ROSES AND ROSÉ COMMITTEE
Desiree Harrison-Brown
Wine Educator, Content Creator and Founder of The Wino Shop
A distinguished figure in the world of wine, boasts a multifaceted career as an award-winning wine educator, content creator, and the Founder of The Wino Shop, an online apparel retailer catering to modern wine enthusiasts.
Transitioning from a corporate background in corporate project management, Desiree pursued her fervent love for wine education, leveraging her rich background in marketing and sales to establish WINO NOIRE, an online community dedicated to democratizing wine appreciation, with a particular focus on uplifting Black and women-owned wine brands.
Her expertise has garnered industry recognition including Wine Enthusiast Magazine's 2022 Future40 list. Despite her achievements, it’s her down-to-earth approach and transparency with her audience that has made her a trusted name in the industry.
Dwight A. Phyall
DEI Wine Professional , WSET 3
Dwight A. Phyall brings a proven track record of spearheading extensive human service initiatives nationwide, dedicated to crafting solutions and leaving an indelible mark in service and transformative endeavors. Guided by the principle of “cura personalis” or the holistic care of the individual, Dwight has over 15 years of experience in program management and national non-profit leadership, notably with government-funded initiatives such as AmeriCorps, the Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), and Job Corps.
With a focus on health and wellness, education, workforce development, and diversity, Dwight has successfully implemented system-wide projects. His expertise spans strategic planning, employee experience, learning, and data analytics. Currently serving as the Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture at Total Wine & More, the premier retailer in wine, spirits, and beer, boasting 266 stores across 29 states and a workforce of 11,000 nationwide.
Known in the wine industry as “DAP,” Dwight is also a WSET3-educated sommelier, Roots Fund Vintage Scholar, HUE Society Founding Member, and recipient of the Sommelier Scholarship award. Beyond his professional pursuits, Dwight is a proud dad of boy/girl twins, and has profound passion for education, sports, music, travel, and fostering connections through shared experience.
Rania Zayyat
Managing Partner + Wine Director, Bufalina Pizza Founder and President, Lift Collective
Rania is the Managing Partner and Wine Director of Bufalina Pizza in Austin, TX. In 2019, she founded Lift Collective, a non-profit organization advocating for equity and inclusion in the wine industry. Her experiences in a male-dominated wine culture during her formative years motivated her to create change in the wine industry by elevating marginalized groups and developing a platform to level the professional playing field.
Sommelier, Co-Founder of Contento Restaurant and Beaupierre Wines, Co-Founder Wine on Wheels
Yannick Benjamin
Benjamin has achieved the esteemed title of Sommelier of the Year, as acknowledged by the prestigious Michelin Guide. Yannick, a sommelier based in New York City, stands as the co-founder of Contento Restaurant in East Harlem and Beaupierre Wines & Spirits in Hell's Kitchen. Beaupierre, a family business, is led by Hell’s Kitchen natives of French descent. Distinguished from other NYC-based wine shops, Beaupierre not only upholds family-oriented values but also serves as a community hub where inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability take precedence.
In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Yannick is a co-founder of Wine on Wheels, an organization uniting wine enthusiasts and sommeliers to channel their passion for fine wines into charitable endeavors. Despite a life-changing car accident in 2003 that left him paralyzed, Benjamin pursued his dreams, overcoming challenges to attend college and ultimately become a sommelier. His early professional experiences include working at renowned establishments such as Le Cirque, Jean-Georges, Felidia, and Atelier at the Ritz Carlton.
Benjamin, along with his partners, established Contento with the ethos and tagline "accessible for all." The establishment stands as a shining example of quality hospitality designed with a broad, inclusive approach. Yannick has garnered recognition, being featured among Wine Enthusiast’s Top 40 under 40 and named Person of the Year by New Mobility Magazine in 2017.
Yannick's contributions extend to media, having served as the resident sommelier on the popular radio show “On The Town with Michael Riedel” on AM 970 The Answer. He has made multiple appearances on major television networks, including ABC, NBC, and CBS. In 2015, Yannick took the spotlight in "Uncorked," a documentary series featuring sommeliers on Esquire TV.
Noteworthy accolades include Jancis Robinson of the Financial Times referring to Benjamin as "the new star of New York's gastronomic firmament," and The Wine Spectator highlighting Benjamin's ability to showcase a "kinder, gentler side of the profession." Yannick's journey and the success of Wheeling Forward, an organization he supports, have been featured in prestigious publications such as the Wall Street Journal, Village Voice, Wine Spectator, Financial Times, and Forbes. In a crowning achievement, Yannick received recognition as the Sommelier/Wine Director of The Year at the 2021 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
Sedale McCall
Wine Writer and Journalist, WSET 2, American Wine Expert, Certified Specialist in Wine.
A Virginia-native, born in Richmond and residing in Alexandria, Sedale focuses on his home state and the places, spaces and wines people should taste and experience. He was the 2023 Journalist of the Year at the Hue Society's Rosé Brunch Awards, and is currently conducting research as a fellow for Vinous Media to better understand the major AVAs of Virginia.
He holds his WSET Level 2 with Distinction (note: hopefully I can update you on L3 results before the judging is over!), American Wine Expert and Certified Specialist in Wine certifications.
Chasity Cooper
Author, Writer, Wine Culture Expert and Speaker.
Chasity Cooper is a Chicago-based award winning writer, author, wine culture expert and speaker. Through her wine newsletter, Bright and Balanced, Chasity encourages readers to courageously expand their palates. Her goal is to make wine more accessible and relatable through storytelling, education, and travel experiences. Chasity is also the author of Wine Convo Generator: Mix and Match Witty Phrases to Sound like a Sommelier, from Chronicle Books.
Fern Stroud
Founder, Black Vines
Founded in 2011 by Berkeley, California native and retired Silicon Valley technology professional, Fern A. Stroud. Black Vines® hosts an annual winter celebration of culture, art, and wine education that brings together Black artists, Black musicians, and Black winemakers and vintners; a lighter fare outdoor summer soiree featuring sparkling, rosé, and sangria; and year-round custom events in partnership with key influencers and industry specialists.
Reggie Leonard
Wine Judge, Virginia Wine Ambassador
Affectionately dubbed as the "Virginia Wine Hype Man" by VinePair, Reggie's authentic approach and gregarious personality have earned him a well-deserved reputation. In his role as a Virginia wine ambassador, Reggie partners with the Virginia Wine Marketing Office, championing the state's diverse winemaking scene. Serving as a judge for regional and statewide wine competitions (Shenandoah Cup, Monticello Cup, and the current Virginia Governor’s Cup) have been formative recent experiences in his journey. His influence extends beyond Virginia, as he is an award recipient and alumni ambassador for Wine Unify, an organization dedicated to fostering inclusivity in the wine industry. Reggie's notable presence in esteemed publications like SommTV, VinePair, Punch, and the Boston Globe underscores his rising influence in the industry. Being named part of the '23 class of The VinePair 50 further solidifies his status as a rising star in the wine world.