering from Montpellier SupAgro (France). Her international background,with winemaking and cellar experiences in France, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and five years in the U.S., gives her a comprehensive view of wines and processes around the world.
At Bucher Vaslin Eglantine is in charge of developing Lamothe-Abiet products in North America. Working as a winemaker, research projects manager, technical support, and winemaking consultant, she enjoys helping winemakers optimize their process, troubleshoot difficult wines and has a passion for making rosés!
VinCO Seminars
Dr. Rich DeScenzo PhD.
Research Scientist
Lab Management
Rich DeScenzo
Richard DeScenzo is the Microbiology Group Leader for ETS Laboratories and a member of the Leadership Team. Rich received his Masters in Plant Pathology and Ph. D. in Plant Biology at the University of New Hampshire, and conducted his postdoctoral studies on disease resistance genes in barley with the USDA/ARS at Iowa State University. He spent 10 years conducting research on grape genomics, development of molecular diagnostics, and fermentation monitoring in the wine industry. Dr. DeScenzo joined ETS in January 2006, leading the Microbiology Group and guiding the development of the Scorpion Wine Spoilage Detection Kit.
Most recently, Richard has focused on transitioning the Scorpions technology for use in the fuel ethanol market. In addition to developing improved diagnostics for the fermentation industry, Richard works with clients to help them understand their microbial fermentation problems, and develop monitoring programs to prevent future problems.
VinCO Seminars
Peter Goble
Service Climatologist and Drought Specialist: Colorado Climate Center, Colorado State University
Peter Goble
Peter has been a part of the Colorado State Atmospheric Science Department since joining as a Master’s student in 2013. His research focused on soil moisture’s role in seasonal weather prediction. Since then, he stayed with the Colorado Climate Center as a full time research associate. His work is primarily with drought, climate, and land-atmosphere interactions. Recently he has been working to develop crop-specific indicators of drought severity.
Since 2017 he has worked with the Colorado Wine Industry Development Board to collect temperature data from current and prospective vineyards on cold nights. They have used these data, in combination with modeled weather data, to map parts of the state that may stay warm enough to merit grape production. Examples can be found here: Colorado State University | Colorado Climate Center
He enjoys participating in education and outreach events where possible. He is Colorado’s state coordinator for the Community Collaborative Rain, Hail, and Snow Network, which is a nationwide effort to share the weather that falls in your backyard. In his free time, he enjoys running, hiking, skiing, and spending time with his wife, dog, and cats.
VinCO Seminars
Meaghan Frank
Vice President
Dr. Konstantin Frank Wines
Meaghan Frank
Meaghan, the great-granddaughter of Dr. Konstantin Frank, is the fourth generation winegrowner. After Meaghan graduated from high school, she enrolled at Cornell University for a degree in communications. As her interest in wine and the family business grew, Meaghan earned her MBA in wine business from the University of Adelaide, Australia, in 2013. Not settling with one degree, Meaghan completed her second Master’s degree in enology from Cornell University in December 2015.
With combined expertise in wine business and winemaking, Meaghan has revolutionized the way the winery is run as well as the quality of the wines. Meaghan runs the day-to-day operations at the winery with a focus on winemaking direction, staff satisfaction, export markets, and guest experience. At the young age of 30, we have a lot to look forward to.
VinCO Seminars
Dr. Cain Hickey
Viticulture Extension Educator
Penn State University Extension
Dr. Cain Hickey
Cain is the Viticulture Extension Educator at Penn State. He has worked in the grape and wine industry and been involved in viticulture research and extension since 2007, when employed at the Penn State Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center in North East, PA. After graduating with a BS in Horticulture Science from Penn State in 2009, Cain began his graduate studies at Virginia Tech. He earned his MSc in 2012 and PhD in 2016, focusing on applied research in several viticulture areas, including irrigation management, cover crop and rootstock use, and canopy and fruit-zone management. He has presented his research at several academic and industry conferences, and has delivered several presentations at extension workshops.
