SPEAKERS
MONDAY, JANUARY 19
OPENING CONFERENCE | Wine production in a constant changing world
Jean Lemire, Special Envoy for Climate Change, Nordic and Arctic Affairs, Government of Québec
Biography
A biologist by training, Jean Lemire is an environmental specialist and renowned science communicator. He was appointed Special Envoy for Climate Change, Nordic and Arctic Affairs by the Government of Québec in September 2017, thus becoming the first envoy in the history of Québec diplomacy. In this capacity, he develops international partnerships and represents the Government of Québec at various multilateral conventions and forums, including the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the Convention on Biological Diversity, the Arctic Council, the Beyond Oil and Gas Alliance and the United Nations Environment Programme’s Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution. As part of his responsibilities, Jean Lemire acts as:
Representative and spokesperson for subnational governments at the Convention on Biological Diversity;
Ambassador for the SAGA project on food security and climate change of the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO);
President of the Advisory Board of the International Climate Cooperation Program (ICCP), winner of the United Nations Global Climate Action Award;
Coordinator of the Government of Québec’s International Environmental Team.
His work on climate change and biodiversity has led to major international scientific missions. His films, books and web creations have garnered numerous awards. Among his distinctions, he was named an Officer of the Order of Canada, has received two honorary doctorates (oceanography-UQAR and geography-UQAM) and holds the title of Grand Ambassador of the Université de Sherbrooke. In 2010, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki Moon appointed him UN Green Wave Ambassador for biodiversity. He is also the first recipient of the prestigious Midori Prize for Biodiversity.
Jerôme Dupras PhD, Ecologist and Researcher, CEO of Habitat Nature
Biography
Jérôme Dupras is a professor in the Department of Natural Sciences at the University of Quebec in Outaouais. He is the founder of the Applied Research Centre on Biodiversity and Ecosystems (CRABE) and holds the Canada Research Chair in Ecological Economics as well as the UNESCO Chair in Socio-Economic Assessment of Biodiversity and Ecosystems. With a PhD in Geography and a postdoctoral degree in Biology, he specializes in land-use planning and environmental protection. In the Francophone music scene, he is also known as a member of the band Les Cowboys Fringants.
CONFERENCE | Vines and grape variety: a perpetual evolution, from yesterday to tomorrow
Marc-André Selosse PhD, Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle of Paris
Biography
Marc-André SELOSSE, born March 29th 1968, is professor at Muséum national d’Histoire naturelle (Paris) and at Gdansk University (Poland), where he leads research teams. He has taught at Universities of Viçosa (Brazil) and Kunming (China), and teaches at Ecole Normale Supérieure, Science Po and Hautes Etudes Commerciales (HEC). His research focuses on the ecology and evolution of mycorrhizas, a major symbiosis between soil fungi and roots of most land plants. He also has a general interest for symbiosis and its evolution. He was head of the French Botanical Society for ten years and is now president of the Fédération BioGée, member of the French Academy of Agriculture and of the Institut Universitaire de France. He is an editor of three international scientific journals: New Phytologist, Ecology Letters and Symbiosis. He published more than 230 scientific papers and 330 outreach papers as well as popular science books in French on microbiota (Jamais seul, 2017), tannins (Les goûts et les couleurs du monde, 2019), soils (L’origine du Monde, 2021), and the place of humans in nature (Nature et Préjugés, 2024).
CONFERENCE | Building Resilience
Rosa Kruger, Founder and chairperson of the Old Vine Project, 2022 Decanter Hall of Fame winner
Biography
Rosa Kruger has been involved in the design, development and management of new vineyards for wine for the last 28 years. The designs are aimed at dealing with climate change in viticulture in the best possible way. She is also the founding member of the Old Vine Project of South Africa. She has established a short course where she and her team annually teaches vineyard workers to preserve and prune old vines to build their energy and strength. They also teach the basics of viticulture specifically for vineyard workers at a winter school.
