McBride Sisters Winery President to Keynote at the 2023 Unified Symposium’s Opening Day Luncheon

SACRAMENTO, Calif., January 17, 2023…Robin McBride, co-founder and president of McBride Sisters Wine Company, will keynote the 2023 Unified Symposium Luncheon and share the incredible story of how she and her sister, Andréa McBride John, created the largest Black-owned wine company in the United States. Robin will share insights on how she and Andréa have pushed the envelope in making wine more inclusive and accessible.

The luncheon will take place at the Sheraton Grand Sacramento hotel on Tuesday, January 24, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. This year’s keynote luncheon will break away from the typical presentation format. Instead, freelance wine writer Julia Coney will interview Robin live on-stage as guests listen and enjoy a plated lunch with wine pairings.

“The Unified Symposium is all about exploring the future of the wine and grape industry and uncovering new opportunities for growth and success,” says Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG). “The McBride Sisters Wine Company has a compelling story to tell on their unique approach to the industry and avenues in which they have created opportunity. What’s more, we are excited to offer a more engaging experience for attendees with our new conversational-style interview approach.”

“When Andréa and I first started out in the wine business, we didn’t see enough representation of women that looked like us. Since 2005, we have been working to change that,” says Robin McBride. “I’m excited to share our journey with guests at the Unified Symposium how we make wine and wine education more accessible, and how others in our field can too.”        

Registration for the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium is available online at www.unifiedsymposium.org/registration or by phone at (888) 529-9272. The Keynote Luncheon is a separate fee and limited seating is available, so early registration is encouraged. The 2023 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium will be held on January 24-26, with exhibits open on January 25 and 26, at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center, 1400 J St., Sacramento, California.

Built with the joint input of growers, vintners, and allied industry members, the Unified Symposium has served as a clearinghouse of information important to wine and grape industry professionals for 29 years. Unified also hosts the industry’s largest trade show of its kind, with more than 650 vendors displaying their products and services in over 875 booths. For more information, please visit www.unifiedsymposium.org.