Wine Writers’ Symposium

We are delighted to welcome writers around the world to join us for our next virtual Symposium this January. All times listed are Pacific Standard Time. 

Tuesday, January 21st:

8:00 – 8:10 AM: Day 1 Opening Remarks by Sarah Bray, Executive Director

8:10 – 9:10 AM: Global Narratives in Wine Writing featuring Patricio Tapia, Per Styregård, and Jane Faulkner, moderated by Clive Pursehouse

Wine is a global phenomenon, but the way it’s detailed, described, and reported on varies from country to country. This session aims to bring a range of global voices to the fore, discussing how they examine the successes and challenges within their writing spheres of influence — and what we can learn about communicating across cultural lines.

9:10 – 9:20 AM: Break

9:20 – 10:35 AM: Writing from a Distance – The Critic’s Voice featuring William Kelley and Audrey Frick, moderated by Maryam Ahmed

The implications of a critic’s perspective can have ripple effects above and beyond most wine writing. The wine critic is the obvious type of wine writing role, yet it takes a distinct set of skills to balance objectivity and ethics while expressing a point of view. This interactive workshop dives into the minds — and priorities — of the wine critic. Even if the route of the critic is not on your professional list, the workshop is a chance to experiment with and practice voice.

9:20 – 10:35 AM: Break

10:45 – 11:45 AM: Leaning into your Talent featuring Samantha Cole-Johnson, Stacy Buchanan, and Dr. Monique Bell, moderated by Alder Yarrow

Great wine writing isn’t just about passion for the product; it’s about harnessing the unique talents and skills that set you apart. This session explores how diverse career backgrounds and seemingly unrelated talents can create powerful differentiation in your writing. We’ll dive into how transferable skills — from academia to marketing, to tech — can offer fresh perspectives, elevate your storytelling, and bring a unique voice to the wine industry. Discover how leaning into your inherent talents, rather than just your passion, can help you stand out and craft wine narratives that truly resonate.

11:45 – 11:50 AM: Break

11:50 AM – 12:20 PM: The Mechanics of Developing Voice featuring Jonathan Miles

In the crowded world of writing, a strong, authentic voice is what sets you apart. There’s an art and a discipline to balancing objectivity with personality and maintaining authenticity across different types of writing. This 30-minute intensive session is designed to equip wine writers with the essential skills and practices to create a compelling and resonant writing voice.

12:20 – 12:30 PM: Closing Remarks

Wednesday, January 22nd:

8:00 – 8:10 AM: Day 2 Opening Remarks by Sarah Bray, Executive Director

8:10 – 9:10 AM: Writing from the Trade Perspective featuring Anthony Lynch, Vicki Denig, and Sophie Thorpe, moderated by Jasper Morris MW

Writing for the trade, with all its commercial aspects, was the first real route to communicate expertise while inspiring readers — a delicate balance we all seek to achieve in our writing. Sharing information with the end consumer in order to entice them to purchase demands a deep understanding of subject matter. This session will explore various outlets for your knowledge and writing skills through trade outlets, while exploring questions of conflicts of interest and economics of writing. 

9:10 – 9:20 AM: Break

9:20 – 10:35 AM: Crafting an Influential Voice featuring Amanda McCrossin, Isis Daniels, and Jason Wilson, moderated by Sarah Bray

Personal brand, voice, and desired impact are just part of today’s expectations of the modern influencer, and success is deeply tied to an ability to communicate and engage with one’s audience. From platforms like TikTok to Instagram and Substack, brand alignments to retail endeavors, influencers are changing the way both consumers and the industry engage with wine and challenging the media to pay attention.

10:35 – 10:45 AM: Break

10:45 – 11:45 AM: Finding Your Voice featuring Elaine Chukan Brown and Kelli A. White

One’s voice is the “it” factor that distinguishes a writer from the next, mediocre or merely good writing from great. This discussion will focus on the challenges of maintaining voice across different assignments and audiences. The session aims to provide participants with tools to enhance their writing, and key points will touch on the importance of self-assessment, self-trust, and the need to write authentically.

11:45 – 11:50 AM: Break

11:50 AM – 12:20 PM: Closing Keynote featuring Jermaine Stone

Author, podcaster, and founder of Wine & Hip Hop, Jermaine Stone embodies the concepts of personal brand and writerly voice as he pivots between communities, cultures, and media platforms. 

12:20 – 12:30 PM: Final Closing Remarks by Sarah Bray, Executive Director

*Content will be posted to our website’s Resources section after the event.