PANEL | Regenerative viticulture – Building a sustainable future
Isabel Gassier, Regenerative Farmer & Winemaker – Famille Gassier
Biography
Graduating as an oenological engineer from Changins (Switzerland) in 2016, Isabel Gassier began her career with Philippe Cambie in Châteauneuf-du-Pape before continuing her training in California, first at Bedrock and then with Phil Coturri, a pioneer of regenerative viticulture. Inspired by these experiences, she encouraged her father—already committed to organic farming—to go further. Returning in 2022, she spearheaded the regenerative transition of the family estates, Château de Nages and Domaine Gassier, strengthening soil fertility and vineyard resilience in the face of climate change. Under her leadership, they became in 2023 the first vineyards in France certified in regenerative agriculture.
Fanny Courtial, Sales and Marketing Manager at Château de l'Éclair
Biography
Château de l'Éclair, located in Porte des Pierres Dorées (Rhône), is a 20-hectare estate dedicated to viticultural innovation in Beaujolais. A true pilot site, it is run by SICAREX Beaujolais and the IFV (French Vine and Wine Institute), which conduct applied research there to support the industry in its technical, environmental, and economic transitions.
My mission is to promote this unique research and innovation site, but also to build relationships between a passionate team, stakeholders in the wine industry, and consumers—lovers of Beaujolais wines.
Becky Sykes, Programme Director at the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation
Biography
Becky is Programme Director at the Regenerative Viticulture Foundation, a UK-based charity on a mission to transition the world's vineyards to regenerative agriculture. With responsibility for Research, Education and Engagement, her role is to develop the resources and community network needed to support and connect producers, wherever they are on their regenerative journey. She also engages with researchers to further the evidence base for regen, with viticultural colleges to get them to teach regen to the next generation of grape farmers, and with wine educators to spread awareness and understanding of the benefits of regenerative viticulture.
Becky's passion for regenerative viticulture was sparked during her MSc in Viticulture & Oenology. This role benefits from the stakeholder engagement expertise gained in her previous career as a Public Affairs PR consultant. She rather randomly has a degree in Aerospace Engineering and has hitchhiked across the Sahara desert, twice.
PANEL | Water Management – Every Drop Counts
Kosta Bakasietas, Agronomist nurseryman
Biography
Agronomist specialized in viticulture and ampelography, Kosta Bakasietas focuses on the identification, preservation, evaluation, and promotion of grapevine varieties and clones in the Southeastern Mediterranean region, with an emphasis on innovation and the creation of sustainable vineyards. He holds a degree in Crop Science from the Agricultural University of Athens, with a specialization in viticulture and arboriculture (1998–2004), and went on to complete a Master’s in Viticulture and Oenology at SupAgro Montpellier and ENITA Bordeaux (2005–2007). Kosta has also published several research articles in the field of viticulture and ampelography.
Édouard Guerin, Technical Director, L’Oratoire des Papes
Biography
Edouard grew up in the Drôme Provençale, where childhood revolved around the seasons, picking apricots in summer and almonds in autumn. It always annoyed him to return to school just as the harvest began, yet he inherited a passion for the vine from his father and grandfather.
Although school never thrilled him, Edouard knew what he wanted. He pursued agronomy at Lycée du Parcin Lyon, then earned an engineering degree from ENSAIA in Nancy. Simultaneously, he completed a diploma in Viticulture and Oenology at Montpellier Agronomy School, followed by the National Diploma in Oenology in 2007. Curious and ambitious, he has always sought to explore winemaking beyond France.
In 2007, Edouard moved to Cappadocia, Turkey, as technical director for Maison Turasan, where local varietals and terroirs revealed the full extent of his talents. His quest for knowledge then took him to Australia, working as general manager and technical director for Maison Chapoutier Australia until 2013. Missing France, he returned to work as technical manager at Clos de Paulilles in Roussillon, before joining L’Oratoire des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2015. Here, he found his calling. The Rhône Valley’s unique terroirs became his playground as Technical Director, allowing him to fully express his passion and expertise in both vineyard and cellar. Edouard’s artistic sensibility is evident in every wine he crafts. “I am fortunate to be able to work together with our teams, in both the vineyards and cellars, to go above and beyond with each new year and create wines that are deeper, more living and breathing than ever before.” C’est dans le cocon familial, en Drôme Provençale, qu’Edouard a eu la chance de vivre au rythme des saisons : entre récoltes d’abricot l’été et des amandes à l’automne. La frustration était déjà grande pour lui quand il fallait retrouver le chemin de l’école alors que les vendanges débutaient… Son père et son grand-père s’étaient déjà chargés de lui transmettre leur passion du vin.
