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Riesling Camp 2025: An Exclusive Immersive Experience

Application period will be open from February 24 – March 10, 2025!

The Finger Lakes Wine Alliance’s signature event returns for its ninth year in 2025! Riesling Camp is an exclusive, hands-on, and deeply immersive experience designed for a select group of key trade and media professionals eager to explore the world of Finger Lakes Riesling.

Hosted in the Finger Lakes region of New York State from May 19-22, 2025, this intimate four-day program offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the region’s top winemakers, deepen your understanding of its terroir, and engage in expert-led tastings and discussions.

What to Expect:

Participants will experience an intensive itinerary that blends education, exploration, and direct engagement with the region’s leading producers:

  • “Speed Dating” Meet-and-Greet – Rapid introductions between wineries and campers to build connections from day one.
  • Palate-Setting Blind Tasting – Test your Riesling knowledge in a fun and competitive blind tasting challenge!
  • Winemaker Dinners – Exclusive dining experiences with winery owners and winemakers, fostering candid conversations and insights.
  • Hands-On Blending Trial – A rare opportunity to craft and taste unique Riesling blends under the guidance of industry experts.
  • Curated Winery Visits & Themed Tastings – Small-group explorations that highlight the nuances of Finger Lakes Riesling and its evolution.

How to Apply:

Riesling Camp is highly selective, with only 24 participants chosen through a competitive application process. If you are a trade or media professional with a strong interest in Finger Lakes wine, we encourage you to apply by completing a brief application.

Key Details:

  • Applications open: Late February 2025
  • Selected candidates notified: By the end of March 2025
  • Program includes: Hotel accommodations, transportation and meals throughout Camp (participants are responsible for their own travel to and from the Finger Lakes).

For any questions regarding the program or application, please contact info@fingerlakeswinealliance.com.

The Riesling Camp Travel Award

As part of our commitment to fostering a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable wine industry, FLWA is proud to offer the Riesling Camp Travel Award. This initiative supports underrepresented professionals by helping to offset travel costs for eligible participants.

If you are an established wine professional or actively pursuing a career in wine, we encourage you to apply for this award, which is included as part of the application process.

Stay Connected!

Follow the journey on social media: @flxwinealliance
Hashtags: #FLXWine | #FLXRieslingCamp

Photo Gallery

Riesling Camp Archives – Previous Year Schedules

2024

Participating Wineries:

Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Fox Run Vineyards
Glenora Wine Cellars
Heron Hill Winery
Hillick & Hobbs Estate
Idol Ridge Winery
Lakewood Vineyards
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Living Roots
Red Newt Cellars
Sheldrake Point Winery
Six Eighty Cellars
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Wagner Vineyards
Weis Vineyards

Riesling Campers:

Laura Algieri, Restaurant Operations Manager at Lucky Cat by Gordon Ramsay; Miami, FL
Dana Beninati, WSET 3, Founder at Dine with Dana; New York, NY
Yona Benjamin, Sommelier at Pure Wine, Cheesemaker at Chaseholm Farm; Brooklyn, NY
Ari Bildner, Retail Consultant/Wine Director at Hilltown Hotpies/ Kings Fine Wine and Spirits/Self-Employed Consultant; Clifton, NJ
Julia Borkowski, WSET 3, Certified Sommelier, Wine Director at The Inn on Broadway; Rochester, NY
Deniece Bourne, M. Sc., WSET 3, Founder, Broker and WSET Certified Educator at Savoir Global LLC; Brooklyn, NY
Paul Carayas, CS, Certified Madeira Wine Educator, Sherry Specialist, General Manager and Sommelier at Saison Cellar; San Mateo, CA
Federico Casassa, Professor of Enology and Wine Sensory Analysis at Wine and Viticulture Department, California Polytechnic State University; Paso Robles, CA
Claudia Chamberlain, Advanced Sommelier, DipWSET, Mid-Atlantic Region Sales Manager at Jackson Family Wines and WSET Educator at Capital Wine School; Washington, DC
Mercedes Cowper, DipWSET, CS, Food & Beverage Manager at Willard InterContinental/Founder at The Social Somm; Washington, DC
Janelle Freeman, WSET2, American Wine Expert, Wine Educator at Screwtop Wine Bar, Assistant Director of Mentorship at The Veraison Project; Lorton, VA
Billie Harris, WSET 2, Founder & Vinologist at The Vino Van; Atlanta, GA
Desiree Harrison-Brown, WSET 3, Educator & Content Creator at NVWA; Hanover, MD
Melly Hernandez, WSET2, Manager at The Wine Collective of Scottsdale; Phoenix, AZ
Amanda Joffee, Digital Creator at Shitty Wine Memes; Hialeah, FL
Russell Johnson, WSET 3, Wine Specialist at Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board; Philadelphia, PA
Tom Kobylarz, DipWSET, Owner at Wine Solutions; Morrisville, NC
Jett Kolarik, Wine Director/Sommelier at Southern Belle/Georgia Boy Restaurant; Atlanta, GA
Jon Lundquist, Roscioli; Brooklyn, NY
May Matta-Aliah, DipWSET, CWE, In the Grape; New York, NY
Carly Reynolds, Owner and Executive Chef at Vine & Fig Wine Bistro; Rome, NY
Dannielle Thomas, WSET 2, Wine Sales Professional and Educator at Dom Beijos and Get Into Wine ; Atlanta, GA
Brittany Vincent, WSET 3, The Veraison Project; Hyattsville, MD
Jen Ziskin, Certified Sommelier, WSET3, Co-Owner/Wine & Events Director at La Morra & Punch Bowl Brookline; Needham, MA

