favorite winery, Pearmund Cellars. She worked as one of the winery managers and as the
winery sommelier. She is a long-term member of the AWS and served for three years as
Chapter Chair for the John Marshall chapter in Virginia. Melissa is a Certified Judge through
the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and a Certified Sommelier through the
International Wine Guild. Melissa is a free-lance wine consultant and educator.

Joann Degaglia CSW, CS, CWJ is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier. She has earned both an American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Association with honors.

JoAnn is a popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Since receiving her Wine Judge Certification with Merit from the American Wine Society, she has judged at numerous competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star International, Texas International, Sommeliers Choice Competition, The Buyers Network in San Francisco, the Big E, California State Fair, Bottle Shock, Atlanta Governors Cup, Atlantic Seaboard and many others.

She is an International Wine Judge OIV (10125) having joined the panel of esteemed Judges at the Frankfurt International Trophy. She is the American Wine Society’s Certified Wine Judge Program coordinator/instructor and works part time at two of the Hudson Valley’s great wine destinations, Brotherhood-America’s Oldest Winery and Wine Spectator’s award-winning Relais and Chateaux’s Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York as a Sommelier and Director of Staff Ed and Training.

Steve DiFrancesco is a winemaking professional with 44 harvests under his belt. He recently retired, after 26 years, as winemaker for Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes of NY. He helped the winery scale up from a yearly output of 17,000 cases to 41,000 cases, plus an additional 20,000 cases of custom work. Steve judged in his first international wine competition in 1988. He has since judged in numerous regional, national, and international competitions in New York, Virginia, California, and Ohio.

As a winemaker, Steve’s wines have won over 450 gold medals in regional, national, and international competitions. He has made over 60 professional presentations in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2022, Steve was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Winery Exposition. He is a board member for the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. Steve is now a winemaking consultant, and has many clients in the Northeast.

Shortly after Rege Duralia joining the American Wine Society in 1992, he became intrigued with wine. That association opened a door to appreciation of wine through education, amateur winemaking and enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning course. His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival Judging. Joining the Tasters Guild, also in 2002, provided judging events that brought exposure to many wines from different growing and wine making regions.

Visiting wine growing regions of the world – California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio, Michigan, Northern Georgia, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia – expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions.

Rege became a Certified Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American Wine Society and was recertified in 2012 and 2018. He is also a wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory, NC. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateur competition, the Tasters Guild International Wine Judging, the South Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Dixie Classic, Wines of the South, New York State Fair, North Carolina State Fair, and Winemaker International Magazine Amateur Wine Competition.

What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage for a meal any time of the day.

Jane Duralia been a member of the American Wine Society since 1992, gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.

Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine knowledge from all parts of the world. She passed the introductory Sommelier course and then followed up with the three year American Wine Society wine certified Judge course, after that she was hooked; learning to evaluate wines enhanced her appreciation of wines in a much broader sense and increased her grape varietal knowledge even more. She became an AWS Certified Wine Judge in 2006 and recertified in 2012 and 2018.

Jane enjoy judging various competitions around the country, annually; AWS Commercial and Amateur, Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, New York State Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name a few; Recently adding Wine Maker International Amateur Wine Competition in 2020-2023. Jane is now a Wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory NC. In 2017-2023 she provided wine descriptors and food pairing for the Double Gold recipients at the Tasters’ Guild Competition 2018.

Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever she visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Her travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada (Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California ( from Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York – Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the Northern Georgia Mountains. In early 2020, Jane spent a month traveling and tasting through New Zealand and Australia.

Carole Hackett, CWJ, CS has a background in healthcare, and her undergraduate degree in Biology and Chemistry has been valuable in her wine studies. Her interest in wine has led her to further her education. Carole is a certified wine judge with the American Wine Society. She stays active working with students from the Wine Judge Certification Program. Carole has completed Level 2 of WSET program with Merit. Carole serves as the Regional Vice President for Eastern Kentucky for the American Wine Society. In 2023, Carole received the Certified Sommelier from the National Wine School.

Carole enjoys judging amateur and commercial competitions. Her nine years of judging experience have taken her through much of the USA. She enjoys judging county fairs, regional festival events, state fair amateur competitions and international competitions

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)’s professional career has been devoted to the wine industry, learning and sharing her knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. She is a diploma graduate with honors (dipWSET) through The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, a Certified Specialist of Wine with Society of Wine Educators, Tastevin level member with the Dionysian Wine Society International and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

As a member of the American Wine Society, she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter she founded. She is also a Certified Wine Judge through AWS. As a professional international Wine Judge since 2010, she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International competitions around the world. She has expanded operations for multi-unit chains, drafted marketing plans and created elaborate events for Hollywood Elite.

She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing the standards of service still in use today. As a wine director, she trained front of house staff and her wine lists consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade. Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, where she wrote and developed WineSmarts II. She teaches wine courses at area colleges and founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC and has been a winemaker for over 40 years. Linda does consulting in the areas of winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education.

A lifetime member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board, ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding Member in 1993. In addition, Linda was co-founder of the Pittsburgh, PA chapter of the AWS, which went on to become one of the largest, eventually breaking down into several chapters. Upon moving to NC, Linda, along with her husband, Tom, became founders of the Wine Lovers Club of Winston-Salem, another AWS Chapter.

Annemarie Morse Annemarie has a Master’s Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has taught wine courses at a University level. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society and has been certified as a wine judge through their program since 2012. She developed and taught classes and sessions at the National Wine Conferences. She is a Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a published freelance wine & food writer and blogger.

Annemarie is a trained descriptive panelist for the sensory evaluation of artisan cheese and alcoholic beverages at Cornell University. Annemarie hosts and plans wine tours and cruises of wine regions through her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC as well as providing consulting services to restaurants and classes for staff, private events and the community. She has a passion for food and wine, exploring different regions of the world and sharing these experiences with others.

Ron Natalie is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He also holds WSET Level 3 certification and is
certified as an aficionado of wine by Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly. He is an AWS life member and chapter chair. Ron developed his love of wine after running a marathon in Bordeaux. He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-crazed wife.

Kevin Ostrowski is a former high school chemistry, physics, and math teacher and a retired QA/QC nuclear utility executive. He is currently the American Wine Society’s Western Pennsylvania Regional Ambassador, Chapter Chair of the AWS Beaver County, PA, chapter, and member of the AWS Education Committee. An AWS Certified Wine Judge, Kevin is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators, holds a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits (with Merit), has a Wine Scholar Guild Master Level Champagne Certificate, has completed level 1 Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and is PLCB RAMP certified. He has enjoyed the privilege of judging many local and regional wine competitions.

An Instructor for AWS Wine Judge Certification Training, he is also a wine instructor for Butler County Community College in Butler, PA and has taught the Super Tasters Class for the American Wine Society. A home wine maker, he has won several medals from both AWS and WineMaker magazine. Kevin is a member of The Wine Century Club, GuildSomm, the Society of Wine Educators, the Wine Scholar Guild, and the Pennsylvania Wine Society. Kevin Resides in Beaver, PA.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge.
Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

Building on his passion for wine, travel and teaching, John Sporing founded A Life Well Drunk. He regularly hosts bespoked wine tours around the world. Recently, these tours have included South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, as well as domestic destinations (California and Oregon). John holds certifications by the Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Wine, the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust: WSET Level 3, the Court of Master Sommeliers: Sommelier, the Sherry Regulatory Council: Certified Sherry Wine Specialist–Intermediate; and from the Center for Wine Origins: Wine Location Specialist.