In addition to his research and extension experience, Cain has guest-lectured for several university-sanctioned courses, and developed three class modules for an on-line viticulture course offered through Virginia Tech. Cain is currently working to solve vineyard management issues in Pennsylvania through his extension appointment.
VinCO Seminars
Stephanie Hicks
Government Relations Specialist
CAVE Lobbyist
Stephanie Hicks
Stephanie is one of the rare Colorado natives. She grew up in Littleton and graduated from Regis University in Denver with a degree in Politics. She has been working in the Colorado State Capitol for nine years; first as the Legislative Aide to two House Representatives from Colorado Springs then as the Government Affairs Coordinator for the Colorado Association of REALTORS (CAR). After leaving CAR, she became a contract lobbyist representing the Colorado Licensed Beverage Association (CLBA). Stephanie now represents the Colorado Association of Viticulture and Enology, the Tavern League of Colorado and Air Methods Corporation.
VinCO Seminars
Michael Jones
Fermentation Specialist
Scott Laboratories
Michael Jones
Working in wineries since 1971, Michael made his first wine in the family cellar in 1974. He has made wine every year since, including two vintages in Burgundy and one in the Hunter Valley, Australia. Suffering from a degree in Viticulture and Enology from UC Davis, he found solace amongst the vines of NovaVine Nursery and the barrels of Hanzell in Sonoma. Previously, he had been 19 years at Domaine Chandon. Currently, he is a fermentation specialist for Scott Laboratories.
VinCO Seminars
Matt Ridge
Technical Representative
Laffort
Matt Ridge
With a Bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in Chemistry and Geology from Adams State College in Colorado, Matt’s first job in the wine industry was in 1998 working for United Distillers and Vintners in the Sonoma laboratory, which encompassed all aspects of the natural sciences. Matt discovered his passion after moving to Manteca in the Central Valley and embarked on a career in production winemaking. Matt then spent seven years making wine on the North Coast and returned to the Lodi region in 2010 where he has set down his own roots.
Matt consults for two small premium wine brands in Lodi, and brings to his LAFFORT® territory perspectives of large and small scale winemaking at all quality levels.
VinCO Seminars
• Juice Fining for Improved Aromatics and Shelf Life of White Wines
Russ Schumacher
Colorado State Climatologist and Director of the Colorado Climate Center
Russ Schumacher
Russ Schumacher received his B.S. with majors in meteorology and humanities from Valparaiso University in Indiana in 2001. He received his M.S. in 2003 and Ph.D. in 2008 from the Department of Atmospheric Science at Colorado State University. His graduate research examined the processes that cause mesoscale convective systems to produce extreme precipitation. Russ received an Advanced Study Program Postdoctoral Fellowship from the National Center for Atmospheric Research, and spent 2008-09 at NCAR in Boulder.
From 2009-11, Russ was Assistant Professor in the Department of Atmospheric Sciences at Texas A&M University. He joined the CSU faculty in August 2011. He received the CAREER award from the National Science Foundation in 2010, and was selected as Outstanding Professor of the Year by the students of the department in 2012. He was selected to receive the Editor’s Award for the journals Monthly Weather Review and Weather and Forecasting in 2015. Russ was promoted to Associate Professor at CSU in July 2016. He currently serves as Editor of the journal Monthly Weather Review. Along with his faculty position in the Department of Atmospheric Science, Russ serves as the Colorado State Climatologist and Director of the Colorado Climate Center.
