Tradition with Innovation to Drive Excellence (Presented in Spanish)

Eva Bertran

Eva Bertran Consulting, California

Descended from generations of wine merchants, I was raised in Barcelona, the capital of Catalonia (Spain). Following my family’s tradition, I tasted a drop of Cava within hours of my birth, setting me on my path.

After earning my MBA at ESADE, I moved to Sonoma, California, in 1987 as part of the original team that launched Gloria Ferrer Winery from a trailer in a Los Carneros cow pasture. For over 30 years, I was part of the management team of both Gloria Ferrer Winery and the Ferrer family import company, Freixenet USA, where I launched and grew brands both boutique and high-volume brands from over 25 of the best-known appellations in eight countries, spanning Old and New World.

In 2019, I founded a business consulting company that assists domestic and import wineries and trade associations with strategic planning, business development, and sales plans.

I am a pentaglot (English, Catalan, Spanish, French, and Italian), and my travels have taken me to visit over 50 appellations around the world. There is so much more to discover!

Francisco Araujo

Atlas Vineyard Management LLC, California

Francisco Araujo was born in Maracaibo, Venezuela. After graduating as an agronomist from University of Zulia, Francisco has worked different roles related with viticulture and tropical fruit production, from extension and research to teaching and production. In the mid 80’s, Francisco got his master’s degree in Horticulture from UC Davis. During the last 25 years, Francisco has worked as viticulturist and vineyard manager in the North and Central Coasts of California, Oregon, Washington and Northwestern Mexico. Currently Francisco is the Viticulture Advisor for Atlas Vineyard Management.

Paula Borgo

Artesa Winery & Vineyards, California

Paula Andrea Borgo has been a member of the Raventos Codorniu winemaking team since 2002 where she has managed areas of production including fermentation, quality control, and bottling at Bodega Septima Argentina. Since being named Assistant Winemaker in 2004 and Chief Winemaker in 2010, Paula has explored new viticultural practices and innovations to continue developing the quality and consistency of the Bodega Septima portfolio.

In 2023 Paula also assume the responsibility of Operations and winemaking at Artesa Winery in Napa Valley California, a Raventos Codorniu winery the group has in USA.

Holding a degree in Bchelor of food from Universidad Nacional de Cuyo, Paula also received a degree in Winemaking Management in 2008 from ADEN Business School in Mendoza prior to completing a Master’s in Business Administration at the same institution in 2012. Paula is committed to crafting wines that are a natural expression of her native Mendoza, a region where she has grown up, studied, and refined her professional techniques.

Prior to joining Bodegas Septima, Paula headed fermentation and managed lab analysis at Viña Doña Paula in Mendoza in 2002. In 2001, Paula also spent one year working with the Kendall Jackson Winemaking team in California, helping to develop their cooperage program and expanding her knowledge of new world winemaking styles. Paula also has experience working in Felix Solís winery in Castilla la Mancha, Spain and Raimat Winery in Lerida, Spain.

Paula enjoys wines from all around the world that shows the identity of the origin. Her passion besides making wines is to know the beauties of the world. She currently resides Napa Valley with her husband and kid and is a big fan of aerobics and science fiction books.

Leticia Chacón-Rodríguez

University of California, Davis

Leticia, a wine professional with more than 20 years of experience in California, and currently the Winemaker and Winery Manager at the University of California, Davis. Previously, Leticia has been at Safe Harbor Wine Storage, Treasury Wine States, E&J Gallo Winery, Golden State Vintners (now Wine Group) and Delicato Family Vineyards.

She is on her third year as co-chair of the Program Development Committee for Unified Wine and Grape Symposium and participates actively on the Spanish Track.

She is an active member for the American Society for Viticulture and Enology (ASEV), a professional society dedicated to the interests of enologist, viticulturists, and others in the fields of wine and grape research and production. She is past President (2012-2013) for this Society, and she has served as a Poster Chair for the National Conference, Best Paper Award Committee, and others.

She enjoys her free time with her husband and her two young sons in various activities like cooking, reading, swimming, biking, watching movies, attending symphony orchestra concerts, among others.