Jeff Stabins is a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society and is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma student. Jeff is also on the Board of Directors of the Raise a Glass Foundation and is Director of the Great American Amateur Wine Competition. Jeff has enjoyed judging in many wine competitions for 12 years.

Pat Valas began her wine education with summer trips to the Finger Lakes region of New York in the early 80s. She lived near G. Hamilton Mowbray and worked for a summer in his vineyard tying up vines and learning about wine tasting from this East Coast master over lunch. She joined the Les Amis du Vin chapter in Maryland so that she could take classes taught by “Ham” as he was known. In 1983 she joined the American Wine Society as part of the Carroll County MD Chapter and attended her first conference in Crystal City in 1985. The Maryland and Virginia wine festivals became weekend opportunities for more learning.

Pat graduated from the AWS Wine Judge Training Program in 1997 and began to judge at a variety of venues including the American Wine Society Commercial and Amateur competitions, Winemaker Magazine’s Amateur competition, and many local state and county fair competitions. Pat has visited and tasted wine with the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine at conferences and tastings in Provence, Bergerac, Bordeaux and Reims in France, Spain, Switzerland, England and Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and South Africa.

She has been an instructor in Year 1 of the AWS WJTP since 2009, also the year she and her husband started the NoLoCo AWS chapter in Lovettsville VA. She has completed the WSET level 2 course with merit in 2020.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.

Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations during
the Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California. Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches six classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes.

She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with an AOS degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the CIA. Anne received her BA in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Michael Wilson is president of the AWS New Orleans chapter and holds a WSET III diploma.
He obtained the Certified Wine Judge credential from the American Wine Society in 2021 and also holds a Certified Sommelier certificate. Michael has judged wine competitions throughout the US.

Michael is continually enhancing his wine knowledge, taking courses at the Napa Valley Wine Academy including American Wine and Italian Wine; and with the Wine Scholar Guild where he has completed units on French wine, Spanish wine, Sherry and central Italy.

Melissa Bartlett has a passion for wine, which led her to seek to a career at Virginia’s
favorite winery, Pearmund Cellars. She worked as one of the winery managers and as the
winery sommelier. She is a long-term member of the AWS and served for three years as
Chapter Chair for the John Marshall chapter in Virginia. Melissa is a Certified Judge through
the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and a Certified Sommelier through the
International Wine Guild. Melissa is a free-lance wine consultant and educator.

Joann Degaglia CSW, CS, CWJ is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier. She has earned both an American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Association with honors.

JoAnn is a popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Since receiving her Wine Judge Certification with Merit from the American Wine Society, she has judged at numerous competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star International, Texas International, Sommeliers Choice Competition, The Buyers Network in San Francisco, the Big E, California State Fair, Bottle Shock, Atlanta Governors Cup, Atlantic Seaboard and many others.

She is an International Wine Judge OIV (10125) having joined the panel of esteemed Judges at the Frankfurt International Trophy. She is the American Wine Society’s Certified Wine Judge Program coordinator/instructor and works part time at two of the Hudson Valley’s great wine destinations, Brotherhood-America’s Oldest Winery and Wine Spectator’s award-winning Relais and Chateaux’s Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York as a Sommelier and Director of Staff Ed and Training.

Steve DiFrancesco is a winemaking professional with 44 harvests under his belt. He recently retired, after 26 years, as winemaker for Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes of NY. He helped the winery scale up from a yearly output of 17,000 cases to 41,000 cases, plus an additional 20,000 cases of custom work. Steve judged in his first international wine competition in 1988. He has since judged in numerous regional, national, and international competitions in New York, Virginia, California, and Ohio.

As a winemaker, Steve’s wines have won over 450 gold medals in regional, national, and international competitions. He has made over 60 professional presentations in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2022, Steve was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Winery Exposition. He is a board member for the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. Steve is now a winemaking consultant, and has many clients in the Northeast.

Shortly after Rege Duralia joining the American Wine Society in 1992, he became intrigued with wine. That association opened a door to appreciation of wine through education, amateur winemaking and enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning course. His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival Judging. Joining the Tasters Guild, also in 2002, provided judging events that brought exposure to many wines from different growing and wine making regions.

Visiting wine growing regions of the world – California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio, Michigan, Northern Georgia, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia – expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions.

Rege became a Certified Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American Wine Society and was recertified in 2012 and 2018. He is also a wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory, NC. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateur competition, the Tasters Guild International Wine Judging, the South Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Dixie Classic, Wines of the South, New York State Fair, North Carolina State Fair, and Winemaker International Magazine Amateur Wine Competition.

What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage for a meal any time of the day.

Jane Duralia been a member of the American Wine Society since 1992, gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.

Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine knowledge from all parts of the world. She passed the introductory Sommelier course and then followed up with the three year American Wine Society wine certified Judge course, after that she was hooked; learning to evaluate wines enhanced her appreciation of wines in a much broader sense and increased her grape varietal knowledge even more. She became an AWS Certified Wine Judge in 2006 and recertified in 2012 and 2018.

Jane enjoy judging various competitions around the country, annually; AWS Commercial and Amateur, Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, New York State Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name a few; Recently adding Wine Maker International Amateur Wine Competition in 2020-2023. Jane is now a Wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory NC. In 2017-2023 she provided wine descriptors and food pairing for the Double Gold recipients at the Tasters’ Guild Competition 2018.

Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever she visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Her travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada (Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California ( from Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York – Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the Northern Georgia Mountains. In early 2020, Jane spent a month traveling and tasting through New Zealand and Australia.

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)’s professional career has been devoted to the wine industry, learning and sharing her knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. She is a diploma graduate with honors (dipWSET) through The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, a Certified Specialist of Wine with Society of Wine Educators, Tastevin level member with the Dionysian Wine Society International and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

As a member of the American Wine Society, she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter she founded. She is also a Certified Wine Judge through AWS. As a professional international Wine Judge since 2010, she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International competitions around the world. She has expanded operations for multi-unit chains, drafted marketing plans and created elaborate events for Hollywood Elite.

She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing the standards of service still in use today. As a wine director, she trained front of house staff and her wine lists consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade. Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, where she wrote and developed WineSmarts II. She teaches wine courses at area colleges and founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC and has been a winemaker for over 40 years. Linda does consulting in the areas of winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education.

A lifetime member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board, ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding Member in 1993. In addition, Linda was co-founder of the Pittsburgh, PA chapter of the AWS, which went on to become one of the largest, eventually breaking down into several chapters. Upon moving to NC, Linda, along with her husband, Tom, became founders of the Wine Lovers Club of Winston-Salem, another AWS Chapter.

