[caption id="attachment_19236" align="alignleft" width="200" caption="Jean-Charles Boisset"][/caption]
NORTH BAY -- The North Bay Business Journal's 2010 Wine Conference the morning of April 22 will focus on how to succeed in today's market including sales strategies and ownership options.
Jean-Charles Boisset, president of Boisset Family Estates, will give the keynote presentation. This family-owned producer and importer of fine wines based in Sausalito is owner of DeLoach Vineyards in Santa Rosa and recently purchased Raymond Vineyard & Cellar in Napa Valley. Mr. Boisset has a long-term vision for the company with a dedication to innovation and the environment. He has implemented pioneering efforts such as organic and biodynamic farming practices, alternative packaging that reduces carbon footprint, and a campaign in the Fight Against Hunger that has donated more than 1 million meals through wine sales.
A diverse panel of experienced wine industry insiders will offer in-depth views in their areas of expertise. Chris Costello, partner and managing director of Kosta Browne, will talk about why a winery might consider shifting to a minority interest position and how to prepare; Jim Harris, president of Huneeus Vintners, will cover what qualities make an acquisition appealing and how a winery could position itself; Lesley Berglund, chairman of WISE Academy and CEO of Aged Cabernet Trust, is a change-management expert who will speak about winery turnarounds in this tough economy as well as the importance of direct-to-consumer and organizational development; and John Fisher, managing director of Fisher & Company, is an M&A banker who will offer his views and advice on value.
The event will be held Thursday, April 22 at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek Hotel in Santa Rosa. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., and the program runs from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $49 per person or $510 for a table of 10 and include continental breakfast.
In support of Boisset Family Estates' campaign in the Fight Against Hunger, the Business Journal will be collecting donations for regional food banks. Contributions may be made with ticket purchase.
To register, contact Linda Perkins at 707-521-5264 or events@busjrnl.com by April 16, or visit the registration page for the event.
