A Conversation About Today’s Wine Industry Challenges

Teri Molini is a prominent figure in the wine industry, with a career that commenced in 1990. Her profound expertise in wine compliance spans the entire spectrum, from the intricacies of wine production to the licensing of wineries and everything in between. Teri has successfully licensed numerous Wineries, Importers, Wholesalers, and Retailers across the United States, in addition to facilitating licensing for Foreign Importers. Today, Teri stands as one of the foremost compliance experts in the nation, celebrated for her in-depth knowledge and invaluable contributions to the wine industry's regulatory landscape. Her extensive experience and dedication have solidified her reputation as a trusted authority in the field of wine compliance.

Hiromi Young is a seasoned financial advisor and accountant, boasting over two decades of proficiency in public accounting. Her expertise lies in the intricate realms of accounting, auditing, and financial reporting, with a specialized focus on the construction and wine industries. Hiromi's professional journey reflects a passionate commitment to her clients, demonstrated through her hands-on approach in addressing their accounting and financial reporting needs. Particularly adept at delivering insightful and best-practice advisory services to C-suite executives, Hiromi remains vigilant to her clients' evolving challenges and the dynamic nature of the market. Her passion for the wine industry is palpable, as she actively engages in industry events to stay abreast of its evolving landscape.

During her tenure at Moss Adams LLP, Hiromi played a pivotal role, undertaking engagement review responsibilities for assurance services in accordance with GAAS. She ensured the quality control of deliverables aligning with GAAP and SSARS standards. Her contributions extended to providing accounting advisory services, including internal control assessment, best practice recommendations, and analysis of overhead costs for divisional feasibility to construction clients. A dedicated mentor, Hiromi coached and trained team members, fostering the acquisition of essential accounting, auditing, and client service skills. Her commitment to continuous learning underscores her dedication to providing top-tier financial guidance and support in an ever-changing business landscape.

Brent is a seasoned professional with a wealth of experience in the wine industry, having worked extensively with both small and large wine companies. Presently, he collaborates with closely held private wineries, providing fractional controller and CFO services that cater to their unique needs.

Brent's career journey has been marked by a diverse range of experiences. He began at Moss Adams, where he closely partnered with wineries and food manufacturing companies in California and across the United States. In this role, he delivered assurance and a spectrum of professional services to a variety of privately held companies, honing his expertise in the field.

Subsequently, Brent transitioned into multiple financial roles within both large wine enterprises and small, family-run businesses. This varied background equips him with a distinctive perspective, allowing him to contribute significant financial and operational value to the clients he serves.

Brent's professional ethos revolves around building strong client relationships and helping them navigate the dynamic and ever-evolving wine industry. His deep-rooted understanding of the sector makes him a valuable asset in steering wine businesses toward continued success.

Timothy Allen, CPA, managing partner of Allen Wine Group, has more than thirty years of winery finance experience, including five years with a Big 4 CPA firm, fourteen years working in operations and finance at wineries, and fourteen years leading Allen Wine Group.

• BA Business Economics, UC Santa Barbara 1991
• MS Taxation, Golden Gate University 1993
• Active California CPA license issued 1995
• Allen Wine Group LLP, 2009 - present
• Kuleto Estate, president & CFO 2008 - 2009
• Rosenblum Cellars, CFO 2004 - 2008
• Robert Mondavi, operations director for Arrowood 2002 - 2004
• Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, CFO 1997 - 2002
• Kendall-Jackson, controller for La Crema 1996 - 1997
• Deloitte & Touche, audit & tax, wine clients 1992 - 1996