2023

Participating Wineries:

Buttonwood Grove Winery
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Fox Run Vineyards
Glenora Wine Cellars
Goose Watch Winery
Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard
Heron Hill Winery
Hillick & Hobbs Estate
Idol Ridge Winery
Keuka Lake Vineyards
Lakewood Vineyards
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Living Roots Wine & Co
Red Newt Cellars
Sheldrake Point Winery
Silver Thread Vineyard
Six Eighty Cellars
Thirsty Owl Wine Company
Wagner Vineyards
Weis Vineyards

Riesling Campers:

Arindam Basu, PhD; Sales at Total Wine & More, and WSET Educator at Philly Wine LLC, Philadelphia, PA
Stephanie Bazer; Buyer at Pompette Wine Shop and Musette Wine Bar and Restaurant, New York, NY
Constance Chamberlain; Founder and Principal of Wine & Co. LLC, CT
Jerry Chandler; General Manager & Wine Buyer at Bohemian Wine Bar, Wine Buyer at Exchange at 36th, and Writer, Charlotte, NC
Xingyu Chen; Founder and Creator of WineMemoir, New York, NY
Adrienne Cooper; East Coast Wine & Specialty Spirits Buyer, 67 Wine & Spirits, New York, NY
Christopher Costales; Corporate Wine Buyer & Food & Beverage Director Pauma Valley Country Club, and Writer, Temecula, CA
Julie Dalton; Wine Director & Chef Sommelier at Stella’s Wine Bar at The Post Oak Hotel, Houston, TX
Sarah Daniels; Wine Buyer, Artisan Wine Shop, Beacon, NY; Content Creator, Back Room Wines, Napa, CA; Freelance Wine Writer, based in Poughquag, NY
Abby Dunbar; Pastry Chef and Sommelier at The Krebs 1899 in Skaneateles, New York
Carlos Escudero; General Manager Le Grand Triage, New York, NY
Rafa Garcia Febles; Beverage Director and Assistant General Manager of Hav & Mar, New York, NY
Julie Gray; General Manager, Field & Main Restaurant, Marshall, VA
Scott Hoffman; Sommelier at Union Square Cafe, New York, NY
Emily Machado; Assistant Wine Manager at CoolVines Powerhouse, Jersey City, NJ
Katie McCarty; Manager & Sommelier at Maxwell Park, Washington, DC
Katie McKenna-Heveron; Owner & GM of Symposium Wine Bar, Lancaster, NY
Nicole Muscari; Founder & Content Creator/Media Wine Chic, Writer, Consultant, Forest Hills, NY
Dana Nyam; General Manager/Wine buyer at Lyon Hall, Arlington, VA
Meaghan Odum; Influencer & Sommelier, Oxford, MS
Megan Painter; Product Education Division Chief at PCLB, Springdale, PA
Jade Palmer; Wine Educator Oenophile Institute, Retail Associate at 3 Parks Wine Shop, East Point, GA
Pamela Vachon; Freelance Writer, and Educator at Murray’s Cheese, New York, NY
Kendeigh Worden; Sommelier and Wine Educator, Founder of The Grape Grind, Westerville, OH
Mary Zink; Wine Category Merchant at Wegman’s Food Markets, Rochester, NY

