June 7-13, 2026
Healdsburg, Napa Valley, San Francisco
Next Wave Sessions is an invitation-only summit bringing together a global circle of wine leaders to challenge assumptions, exchange ideas, and explore the future of wine.
Hosted by California Wines with content developed by Evan Goldstein, MS, the program blends high-level dialogue with immersive tastings, masterclasses, and panel discussions – examining innovation, sustainability, climate adaptation, and the evolving global consumer through a worldwide lens. California provides the setting, but the conversation extends far beyond it.
50 international peers including top sommeliers, seasoned executives, rising stars, and influential leaders will gather for thoughtful, candid discussions designed to inform, provoke, and shift perspective.
This is a rare opportunity for meaningful exchange at a moment of significant change in the global wine landscape.
Invitations are non-transferable. Participants will be the guest of California Wines including airfare, travel and accommodations.
Itinerary
| Date | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Sun, June 7 | San Francisco/ Healdsburg | SFO arrivals, transfer to Healdsburg Opening night dinner |
| Mon, June 8 | Healdsburg & Surrounding areas | Welcome & orientation Programming, sessions, tastings & exploration |
| Tues, June 9 | Healdsburg & Surrounding areas | Programming, sessions, tastings & exploration |
| Wed, June 10 | Napa Valley & Surrounding areas | Transfer to Napa Valley Programming throughout Napa Valley |
| Thurs, June 11 | Napa Valley & Surrounding areas | Programming throughout Napa Valley |
| Fri, June 12 | Napa Valley & San Francisco | Open day with closing dinner in San Francisco |
| Sat, June 13 | San Francisco | Departures or continue on own |
2026 Attendees
| Name | Affiliation | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Mike Bennie | Journalist and Co-Director, P&V Wine | Australia |
| Norbert Brzoza | Sommelier, AMBRA/Centrum Wina | Poland |
| Felicity Carter | Principal Analyst and Founder, Drinks Insider/ARENI Global | Germany |
| Reeze Choi | Sommelier and Founder, Somm's Philosophy | Hong Kong |
| Bhatia Deeraj | Head of Wines, The Dorchester Collection | United Arab Emirates |
| Nayeli Estrada | Editor and Journalist, Food & Wine magazine Mexico | Mexico |
| Doug Frost MS/MW | CEO, Echolands Winery | USA |
| Evan Goldstein MS | Educator, Consultant | USA |
| Josh Greene | Trade GM, JancisRobinson.com | USA |
| Hyun Hong | Owner Sommelier, YourSomm/TuSomm | Korea |
| Hiroki Ikeda | Head Sommelier, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo | Japan |
| Justin Leone | Sommelier, Sticks & Stones | Germany |
| Kevin Lu MS | Chief Sommelier and Partner, Logy | Taiwan |
| Andre Hueston Mack | Sommelier at Large, Sons Hospitality Group | USA |
| Momoka Mitake | Sommelier, Andaz Tokyo | Japan |
| Victoria Munyoki | Sommelier and educator | Kenya |
| Mason Ng | Founder, Maison Natsukashii | Hong Kong |
| Piotr Pietras MS | Importer, restaurateur, Terroirysci; Kontakt Wine & Bistro | Poland |
| Alexander Jason Powell MS | Sommelier, Harbour 60 Steakhouse | Canada |
| Chris Rielly | Wine Director, Hawksworth Restaurant Group | Canada |
| Veronique Rivest MS | Owner, Soif Wine Bar | Canada |
| Donghyuk Shin | Owner and Sommelier, Les Copains | Korea |
| Janek Sierszula | Sommelier, Kaplony | Poland |
| Fabrice Sommier | Sommelier, La Maison des Atelier | France |
| Bree Stock MW | Educator, Consultant, Winemaker | USA |
| Shane Taylor | Head Buyer, Tip Top Table Group | Canada |
| Jennifer Wagoner | Global Beverage Director, Zuma Restaurant Group | UK |
| Xing Wei MW | Educator, Judge | China |
| Maximilian Wilm | Sommelier, Kinfelts | Germany |
| Frida Winters | Sommelier, Adam & Albin | Sweden |
| Katherine Wojcik | Director of Programs & Partnerships, IHG Luxury, Lifestyle, and Managed Hotels | USA |
| Kamil Wojtasiak | Sommelier, Chairman of Polish Sommelier Association & Owner Butchery & Wine | Poland |
| Terry Xu (Xiao Pi) | Aroma Republic | China |
| Maika Yamamoto | Sommelier Supervisor, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo | Japan |
| Lu Yang MS | Founder, Grapea & Co | China |
Accommodations
June 7-13, 2026
Healdsburg, Napa Valley, San Francisco
For more information please contact: Ceci De La Montanya
California sets the stageThe conversation goes further.
Fifty global wine leaders.
Rooted in place, focused on what’s next.
Dialogue and discovery. Perspective and reflection.
The future of wine, examined together.