Matthew Kristofik is Past Chairman of the American Wine Society Commercial Wine
Competition. Matt initially became interested in wine while stationed in Vallejo, California in the early 1960’s. A longtime member of the American Wine Society, he chaired the Society’s
Commercial Wine Competition for twenty years as well as the Pennsylvania Winery Association
Competition. He has consulted and chaired the implementation of several amateur wine
competitions in the Pittsburgh area. Matt is actively involved in wine education as well as pairing wine with food. In recent years, he has coordinated wine tours to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina to introduce that area to friends and fellow oenophiles. Matt served in the US Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear power plant operator. On completion of service, he graduated from St. Vincent College receiving a BS in Biology. He recently retired after over 30 years in neurosurgical research focusing on the treatment of brain tumors.

Annemarie Morse Annemarie has a Master’s Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has taught wine courses at a University level. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society and has been certified as a wine judge through their program since 2012. She developed and taught classes and sessions at the National Wine Conferences. She is a Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a published freelance wine & food writer and blogger.

Annemarie is a trained descriptive panelist for the sensory evaluation of artisan cheese and alcoholic beverages at Cornell University. Annemarie hosts and plans wine tours and cruises of wine regions through her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC as well as providing consulting services to restaurants and classes for staff, private events and the community. She has a passion for food and wine, exploring different regions of the world and sharing these experiences with others.

Ron Natalie is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He also holds WSET Level 3 certification and is
certified as an aficionado of wine by Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly. He is an AWS life member and chapter chair. Ron developed his love of wine after running a marathon in Bordeaux. He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-crazed wife.

Kevin Ostrowski is a former high school chemistry, physics, and math teacher and a retired QA/QC nuclear utility executive. He is currently the American Wine Society’s Western Pennsylvania Regional Ambassador, Chapter Chair of the AWS Beaver County, PA, chapter, and member of the AWS Education Committee. An AWS Certified Wine Judge, Kevin is a Certified Specialist of Wine with the Society of Wine Educators, holds a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits (with Merit), has a Wine Scholar Guild Master Level Champagne Certificate, has completed level 1 Sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers, and is PLCB RAMP certified. He has enjoyed the privilege of judging many local and regional wine competitions.

An Instructor for AWS Wine Judge Certification Training, he is also a wine instructor for Butler County Community College in Butler, PA and has taught the Super Tasters Class for the American Wine Society. A home wine maker, he has won several medals from both AWS and WineMaker magazine. Kevin is a member of The Wine Century Club, GuildSomm, the Society of Wine Educators, the Wine Scholar Guild, and the Pennsylvania Wine Society. Kevin Resides in Beaver, PA.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge.
Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

Building on his passion for wine, travel and teaching, John Sporing founded A Life Well Drunk. He regularly hosts bespoked wine tours around the world. Recently, these tours have included South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, as well as domestic destinations (California and Oregon). John holds certifications by the Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Wine, the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust: WSET Level 3, the Court of Master Sommeliers: Sommelier, the Sherry Regulatory Council: Certified Sherry Wine Specialist–Intermediate; and from the Center for Wine Origins: Wine Location Specialist.

Jeff Stabins is a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society and is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma student. Jeff is also on the Board of Directors of the Raise a Glass Foundation and is Director of the Great American Amateur Wine Competition. Jeff has enjoyed judging in many wine competitions for 12 years.

William (Bill) Stefan is president of the American Wine Society, an organization with about 150 Chapters and over 7,000 members. He holds wine certifications from several organizations, including Certified Specialist of Wine and professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wines with Distinction, Level 3 Sommelier with the National Wine School, Sherry Wine Specialist by the Regulatory Council of Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Denomination of Origin and Provence Wines Master Level with the Wine Scholar Guild.

Bill is an AWS Certified Judge and has judged at both the National and International levels. In addition, he is an avid amateur winemaker himself and has captured numerous medals. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of wine and food in the Washington DC area.

Pat Valas began her wine education with summer trips to the Finger Lakes region of New York in the early 80s. She lived near G. Hamilton Mowbray and worked for a summer in his vineyard tying up vines and learning about wine tasting from this East Coast master over lunch. She joined the Les Amis du Vin chapter in Maryland so that she could take classes taught by “Ham” as he was known. In 1983 she joined the American Wine Society as part of the Carroll County MD Chapter and attended her first conference in Crystal City in 1985. The Maryland and Virginia wine festivals became weekend opportunities for more learning.

Pat graduated from the AWS Wine Judge Training Program in 1997 and began to judge at a variety of venues including the American Wine Society Commercial and Amateur competitions, Winemaker Magazine’s Amateur competition, and many local state and county fair competitions. Pat has visited and tasted wine with the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine at conferences and tastings in Provence, Bergerac, Bordeaux and Reims in France, Spain, Switzerland, England and Hungary, Italy, Portugal, Germany, and South Africa.

She has been an instructor in Year 1 of the AWS WJTP since 2009, also the year she and her husband started the NoLoCo AWS chapter in Lovettsville VA. She has completed the WSET level 2 course with merit in 2020.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.

Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations during
the Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California. Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches 6 classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes.

She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with an AOS degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the CIA. Anne received her BA in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Joann Degaglia CSW, CS, CWJ is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier. She has earned both an American and Italian Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Association with honors.

JoAnn is a popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Since receiving her Wine Judge Certification with Merit from the American Wine Society, she has judged at numerous competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star International, Texas International, Sommeliers Choice Competition, The Buyers Network in San Francisco, the Big E, California State Fair, Bottle Shock, Atlanta Governors Cup, Atlantic Seaboard and many others.

She is an International Wine Judge OIV (10125) having joined the panel of esteemed Judges at the Frankfurt International Trophy. She is the American Wine Society’s Certified Wine Judge Program coordinator/instructor and works part time at two of the Hudson Valley’s great wine destinations, Brotherhood-America’s Oldest Winery and Wine Spectator’s award-winning Relais and Chateaux’s Glenmere Mansion in Chester, New York as a Sommelier and Director of Staff Ed and Training.

Steve DiFrancesco is a winemaking professional with 44 harvests under his belt. He recently retired, after 26 years, as winemaker for Glenora Wine Cellars in the Finger Lakes of NY. He helped the winery scale up from a yearly output of 17,000 cases to 41,000 cases, plus an additional 20,000 cases of custom work. Steve judged in his first international wine competition in 1988. He has since judged in numerous regional, national, and international competitions in New York, Virginia, California, and Ohio.

As a winemaker, Steve’s wines have won over 450 gold medals in regional, national, and international competitions. He has made over 60 professional presentations in the Northeast and Midwest. In 2022, Steve was the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Eastern Winery Exposition. He is a board member for the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association. Steve is now a winemaking consultant, and has many clients in the Northeast.

Shortly after Rege Duralia joining the American Wine Society in 1992, he became intrigued with wine. That association opened a door to appreciation of wine through education, amateur winemaking and enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning course. His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival Judging. Joining the Tasters Guild, also in 2002, provided judging events that brought exposure to many wines from different growing and wine making regions.

Visiting wine growing regions of the world – California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio, Michigan, Northern Georgia, Germany, Austria, Italy, France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa, Spain, Portugal, New Zealand and Australia – expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions.

Rege became a Certified Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American Wine Society and was recertified in 2012 and 2018. He is also a wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory, NC. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateur competition, the Tasters Guild International Wine Judging, the South Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Dixie Classic, Wines of the South, New York State Fair, North Carolina State Fair, and Winemaker International Magazine Amateur Wine Competition.

