CMAACT Wine Society Trip to Napa & Sonoma

Entry Details

In March 2025, CMAACT offered Wine Society members an opportunity to attend an education tour of Napa and Sonoma hosted by Jackson Family Wines, explicitly customized for CMAACT. The trip provided an immersive, behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to bring world-class wines to the table. From strolling through vineyards and speaking directly with winemakers, to tasting from the barrel and observing the bottling line, participants gained insights few get to experience firsthand. The real-time and exclusive training prepared our club professionals to return to their clubs with a deeper understanding and appreciation of the craft. This experience improved their ability to engage members, enhance wine programs, and create more memorable dining experiences. This unique educational opportunity strengthened both professional expertise and the overall value our chapter offers to its members.

Implementation

At first seeming unimaginable, our chapter's Wine Society Chair, Jeff Perez, collaborated closely with Jackson Family Wines to carefully coordinate an immersive trip for our members. Every detail—from vineyard tours and conversations with winemakers to curated food-and-wine pairings with each meal was thoughtfully planned, ensuring a smooth and truly memorable learning experience. The response from the members has been overwhelmingly positive, raising awareness of the benefits of being part of the CMAA Wine Society. Participating members called the trip one of the most impactful educational events the chapter has held, combining professional development with personal interactions with industry leaders. The success has generated momentum and enthusiasm, leading to lively discussions about expanding this model with an educational tour of the Loire Valley in France.