We are pleased to announce Rachel Speckan, Portfolio Manager at Maverick Wine Co, as a keynote speaker at this year's USA Trade Tasting on May 22nd and 23rd in Chicago. Rachel's background growing up on an Arkansas farm, coupled with her educational training as a cultural anthropologist, has shaped her profound understanding and appreciation for wine.

Rachel's proficiency and love for wine are well known, having won important awards such as the Grand Cochon Somm Slam and the Jean Banchet Best Sommelier Award. Reputable journals and magazines like Somm Journal and Art Culinaire Magazine have published her writings.

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The Wine Education Certification Program that Rachel developed for all City Winery locations is proof of her dedication to wine education. Her presence at the USA Trade Tasting promises to bring guests insightful information and stimulating conversation.

We extend a warm welcome to Rachel Speckan at the 2024 USA Trade Tasting in Chicago, where we anticipate an insightful experience for all our visitors to experience.

Here are some of the speakers who will be joining us at the 2024 USA Trade Tasting

Abraham Vucekovich, Beverage Director at Meadowlark Hospitality

Kaleigh Theriault, Director of Thought Leadership at NIQ Beverage and Alcohol Vertical

Julieta Campos, Beverage and Bar Operations Director at The Fifty/50 Group, Chicago

Ryan Crane, Strategy at Canopy Growth Corporation

Mark Guillaudeu, MS, Sommelier at Wrigley Mansion

Morgan Harris, Head Sommelier at Saison Hospitality

Arthur Hon, Beverage Director at the Modern-Union Square Hospitality Group

David Keck, MS, Master Sommelier and Owner at Stella14 Wines, VT

Ari Klafter, Head Distiller Thornton Distilling Company, and President, Illinois Craft Distillers Association

Jon McDaniel, Founder at Second City Soil

Sid Patel, CEO and Founder of Beverage Trade Network

Daisy Penzo, Founder and CEO of Tuscany Wines Import

Wesley Phillips, Business Development Manager at Glunz Beer

Brian Rosen, Chairman of InvestBev

Mike Ryan, Global Beverage Director, Acurio International, Chicago

Cassie Sakai, Corporate Director of Beverage Operations - Gibsons Restaurant Group

Caroline Schrader, Winemaker at City Winery Chicago

Susan Danenberger, Winemaker/Owner at Danenberger Family Vineyards

Kimberly Shannon, Beer, Wine and Liquor Specialist at Giant Eagle, Inc

Christopher Bauer, Vice President, National Sales at Wein Bauer

Raj Sabharwal, Founding Partner at Glass Revolution Imports