VinCO Seminars
Michelle Stone-Principato
Director | Colorado Department of Revenue – Liquor Enforcement Division
Michelle Stone-Principato
Director Michelle Stone-Principato began her career with the Colorado Liquor Enforcement Division five years ago. Michelle started her career with the Department of Revenue as the Agent-in-Charge of the Division’s Licensing Section, then as the Agent-in-Charge of the Enforcement Section, and was responsible for supervising four field offices across Colorado. Michelle was promoted to Deputy Director and, in that role, was instrumental in coordinating the move of the main field office. Michelle was recently promoted to Director of the Division. Michelle immediately put into place Trade Show and Biometric Identification regulations, in support of Governor Polis’ digital transformation and customer service priorities. Michelle was given the honor and privilege to serve the citizens of the City of Lakewood as a Law Enforcement Professional for 17 years. She served as a Patrol Agent, Field Training Agent and a Detective in the Crimes Against Children Unit, Major Crimes Unit, and Cold Case Unit. As a Sergeant, Michelle worked in the Patrol Division and Internal Affairs Unit. She served as a liaison to the Lakewood Police Department Chief’s Employee Representative Group, a member and instructor of the Crisis Intervention Team, and a certified KOGA Instructor.
Michelle has a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from Metropolitan State College of Denver and a Paralegal Certificate from Arapahoe Community College. Michelle spends time outside of work supporting her children’s’ love of basketball and golf. Michelle is excited and eager to assist local Licensing Authorities, licensees, attorneys and stakeholders with navigating Liquor Licensing and Compliance in the State of Colorado.
VinCO Seminars
Miranda Purcell
Extension Regional Viticulture Specialist
Colorado State University
Miranda Purcell
Miranda Purcell is CSU’s new Viticulture Extension Specialist. She started the position in July 2019 after graduating from Oregon State University working under Dr. Patty Skinkis, Statewide Viticulture Extension Specialist & Professor. Her Master’s thesis work focused on the effect of dormant pruning methods and nitrogen fertilization on ‘Pinot noir’ bud fruitfulness and yield. She serves the Colorado industry by increasing the educational resources available to winegrape growers throughout the state.
VinCO Seminars
Jim Trezise
President
WineAmerica
Jim Trezise
Jim Trezise became President of WineAmerica in 2017 after serving more than 20 years on the organization’s Board of Directors and Executive Committee. Jim has been involved with the grape and wine industry since 1982. He was President of the New York Wine & Grape Foundation, which he co-created in 1985. He has served on the boards of national and international organizations involved with public policy, research, marketing, and trade. He has received several national awards or accolades for his contributions to the American wine industry. He is a frequent speaker at industry conferences and judges in many wine competitions
around the world.
Jim earned a B.A. in Psychology from Allegheny College, and an M.A. in International Communications from American University in Washington, DC. He lives and works on Keuka Lake in New York’s fabulous Finger Lakes wine region.
VinCO Seminars
Dr. Natalia Velikova, PhD.
Associate Director, Texas Wine Marketing Research Institute, Professor Texas Tech University
Dr. Natalia Velikova, PhD.
Natalia Velikova holds a Ph.D. in Hospitality Administration, with a minor in Marketing, from Texas Tech University. Natalia conducts research on wine consumer behavior and wine tourism. She also teaches courses in Wine Marketing and Wine Tourism in the College of Human Sciences at Texas Tech University.
VinCO Seminars
Donniella Winchell
Executive Director
Ohio Wine Producers Association
Donniella Winchell
Donniella is currently the Executive Director of the Ohio Wine Producers Association, and chair of their Vintage Ohio Wine Festival. She is on the board of the Winegrape Growers of America and the WineAmerica State Advisory Panel.
In addition, she is the recipient of Monteith Trophy given annually to one national figure in the American grape and wine community, is a member of the Knights of the Vine, received Ohio Travel Association’s Paul Sherlock award, the Paul Harris Rotary award and is a member of Ohio Wine Hall of Fame. She helped to create the License to Steal, National Wine Marketing Conference. She was on the founding boards of several retinal tourism organizations and served as a trustee for both the Ohio Travel Association and for many years on the Ohio Division of T and T Advisory Board. She also sits on several regional and state economic development committees.