2022

Participating Wineries:
Anthony Road Wine Company
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Bully Hill Vineyards
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Fox Run Vineyards
Glenora Wine Cellars
Hermann J Wiemer Vineyard
Heron Hill Winery
Hosmer Winery
Lakewood Vineyards
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Living Roots Wine & Co
Red Newt Cellars
Sheldrake Point Winery
Silver Thread Vineyard
Six Eighty Cellars
Trestle 31
Wagner Vineyards
Weis Vineyards

Riesling Campers:
Brittney Abell; Wine Director at Grape Collective, Clifton, NJ
Louis Chico; Sommelier/ Server at STK in Disney Springs, Orlando, FL
Brian Combs; Beverage Director at The Lake House, Canandaigua, NY
Milja Cvorovic; General Manager at Best Bottles, Bronx, NY
Kim Cybulski; Director of NYS Wine Operations at Wegmans Food Markets, Rochester, NY
Sophie Deverell; General Manager and Beverage Director at The Farm on Adderley, Brooklyn, NY
James Fairbrother; Cellar Manager at Ardesia Wine Bar, New York, NY
Alexa Ferra; Writer and Podcast Co-Host at Alexa’s Wine Diary and Pouring Over Pages Podcast, Miami, FL
Melissa Graeff; Assistant Sales Manager at Banville Wine Merchants, Alexandria, VA
Tim Hardiman; Owner and Executive Chef at The Tailor and the Cook, Utica, NY
Emily Henry; Server at Paul Brady Wine, Beacon, NY
Andrew House; Sommelier at Casa Tua, Aspen, CO
Shakera Jones; Podcaster, Host, Writer, and Wine Educator at SommTV, New York, NY
Dimitrios Karagiannis; Sommelier at Nerai, New York, NY
Kari Macknight Dearborn; Founder of Drink Better Wines + Spirits, Whitby, Ontario Canada
Zac Manning; General Manager and Corporate Trainer at black & blue Steak and Crab, Rochester, NY
Michael Markarian; Sommelier and Beverage Director at H2 Collective, Washington DC
Margot Mazur; Sommelier, Vinegrower, and Wine Writer at The Fizz, Portland, ME
Cha McCoy; Sommelier, Public Speaker, and Founder of Cha Squared Experiences, Syracuse, NY
John Olsen; Owner at The Wine Project, Georgetown, KY
Travis Padilla; Sommelier at Terroir Tribeca, New York, NY
Daniel Reisch; Senior Wine Associate at Premier Wine and Spirits, Buffalo, NY
Marc Supsic; Wine and Spirits Professional at Wine Living LLC, Glenside, PA
Amy Waller; Sommelier and Group Sales Manager at France 44 Wine and Spirits, Minneapolis, MN

2021

Participating Wineries:
Anthony Road Wine Company
Buttonwood Grove Winery
Boundary Breaks Vineyard
Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery
Fox Run Vineyards
Glenora Wine Cellars
Lakewood Vineyards
Lamoreaux Landing Wine Cellars
Red Newt Cellars
Sheldrake Point Winery
Silver Thread Vineyard
Wagner Vineyards
Weis Vineyards

