Rohnert Park, CA- Sonoma State University's Wine Business Institute is holding a seminar on wine trends on Oct. 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. Touching on a variety of current wine industry trends, this seminar covers how they relate to the economy, how they are evolving, and on what is popular in terms of price points, varietals, and styles in the on and off premise sector, with an eye to staying ahead of the game.

This seminar will be led by Liza Zimmerman, who is the principal of the wine education and consulting firm Liza the Wine Chick. She is also editor-at-large of Cheers-a national magazine covering the restaurant, bar and hotel business. Liza has been writing and educating about wine and food for close to 20 years and has published hundreds of stories in the such magazines as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Market Watch, Wine & Spirits and The Magazine of La Cucina Italiana.

The highlight of the seminar will be a panel discussion featuring well-known industry wine writers and data experts. The panel includes:

• Barbara Insel is CEO of Stonebridge Research Group LLC
Barbara Insel is CEO of Stonebridge Research Group LLC, a strategic advisory firm to the wine industry. Stonebridge Research’s services include market and consumer research, litigation research, economic studies and business and strategic planning for all segments of the wine industry.

• Deborah Parker Wong, N. California Editor, The Tasting Panel Magazine
Deborah Parker Wong, AIWS is Northern California editor for The Tasting Panel magazine where she reports on the global wine and spirits industries with an emphasis on domestic trends. In addition, she contributes regular features on production technology to Vineyard & Winery Management magazine. Deborah co-authored “1000 Great Everyday Wines” published by Dorling Kindersley in 2011.

• Jim Gordon, Editor, Wines & Vines magazine
Jim Gordon has been covering the wine industry as a magazine editor, journalist and author for more than 25 years. In 2006 he became editor of Wines & Vines, the magazine for North American winemakers and grape growers. Gordon also directs the annual Symposium for Professional Wine Writers at Meadowood Napa Valley.

• Mike Colicchio, Client Business Partner Beverage Alcohol Team, Nielsen
Mike Colicchio has over 20 years of Nielsen / CPG experience. Mike currently works with some of Nielsen’s top Wine, Spirits & Beer clients located in the West. Prior to this assignment, he spent 11 years supporting one of Nielsen’s largest clients, Nestle USA. Over that time, Mike has served in lead roles supporting both Marketing & Sales Division up through Senior Management and Category Leadership teams.

• Cyril Penn (Editor in Chief) Wine Business Monthly
Penn joined Wine Communications Group in September 1998 as editor of Wine Business Insider, and in January 2000 he was named editor in chief of Wine Business Monthly.
Mr. Penn has over 15 years of wire service, magazine and broadcast experience.

Date: October 26, 2012, 1pm – 5pm, Sonoma State Campus
There are a few seats still available for this seminar. Cost: $150, REGISTER HERE
For more information call Jessica Heing at 707-664-3347.

For information on other Wine Business Education offerings please click here.