Tasting Rooms in a Post-Covid Landscape

Description

Tasting rooms have suffered immensely as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. From significant losses in sales to job losses, distilleries with tasting rooms have a lot of work ahead of them to gain from the losses they have endured. In addition to that, distilleries have to navigate safety and health recommendations from the local, state and federal level. Panelists will discuss how they have coped with re-opening their tasting rooms while giving attendees advice on how to successfully run a tasting room post Covid.

Learning Outcomes:
Hear examples of tasting rooms that have successfully reponed and how they instituted health and safety protocols
Understand the importance that an effective communications strategy plays in reopening your tasting room
Gain valuable insights on managing staff during this time

Contributors

Alex Castle

Making spirits isn’t as much a job as it is a calling, and Alex Castle found hers early on. As a Kentucky native, there’s a passion for good bourbon that runs deep. As a chemical engineer, there’s a love of the process that takes something simple and makes it sublime. Her talent, passion and creativity are why she was supervising Wild Turkey’s 24-hour-a-day operation at only 24 years old, and why we’re proud to have her continue the Old Dominick legacy. For her many accomplishments and tireless pursuit of excellence, Alex Castle was appointed as the state of Tennessee’s first female Head Distiller. She now holds the title Master Distiller and Senior Vice President.
Dana Huber

Dana Huber currently holds the position of Vice President, Distribution and Public Relations at Huber’s Orchard, Winery, & Vineyards and the Starlight Distillery. Dana attended Indiana University in Bloomington, IN where she received her bachelor’s degree from the Kelley School of Business. Prior to joining the family business in 2003, Dana worked for Humana, Citicorp, and Kindred Healthcare. Her passion and expertise are with people and project management.

Dana is very active in her community and currently serves on the following boards:
First Harrison Bank Board of Directors, Southern Indiana Tourism Board Member, Federal Reserve Bank Advisory Council for Agribusiness, Our Southern Indiana Regional Development Authority Chairperson, U of L’s Family Business Center Board Member, & WineAmerica Board Member.

Dana is very engaged with local tourism efforts and is always finding ways to spread the word about family owned businesses and agritourism.

Dana’s responsibilities include wine and spirits distribution & outreach, public relations, brand ambassador, and community outreach. Dana is married to co-owner & 6th generation family member, Ted Huber, and has two sons – Christian & Blake.

Description

Contributors

Alex Castle

Dana Huber