Michael Juergens is the founder of the Bhutan Wine Company and the visionary behind the development of Bhutan’s nascent wine industry. A longtime wine expert, certified sommelier, and Master of Wine candidate, Juergens began his journey in wine over three decades ago. By day, he is a senior partner at Deloitte, where he leads the firm’s Winery Solutions & Services practice, advising some of the world’s most prestigious wineries. But it was a 2016 visit to Bhutan—originally for a marathon—that set him on a new path. Surprised to find no vineyards in a country with ideal growing conditions, Juergens began exploring the possibility of cultivating wine grapes in the Himalayan kingdom.

In 2019, after extensive research, local collaboration, and a green light from the Bhutanese government, he planted the country's first vineyards. Today, the Bhutan Wine Company farms nine vineyard sites across elevations ranging from 500 to over 9,000 feet, experimenting with varietals including Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Riesling to discover what best expresses Bhutan’s unique terroir. In 2023, the company released its inaugural vintage, a micro-release called “First Barrel,” which fetched international attention when a single 7.57L bottle was auctioned at Bonhams for $18,750.

Juergens has been outspoken about building Bhutan’s wine industry with integrity, aligning with the country’s Gross National Happiness ethos by focusing on sustainability, community development, and cultural integration. Beyond the vineyards, he has also launched Bhutan Wine Co. initiatives that support local employment, cooperage, and food and beverage programs tied to wine culture. In 2025, the company will release its first commercial wine and open a wine bar and tasting room in Thimphu. His efforts have positioned Bhutan as a remarkable new voice in the world of wine.

Heidi Peterson Barrett is one of the most influential and celebrated winemakers in California, widely recognized for her pivotal role in shaping the cult wine movement of Napa Valley. Born in Berkeley and raised in the Napa Valley, Barrett is the daughter of Dr. Richard Peterson, a respected winemaker, and Diane Peterson, an artist and musician. This unique combination of science and art formed the foundation of her winemaking philosophy. She began working in vineyards as a teenager and went on to earn her degree in Fermentation Science from UC Davis, one of the few women in her graduating class.

At just 25 years old, Barrett became the head winemaker at Buehler Vineyards, where her talent quickly drew critical acclaim. She launched her consulting career in 1988 and began working with Screaming Eagle, where she produced the now-legendary 1992 Cabernet Sauvignon, another 100-point wine that cemented her place in wine history. A six-liter bottle of that vintage famously sold at auction for $500,000.

Over the course of her career, Barrett has crafted wines for some of Napa Valley’s most prestigious labels, including Paradigm, Grace Family, Amuse Bouche, Kenzo Estate, Lamborn Family, and Fantesca. She is also the founder and winemaker of La Sirena, her personal label known for expressive, small-lot wines that reflect her signature style: elegance, balance, and approachability. In addition to La Sirena, she collaborates with her husband, Bo Barrett of Chateau Montelena, on the Barrett & Barrett label. With a career spanning over four decades, Heidi Barrett remains a visionary and enduring force in the world of wine.

Hunter Rudd is a wine entrepreneur redefining how consumers discover and connect with wine. As CEO and co-founder of Wine Dispensary and Somm Says, he blends digital strategy, personalized service, and tech-driven tools to create accessible, engaging wine experiences for modern drinkers. At Wine Dispensary in Denver, he leads a team focused on delivering deeply personalized service, curated selections, and cutting-edge ecommerce solutions. Through Somm Says, he merges technology and storytelling to guide customers through the world of wine with approachable games that make winetasting fun.

A former U.S. Army Green Beret with three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart, Hunter brings mission-driven focus and precision to every venture. After earning his MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business, he turned his focus to the beverage world, building businesses that marry digital marketing, advanced data analytics, and hospitality. He collaborates with philanthropic initiatives like the RMA Children’s Foundation and serves as a vocal advocate for veteran transition and entrepreneurship. Based in Denver, his work is rooted in community, education, and a belief that wine should be approachable, not intimidating.

Jane Anson is one of the world’s foremost authorities on Bordeaux wine. A celebrated wine writer, author, and critic, she spent nearly two decades living in Bordeaux, where she became the first woman to write a definitive book on the region, Inside Bordeaux, widely regarded as a benchmark reference for professionals and enthusiasts alike.

A former long-time correspondent for Decanter, Anson has contributed to publications such as The Guardian, The Financial Times, and Wine Enthusiast. She holds a Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and trained in wine tasting at the prestigious Faculty of Oenology at the University of Bordeaux.

In 2021, she launched JaneAnson.com, an independent subscription-based platform offering in-depth wine writing, reports, and tasting notes. Her work is known for its precision, deep context, and ability to capture the nuances of terroir and winemaking philosophy. Jane Anson is a vital voice in modern wine journalism, and deeply engaged with the evolution of fine wine.

