
About GBM 2025
Event Schedule
Napa Valley Marriott Hotel & Spa
7:30-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking | Grand Courtyard |
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Optional Masterclass | Diamond Mountain & Atlas Peak Ballroom |
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Walk-Around Grand Tasting | Napa & Grand Ballrooms |
12:30-2:00 p.m. | Winery & Buyer Networking Lunch | Grand Courtyard |
2:00-3:00 p.m. | Optional Masterclass | Diamond Mountain & Atlas Peak Ballroom |
2:00-5:00 p.m. | Vintner & Buyer Meetings/Tastings | Napa & Grand Ballrooms |
6:30 p.m. | Buyer Dinner | Freemark Abbey Winery | St. Helena, California |
7:30-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking | Grand Courtyard |
8:30-9:30 a.m. | Optional Masterclass | Diamond Mountain & Atlas Peak Ballroom |
9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Walk-Around Grand Tasting | Napa & Grand Ballrooms |
12:30-2:00 p.m. | Winery & Buyer Networking Lunch | Grand Courtyard |
2:00-3:00 p.m. | Optional Masterclass | Diamond Mountain & Atlas Peak Ballroom |
2:00-5:00 p.m. | Vintner & Buyer Meetings/Tastings | Napa & Grand Ballrooms |
6:30 p.m. | Buyer Dinners | Small Group Dinners at Various Wineries |
7:30-9:30 a.m. | Breakfast & Networking | Pool Patio West |
7:30-11:30 a.m. | Vintner & Buyer Meetings | Atlas Peak Meeting Room |
9:00-10:00 a.m. | NEW: Uncorking the Future: Global Insights from Key California Wine Buyers Who are our wine consumers and what drives them – now and into the future? Join Honore Comfort, California Wine Institute, VP International Marketing for an insightful discussion with panelists:
The panel will address opportunities and challenges presented to California winery suppliers through engaging dialogue. We will examine the changing face of wine customers, from consumers to buyers to sommeliers, and offer key insights and strategies to help California wineries succeed now and into the future. Register here (Open to wineries attending GBM, Export Program member wineries, and attending buyer guests) | Napa Valley Ballroom |
11:30 a.m.-12:00 p.m. | Depart for Regional Tours |
October 26, 2025
Following the conference in Napa, buyer guests have the option to extend their visit and join one of four California regional tours. These curated tours will provide a deeper look at some of California’s most esteemed wine regions, featuring vineyard walks, winery visits and tastings hosted by winery principals.
Tour options are outlined below. Spaces are limited and will be filled on a first-come basis.
NOTE TO BUYERS: If you would like to modify your selected tour, please notify your regional CA Wines representative.
Regional Tour Options
Moon Mountain/Los Carneros/Sonoma Valley
It’s all about elevation in this tour that ranges from the heights of Moon Mountain to the windswept delta of Los Carneros, with a stop at the birthplace of California wine. Winery visits include Anaba Wines, Gloria Ferrer, Donum Estate, St. Francis Winery, Landmark Vineyards, Kenwood Vineyards, Highway 12 Winery, Price Family Vineyard, Schug Carneros Estate, Viansa, among others. Guests will overnight Wednesday and Thursday at The Lodge at Sonoma Resort in historic Sonoma, California.
Napa Valley
Join the Napa Valley Vintners association on an immersive tour of this iconic wine region. Winery visits include Trefethen Family Vineyards, Pine Ridge Vineyards, Trinchero Napa Valley Winery, Sleeping Lady Vineyard, Silverado Vineyards, Robert Mondavi Winery, Grgich Hills Estate, Bounty Hunter, among others. This tour will offer a masterclass deconstructing Cabernet Sauvignon and an impressive array of Napa wines. Guests will overnight Wednesday and Thursday at the Napa Valley Marriott in Napa, California.
Russian River Valley/West Sonoma Coast/Northern Sonoma County
From the rugged Pacific coastline to the heart of the Russian River Valley to historic Dry Creek Valley the Sonoma County Vintners will unlock the secrets of this complex region of microclimates. Winery visits include Emeritus Vineyards, Dry Creek Vineyard, Rodney Strong Vineyards, Silver Oak, Martinelli Vineyards, Hartford Family Winery, BACA Wines, La Crema at Saralee’s Vineyard, Freeman Vineyard & Winery Yu-ki Estate, Littorai Wines, among others. Wineries featured in winemaker tastings and masterclasses include Nalle Winery, Ridge Vineyards, Merry Edwards, Twomey, Benovia, Ramey Wine Cellars, Marchelle Wines, GC Lurton, Senses, WALT, Red Car, Merry Edwards, Seghesio, Gary Farrell, Boars’ View, Cobb Wines, Paul Hobbs, Peay Vineyards, DuMOL & Ernest Vineyards.Guests will overnight Wednesday and Thursday at the charming Vintners Inn in the heart of Russian River Valley.