What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage for a meal any time of the day.

Jane Duralia been a member of the American Wine Society since 1992, gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.

Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine knowledge from all parts of the world. She passed the introductory Sommelier course and then followed up with the three year American Wine Society wine certified Judge course, after that she was hooked; learning to evaluate wines enhanced her appreciation of wines in a much broader sense and increased her grape varietal knowledge even more. She became an AWS Certified Wine Judge in 2006 and recertified in 2012 and 2018.

Jane enjoy judging various competitions around the country, annually; AWS Commercial and Amateur, Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association, New York State Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name a few; Recently adding Wine Maker International Amateur Wine Competition in 2020-2023. Jane is now a Wine consultant for the Lake Hickory Country Club, Hickory NC. In 2017-2023 she provided wine descriptors and food pairing for the Double Gold recipients at the Tasters’ Guild Competition 2018.

Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever she visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Her travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria, Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada (Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California ( from Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York – Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the Northern Georgia Mountains. In early 2020, Jane spent a month traveling and tasting through New Zealand and Australia.

Tara Hardiman has a deep interest in promoting excellence in wine and spirits education, production, judging, and consumer enjoyment. Decades-long pursuit of wine and spirits expertise have afforded her a wealth of certifications, including American Wine Society Certified Wine Judge, a WSET Diploma, and Certified Specialist of Wine and Certified Specialist of Spirits from the Society of Wine Educators.

The basis for Tara’s professional life in Washington, DC began with a BS and MA from Georgetown University in Foreign Service and International Affairs. She has been active in intelligence collection and analysis, leadership, and US-government-wide strategic planning in the Department of Homeland Security and CIA among other organizations.

Tara’s passion for exploring new and emerging trends, regions, and techniques is evident in her extensive travels to wine regions including Australia (McLaren Vale, Barossa, Clare Valley, Adelaide Hills, Hunter Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Macedon Ranges, Tasmania,), France (Burgundy and Bordeaux), Spain (Ribera del Duero), Austria (Wachau), and United States (Napa, Sonoma, Santa Barbara, Temecula, Long Island, Connecticut, New Mexico, and Arizona).

Sharyn Kervyn (de Volkaersbeke)’s professional career has been devoted to the wine industry, learning and sharing her knowledge with fellow enthusiasts. She is a diploma graduate with honors (dipWSET) through The Wine and Spirit Education Trust, a Certified Specialist of Wine with Society of Wine Educators, Tastevin level member with the Dionysian Wine Society International and Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

As a member of the American Wine Society, she served as National Tasting Project Chair (2016-2021), Regional Vice President (2017-2019) and Co-chairs an AWS Chapter she founded. She is also a Certified Wine Judge through AWS. As a professional international Wine Judge since 2010, she has been judging annually for Amateur, Commercial and International competitions around the world. She has expanded operations for multi-unit chains, drafted marketing plans and created elaborate events for Hollywood Elite.

She opened the Getty Center Museum in Los Angeles in 1997 as their Catering Director, developing the standards of service still in use today. As a wine director, she trained front of house staff and her wine lists consistently earned “Best of” Wine Spectator Awards (2 glasses) at The Capital Grille locations where she worked for more than a decade. Sharyn currently serves on the Wine Education Committee for AWS, where she wrote and developed WineSmarts II. She teaches wine courses at area colleges and founded KdV Wine Services in 2021.

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC and has been a winemaker for over 40 years. Linda does consulting in the areas of winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education.

A lifetime member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board, ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding Member in 1993. In addition, Linda was co-founder of the Pittsburgh, PA chapter of the AWS, which went on to become one of the largest, eventually breaking down into several chapters. Upon moving to NC, Linda, along with her husband, Tom, became founders of the Wine Lovers Club of Winston-Salem, another AWS Chapter.

Matthew Kristofik is Past Chairman of the American Wine Society Commercial Wine
Competition. Matt initially became interested in wine while stationed in Vallejo, California in the early 1960’s. A longtime member of the American Wine Society, he chaired the Society’s
Commercial Wine Competition for twenty years as well as the Pennsylvania Winery Association
Competition. He has consulted and chaired the implementation of several amateur wine
competitions in the Pittsburgh area. Matt is actively involved in wine education as well as pairing wine with food. In recent years, he has coordinated wine tours to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina to introduce that area to friends and fellow oenophiles. Matt served in the US Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear power plant operator. On completion of service, he graduated from St. Vincent College receiving a BS in Biology. He recently retired after over 30 years in neurosurgical research focusing on the treatment of brain tumors.

Annemarie Morse Annemarie has a Master’s Degree in Oenology from Cornell University and has taught wine courses at a University level. She is the Director of Education for the American Wine Society and has been certified as a wine judge through their program since 2012. She developed and taught classes and sessions at the National Wine Conferences. She is a Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. She is a published freelance wine & food writer and blogger.

Annemarie is a trained descriptive panelist for the sensory evaluation of artisan cheese and alcoholic beverages at Cornell University. Annemarie hosts and plans wine tours and cruises of wine regions through her company, Wine By Annemarie, LLC as well as providing consulting services to restaurants and classes for staff, private events and the community. She has a passion for food and wine, exploring different regions of the world and sharing these experiences with others.

Ron Natalie is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He also holds WSET Level 3 certification and is
certified as an aficionado of wine by Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly. He is an AWS life member and chapter chair. Ron developed his love of wine after running a marathon in Bordeaux. He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-crazed wife.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge.
Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

Building on his passion for wine, travel and teaching, John Sporing founded A Life Well Drunk. He regularly hosts bespoked wine tours around the world. Recently, these tours have included South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, as well as domestic destinations (California and Oregon). John holds certifications by the Society of Wine Educators: Certified Specialist of Wine, the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust: WSET Level 3, the Court of Master Sommeliers: Sommelier, the Sherry Regulatory Council: Certified Sherry Wine Specialist–Intermediate; and from the Center for Wine Origins: Wine Location Specialist.

Jeff Stabins is a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society and is an AWS Certified Wine Judge. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust Diploma student. Jeff is also on the Board of Directors of the Raise a Glass Foundation and is Director of the Great American Amateur Wine Competition. Jeff has enjoyed judging in many wine competitions for 12 years.

William (Bill) Stefan is president of the American Wine Society, an organization with about 150 Chapters and over 7,000 members. He holds wine certifications from several organizations, including Certified Specialist of Wine and professional member of the Society of Wine Educators, Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level 3 Award in Wines with Distinction, Level 3 Sommelier with the National Wine School, Sherry Wine Specialist by the Regulatory Council of Jerez-Xeres-Sherry Denomination of Origin and Provence Wines Master Level with the Wine Scholar Guild.

Bill is an AWS Certified Judge and has judged at both the National and International levels. In addition, he is an avid amateur winemaker himself and has captured numerous medals. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of wine and food in the Washington DC area.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.

Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations during
the Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California. Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches 6 classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes.