Virtual Riesling Campers:
David Alpher; Sommelier at The Eastern, Washington DC
Brian Butterfield; Bar Director at Kindred Fare, Geneva NY
Keith Beavers; Tastings Director of VinePair
Ildy Beregszszi & Philip Chorba; Owner/General Manager & Beverage Director/Sommelier at Yes Chef Wine Bar, Astoria, NY
Swati Bose & Kabir Amir; Owners of Flight Wine Bar, Washington DC
Julia Coney; Freelance Wine Journalist & Manager at Wardman Wines, Washington DC
Elizabeth Dames; Sommelier/Dining Room Manager at Capital City Club & Owner at Wine Entwined Consulting, Atlanta, GA
Vanessa Da Salva; Sommelier, Randolph, NJ
Gabriela Davogusto; Wine Director at Clay Restaurant, New York, NY
Fred Dex; Self at Fred Dex, MS Consulting & Partner in Master and Shaker, Brooklyn, NY
Lu Diodovich; Self employed/ virtual wine tastings/ wine sales representative, Los Angeles, CA
Pete Freer; Owner of Vine & Barrel, Camillus, NY
James Gray; Director of Facilities/ Bar Purchasing Manager at Bill Grays, Fairport, NY
Wanda Mann; East Coast Editor, The SOMM Journal & Founder, Wine With Wanda.com, New York, NY
Marc Mousky; Sales Associate at Astor Wines & Spirits, New York, NY
Mary Pino; Owner of The Gilded Grape Wine & Spirits, Brooklyn, NY
Tonya Pitts; Sommelier/Wine Director at One Market Restaurant, San Francisco, CA
Tomohio Sato; Buyer/Sommelier at Kaoru Restaurant, New York, NY
Elisabeth Schneider; Founder & Chief Normal Wine Person at Wine for Normal People, Raleigh, NC
John Sporing; Founder & Owner of A Life Well Drunk, Reston, VA
Matt Strassman; General Manager at Parkway Wine & Liquor, Rochester, NY
Bob Trimble; Founder & CEO at La Lumiere Selections, West Chester, PA
Jason Wilson; Freelance Writer & Creator of Everyday Drinking podcast, Haddonfield, NJ
Chin Young; Wine Buyer at Paulie Gees, New York, NY

2020

This camp transitioned from in-person to virtual due to COVID-19

2020 Campers:

  1. Travis Prott – Wine Director, Tuscarora Mill Restaurant, Leesburg VA
  2. Noel Dunham – Wine Manager/Buyer, Purdy’s Wine & Liquor, Saratoga Springs NY
  3. Danielle Otero – Restaurant Experience Manager, Walt Disney Co., Celebration FL
  4. Paul Victor – Sommelier/Wine Buyer, O’Bryan’s Wine & Spirits, Cincinnati OH
  5. Max Gottesfield – Retail Wine Specialist, PLCB, Philadelphia PA
  6. Nancy Waldeck– Healthy Chef/Owner, Taste and Savor, Inc., Atlanta GA
  7. Andrew Kline – Sales Manager, Premium Wine & Spirits, Buffalo NY
  8. Kristy Wenz – Wine Writer, Bloomingdale IL
  9. Susan Ellis – GM/Buyer, Uncorked, Brooklyn NY
  10. Peter Nelson – Wine Director, Puritan & Co., Cambridge MA
  11. Micaela Tuttle – Wine & Hospitality Consultant, Nashville TN
  12. Erin McElhinney – Dining Room Mgr., Inns of Aurora, Aurora NY
  13. Robin Wright – Sommelier, NoMad, New York NY
  14. Katherine Able – Wine Assoc./Dir. of Education, Premier Wine & Spirits, Amherst NY
  15. Christopher Coker – Sommelier, Bourbon Steak at Four Seasons, Washington DC
  16. Amy Mitchell – Sommelier, Indian Accent, Jersey City NJ
  17. Eliot Rich – General Manager, Agava Restaurant, Ithaca NY
  18. Sara Lehman – Owner/Sommelier, SommInTheCity, New York NY
  19. Sabrina Schatz – Sommelier at Bobby Flay Steak, MGM Borgata Hotel, Casino & Spa,
    Atlantic City NJ
  20. Lisa Jordan – Assistant General Manager, Marseille Restaurant, New York NY
  21. Erik Segelbaum – Wine Educator & Founder, SOMLYAY LLC, Washington DC
  22. Noel Dunham – Wine Manager/Buyer, Purdy’s, Saratoga Springs NY
  23. Lenn Thompson – Writer/Podcaster (The Cork Report), Long Island NY
  24. Jordan Lynn Traylor – Sommelier, City Winery, Atlanta GA
  25. Melissa McAvoy – Owner, Swirlery Wine Bar, Orlando FL
  26. Monique Soltani – Reporter & Host, WineOH TV, San Francisco CA
  27. Kevin Bratt – Concept Wine Director, Joe’s Seafood, Chicago IL
  28. Amy Zavatto – Journalist (cocktail/wine/food), New York NY
  29. Scott Zoccollilo – Wine Director, Del Frisco’s, Philadelphia PA