{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"357: Why Non-Alcoholic Wine Matters For Inclusive Event Experiences","description":"Dry January always gets me thinking about how poorly the event industry still does when it comes to inclusive beverage experiences. At one event where I was speaking about inclusive dining, everyone at the table was served sake at dinner that night. One guest quietly pulled me aside and said, \u201cThis is exactly what you were talking about.\u201d He doesn\u2019t drink. Neither do I. And in that moment, we were both left out of the toast. The same thing happens when wine is part of the experience. So the question becomes: what happens when a guest isn\u2019t drinking alcohol? This week on Eating at a Meeting Podcast LIVE, I\u2019m joined by Rachel M., a second-generation wine producer and the co-founder and author of AFNA Wine Certified\u2122\u2014the world\u2019s first professional certification dedicated to alcohol-free and non-alcoholic wine. Rachel brings more than 20 years of experience spanning vineyard development, winemaking, distribution, hospitality, and education. She\u2019s also the Founder & CEO of Oceano Wines | Oceano Zero and its luxury non-alcoholic line\u2014showing that non-alcoholic wine can (and should) be treated with the same care, intention, and credibility as traditional wine. We\u2019re talking about what safe, sustainable, and inclusive beverage programs really look like in hotels, convention centers, restaurants, and even meetings and events\u2014especially when alcohol isn\u2019t a given. We'll cover: \u25b6 Why non-alcoholic wine is often misunderstood or mis-served \u25b6 How labeling, alcohol transparency, and staff education directly impact guest safety \u25b6 What it looks like when NA wine is integrated into pairings, receptions, and banquet programs\u2014without feeling like an afterthought \u25b6 Why this conversation isn\u2019t about removing alcohol, but expanding choice, loyalty, and revenue If you\u2019re planning events, managing beverage programs, or serving guests during Dry January (and beyond), this conversation will change how you think about what\u2019s in the glass. Join us LIVE. Bring your questions. Share what you\u2019re seeing in your own programs. Let\u2019s raise the bar\u2014without needing alcohol to do it. ","author_name":"Eating at a Meeting","author_url":"https:\/\/www.eatingatameeting.com\/","html":"