She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America with an AOS degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the CIA. Anne received her BA in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Tom Bannwart is the National Food and Beverage Director for Billy Casper Golf. He is
a graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Hospitality & Tourism, and has directed
Food and Beverage operations at Walt Disney World, The Peabody Hotel, and the Ocean
Reef Club. He has also held General Manager positions at high end private county clubs
over his 23-year career. Tom is passionate about promoting East Coast wines and wineries,
and this year marks his 8th time as a ASWA Wine Competition judge. Tom is also a Certified
Sommelier by The Court of Master Sommeliers. Tom resides in Daleville, VA with his wife
and two children.

Melissa Bartlett has a passion for wine, which led her to seek to a career at Virginia’s
favorite winery, Pearmund Cellars. She worked as one of the winery managers and as the
winery sommelier. She is a long-term member of the AWS and served for three years as
Chapter Chair for the John Marshall chapter in Virginia. Melissa is a Certified Judge through
the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and a Certified Sommelier through the
International Wine Guild. Melissa is a free-lance wine consultant and educator.

JoAnn DeGaglia is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine
Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier earning both an American and Italian
Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. She is a
popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New
York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Earning her Wine
Judge Certification from the American Wine Society she has judged at numerous
competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star,
The Big E among others. She works part time at two of the Hudson Valleys great wine
destinations, Brotherhood, Americas Oldest Winery and the Wine Spectators award
winning Glenmere Mansion in Chester New York. She is a self-proclaimed wine disciple
who loves the people, the places and the wines of the world.

Jane Duralia has been a member of the American Wine Society (AWS) since 1992,
gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine
structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the
various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.
Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine
knowledge from all parts of the world. Jane passed the introductory Sommelier course and
then followed up with the three year AWS certified Judge course, and is now a Certified
Wine Judge. After this she was hooked; knowing how to evaluate wines hence appreciating
them even more. Jane enjoys judging an average of 10 -14 competitions annually around
the country; Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard, New York
State, Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name
a few. Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever we
visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The
uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food
pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Jane’s travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria,
Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada
(Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima
Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California (from
Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York –
Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the
Northern Georgia Mountains.

Rege Duralia became intrigued with wine shortly after joining the American Wine
Society (AWS) in 1992. That association opened a door to amateur winemaking and
enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning
course. He joined the Tasters Guild in 2002. Visits to wine growing regions of the world –
California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio,
Michigan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Southern France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa,
Spain, Portugal and Australia expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to
understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand
about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and
different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions. Rege became a Certified
Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American
Wine Society and was recertified in 2012.

His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival Judging. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateurcompetition, the Tasters Guild Consumer Judging and International Wine Judging, the South
Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine
Competition, Wines of the South, New York State Fair and North Carolina State Fair.
What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its
production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage
for a meal any time of the day.

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and
Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for Rag Apple Lassie Vineyards in NC and hasbeen a winemaker for over 40 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge. Linda has a consulting business titled “Linda King Consulting, LLC” which specializes in winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education. A more than 30 year member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board and ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

Matthew Kristofik is Past Chairman of the American Wine Society Commercial Wine
Competition. Matt initially became interested in wine while stationed in Vallejo, California in the
early 1960’s. A longtime member of the American Wine Society, he chaired the Society’s
Commercial Wine Competition for twenty years as well as the Pennsylvania Winery Association
Competition. He has consulted and chaired the implementation of several amateur wine
competitions in the Pittsburgh area. Matt is actively involved in wine education as well as pairing wine with food. In recent years, he has coordinated wine tours to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina to introduce that area to friends and fellow oenophiles. Matt served in the US Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear power plant operator. On completion of service, he graduated from St. Vincent College receiving a BS in Biology. He recently retired after over 30 years in neurosurgical research focusing on the treatment of brain tumors.

Annemarie Morse has a master’s degree in enology from Cornell University. She has
worked in the wine industry for over 10 years in various capacities; an assistant winemaker, wine educator, judge, sales and consulting. She is the initiator and chairperson for the Finger Lakes Chapter of the American Wine Society, (AWS). Annemarie has completed the Court of Master Sommeliers, Introductory Course and Exam and is an AWS certified wine judge, having judged in the following competitions: Finger Lakes International, Winemaker Magazine, New York State Fair, Big E Northeast Gold, Great Lakes and Eastern States as well as judging panels for Cornell University research. She is a passionate wine educator, instructing Cornell students, faculty, staff, Alumni and the public on wine education, appreciation, winemaking, blending, judging, business meal etiquette, cooking with wine and wine & food pairing. She is a published freelance wine and food writer.

Ron Natalie is a AWS Certified Wine Judge. He also holds WSET level 3 certification and is
certified as an aficionado of wine by Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly. He is an AWS life member and chapter chair. Ron developed his love of wine after running a marathon in Bordeaux. He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-crazed wife.

Kevin Ostrowski is a former high school chemistry, physics, and math teacher, and a
retired QA/QC utility executive. He is the current Chapter Chair of the American Wine Society’s
(AWS) Beaver County, PA, chapter. An AWS certified wine judge, Kevin is also a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators, holds a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits (with Merit), and has completed level 1 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has enjoyed the privilege of judging many local and regional wine competitions. He will begin November 2019 as an Instructor for Wine Judge Certification Training Year 1 with the American Wine Society, and is an instructor of wine for Butler County Community College in Butler, PA. As a home wine maker, he has won several medals from both AWS and WineMaker magazine. Kevin Resides in Beaver, PA.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge. Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

John Sporing is building on his passion for wine, travel and teaching, John founded A Life
Well Drunk. He regularly hosts bespoked wine tours around the world. Recently, these tours have included South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, as well as domestic destinations (California and Oregon). John holds certifications by the Society of Wine Educators (Certified Specialist of Wine), the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET Level 3), the Court of Master Sommeliers (Sommelier), the Sherry Regulatory Council (Certified Sherry Wine Specialist–Intermediate); and from the Center for Wine Origins (Wine Location Specialist).

Jeff Stabins is a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society (AWS) and is an
AWS Certified Wine Judge. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma
student. Jeff is also on the Board of Directors of the Raise a Glass Foundation and is Director
of the Great American Amateur Wine Competition. Jeff has enjoyed judging in many wine
competitions for 12 years.

Pat Valas is an American Wine Society Certified Judge as well as being an instructor for
the AWS wine judge training program and, from 1995 to the present, has judged in many
wine competitions, including the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, American
Wine Society Commercial and Amateurs Competitions, Winemaker Magazine’s Amateur
competition, the New Jersey Governor’s Cup, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup, the
Pittsburgh AWS Regional Amateur Competition, the Maryland Wine Festival Amateur, Best
of Show Frederick County Fair Amateur, Montgomery County Fair Amateur and the
Maryland State Fair Amateur which included the Best of Show. Part of her early training
involved a summer job in the vineyards of G. Hamilton Mowbray in Westminster, MD
where she tied up vines and learned from this east coast master. She currently does freelance
wine consulting, wine writing and wine education. She holds a DeLong Century Club
certificate having tasted 100 different wine varietals and is close to her second 100. She
has traveled with the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine to various international
conferences and wine tastings in Provence, Bergerac, and Reims (Champagne) France;
Barcelona, Spain; Morges, Switzerland, London, England, Budapest, Hungary and most
recently Sonoma and Napa in Northern California. She especially enjoyed her Bordeaux
river cruise with Cooper Vineyard and explored Burgundy with them in Sept 2016 followed
by a Danube cruise with the AWS in spring 2017.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.
Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations during the Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California.
Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches 6 classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (C.I.A.) with an A.O.S degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the C.I.A. Anne received her B.A. in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Tom Bannwart is the National Food and Beverage Director for Billy Casper Golf. He is
a graduate from Virginia Tech with a degree in Hospitality & Tourism, and has directed
Food and Beverage operations at Walt Disney World, The Peabody Hotel, and the Ocean
Reef Club. He has also held General Manager positions at high end private county clubs
over his 23-year career. Tom is passionate about promoting East Coast wines and wineries,
and this year marks his 8th time as a ASWA Wine Competition judge. Tom is also a Certified
Sommelier by The Court of Master Sommeliers. Tom resides in Daleville, VA with his wife
and two children.

