Forks & Corks Master Class | Trailblazers & Innovators
Master Classes will be held Saturday, January 24, 2026 | Michael’s On East in the Ballroom
A signature highlight of the Festival each year, the Master Classes of Forks & Corks University offer a unique opportunity to taste, learn, and engage with the world of wine. Guests who “enroll” will enjoy a guided, interactive tasting experience led by a panel of acclaimed winemakers and wine industry professionals. Each 90-minute seminar includes 12 expertly selected wine tastings and a pairing plate of light bites curated to complement the featured varietals.
Winemakers pushing boundaries and redefining tradition — from pioneering Rhône varietals to bold blends and modern expressions.
Panelists:
- Alban Vineyards (Edna Valley, CA) – Jared Alban
- JAX Vineyards (Calistoga, Napa Valley) – Dan
- ParrottThe Prisoner Wine Company (Napa Valley) – Todd Ricard
-
Platt Vineyard (West Sonoma Coast, CA) – Derek Flegal
- RIISE (Paso Robles, CA) – Juan MercadoSean Minor Wines (California) – Sean Minor
- Selby Winery (Healdsburg,
Sonoma County) – Susie Selby
Dynamic and story-driven, this class highlights innovation and evolution in California winemaking — featuring vintners who are rewriting the rules with vision, experimentation, and creativity.