In 2007, Edouard moved to Cappadocia, Turkey, as technical director for Maison Turasan, where local varietals and terroirs revealed the full extent of his talents. His quest for knowledge then took him to Australia, working as general manager and technical director for Maison Chapoutier Australia until 2013. Missing France, he returned to work as technical manager at Clos de Paulilles in Roussillon, before joining L’Oratoire des Papes in Châteauneuf-du-Pape in 2015. Here, he found his calling. The Rhône Valley’s unique terroirs became his playground as Technical Director, allowing him to fully express his passion and expertise in both vineyard and cellar. Edouard’s artistic sensibility is evident in every wine he crafts. “I am fortunate to be able to work together with our teams, in both the vineyards and cellars, to go above and beyond with each new year and create wines that are deeper, more living and breathing than ever before.” C’est dans le cocon familial, en Drôme Provençale, qu’Edouard a eu la chance de vivre au rythme des saisons : entre récoltes d’abricot l’été et des amandes à l’automne. La frustration était déjà grande pour lui quand il fallait retrouver le chemin de l’école alors que les vendanges débutaient… Son père et son grand-père s’étaient déjà chargés de lui transmettre leur passion du vin.
Will Drayton, Director of Sustainability and Science at Treasury Americas, a division of Treasury Wine Estates
Biography
Will Drayton is the Director of Sustainability and Science at Treasury Americas, a division of Treasury Wine Estates (TWE), a global leader in luxury wine. He leads sustainability, viticulture, and science scientific programs across the company’s U.S. operations, guiding vineyardpractices, climate strategy, and analytical and sensory sciences. Will began his career in wine and sustainability when he joined TWE in 2008 as a viticulture intern at Etude Winery, beginning a career dedicated to advancing responsible winegrowing. Since then, he has held a range of roles in viticulture and winemaking before stepping into his current position in 2021. His leadership has helped advance renewable energy adoption, strengthen water-stewardship planning, and shape TWE’s net-zero roadmap. He played a significant role in helping Treasury Americas reach its 100 percent renewable electricity target in 2024 and continues to guide progress toward net-zero emissions (Scopes 1 and 2) by 2030. His contributions have supported major sustainability recognitions for TWE, including the 2023 California Green Medal for Sustainable Winegrowing and Napa Chamber of Commerce Sustainable Business of the Year. Beyond his work at Treasury Americas, Will plays an active role in the broader wine and agricultural community. He serves on the boards of Napa Green, the California Sustainable Winegrowing Alliance, the Pierce’s Disease/Glassy-Winged Sharpshooter Board, and the Los Carneros Recycled Water District. He also contributes to the Sustainable Wine Roundtable through its technical committees. Will holds a master’s degree in Horticulture and Agronomy from the University of California, Davis, where he researched grapevine water stress and developed a strong interest in data-driven approaches to vineyard water management and climate resilience. He also earned an MA in Natural Sciences and Experimental Psychology from the University of Cambridge. Originally from the United Kingdom and now based in Sebastopol, California, Will brings a global perspective and hands-on viticulture experience to championing rigorous, science-based sustainability across the wine industry.
Marta Mendonça, Head Manager, The Porto Protocol Foundation
Biography
Marta is one of the most active voices in sustainability within the global wine sector. Following a solid international career in Marketing and Sales — working with leading brands such as HERMÈS and Jack Daniel’s — she has been leading the Porto Protocol Foundation since 2019, the largest global wine community dedicated to accelerating climate action through shared knowledge and practical solutions.
In 2016, she launched her own brand and consultancy to promote sustainability and climate awareness in schools, companies, and public events, thereby fostering tangible behavioural change.
Marta holds a degree in International Relations, a Postgraduate degree in Marketing, and a Master’s in Corporate Social Responsibility.
