Join us for the first of three webinars exploring sustainability in the global drinks industry. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and be part of the conversation on shaping a sustainable future for the global drinks industry. Register now and join the movement for change!
Event details
Webinar
About the series
WSET is pleased to present the latest installment of its Industry Talks series, in collaboration with The Vine Strategy Group. From Soil to Glass – Climate Action in the Global Drinks Industry is a three-part online series designed to raise awareness of the climate challenges facing the wine, beer, and spirits sectors. This series will also spotlight leading industry voices who will share innovative solutions and actionable strategies for change.
These sessions are open to anyone passionate about building a more sustainable drinks industry and eager to understand how they can contribute to meaningful action.
All sessions are free of charge.
Session 1: Why change can’t wait
The opening session on 27 March sets the stage for the series by exploring the urgent need for climate action in the drinks industry. We’ll examine the disruptions affecting raw material production, supply chains, and consumer trends—critical areas that demand immediate attention.
Key topics:
- The impact of extreme weather patterns on raw material sourcing (grapes, barley, agave, etc).
- How specific sectors of the drinks industry are being affected.
- The industry's role in driving climate action.
- Case studies highlighting climate-related industry challenges.
Meet our expert panel:
Series chair: Michelle Bouffard DipWSET, WSET certified educator, certified sommelier, Founder of Tasting Climate Change
David Paterson, General Manager and Winemaker, Tantalus Vineyards, British Columbia
Stephanie Jordan, Founder, Avallen Spirits and Drinking Out Loud, Netherlands
Edwin Massey PhD, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers
Mark Chapman, CEO & Founder, Zero Carbon Forum
Register now and be part of the conversation shaping the future of the global drinks industry.
Save the date!
Be sure to save the dates for the rest of our Soil to Glass series:
- Session 2: Climate action from the ground up – Sustainable land use & soil health, May 2025 (date coming soon)
- Session 3: Rethinking the supply chain – Innovations for a greener future, Tuesday 1 July 2025, 5pm GMT
In collaboration with
The Vine Strategy Group (TVSG) is a specialist consultancy dedicated to advancing sustainability in the global wine industry. In collaboration with partners worldwide, we design, develop, and implement high-impact projects that drive meaningful progress and create lasting change.
Speakers
Chair - Michelle Bouffard DipWSET, sommelier, author and wine critic
Originally from Quebec, Michelle moved to Vancouver to complete her Bachelor of Music degree in classical trumpet where she unexpectedly ventured into wine while working in a fine dining restaurant. Determined to make her mark in the wine industry, she graduated as a sommelier with the highest honours from the International Sommelier Guild in 2003 and completed the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) in 2005. Michelle was the co-owner of House Wine from 2003 to 2015, a highly regarded company based in Vancouver that specialized in cellar management and educational events. She also founded and was also the president of British Columbia chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Sommeliers. Michelle now lives and teaches WSET courses in Montreal and gives numerous training sessions including for wine associations such as Inter Rhône and Wine Australia.
In 2017, Michelle founded Tasting Climate Change, an international symposium to explore the challenges and solutions in the wine industry. In 2018, Urbania Magazine recognized her work by selecting her as one of 50 extraordinary Quebecers. In continuation with her work on climate change, she co-wrote a book called “Quel vin pour demain” which was published by Dunod in September 2021. The book talks about the solutions available for the wine industry to adapt and mitigate climate change.
Stephanie Jordan, Founder, Avallen Spirits and Drinking Out Loud
A Franco-Anglo-Colombian drinks industry maven, Stephanie Jordan is the founder of Drinking Out Loud, a luxury wine and spirits consultancy, and co-founder of Avallen Spirits, a B-Corp dedicated to planet-positive spirits. Raised in Burgundy with English, Spanish, and French as her native tongues, Stephanie’s career launched at Diageo, where she spearheaded advocacy programs and global brand strategy for Tanqueray Gin. She then played a pivotal role in establishing La Hechicera as a premium Colombian rum, leading to its acquisition by Pernod Ricard. In 2019, she co-founded Avallen Calvados, a sustainability-driven apple brandy recognized globally. Now, through Drinking Out Loud, she champions purpose-led drinks brands while advising industry leaders. A Women of the Year 2020 awardee, she is also the European Co-Chair for the Spirited Awards. Based in Amsterdam with her husband and dachshund Ruby, Stephanie is shaping the future of drinks.
David Paterson, General Manager and Winemaker, Tantalus Vineyard
As Tantalus' General Manager and Winemaker, David Paterson brings a unique blend of Kiwi roots and Canadian ties to the world of winemaking. Born in Vancouver but raised in New Zealand, he earned his winemaking degree from Lincoln University in Christchurch, NZ. After gaining hands-on experience at Neudorf Vineyards in the local NZ industry, David embarked on a global wine journey, refining his craft at renowned wineries.
Throughout his international adventures, David had the privilege of learning from esteemed mentors, including Anna Matzinger at Oregon's Archery Summit, Blair Pethel at Burgundy's Domaine Dublère, and Stephen Henschke and Paul Hampton at South Australia’s Henschke Cellars.
With a wealth of knowledge accumulated from these diverse experiences, David joined Tantalus in 2009, stepping into the role of winemaker. His tenure saw multiple successful vintages, leading to his expansion of responsibilities to include the position of General Manager in 2016.
Edwin Massey, General Manager Sustainability, New Zealand Winegrowers
In September 2019, Edwin took on the role of General Manager, Sustainability at New Zealand Winegrowers. His team is responsible for the implementation of the wine industry Environment Strategy to protect and enhance the industry's reputation as a world leader in sustainable wine production. Edwin joined New Zealand Winegrowers in January 2016 as Biosecurity and Emergency Response Manager. Prior to that he worked for central government between 2005 and 2015, first in fisheries management and from 2010 in biosecurity response.
Edwin completed a PhD in Geography from the University of Auckland in 2006 where he first developed a passion for sustainable resource management. He is based in Blenheim in the heart of Marlborough wine country.
Mark Chapman, CEO & Founder, Zero Carbon Forum
As Founder of the Zero Carbon Forum Mark has been working for over 15 years to help Brewing and Hospitality operators measure, report and reduce emissions to net zero. Author of the Brewing and Hospitality's net zero roadmap, Mark believes that the solution to the climate crises will be business led, driving tangible business benefits as a result through being companies people will want to buy from, work for and invest in.
This event does not necessarily constitute official WSET course material and should not be used as such.