Lake County/Anderson Valley/Mendocino County
Get off the beaten path on this tour visiting the northern reaches of California’s wine country. Winery visits include Shannon Family of Wines, Long Meadow Ranch, Maggy Hawk, Domaine Anderson, Goldeneye Winery, McNab Ranch & Butler Vineyards (Bonterra). This tour highlights California’s history and commitment to sustainable and climate-smart winegrowing. Guests will overnight Wednesday at the Tallman Hotel in Upper Lake, California and Thursday in Boonville, California.
What to expect
150
100
20+
Masterclasses
Enhance your expertise with masterclasses led by industry professionals, offering a deeper dive into California wines, regional nuances, and emerging trends.
Lodi Roots Run Deep
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Room: Diamond Mountain
Speakers
Elaine Chukan Brown
Stuart Spencer, Lodi WineGrape Commission
The Lodi AVA is quickly becoming one of California’s most dynamic and exciting winegrowing regions.
The West Sonoma Coast AVA: Terroir-driven California Wine
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 8:30-9:30 PM
Room: Atlas Peak
Panelists
Erin Brooks, Ernest Vineyards
Akiko Freeman, Freeman Winery
Christopher Streiter, Senses Wines
This seminar will explore what makes this AVA unlike any other region in the world and why it is one of the most exciting regions growing these varieties today.
Paso Robles, It’s Cooler Than You Think
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Room: Atlas Peak
Panelists
Christopher Taranto, Paso Robles Wine Country
Alliance
Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance proudly presents an entertaining and educational overview about what makes Paso so unique as a growing region
Santa Barbara County: 20 Million Years in the Making
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Room: Atlas Peak
Moderators:
Alison Laslett, CEO, Santa Barbara Vintners
Phil Carpenter, GM, Santa Barbara Vintners
Panelists:
Nicholas Miller, Bien Nacido Estate
Spencer Shull, Fess Parker Winery
AJ Fairbanks, Crown Point Vineyards
Discover the captivating world of Santa Barbara County’s wine regions and the flavors and characteristics that define each area.
Waves, Wind and Wine: The Diversity of Monterey Wine Country
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 2:00-3:00 PM
Room: Diamond Mountain
Panelists
Jeff Pisoni, Winemaker, Pisoni Family Vineyards
Matt Rivelette, Winemaker, Siduri
Greg Freeman, Winemaker, Chalone
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Monterey Wine Country.
Deconstructing Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon with Kelli White
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 8:30-9:30 AM
Room: Atlas Peak
Speaker
Kelli White
Panelists
Josh Widaman, Pine Ridge
Cathy Corison, Corison Wines
There are about as many ways to approach Napa Valley Cabernet as there are bottles of Cabernet!
Innovators of California with Elaine Chukan Brown
Day: Friday, October 26
Time: 8:30-9:30 AM
Room: Diamond Mountain
Speaker
Elaine Chukan Brown
While the California wine industry is younger that many of its global counterparts, vintners across the state have long practiced a strong commitment to going against the grain and setting new benchmarks.
For Buyers
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Monterey Wine Country. This masterclass will delve into the enchanting world of Monterey’s distinct AVAs, each shaped by the captivating influence of Monterey Bay’s submarine canyon and the harmonious union with the rolling mountain ranges.
For Exhibitors
Get ready for an unforgettable journey into the heart of Monterey Wine Country. This masterclass will delve into the enchanting world of Monterey’s distinct AVAs, each shaped by the captivating influence of Monterey Bay’s submarine canyon and the harmonious union with the rolling mountain ranges.
GBM in Pictures
Explore highlights from past Global Buyers Marketplace events and see the connections, tastings, and industry moments that define the experience.
Capstone California
Level Up Your California Wine Knowledge
Presented by Wine Institute
Capstone is California’s premier wine certification program, designed for both professionals and wine enthusiasts. With four levels of study, it covers everything from geography and viticulture to producers, the wine business, and more. Developed by leading global experts, the multilingual curriculum offers a comprehensive path from novice to expert.
