Special Guest: Fadi Batarseh

Fadi graduated with a degree in Viticulture and Winemaking from the University Degli Studi Di Udine, Italy in 2012.  His thesis was about the genetic identification of local grape varieties in Palestine.  During his time in Italy, he worked at several wineries including Mezzocorona Winery, San Michele Winery, Falesco Winery, Cervetery Winery, and Endirizzi Winery.  After graduation he began working at the Cremisan Wine Estate in Palestine as an assistant winemaker and agronomist, alongside one of the most famous winemakers in Italy, Dr. Riccardo Cotarella.

Fadi has held his position of Manager of the Agronomical Sector of the Cremisan Wine Estate since 2013.  He said that it's an honor for him to be part of the only existing winery in Palestine that helps the local farmers as well as the Salesian cause while still maintaining tradition by using local grape experience while working as a consultant for a local family (through the Tent of Nations Initiative) during which he established for them a small winery with 0.5 ha vineyard.

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Special Guest: Dean Hewitson, Owner & Winemaker, Hewitson Winery, Barossa Valley

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Special Guest: Ira Noroff, CWE, CSE

Ira Noroff has been working in the wine industry since 1976.  He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds many other wine & spirits credentials.  He was a Director of Education with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits for 15 years until his retirement in 2020.

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