MS in Food Sciences (Enology emphasis), UC Davis.
BS in Chemical Engineering, Universidad Nacional Autonóma de México, Mexico City.

Luciana Moreno Turkovich

Turkovich Family Wines, California

Originally from Mendoza, Argentina, Luciana Moreno Turkovich is a fourth-generation member of a winemaking family. She studied enology at Don Bosco University in Mendoza, where she developed her deep passion for the world of wine.

After completing her studies, she began her international career in Australia’s renowned McLaren Vale. She later moved to Napa Valley, California, where she worked for four years with the Duncan family at Silver Oak, one of the region’s most respected wineries.

In 2009, Luciana and her husband Chris founded Turkovich Family Wines, a family-run winery located in the Winters Highlands AVA in California. The project reflects a fusion of Argentine winemaking heritage with California innovation and terroir. Making Farm to Glass wine.

In 2021, she launched a consulting company with her father, a renowned sparkling wine consultant. Together, they advise wineries in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe and central wine regions, specializing in the development of high-quality sparkling wines.

Luciana is also the teaching the Sparkling Wine Program at CETYS University in Ensenada, Baja California, where she mentors and trains the next generation of winemakers.

Lilia Ortiz Zavala

Trinchero Family Estates, California

Lilia Ortiz Zavala is an Assistant Winemaker at Trinchero Family Estates, where she brings together her passion for wine and her strong background in science. She earned her degree in Chemistry from Sonoma State University and began her career in the wine industry in the laboratory, developing a deep understanding of analytical testing and quality control. Her experience ranges from coordinating events at wine festivals to hands-on lab work giving her a well-rounded perspective on both the cultural and technical sides of the industry.

Raised in Napa Valley, Lilia grew up surrounded by vineyards, harvest seasons, and a deep-rooted culture of winemaking that shaped her appreciation for the craft from an early age.

Outside of the winery, Lilia finds grounding and inspiration in time spent with her family, especially around shared meals that celebrate culture, connection, and tradition. Her favorite wine is Cabernet Sauvignon, and she is inspired to create wines that bring people together and tell a story in every glass.

Miguel Pedroza

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Miguel Pedroza is associate professor of enology at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo (2023) where he teaches winemaking, fermentation, and general education courses related with wine and viticulture. He is interested in how wine aromas are developed in grapes, transformed by winemaking techniques, and evoke emotions in consumers. Born and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Miguel holds a doctoral and master’s degree in enology from the University of Castilla-La Mancha in Spain (2012) and a food engineering degree from Tec de Monterrey (ITESM, 2006). Prior to Cal Poly, Miguel was assistant professor of enology at Fresno State (2017). He conducted postdoctoral research work in neuroimaging at the CNRS, France and has done research and professional internships in Piacenza (Italy), Jura and Bordeaux (France). Wine judge at national international wine competitions since 2014, Miguel is passionate about tasting, learning, teaching, and traveling for wine.

Gaspar Roby

Terlato Wine Group, California

Originally from Argentina, Gaspar Roby has over 25 years of experience in the wine industry across Latin America and California. With an Agricultural Engineering degree and graduate studies at UC Davis, he specializes in winemaking, vineyard management, and supply chain operations.

As Vice President of Supply for Terlato Wine Group, Gaspar oversees production for renowned wineries like Chimney Rock, Rutherford Hill, and Sanford & Benedict, ensuring exceptional quality and efficiency in wine production. His expertise and commitment to excellence make him a respected leader in industry.

Maria Carolina Vargas Dibiagi

Shannon Family of Wines, California

Born and raised in Mendoza, Argentina, Carolina grew up immersed in vineyards and winemaking as part of a third-generation winemaking family. Her passion for wine led her to combine hands-on experience with formal training, shaping a strong foundation in both tradition and technique.

Carolina has worked in diverse wine regions including Mendoza, Napa Valley, Maine, and Greece, broadening her perspective and refining her craft. She has a particular focus on organic wine production and regenerative agriculture, supported by her specialization in Holistic Management.

In 2022, Carolina moved to the U.S. and joined Shannon Family of Wine in Lake County, where she continues to make expressive, high-quality wines while honoring the land. Outside of winemaking, she enjoys time with family and friends, great wine, and outdoor adventures.