Cabernet – The King of Grapes (tasting session)
January 27, 2026
2:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Cabernet – The King of Grapes (tasting session)
This session takes a holistic look at how different regions produce Cabernet Sauvignon, including the influence of climate effects like heat domes, lack of rainfall and frost on its quality and character.
Includes tasting of wines from Napa, Paso, Lodi and Washington.
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Moderator
Hillary Sjolund
Aperture Cellars & Devil Proof Vineyards, California
Sessions:
To be announced.
Speakers
Anthony Biagi
Paternus Consulting, California
Sessions:
Anthony Biagi is a winemaker and a wine making consultant with over 30 years’ experience in the California Wine Industry. After graduation from the University of California at Davis in 1995 with a degree in Fermentation Science, Anthony started his career with Duckorn Vineyards. He spent over ten years as Winemaker for PlumpJack and Cade.
In 2012 Anthony founded his consulting business, Paternus Wine Consulting working clients from Sonoma and Napa to Paso Robles and Santa Rita Hills.
In 2013 Anthony founded Patria Wines a small brand focused on Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley.
Charlie Hoppes started Fidélitas Wines in 2000, producing ultra-premium red wines from some of Washington’s best vineyards. Current production focuses on wines made from the Red Mountain AVA in Washington. Before launching his own label, he worked for several years at Waterbrook, Three Rivers and as the head red winemaker at Chateau Ste. Michelle. Charlie also runs a consulting business called WineBoss, which focusing on crafting wines for clients throughout Washington. He is recognized for his expertise and was named winemaker of the year by Seattle Magazine in 2013. He is a 1988 graduate of UC Davis with an undergraduate degree in Agricultural Science & Management with an emphasis in Viticulture and Enology. Prior to UC Davis he earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Eastern Washington University in 1980.
To be announced.
Kristina Shideler
Stonestreet Winery, California
Sessions:
It didn’t take long for Kristina Shideler to discover the allure of wine and the integral role it plays in cultures around the world. After traveling throughout Western Europe, she developed a love of wine, particularly for Barolo and Bordeaux blends.
Born in San Diego and raised in Missouri, travel has always fueled Kristina’s passion for wine. While growing up, during the summers her mother would lead groups of college students on study-abroad trips throughout Europe and would bring Kristina and her sister along. One common thread throughout each unique experience that stayed with her was the mealtime ritual–with wine and food always being such a fascinating reflection of both the people and the land. Kristina attended the University of Missouri, where she double majored in Biochemistry and Agricultural Economics.
In 2007, she interned with a Missouri winemaker, working her way from the vineyards and bottling line to the cellar. Kristina remembers the invaluable wisdom she received, “Taste everything you can get your hands on. Never stop learning and never get bored.” Kristina’s passion for wine and travel continued to blossom, which soon took her to harvests across the globe.
Following time in New Zealand, Kristina enrolled at the University of California Davis Viticulture and Enology Master of Science program in 2009, specializing in viticulture coursework. Kristina’s next adventure took her to the steep vineyards of Neipoort Vinhos in Portugal’s Douro Valley. She became fascinated by the unique complexities of mountain vineyards and studied how the dramatic interplay between climate and elevation as well as varying soil types are critical to making high-quality wine. As Kristina made her way around the world, she spent time in South America working at Bodega Caelum in Mendoza before returning to North America, landing in California at Sonoma County’s renowned Vérité Estate. It was here that cemented her desire to produce artisan wines reflecting the terroir of remarkable, high-elevation vineyard sites. In 2012, Kristina started at Stonestreet Winery as Viticulturist and later became Assistant Winemaker. She was then appointed Winemaker of Arrowood Winery in 2015, before returning to Stonestreet in August of 2022 as Winemaker.
When she is not out in the vineyards or in the cellar, Kristina enjoys spending time with her family and three small children. You can also find her running, gardening, or hosting food and wine pairing dinners.