Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits Announces Second WineForward Event at WSWA Access LIVE

MIAMI & DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits (Southern Glazer’s) – the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol – today announced that it will host its second WineForward event in partnership with Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America (WSWA) on Wednesday, February 4, from 9:00 to 11:30 a.m. The session will take place on the Main Stage at Access LIVE hosted at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas.

After a successful inaugural debut in 2025, this three-hour symposium, now open to all Access LIVE attendees, will explore where the wine category stands today, and where it’s headed next. At a pivotal moment for the wine industry, WineForward underscores the need for fresh thinking, renewed relevance, and meaningful engagement, particularly with younger consumers. Wine Forward is designed to meet this moment by elevating the conversation beyond short-term headwinds and focusing on how the industry can reintroduce wine as a modern, social, and responsibly enjoyed part of today’s culture.

WineForward brings together influential leaders, analysts, and brand builders from across the beverage alcohol ecosystem to explore evolving consumer behavior, cultural relevance, innovation, and the social practices that have long made wine a connector at the table and beyond.

“Wine has always been about connection and shared experiences,” said Mark Chaplin, President of Commercial Sales, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits. “As consumer expectations evolve, this is the moment to think differently about how we engage the next generation – by meeting them where they are, telling more compelling stories, and reinforcing wine’s place in responsible social occasions.”

The program will feature candid conversations and perspectives from industry leaders, including:

• John Sutton, CEO, The Wine Group
• Rick Tigner, President and CEO, Jackson Family Wines
• Justin Fenchel, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer, BeatBox Beverages
• Cristie Norman, Lead Sommelier, Delilah
• Nik Modi, Managing Director and Global Co-Head of Consumer & Retail Research, RBC Capital Markets
• Wayne Chaplin, President and CEO, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Mark Chaplin, President, Commercial Sales, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Cindy Leonard, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Fine Wine, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits
• Zach Poelma, Senior Vice President, Commercial Intelligence & Strategy, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

The session will combine data-driven insights with real-world brand and hospitality perspectives, culminating in a forward-looking panel discussion focused on growth, relevance, and reconnecting consumers with wine in authentic and culturally resonant ways.

“We look forward to building on the success of WineForward, welcoming our Southern Glazer’s partners and friends across the industry to go ‘Beyond the Glass’ and develop actionable solutions that shape the future of our industry,” commented Francis Creighton, President & CEO of WSWA. “I look forward to the dynamic exchange of ideas that I am sure that we will have.”

To register for Access LIVE click here.

About Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits

Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits is the world’s preeminent distributor of beverage alcohol, building brands for moments that matter. The multi-generational, family-owned Company has operations in 47 U.S. markets and Canada, as well as brokerage operations through its Southern Glazer’s Travel Retail Sales & Export Division in the Caribbean, Central and South America. In 2026, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Culture, Belonging & Community. In 2025, Southern Glazer’s was recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity and America’s Greatest Workplaces for Women. Southern Glazer’s urges all retail customers and adult consumers to market, sell, serve, and enjoy its products responsibly. For more information visit www.southernglazers.com. Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram @sgwinespirits.