Melissa Bartlett has a passion for wine, which led her to seek to a career at Virginia’s
favorite winery, Pearmund Cellars. She worked as one of the winery managers and as the
winery sommelier. She is a long-term member of the AWS and served for three years as
Chapter Chair for the John Marshall chapter in Virginia. Melissa is a Certified Judge through
the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and a Certified Sommelier through the
International Wine Guild. Melissa is a free-lance wine consultant and educator.

JoAnn DeGaglia is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine
Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier earning both an American and Italian
Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. She is a
popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New
York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Earning her Wine
Judge Certification from the American Wine Society she has judged at numerous
competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star,
The Big E among others. She works part time at two of the Hudson Valleys great wine
destinations, Brotherhood, Americas Oldest Winery and the Wine Spectators award
winning Glenmere Mansion in Chester New York. She is a self-proclaimed wine disciple
who loves the people, the places and the wines of the world.

Jane Duralia has been a member of the American Wine Society (AWS) since 1992,
gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine
structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the
various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.
Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine
knowledge from all parts of the world. Jane passed the introductory Sommelier course and
then followed up with the three year AWS certified Judge course, and is now a Certified
Wine Judge. After this she was hooked; knowing how to evaluate wines hence appreciating
them even more. Jane enjoys judging an average of 10 -14 competitions annually around
the country; Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard, New York
State, Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name
a few.
Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever we
visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The
uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food
pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Jane’s travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria,
Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada
(Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima
Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California (from
Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York –
Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the
Northern Georgia Mountains.

Rege Duralia became intrigued with wine shortly after joining the American Wine
Society (AWS) in 1992. That association opened a door to amateur winemaking and
enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning
course. He joined the Tasters Guild in 2002. Visits to wine growing regions of the world –
California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio,
Michigan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Southern France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa,
Spain, Portugal and Australia expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to
understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand
about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and
different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions. Rege became a Certified
Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American
Wine Society and was recertified in 2012.
His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival
Judging. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateur
competition, the Tasters Guild Consumer Judging and International Wine Judging, the South
Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine
Competition, Wines of the South, New York State Fair and North Carolina State Fair.
What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its
production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage
for a meal any time of the day.

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and
Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC and has been a winemaker for over 40 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge. Linda has a consulting business titled “Linda King Consulting, LLC” which specializes in winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education. A more than 30 year member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board and ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

Matthew Kristofik is Past Chairman of the American Wine Society Commercial Wine
Competition. Matt initially became interested in wine while stationed in Vallejo, California in the
early 1960’s. A longtime member of the American Wine Society, he chaired the Society’s
Commercial Wine Competition for twenty years as well as the Pennsylvania Winery Association
Competition. He has consulted and chaired the implementation of several amateur wine
competitions in the Pittsburgh area. Matt is actively involved in wine education as well as pairing wine with food. In recent years, he has coordinated wine tours to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina to introduce that area to friends and fellow oenophiles. Matt served in the US Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear power plant operator. On completion of service, he graduated from St. Vincent College receiving a BS in Biology. He recently retired after over 30 years in neurosurgical research focusing on the treatment of brain tumors.

Annemarie Morse has a master’s degree in enology from Cornell University. She has
worked in the wine industry for over 10 years in various capacities; an assistant winemaker, wine educator, judge, sales and consulting. She is the initiator and chairperson for the Finger Lakes Chapter of the American Wine Society, (AWS). Annemarie has completed the Court of Master Sommeliers, Introductory Course and Exam and is an AWS certified wine judge, having judged in the following competitions: Finger Lakes International, Winemaker Magazine, New York State Fair, Big E Northeast Gold, Great Lakes and Eastern States as well as judging panels for Cornell University research. She is a passionate wine educator, instructing Cornell students, faculty, staff, Alumni and the public on wine education, appreciation, winemaking, blending, judging, business meal etiquette, cooking with wine and wine & food pairing. She is a published freelance wine and food writer.

Ron Natalie is a AWS Certified Wine Judge. He also holds WSET level 3 certification and is
certified as an aficionado of wine by Robert Parker and Kevin Zraly. He is an AWS life member and chapter chair. Ron developed his love of wine after running a marathon in Bordeaux. He lives in North Carolina with his equally wine-crazed wife.

Kevin Ostrowski is a former high school chemistry, physics, and math teacher, and a
retired QA/QC utility executive. He is the current Chapter Chair of the American Wine Society’s
(AWS) Beaver County, PA, chapter. An AWS certified wine judge, Kevin is also a Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) with the Society of Wine Educators, holds a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wine and Spirits (with Merit), and has completed level 1 Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has enjoyed the privilege of judging many local and regional wine competitions. He will begin November 2019 as an Instructor for Wine Judge Certification Training Year 1 with the American Wine Society, and is an instructor of wine for Butler County Community College in Butler, PA. As a home wine maker, he has won several medals from both AWS and WineMaker magazine. Kevin Resides in Beaver, PA.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge. Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

John Sporing is building on his passion for wine, travel and teaching, John founded A Life
Well Drunk. He regularly hosts bespoked wine tours around the world. Recently, these tours have included South Africa, Portugal, Argentina, as well as domestic destinations (California and Oregon). John holds certifications by the Society of Wine Educators (Certified Specialist of Wine), the Wine & Spirit Educational Trust (WSET Level 3), the Court of Master Sommeliers (Sommelier), the Sherry Regulatory Council (Certified Sherry Wine Specialist–Intermediate); and from the Center for Wine Origins (Wine Location Specialist).

Jeff Stabins is a Regional Vice President of the American Wine Society (AWS) and is an
AWS Certified Wine Judge. He is a Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Diploma
student. Jeff is also on the Board of Directors of the Raise a Glass Foundation and is Director
of the Great American Amateur Wine Competition. Jeff has enjoyed judging in many wine
competitions for 12 years.

