Ep. 2645 From Cheese to Wine: A Food Scientist’s Role in the Wine Industry — with Rebecca Siefring | Next Generation

Welcome to the Next Generation and Episode 2645 of the Italian Wine Podcast. In this episode, McKenna Cassidy speaks with Rebecca Siefring, Assistant Winemaker at J Winery. This episode explores Rebecca’s journey into winemaking, her work in the Russian River Valley, and her innovative projects with Offscript Wines. More about today’s guest: Born and raised just outside of Philadelphia, where family meals sparked a lasting curiosity about how food and wine shape culture and connection. She earned a B.S. and M.S. focusing on Food Science. Although Becca started her career in the dairy industry, producing cheese in Utah and Wisconsin, her passion for winemaking led her to Sonoma County in 2019, where she worked as a Quality Manager in Dry Creek Valley before transitioning to J in Russian River Valley in 2021. Outside of the winery, Becca is a traveler who loves to explore new places and cultures, seeking out the best wines and cuisines from around the globe. Connect: Website: https://www.jwine.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jwinery/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-siefring-5aa93881/ More about the host: McKenna found her love of wine while serving in a Napa Valley tasting room. She later graduated from the University of Notre Dame and pursued wine on the East Coast with E. & J. Gallo Winery. She has worked in wine distribution for restaurants and luxury retail stores for the past three years. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, McKenna is a Certified Specialist of Wine (2021), Certified Sommelier (2022), and Italian Wine Ambassador (2023). She loves country swing dancing, hosting brunch parties, and sipping Italian wine. Connect: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckennacassidy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mckenna-cassidy-cs-csw-66baa412b/ Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mckennacassidy _______________________________ Let's keep in touch! Follow Italian Wine Podcast on our social media channels: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/italianwinepodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ItalianWinePodcast LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/italianwinepodcast Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mammajumboshrimp Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@mammajumboshrimp If you feel like helping us, donate here: https://www.italianwinepodcast.com/donate-to-show/ Until next time, Cin Cin!