Industry experts to examine wine supply, global markets and changing consumer demand, with new opportunities for audience participation
SACRAMENTO, Calif., October 20, 2026 — The Unified Wine & Grape Symposium’s signature State of the Industry session, taking place Wednesday, January 27, will introduce a new moderator and expanded opportunities for audience participation in 2027, bringing fresh perspectives and more interactive discussion to one of the wine industry’s most anticipated annual events.
Cathy Huyghe, CEO and co-founder of Enolytics, will moderate the session, guiding conversations among four industry experts as they examine the economic, market and consumer forces shaping the future of wine. An award-winning entrepreneur, journalist and public speaker, Huyghe brings two decades of experience in the wine and beverage alcohol industry, with a focus on data-driven business intelligence and communications.
Building on the session’s longstanding tradition of delivering timely data and industry analysis, the updated format will allow attendees to submit questions in real time and engage more directly with the issues affecting their businesses.
“The State of the Industry session has benefited from strong leadership and thoughtful moderation for many years, creating a valuable foundation for one of Unified’s signature programs,” said Natalie Collins, president of the California Association of Winegrape Growers and a member of the Unified Symposium Managing Committee. “As we welcome a new moderator in 2027, we’re excited to continue delivering the insights and data attendees value while encouraging timely, candid discussion about the industry’s future.”
“What an honor to be invited onto the stage to moderate this session, which sets the tone in so many ways for our industry in the year ahead,” said Huyghe. “This year’s panel offers the opportunity to plant brave new seeds for action, from business intelligence and financial data to strategy and innovation moving forward.”
Four Perspectives on the State of the Wine Industry
The 2027 session will bring together four industry experts to examine the challenges and opportunities facing wine businesses, from vineyard acreage and global wine supply to evolving consumer preferences and opportunities for growth.
Jeff Bitter, Allied Grape Growers, will examine California’s winegrape supply outlook, drawing on the second year of Land IQ acreage data to assess what remains planted, where vineyards are located, and how supply aligns with demand by region and variety. He will explore whether vineyard removals and changing market conditions are bringing California’s winegrape industry closer to supply-demand equilibrium.
Glenn Proctor, Ciatti Company, will examine California’s bulk wine market, including current inventories, wine remaining in tanks, pricing trends, buying activity and private label demand. He will explore how domestic supply and demand, along with broader global market influences, are shaping conditions and opportunities for California wineries and growers.
Lulie Halstead, Co-founder, Intellima and Founder, Wine Intelligence, will examine global consumer trends and what they mean for California’s wine industry. Her presentation will explore how changing preferences, drinking occasions and purchasing behaviors are reshaping demand, along with opportunities to build more relevant wine brands and attract the next generation of consumers.
Danny Brager, Brager Beverage and Consulting, will explore the competitive landscape for wine within the broader beverage alcohol market, examining shifts in consumer demand, emerging categories and formats, and where opportunities for growth remain. He will also share insights into the strategies distinguishing leading wine brands.
More Opportunities for Conversation
Attendees will be able to submit questions in real time throughout the session, with moderated discussions following each presentation and a concluding roundtable Q&A featuring the panel. The format will encourage timely conversations and connect different perspectives on the industry’s challenges and opportunities.
The updated format builds on the foundation established by longtime moderator and wine economist Mike Veseth, whose leadership has helped make the State of the Industry session a cornerstone of the Unified Symposium. Veseth will deliver the Symposium’s opening-day keynote at the luncheon on January 26, offering his perspective on the global wine economy.
About the 2027 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
The 2027 Unified Wine & Grape Symposium will take place January 26–28 at the SAFE Credit Union Convention Center in Sacramento. The event brings together winegrape growers, winemakers, suppliers and industry leaders for educational sessions, a two-day trade show and opportunities to exchange ideas and explore solutions for the future of the industry.
For program details and registration information, visit unifiedsymposium.org.
About the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium
Held each January, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium helps industry professionals from the United States and around the world start the year informed and prepared. From bringing together the industry’s broadest range of products and services to providing educational sessions under one roof, the Unified Symposium provides the insights, solutions and connections needed to navigate challenges, identify opportunities and make informed business decisions for the year ahead. Built by the industry, for the industry, the Unified Wine & Grape Symposium has been hosted by the American Society for Enology and Viticulture (ASEV) and the California Association of Winegrape Growers (CAWG) for more than 30 years. For more information, visit unifiedsymposium.org.
