February 19, 2026 (Sebastopol, CA) — The Wine Business Group, a collaborative network run by AWG Wine Advisors and partnering with Women for WineSense (WWS), will host its quarterly roundtable on Thursday, February 19, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. PST at Emeritus Vineyards in Sebastopol. The event is open to all wine industry professionals and will feature guest speaker Jeff Clark, a commercial and private banking veteran with extensive lending experience in the wine, beer, and spirits industries.
“Now more than ever, it’s important that our industry continues to collaborate and share ideas so we can all achieve success,” said Tim Allen, founder of AWG Wine Advisors and WWS Finance Roundtable Co-Chair. “The Wine Business Group meetings are just one way we’re trying to make that happen.”
Jeff Clark, founder of Bear Republic Capital, brings decades of expertise providing debt and equity solutions to beverage alcohol businesses nationwide, from small family operations to publicly traded companies. His company connects wine businesses with funding sources from a broad network of providers. As a sought-after speaker, Clark has presented at leading organizations including CalCPA, the American Craft Spirits Association, and the Craft Beverage Expo.
Attendees will have the opportunity to enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres while engaging in lively conversation about the latest industry trends and emerging business topics. The Wine Business Group meets quarterly to help members discuss current challenges, build valuable connections, and navigate the evolving wine industry landscape together.
“In today’s complex wine business environment, access to capital and financial expertise is more critical than ever,” said Julie Lumgair, President of Women for WineSense. “We’re thrilled to partner with the Wine Business Group to bring Jeff Clark’s extensive industry knowledge to our community. These quarterly gatherings create invaluable opportunities for wine professionals at every level to learn, network, and support one another.”
EVENT DETAILS:
- Date: Thursday, February 19, 2026
- Time: 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. PST
- Location: Emeritus Vineyards, 2500 Gravenstein Highway North, Sebastopol, CA 95472
- Cost: Free with confirmed RSVP, complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres provided
Please register ahead of time here - Who Can Attend: Open to all wine industry professionals that are pre-registered
- Advance registration required. Kindly, no walk-ins.
- Limited to 100 registrations, then active waitlist.
REGISTRATION: To register for this event, do so here.
ABOUT THE WINE BUSINESS GROUP
The Wine Business Group is a collaborative network for anyone interested in wine business, run by AWG Wine Advisors and collaboratively hosting quarterly Roundtables with Women For WineSense. The group meets quarterly to discuss the latest industry trends, tackle emerging business topics, and build valuable connections within the wine community.
ABOUT WOMEN FOR WINESENSE
WWS is a national not-for-profit organization 501(c)6. The Napa-Sonoma Chapter, founded in 1990, is the founding chapter of this national organization which provides outstanding educational and networking opportunities to both wine industry professionals and wine enthusiasts by presenting educational, insightful and stimulating events in a welcoming, fun environment. Women and men 21 years old or more are welcome to join any of the 13 chapters.
Multiple professional Roundtables are also available for WWS industry members including owners and GMs, winemaking and viticulture, finance, accounting, human resources and more. To join or learn more, visit Napa-Sonoma Chapter of Women For WineSense.
ABOUT AWG WINE ADVISORS
AWG Wine Advisors, formerly Allen Wine Group, is a premium wine industry CPA firm based in Santa Rosa, California, and part of Platform Accounting Group. With decades of direct wine industry experience, AWG offers a full range of services including advisory, accounting, tax, compliance, and assurance services. Their team of innovative financial advisors provides creative, customized solutions to meet the strategic and financial needs of wineries, from small family operations to large-scale producers. Services include tax planning and preparation, outsourced controller or fractional CFO services, wine inventory management, and bulk wine cost accounting. Founded in 2010, AWG brings industry-specific expertise, contacts, and relationships to help wineries maximize growth and success. For more information, visit https://awgwine.com/
ABOUT EMERITUS VINEYARDS
Located in the heart of the Russian River Valley, Emeritus Vineyards is dedicated to crafting exceptional Pinot Noir from premier vineyard sites in Sonoma County. For more information, visit https://www.emeritusvineyards.com/