PANEL | North American Frontiers – Emerging Wine Regions
Gabriel Demarco, Winemaker & Viticulturist Cave Spring Vineyard
Biography
Gabriel Demarco (B.A., Hon. B.Sc.) is a graduate with honours from the Oenology and Viticulture Institute (OEVI) at Brock University, in the heart of Canada’s Niagara Peninsula. Born in 1980 in London, Ontario, he initially studied theatre arts and history while serving in the Canadian Naval Reserve. His passion for wine emerged while working in Toronto’s culinary scene, leading him to earn the WSET Advanced Wine Certificate and join the Oliver & Bonacini group.
In 2009, Gabriel began his studies in oenology at Brock University and interned at Cave Spring Vineyard with founder Angelo Pavan. Graduating in 2013, he quickly progressed to Assistant Winemaker in 2014, and in 2018 became Winemaker and Viticulturist, overseeing all aspects of viticulture and winemaking with a focus on refining Cave Spring’s distinctive style and advancing sustainability.
Gabriel is also active in the development of Ontario’s wine industry, serving as Chair of the Vintners Quality Alliance of Ontario’s Standards Technical Committee.
Vincent Laniel, Winemaker and Co-owner of the vineyard Très-Précieux-Sang in Bécancour
Biography
Vincent Laniel entered the world of wine in 2018 by launching a weekly newsletter dedicated to natural wines, titled “Qu’est-ce qu’on boit ?” (What Are We Drinking?). The rapid success of this publication led him to write Supernaturel: Immersion in the World of Natural Wine and to participate in a documentary series of the same name. Alongside his work as a columnist, he was a sommelier at Restaurant Candide in Montreal from 2019 to 2025. Since 2021, he has been particularly distinguished as a winemaker and co-owner of the vineyard Très-Précieux-Sang in Bécancour.
Ria D'Aversa, Owner, Vineyard Manager at Ria’s Wines
Biography
Ria D’Aversa finished her undergraduate degree in Botany and began her career working with plants at the New York Botanical Garden. While there, the 2008 economic crisis nudged her to take a sabbatical, in which she traveled to Tuscany to work her first grape harvest. In her travels, many encouraged her to continue working with vineyards by applying to graduate school at UC Davis. Ria received her Master’s of Science from UC Davis, focusing on viticulture and soil systems. It’s at Davis that Ria saw the beauty of the west and wine by visiting beautiful vineyards throughout the state of California. Since then, Ria has worked at Broc Cellars in Berkeley, Tenuta Tignanello in Chianti, Treasury Wine Estates in Sonoma, McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, Constellation Brands in Napa and at Hermann J. Wiemer in the Finger Lakes. Organic, deliberate farming is pivotal to Ria’s grape growing and she continues her love for thoughtful, fresh wines through her own small wine brand, Ria's Wines. She is currently teaching vineyard management at Cornell University and managing her family's vineyard on Seneca Lake in upstate New York.
Mathieu Lapierre, Winemaker at Domaine M. & C. Lapierre
Biography
Before training in viticulture and oenology at school and alongside his father Marcel, Mathieu pursued professional and academic studies in gastronomy at the Lycée Polyvalent Hyacinthe Friant in Poligny from 1997 to 2000 and worked with renowned Parisian chefs (Hôtel Le Bristol: Mr. Éric Fréchon, L'Os à Moelle: Mr. Thierry Faucher between 2000 and 2004). In 2004, after training at the CFPPA in Beaune, Mathieu took over the management of the family estate. Since then, he has continued his father Marcel's work, producing wines made without additives, which are highly acclaimed by wine lovers worldwide. Actively involved in wine associations, he is also passionate about history, archaeology, chemistry, physics, and microbiology. This unique blend of interests makes him a distinctive, skilled, and competent winemaker. Having worked in Quebec and British Columbia in his younger years in the kitchen and wine industry through the Working Holiday program, he forged many connections with fellow food lovers across Canada. For just two years now, Mathieu has been dividing his time between his home in Morgon in the Beaujolais region and the charming village of Sutton in the Eastern Townships.