About
Since 2012, the Southeastern Grape & Wine Symposium has brought together grape growers, winemakers, researchers, educators, suppliers, and industry leaders from across the Southeast to exchange ideas, address regional challenges, and shape the future of Southeastern wine. Hosted by the Shelton-Badgett North Carolina Center for Viticulture & Enology at Surry Community College, the Symposium fosters collaboration, innovation, and technical education while connecting more than 150 wine industry professionals each year.
The Symposium features a full day of educational sessions and networking opportunities, including presentations from leading experts, sponsor-led breakout sessions, and a vendor showcase featuring products and services that support the grape and wine industry.
This year’s theme, Regional Identity: Past Perspectives and Future Outlooks, explores how the region’s history, unique growing conditions, and evolving viticulture, enology, and business practices are shaping a distinctive identity for Southeastern wine.
The day concludes with the Grand Wine Tasting, an evening celebration featuring ten Southeastern wineries, cideries, and meaderies pouring a selection of their wines, ciders, and meads. Guests will enjoy thoughtfully paired charcuterie, soups, small bites, desserts, live music, and the opportunity to connect with fellow industry professionals in a relaxed setting.
Speakers
Drew Baker – Farmer & Creator of Burnt Hill Farm & Old Westminster Winery
Joshua Grainer – Master of Wine & Winemaker at Lost Mountain Vineyards
Megan Bell – Public Affairs & External Communications Manager for the California Association of Winegrape Growers
Craig Holme – National Sales Manager at Radoux USA
Tyler Balliet – Author of "Rebel School of Wine" and cofounder of Wine Riot and Rosé Mansion
Ernest "Bubba" Beasley –
Schedule
8:00 AM – Registration, Guest Check-In & Breakfast
Breakfast will be available from 8:00–10:30 AM and includes coffee, juice, egg bites, sausage biscuits, fresh fruit, and yogurt.
8:30 AM – Vendor Showcase Opens
9:00 AM – Welcome
9:15 AM – Keynote Session I
10:30 AM – Break
11:00 AM – Keynote Session II
12:15 PM – Lunch
1:30 PM – Keynote Session III
2:45 PM – Break
3:00 PM – Educational Breakout Sessions
4:15 PM – Networking
5:00 – 7:00 PM – Grand Wine Tasting
Sponsorship
Interested in sponsoring the Symposium? Click "Contact Organizer" to learn more about sponsorship opportunities and how your organization can support the Southeastern grape and wine industry.