Chinedu Rita Rosa is a Nigerian-born, Bordeaux-based wine consultant and entrepreneur transforming the relationship between European wines and African markets. After beginning her career in banking, she entered the wine world through her late husband’s import business in Lagos. In 2016, she moved to France and founded Vines by Rosa, a consultancy focused on bringing European wines to Africa with cultural sensitivity, pairing them with traditional dishes like jollof rice and egusi to redefine wine appreciation on the continent.

Faced with industry resistance, she carved out her own space, creating the Bordeaux Mentor Week to support underrepresented wine professionals and launching the Bordeaux Business Network to empower Black and minority entrepreneurs. Through her work, Chinedu is reshaping a global narrative, bridging continents, and championing a more inclusive future for the wine industry.

Michel Rolland is one of the most influential figures in modern winemaking. A celebrated oenologist and consultant, Rolland has helped shape the style and success of hundreds of wineries around the world, from his native Bordeaux to Napa Valley, Mendoza, Tuscany, and beyond. His career has spanned more than five decades and has left an indelible mark on the global wine industry.

Born in 1947 in Libourne, in the heart of Bordeaux’s Right Bank, Rolland was raised in a winemaking family. He studied oenology at the University of Bordeaux, where he was mentored by the legendary Émile Peynaud. Rolland is best known for his role in modernizing vineyard and cellar practices. His consulting work has been widely praised by critics, especially during the height of Robert Parker’s influence, and has been emulated across the globe.

In addition to his consulting, Rolland owns several estates in Bordeaux, including Château Le Bon Pasteur in Pomerol and Château Fontenil in Fronsac, as well as international ventures such as Clos de los Siete in Argentina.

Magalie Dubois, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor of Wine Economics & Marketing at the Burgundy School of Business’s School of Wine & Spirits in Dijon, France. She holds a Master’s degree and earned her Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Bordeaux, concentrating on experimental economics and wine consumer behavior .

A recognized member of the European Association of Wine Economists, Magalie contributes cutting-edge research on viticulture, pricing strategies, quality signaling, and digital wine trends. Her academic output includes peer‑reviewed articles, conference presentations, and expert interviews on topics such as geographic indications, natural wine economics, and digital recommendation systems.

She blends rigorous academic research with dynamic classroom leadership and real‑world innovation. Her work spans economics, digital tools, sustainable tourism, and education, making her a key influencer shaping the future of global wine markets and experiences.

Esther Mobley is an award-winning wine journalist and the Senior Wine Critic at the San Francisco Chronicle, where she has been covering wine, beer, and spirits since 2015. Mobley is widely recognized for her in-depth reporting on the wine industry, with a particular focus on the business, culture, and environmental challenges facing California winemakers today.

Mobley began her career in wine after studying English literature at Smith College and completing harvest internships in Napa Valley and Argentina. She went on to work at Wine Enthusiast and Wine Spectator, where she developed a strong foundation in wine writing and industry analysis.

Her work has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious Feature Writer of the Year award at the Louis Roederer International Wine Writers’ Awards. She has also been honored by the Society for Features Journalism, the Association of Food Journalists, and the California News Publishers Association for her reporting.

Sonal Holland is India’s first and only Master of Wine, and one of the most influential figures in the country’s wine industry. With a career spanning education, media, retail, and consulting, she has played a pivotal role in shaping India’s modern wine culture. After earning her MW in 2016, she founded the Sonal Holland Wine Academy, offering world-class wine education to aspiring professionals and enthusiasts across the country.

She is also the founder of the India Wine Awards, which recognize excellence in wines available in the Indian market and has launched ventures such as Vine2Wine retail stores and SoHoWines, making wine more accessible and engaging for Indian consumers. A former hospitality executive, international wine judge, and TEDx speaker, Holland frequently appears in major media outlets and leads conversations around wine appreciation, industry growth, and consumer trends. Her work continues to elevate India’s presence on the global wine stage.

Felicity Carter is an acclaimed wine journalist, editor, and speaker with a global reputation for her deep understanding of the wine industry. She currently serves as Editorial Director of ARENI Global, a London-based think tank focused on the future of fine wine. Previously, she was editor-in-chief of Meininger’s Wine Business International, where she transformed the magazine into a leading global trade publication with readers in over 35 countries.

In 2021, she became the founding Executive Editor of The Drop at Pix, a digital wine discovery platform recognized by the Wall Street Journal as one of the most trusted sources for wine online. Carter also created the Drinks Insider podcast and consultancy, exploring the intersection of wine, business, and health.

Her writing has appeared in The Guardian US, Decanter, and VinePair, among others, and she is a regular speaker and judge at international events like ProWein and the MUST Wine Summit. With a career spanning continents and platforms, Carter is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the modern wine world.