Pat Valas is an American Wine Society Certified Judge as well as being an instructor for
the AWS wine judge training program and, from 1995 to the present, has judged in many
wine competitions, including the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, American
Wine Society Commercial and Amateurs Competitions, Winemaker Magazine’s Amateur
competition, the New Jersey Governor’s Cup, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup, the
Pittsburgh AWS Regional Amateur Competition, the Maryland Wine Festival Amateur, Best
of Show Frederick County Fair Amateur, Montgomery County Fair Amateur and the
Maryland State Fair Amateur which included the Best of Show. Part of her early training
involved a summer job in the vineyards of G. Hamilton Mowbray in Westminster, MD
where she tied up vines and learned from this east coast master. She currently does freelance
wine consulting, wine writing and wine education. She holds a DeLong Century Club
certificate having tasted 100 different wine varietals and is close to her second 100. She
has traveled with the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine to various international
conferences and wine tastings in Provence, Bergerac, and Reims (Champagne) France;
Barcelona, Spain; Morges, Switzerland, London, England, Budapest, Hungary and most
recently Sonoma and Napa in Northern California. She especially enjoyed her Bordeaux
river cruise with Cooper Vineyard and explored Burgundy with them in Sept 2016 followed
by a Danube cruise with the AWS in spring 2017.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.

Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations duringthe Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California.
Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches 6 classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (C.I.A.) with an A.O.S degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the C.I.A. Anne received her B.A. in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Curtis Allred is a popular fixture in the Loudoun food and drink scene, having
managed Shoe’s, Cup & Cork, and Fireworks Pizza. Curtis is a certified Sommelier and
Cicerone (the beer equivalent) who cut his teeth in the Manhattan food scene before
working for a mix of fine dining and casual establishments in the greater DC area. He is
now the co-owner and general manager for Delirium Café in Leesburg, Virginia.

Rex Bambling lives in northern Virginia and belongs to the NoLoCo chapter of the
American Wine Society. Rex is the competition coordinator of the AWS national
competition. He is a graduate of the AWS Judge Training Program and is a Certified Wine
Judge. He also belongs to the Knights of the Vine. He and his wife enjoy judging wines in
local, regional, and national competitions.

Melissa Bartlett has a passion for wine, which led her to seek to a career at
Virginia’s favorite winery, Pearmund Cellars. She worked as one of the winery managers
and as the winery sommelier. She is a long-term member of the AWS and served for three
years as Chapter Chair for the John Marshall chapter in Virginia. Melissa is a Certified Judge
through the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program and a Certified Sommelier through the
International Wine Guild. Melissa is a free-lance wine consultant and educator.

Lauri Boetcher has been involved in the wine industry for 27 years and have been judging
wines for 20 years. Wine sensory classes through Penn State and regularly held tasting sessionsand discussions of wines from around the world have helped develop and fine tune her judging abilities. In addition, she enjoys being part of a Winemaker’s Roundtable which meets monthly to help identity both positive and off notes in wines before bottling to contribute toward a better end product for consumers. Judging experiences have ranged from state fair amateur wine competitions to major commercial wine competitions. Each new wine is a fresh experience!

Jennifer Crafts joined the American Wine Society (AWS) in 2002, and has been a
member of several of the AWS chapters in Virginia. She is a graduate of the AWS Wine
Judge Certification Program. She has judged commercial and amateur wine competitions
each year at local, state, and international competitions. Jennifer is a Gentle Lady of the
Nation’s Capital Chapter of the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine (KOV), and has
attended KOV international conferences in France and the U.S. She joined the Board of
Directors of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association in 2016. She travels internationally
with her husband to taste wines, and lives in Lovettsville, VA.

JoAnn DeGaglia is a Certified Specialist of Wine and a member of the Society of Wine
Educators as well as a Certified Advanced Sommelier earning both an American and Italian
Wine Specialist Degree from the North American Sommelier Assn with honors. She is a
popular Wine Educator and Associate Instructor at the Westchester Wine School in New
York and the North American Sommelier Association in Los Angeles. Earning her Wine
Judge Certification from the American Wine Society she has judged at numerous
competitions including the Finger Lakes International, Indy International, Texas Lone Star,
The Big E among others. She works part time at two of the Hudson Valleys great wine
destinations, Brotherhood, Americas Oldest Winery and the Wine Spectators award
winning Glenmere Mansion in Chester New York. She is a self-proclaimed wine disciple
who loves the people, the places and the wines of the world.

Jane Duralia has been a member of the American Wine Society (AWS) since 1992,
gradually learning about the many grape varietals. She became fascinated with wine
structure variability and how various wine making techniques and practices affect the
various result in a specific varietal characteristic and how it presents in the bottle.
Becoming more involved with AWS opened educational doors and she was thirsty for wine
knowledge from all parts of the world. Jane passed the introductory Sommelier course and
then followed up with the three year AWS certified Judge course, and is now a Certified
Wine Judge. After this she was hooked; knowing how to evaluate wines hence appreciating
them even more. Jane enjoys judging an average of 10 -14 competitions annually around
the country; Tasters’ Guild International, INDY International, Atlantic Seaboard, New York
State, Fair, NC State Fair, Wines of the South, and Mid-Atlantic Region Competition to name
a few.
Travelling extensively, arranging tasting and educational opportunities wherever we
visited, opened her wine horizons and enhanced her abilities to pair food and wine. The
uniqueness of dining as you travel abroad creates an appreciation for wine and food
pairing and a hunger for more knowledge. Jane’s travels include: Italy, Germany, Austria,
Spain, Portugal, Greece, South Africa, Croatia, France, and Hungary. Traveling to Canada
(Niagara on the Peninsula, Cowichan Valley, Vancouver Island)) Washington State (Yakima
Valley, Seattle), Oregon (Umpqua and Willamette Valley, and Hood River), California (from
Amador County down through Temecula and tasting rooms all along the way), New York –
Finger Lakes, Virginia (Mid Northern), North Carolina (Yakin Valley and beyond) and the
Northern Georgia Mountains.

Rege Duralia became intrigued with wine shortly after joining the American Wine
Society (AWS) in 1992. That association opened a door to amateur winemaking and
enrolling in Introduction to Winemaking, UC-Davis, a one semester long distance learning
course. He joined the Tasters Guild in 2002. Visits to wine growing regions of the world –
California, Oregon, Washington, North Carolina, Virginia, New York Finger Lakes, Ohio,
Michigan, Germany, Austria, Italy, Southern France, Hungary, Croatia, Canada, South Africa,
Spain, Portugal and Australia expanded his horizon of wine. These visits enabled him to
understand different grape growing and wine making methods as well as to learn firsthand
about wine varietal characteristics and stylistic differences influenced by terroir and
different winemaking techniques in the various growing regions. Rege became a Certified
Wine Judge in 2007 by successfully completing a three year course offered by the American
Wine Society and was recertified in 2012.
His judging career began in 2002 on Hilton Head Island for the Annual Wine Festival
Judging. Invitations to judge have come from the AWS Commercial and Amateur
competition, the Tasters Guild Consumer Judging and International Wine Judging, the South
Carolina State Fair, Atlantic Seaboard Competition, Mid-Atlantic Southeastern Wine
Competition, Wines of the South, New York State Fair and North Carolina State Fair.
What makes wine interesting is that there are many variable factors influencing its
production so that every opening of a bottle is a new adventure. It is the perfect beverage
for a meal any time of the day.

