BREAKOUT SESSION

9:45 AM – 10:45 AM
Halsey Family Hall

Grains of Truth: Why Local Sourcing Powers Virginia Spirits

Discover why “local grain” is poised to become the heart of Virginia spirits in this lively, interactive panel session designed to spark conversation across the grain-to-glass journey. The panel provides voices expressing the opinions of advocates and experts across the interconnected industries of distillation, farming, regional cuisine, sustainability, and economic development as they come together to tackle a crucial question: Why choose local grain?

Meet the Speakers

Owen King

Ironclad Distillery (Distiller & Local Sourcing Advocate)

Robert Waring

Brandon Farms (Regenerative Grain Grower)

Agatha Brinkley

Common Grain Alliance (Network & Systems Builder)

Kari Rushing

Vault and Cellar (Chef & Local Ingredient Innovator)

Shelley Sackier

Reservoir Distillery / Virginia Heritage Grain Project (Educator & Researcher)