Wine industry leaders take the stage across multiple sessions with perspectives on the path forward for the Oregon wine industry
Portland, Ore. — (December 18, 2025) — The Oregon Wine Symposium officially revealed the 2026 keynote conversations, designed to spark fresh thinking and renewed optimism for the future of Oregon wine. Taking place February 3-4, 2026, at the Oregon Convention Center, the Symposium’s general sessions will anchor two days of education and connection with timely insights and big-picture perspectives.
“The general sessions at this year’s Oregon Wine Symposium are designed to meet our industry in the moment, while propelling the dialogue toward the future,” said Gina Bianco, executive director of the Oregon Wine Board, which co-produces the Symposium. “The presenters aren’t shying away from the challenges facing wine today. Our community has always been resilient and forward-looking, and these sessions reflect that spirit and grit.”
Over the two lunchtime sessions, leading voices in beverage alcohol offer unique interpretations of the dynamics impacting the wine industry today, and what leaders can do in response.
On Tuesday, Feb. 3, Amy Gross, national president of advocacy organization Women for WineSense, and physician and vintner Dr. Laura Catena of Catena Institute of Wine join forces to explore “The Anti-Alcohol Movement: Why it’s happening, what the science says, and how we can take action.” Moderated by Jessica Mozeico of Et Fille Wines, this timely conversation brings to light the forces behind neo-prohibitionism and clarifies the current understanding of wine and health, before concluding with practical guidance for Oregon winery owners to proactively address the challenges this movement presents.
To conclude the Symposium, the lunchtime general session on day two features two keynote conversations sure to get wine business leaders thinking differently. The first session brings two Oregon craft beverage executives—Rudy Kellner, co-founder and CEO of pFriem Family Brewers and Nels Jewell-Larsen, co-owner and VP of business development at 2 Towns Ciderhouse—together to present “Rooted and Resilient: Lessons from Oregon’s Craft Beverage Leaders.” In a candid discussion led by Jesse Lyon of Davis Wright Tremaine LLP, Oregon winery leaders will have a chance to look beyond the vineyard and gain fresh perspective from fellow Oregon makers who have built resilient teams, weathered storms, and maintained relevance while staying true to their roots.
The final talk of the Symposium convenes Oregon wine industry veterans—each a pioneer in their own right—for a spirited exploration about what comes next. “Creative Disruption: A Conversation About the Future of Oregon Wine,” moderated by Wine Enthusiast wine writer and reviewer Michael Alberty, will feature an energizing discussion among Eugenia Keegan, SVP of Oregon winegrowing and business development at Jackson Family Wines, Gary Mortensen, president of Stoller Wine Group, and Herb Quady, partner at Quady North Winery and Barrel 42 custom crush winery. These respected and inspiring leaders will explore why Oregon is poised to meet the industry’s current challenges with creativity and adaptability, sharing the opportunities they perceive and the optimism they espouse about Oregon wine’s next chapter.
Beyond these three keynote conversations, two additional general sessions help frame the Symposium’s broader context. The opening session, “The Category and the Consumer: Trends and Opportunities,” features leading industry analysts Danny Brager of Azur Associates and Christian Miller from Wine Market Council sharing the latest sales trends and consumer insights shaping the wine category and Oregon’s place within it. Leading wine climatologist Dr. Greg Jones of Abacela Winery also returns to the general session stage in 2026, providing an in-depth look at recent weather patterns, the 2025 growing season, and what lies ahead for Oregon winegrowing. Dr. Jones’s Climatology Report follows a Happy Hour on the trade show floor and the 2026 Oregon Wine Industry Awards Celebration to conclude the first day of the Oregon Wine Symposium.
Taken together, these thought-provoking general sessions reflect the Symposium’s commitment to addressing today’s challenges while offering new perspectives, practical insight, and inspiration to help Oregon wine professionals move forward with clarity and confidence.
Produced by the Oregon Wine Board and the Oregon Winegrowers Association, the 2026 Oregon Wine Symposium brings together more than 1,200 grape growers, winemakers, and wine business leaders for two days of education, discussion, and connection.
Registration is now open, with prices increasing after January 15. To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit oregonwinesymposium.com.
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About Oregon Wine Board (OWB):
The Oregon Wine Board (OWB) is a semi-independent Oregon state agency leading efforts in marketing, research, and education initiatives that support and advance the Oregon wine and wine grape industry. The Board works on behalf of all Oregon wineries and independent growers throughout the state’s diverse winegrowing regions to ensure they are supported and empowered. To learn more, visit industry.oregonwine.org.
About Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA):
Harnessing the power of state-wide consensus, the Oregon Winegrowers Association (OWA) stands as the vital advocate for the health, growth and economic sustainability of Oregon’s wine industry. OWA is a member-driven advocacy group advancing the interests of the largest agricultural economic impact sector in the state. Learn more at oregonwinegrowers.org.