Andrew Hodson is currently the owner and CEO of Saddleback Farm LCC and Veritas
Vineyards and Winery in Afton, Virginia. His early training was in medicine and he holds a Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery from Bristol University in the United Kingdom. He is also a member of the Royal College of Physicians and a member of the American Board of Neurology and Psychiatry. He retired from general practice in 2000 and moved from Florida to Afton, Virginia, where he purchased Saddleback Farm in 1999 and built the winery the following year and now has 52 acres under cultivation and produces about 14,000 cases of wine a year. He was the wine-maker from2000 to 2003. Currently his daughter Emily Pelton is the wine-maker, but he assists in the blending trials. He has been very active in the promotion of Virginia wine both in this country and aboard. He participates in several wine competitions every year and in the annual Virginia Wine Festival. He has attended and supported the Virginia Wine Experience in London in 2007 and later also the London International Wine Fair 2009-2013. He has worked with Governor McDonnell’s trade mission to the United Kingdom in July 2010 to promote Virginia wine. He currently holds the WSET Level 4 Diploma in Wines and Spirits, is a Certified Specialist in Wine (CSW from the Society of Wine Educators, as well as a French Wine Scholar (FWS).

Linda King is a Certified International Wine Judge, Winemaker, Winery Consultant, and
Educator. Linda is a retired winemaker, last working for RagApple Lassie Vineyards in NC and has been a winemaker for over 40 years. She is an internationally certified wine judge. Linda has a consulting business titled “Linda King Consulting, LLC” which specializes in winemaking, wine appreciation and wine education. A more than 30 year member of the American Wine Society, Linda has served on that Board and ran the AWS Wine Judge Certification Program, and was voted Most Outstanding National Member in 1993.

Matthew Kristofik is Past Chairman of the American Wine Society Commercial Wine
Competition. Matt initially became interested in wine while stationed in Vallejo, California in the
early 1960’s. A longtime member of the American Wine Society, he chaired the Society’s
Commercial Wine Competition for twenty years as well as the Pennsylvania Winery Association
Competition. He has consulted and chaired the implementation of several amateur wine
competitions in the Pittsburgh area. Matt is actively involved in wine education as well as pairing wine with food. In recent years, he has coordinated wine tours to the Yadkin Valley of North Carolina to introduce that area to friends and fellow oenophiles. Matt served in the US Navy Submarine Service as a nuclear power plant operator. On completion of service, he graduated from St. Vincent College receiving a BS in Biology. He recently retired after over 30 years in neurosurgical research focusing on the treatment of brain tumors.

Kristen Lindelow is a graduate of the American Wine Society Wine Judge
Certification Program, and has been judging wine competitions across the U.S. for a number
of years, including the Denver International Wine Competition, Indy International, and
Wines of the South. She is currently a Regional Vice President for the American Wine
Society (AWS), a Trustee for the AWS Educational Foundation, and is employed by Church
Street Wine Shoppe in Huntsville, AL as Wine Educator. Kristen has also achieved
certification as a French Wine Scholar, a Certified Specialist of Wine, WSET II, and a
California Wine Appellation Specialist. She is currently studying for the Italian Wine
Specialist and Bourgogne Master exams. The most fun she has with wine is teaching and
now owns and runs the Tennessee Valley Wine Academy –for Wine education. Uncorked.
Mickey Parish completed his doctoral degree at North Carolina State University
many years ago where his dissertation research involved assessing yeast fermentations of
muscadine and hybrid wines. He annually judges the Florida State Fair International Wine
Competition in Tampa, the Wines of the South competition in Knoxville, and the Maryland
Governors Cup in Baltimore. He is a professional member of the American Society for
Enology and Viticulture, and the International Association for Food Protection in which he
serves as President for 2017-18. Mickey works at the Senior Science Advisor for the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition in College
Park, MD.

Nancy Slick is a long-term member of the American Wine Society and supporter of the
organization. She is a graduate of the Wine Judge Training Program and a Certified Wine Judge. Nancy also teaches in the program and has developed a specialty in ciders and meads in addition to wine. Additionally, she has presented many educational sessions on all aspects of wine and has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy has worked many years in wine retail and is currently working in food service and enhancing and promoting their wine program. She has judged in many competitions, both amateur and commercial. Nancy resides in Maryland.

Pat Valas is an American Wine Society Certified Judge as well as being an instructor for
the AWS wine judge training program and, from 1995 to the present, has judged in many
wine competitions, including the Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, American
Wine Society Commercial and Amateurs Competitions, Winemaker Magazine’s Amateur
competition, the New Jersey Governor’s Cup, the Pennsylvania Governor’s Cup, the
Pittsburgh AWS Regional Amateur Competition, the Maryland Wine Festival Amateur, Best
of Show Frederick County Fair Amateur, Montgomery County Fair Amateur and the
Maryland State Fair Amateur which included the Best of Show. Part of her early training
involved a summer job in the vineyards of G. Hamilton Mowbray in Westminster, MD
where she tied up vines and learned from this east coast master. She currently does freelance
wine consulting, wine writing and wine education. She holds a DeLong Century Club
certificate having tasted 100 different wine varietals and is close to her second 100. She
has traveled with the Brotherhood of the Knights of the Vine to various international
conferences and wine tastings in Provence, Bergerac, and Reims (Champagne) France;
Barcelona, Spain; Morges, Switzerland, London, England, Budapest, Hungary and most
recently Sonoma and Napa in Northern California. She especially enjoyed her Bordeaux
river cruise with Cooper Vineyard and explored Burgundy with them in Sept 2016 followed
by a Danube cruise with the AWS in spring 2017.

Anne Vercelli has worked with the Cloverdale Citrus Fair now called the San Francisco
Chronicle Wine Competition, since 1987, most recently as its Assistant Director. Anne is
responsible for assisting in overall planning, organizing and implementing all aspects of the
competition with primary responsibility for receiving, coding, and presenting the over 5,000 wines received each year. She is responsible for a staff of 100 volunteers.
Vercelli has worked as the Coordinator of the Professional Food Competitions of the Sonoma
County Harvest Fair since 1981. She has elevated the food competitions from 2 judgings to 10
judgings with entries increasing each year. She is responsible for 12 chef demonstrations during the Harvest Fair week-end. She is also a Professional Wine Judge having served on a judging panel for the International Women’s Wine Competition in Santa Rosa, California.
Anne has been an instructor since 1981 at Santa Rosa Junior College where she currently teaches 6 classes in Italian Cuisine in the Culinary Department. She also assists in the College’s Agricultural Department where she teaches Wine Service and Hospitality and Sonoma County Wine Appellations classes. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America (C.I.A.) with an A.O.S degree. Upon graduation she received the Richard Keating award “Most Likely To Succeed”. She was also awarded the coveted position of “Fellowship” in the Escoffier Room at the C.I.A. Anne received her B.A. in Food and Nutrition from California State University, Sacramento.

Leanne Wheeler has been judging amateur and commercial wine competitions since 2010. She is a member of the American Wine Society (AWS) where she currently serves on the
Board of Directors. Leanne is an AWS Certified Wine Judge and teaches an introductory wine
course at the annual American Wine Society National Conference. Leanne has completed levels one and two of the Wine and Spirits Education Trust (WSET) program, passing both with
distinction. Ms. Wheeler is serves as the competition Director for the Amenti del Vino
International Wine Competition which is in its 24th year. She currently resides in South Windsor, Connecticut and enjoys traveling to wine regions to satiate her thirst for knowledge.