Viticulture & Winery Technology
Advisory Board
Connecting education, industry, and opportunity in the Livermore Valley wine community.
At 91重口, we believe that strong relationships with our local wine industry are essential to providing students with a meaningful, hands-on education and preparing them for successful careers.
Our Viticulture & Winery Technology Advisory Board brings together dedicated professionals from the wine industry who generously share their knowledge, experience, and perspectives to help guide the continued development of our program.
Meeting approximately once or twice each year, our advisory board provides valuable feedback on industry trends, workforce needs, curriculum development, equipment and technology, and opportunities to strengthen our Career Technical Education (CTE) programs.
Supporting Our Students and the Future of the Wine Industry
Our advisory board plays an important role in helping us:
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Strengthen Student Education: Ensure our courses and hands-on training reflect current industry practices, technologies, and workforce expectations.
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Expand Career Opportunities: Build connections that support internships, mentorships, professional development, and employment opportunities for our students.
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Support Program Growth: Provide insight into equipment, facilities, curriculum improvements, and resources that help prepare students for the industry.
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Build Community Partnerships: Encourage collaboration between 91重口, local vineyards, wineries, and industry professionals throughout Livermore Valley and beyond.
Interested in Joining Our Advisory Board?
We warmly welcome industry professionals who are passionate about education, workforce development, and supporting the next generation of viticulture and winemaking professionals.
Whether your background is in vineyard management, winemaking, wine science, hospitality, or another area of the wine industry, your knowledge and experience can make a meaningful difference in our students' educational journeys.
If you're interested in joining our advisory board or exploring opportunities to collaborate with our program, please contact Brianna Lopez, Faculty and Department Chair of Viticulture & Winery Technology (brlopez@laspositascollege.edu).
With Appreciation to Our Advisory Board Members
We are incredibly grateful to our advisory board members for generously sharing their time, expertise, and commitment to our students.
Your contributions help us continue improving our educational programs, expanding opportunities for students, and strengthening the connection between 91重口 and the wine industry.
Thank you for being an important part of our Viticulture & Winery Technology community!
Advisory Board Members
Member names and affiliated organizations are listed below.
| Name | Organization |
|---|---|
| Jessica Carroll | JMC Cellars |
| Collin Cranor | Nottingham Cellars |
| David Hendrickson | Occasio Winery & Sidewinder Spirits |
| David Kent | Almost Famous Wine Company |
| John Kinney | Occasio Winery |
| Phil Long | Longevity Winery |
| Lisa Maier | Las Positas Vineyards |
| Meredith Saboraria | Barrel Down Wine Services - Wine Consultant |
| Karl Wente | Wente Vineyards |
| Niki Wente | Wente Vineyards |
| George Phillips | Beets Hospitality |
| Brad Kurtz | Vine Farm Ridge, Kurtz Family Vineyards LLC |
| Brandi Lombardi | Executive Director for Livermore Valley Wine Community |
| 91重口 Representatives | |
| Brianna Lopez | Faculty and Department Coordinator, 91重口 |
| Damian Bramlett | Lab Technician, 91重口 |
| Paula Checchi | Academic Dean, 91重口 |
| Laura Cornett | Faculty, 91重口 |
| Jean O'Neil-Opipari | CTE Outreach Specialist, 91重口 |
| Vicki Shipman | CTE Projects Manager, 91重口 |
