Presentation by Kelsey Keener: “Regenerative Agriculture: Learning from the Past and Inspiring the Future”

Gheddo-- a Piedmontese word that communicates authentic, enthusiastic initiative and the verve with which it is pursued.

They have put together a two-day conference summoning our beloved food and beverage community to go beyond the glass and engage with the larger agricultural principles that shape what we serve and pour.

The conference will spotlight the real on-the-ground practices pushing the food and beverage industry forward, from regenerative farming's ability to restore depleted soils to the role that root-level microbiomes play in driving wine quality and nutrient-dense crops.

By drawing on the wine world's deep agricultural knowledge and drive to experiment, we aim to reinforce wine's authenticity while demonstrating how responsible farming can inform, inspire, and elevate the next generation of F&B professionals.

The Conference will take place over two days, with each day having a different shape and structure.

We will meet on Monday in the august Charleston Music Hall, built as a train station in 1849. We will hear 7 speakers from the world of farming and winemaking speak on an aspect of their work in the wide context of regenerative agriculture.

Here are Monday's speakers:

• Michel Nischan, Founder Wholesome Wave

• Will and Jenni Harris, White Oak Pastures, Georgia

• Dr. Allen Williams, Understanding Ag

• Pascaline Lepeltier, Chambers NYC; Author: Mille Vignes

• Chiara Pepe, Emidio Pepe, Abruzzo Italy

• Brenna Quigley, Roadside Terrior Podcast

• Kelsey Keener, Sequatchie Cove Farm, Tennessee

Following the talks, all of the participants will be invited to a grand wine tasting, hosted by Harry Root and Grassroots Wine, and featuring the wines of their producers from all over the world. Many of the speakers and classroom leaders will be pouring their own wines. The Grand Tasting will take place at Sterling Hall at Hyatt House Historic Charleston, a few blocks from the Music Hall.