2026 Program | Vine to Mind

Speakers & Moderators

Our roster is actively expanding — new voices and leaders will be added as they join.

Eric Asimov

Chief Wine Critic, The New York Times

Christine Diepenbrock

Associate Professor, University of California, Davis

Ed Feuchuk

General Manager, Tank Garage Winery

Xin

Professor, University of California, Davis

Katerina Axelsson

CEO and Founder, Tastry

Ashley DuBois Leonard

Founder and CEO, InnoVint

CathyHuygheHeadshot_March2022 - Cathy Huyghe.jpg

Cathy Huyghes

CEO and Co-Founder, Enolytics

Julian Braithwaite

Chief Executive, International Alliance for Responsible Drinking

Luis Diaz-Garcia

Assistant Professor, University of California, Davis

Karen MacNeil

President and CEO, Karen MacNeil & Company

Jing Cao

Professor, Southern Methodist University

Mason Earles

Assoc. Professor, UC Davis & CTO and Co-Founder, Scout

Jill J. McCluskey

Regents Professor & Director, Washington State University

Felicity Carter

Founder, Drinks Insider

Stephanie Edge

Sr Director Group Winemaking & Technical Services, Constellation Brands

Michael Mondavi

Co-Founder, Michael Mondavi Family Estate

Program Overview

An overview of the 2026 symposium, with additional speakers and sessions added as the program continues to take shape.

🍇 Registration & Morning Coffee (8:00 – 8:30 AM)

🍇 Opening Remarks (8:30 – 9:00 AM)

🍇 The Judgment of Paris and Wine in California: How California Wine Has Changed (9:00 – 10:00 AM)

🍇 Break (10:00 - 10:30 AM)

🍇 Judgement of Wine: Scientific Discussion of Wine Quality and Experts (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

🍇 Lunch (12:00 - 1:00 PM)

🍇 The Evolving Demands of Wine Consumers (1:00 – 2:30 PM)

🍇 Break (2:30 - 3:00 PM)

🍇 Mind vs Machine (3:00 – 4:00 PM)

🍇 Wine Media Wins (and a Loss or Two) (4:00 – 5:30 PM)

🍇 Break (5:30 - 6:00 PM)

🍇 Banquet Dinner (6:00 – 10:00 PM)

🍇 Registration & Morning Coffee (8:00 AM - 9:00 AM) International Center

🍇 Optional Pre-Symposium Tutorial (9:00 AM – 12:00 PM) International Center

Data Science & AI Literacy for the Wine Industry

🍇 Judgement of Davis Part I, Ticketed Event (2:30 PM – 4:00 PM) Sensory Theater, Robert Mondavi Institute

🍇 Judgement of Davis Part II, Ticketed Event (5:00 PM – 6:30 PM) Sensory Theater, Robert Mondavi Institute

🍇 Opening Reception (6:30 - 9:30 PM) Courtyard, Robert Mondavi Institute

🍇 Registration & Morning Coffee (8:00 – 8:30 AM)

🍇 Opening Remarks (8:30 – 8:45 AM)

🍇 AI and Digital Technologies in Vineyards (8:45 – 10:00 AM)

🍇 Break (10:00 - 10:30 AM)

🍇 The Future of Genomics and Breeding (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

🍇 Lunch (12:00 - 1:00 PM)

🍇 The Judgement of Davis: Key Insights (1:00 – 2:00 PM)

🍇 AI and Digital Technologies in Wineries (2:00 – 3:15 PM)

🍇 Break (3:15 - 3:45 PM)

🍇 Data Science Tools for the Future of Wine (3:45 – 5:00 PM)

🍇 Closing Remarks (5:00 – 5:30 PM)

🍇 Check In (8:30 – 9:00 AM)

🍇 Journey to Napa Valley (9:00 – 10:30 AM)

Scenic travel through California wine country

🍇 Private Winery Visit & Tasting (10:30 AM – 12:00 PM)

In-depth tasting and discussion with leading producers

🍇 Curated Lunch (12:00 - 1:30 PM)

Seasonal cuisine paired with regional wines

🍇 Second Winery Experience (1:30 PM – 3:00 PM)

Exploring distinct approaches to terroir, technique, and innovation

🍇 Return to UC Davis (3:00 - 4:30 PM)

Join our interest list to be the first notified when limited 2026 Symposium tickets become available in January.

Interest Form

Symposium Sponsors

We welcome organizations interested in supporting the Vine to Mind 2026 symposium and advancing dialogue across the global wine ecosystem. Partnership opportunities are available for those looking to participate in and support this interdisciplinary event. For sponsorship inquiries, please contact melissa_knell@harvard.edu.

Harvard Data Science Initiative
114 Western Avenue, Boston MA 02134
datascience.harvard.edu

Speakers & Moderators

Program Overview

An overview of the 2026 symposium, with additional speakers and sessions added as the program continues to take shape.

Symposium Sponsors

Harvard Data Science Initiative 114 Western Avenue, Boston MA 02134 datascience.harvard.edu

Harvard Data Science Initiative
114 Western Avenue, Boston MA 02134
datascience.harvard.edu