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
Sunday, June 7
San Francisco/Healdsburg
4:00pm | Sparkling Wine Welcome Reception at the Rooftop, Harmon Guest House
5:45pm | Depart for Dinner at Alexander Valley Vineyards
Monday, June 8
Healdsburg & Surrounding Areas
9:00am | Masterclass: History of California in 12 Glasses, Hotel Healdsburg
12:00pm | Farm of the Future: Reservoir Farms with Sonoma County Winegrowers
5:00pm | Old Vine Zinfandel Tasting and Panel Discussion at Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs
6:30pm | The Future of Old Vines Dinner at Ridge Vineyards, Lytton Springs
9:00pm | Afterparty at Maison, Healdsburg
Tuesday, June 9
Healdsburg & Surrounding Areas
9:00am | Masterclass: Wine Programs of the Future, Harmon Guest House
11:00am | Culinaria – Wine, Food & Farming: Culinary Garden Tour, Panel Discussion and Lunch at Kendall-Jackson Wine Center
4:00pm | Salon Discussion: A Resilient Future, Marine Layer or Salon Discussion: New Ways of Working, Martha Stoumen Tasting Room
5:00pm | Salon Discussion: Cool-Climarte Varieties and Climate Change, Hotel Healdsburg
6:00pm | Global Climate Change + Grand-Cru Wines, Bistro Lagniappe
8:00pm | Collaboration and the Creative Process: Discussion and Jam Session, Little Saint
9:00pm | Afterparty at Maison
Wednesday, June 10
Napa Valley & Surrounding Areas
9:00am | Masterclass: Unexpected & Unloved Blind Tasting at CIA Greystone
12:00pm | Luxury, Legacy & Stewardship Discussion & Lunch at Bella Union Winery
5:00pm | Icons Reimagined: Evening Salons + Dinner, Napa Valley
Thursday, June 11
Napa Valley & Surrounding Areas
9:00am | A Generational Change: Tasting & Discussion, Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch
11:30am | The Next Wave Roundtable Discussion + Lunch, Frank Family Vineyards
3:00pm | Optional Tour & Tasting at the new Robert Mondavi Winery and To Kalon Vineyard
5:45pm | The Next Wave Dinner, Chateau Montelena
Friday, June 12
Napa Valley/San Francisco
9:00am – 3:00pm | Open itinerary for individual Napa Valley exploration
3:00pm | Coach transfer from Calistoga Motor Lodge to San Francisco
3:30pm | Additional coach transfer from Oxbow Public Market, Downtown Napa
7:00pm | Closing Dinner, China Live, San Francisco
Guest departures for SFO on Saturday, June 13, 2026
2026 Attendees
| Name | Affiliation | Country |
|---|---|---|
| Romina Argüelles | Sommelier Owner, Plonk Wine Bar | Mexico |
| Mike Bennie | Journalist and Co-Director, P&V Wine | Australia |
| Konstantin Baum MW | Founder, Cellar Class & Baum Selection | Germany |
| Jacky Blisson MW | Writer and educator, The Wine Resistance | Canada |
| Norbert Brzoza | Sommelier, AMBRA/Centrum Wina | Poland |
| Felicity Carter | Principal Analyst and Founder, Drinks Insider/ARENI Global | Germany |
| Elaine Chukan Brown | Educator, Journalist, Consultant | USA |
| Reeze Choi | Sommelier and Founder, Somm's Philosophy | Hong Kong |
| Sara d'Amato | Partner and Principal Critic, WineAlign | Canada |
| 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 |
| Jess Lander | Journalist, San Francisco Chronicle | USA |
| 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 | 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 |
| Della Tang | Wine Director, Club Batard | China |
| 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 |
| Yang Lu MS | Founder, Grapea & Co | China |
| ‘Gus’ Jian Zhu MW | Educator, Research & Development Scientist, Cork Supply | China / USA |
Accommodations
Guest Information
What to wear
Afternoons and evenings can be cool and windy, especially in coastal areas. Bring a jacket or sweater with you at all times.
- Casual, jeans ok. Please dress for vineyard & winery visits with sturdy footwear – closed toe shoes
- Winery Dinners: Smart casual (Tip: Avoid wearing heels)
What to bring
- Passport / ID for hotel check-ins
- Credit card for incidentals / personal use when you check in
- Electronic chargers, adapters, back-up battery packs
- Curiosity, positive attitude & questions!
Tips
- Join the tour WhatsApp Group (Link Coming) for helpful reminders.
- Traveling in a group is even more pleasant if we do not have to wait for anyone. We kindly ask everyone to be on time.
What is covered in your stay
- Hotel stays, group transportation, transportation from hotel to Healdsburg and Napa Valley to San Francisco.
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
What is not covered
- Personal incidental expenses – spa services, mini-bar, room service, etc.
- Additional hotel room nights and transportation outside of the pre-arranged group tour.
- Travel Insurance – we recommend you take out travel insurance, as Wine Institute does not provide this for you.
Airport transportation
- TRAVEL ISSUES: If your flight is canceled or delayed, or if any other logistical constraints arise, please contact your California Wines representative directly or a member of the Next Wave Sessions planning team.
Capstone California
Elevate Your California
Wine Knowledge
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.
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.
Dialogue and discovery. Perspective and reflection.
The future of wine, examined through a global lens.