Leadership & Governance
Elise Nerlove
President & Co-Founder
Elise Nerlove leads operational execution across the Guild, including certification workflows, onboarding systems, and compliance tracking. She ensures consistent application of standards and supports participating wineries through structured processes and tools.
Her leadership has helped shape conversations around practical implementation of new opportunities such as California’s Estate Tasting Event Permit (AB 720), with a focus on aligning state-level privileges with local frameworks.
Jim Pennella
Chief Strategy Officer
Allie Jones
Chief Financial Officer & Treasurer
Evan Roscoe
Chief Storytelling Officer
Jonathan Granick
Director of Digital Media
Certification Authority
The Micro-Winery Guild administers the T.A.S.T.E. Verified Experience℠ designation and maintains full authority over its approval, use, and enforcement. The Guild evaluates applicants, verifies compliance, and conducts ongoing oversight. The Guild does not provide tasting experiences directly; it certifies wineries that meet its established standards.
The governance ensures that the designation remains credible, consistent, and trusted.
Industry Role
Beyond certification, the Micro-Winery Guild plays an active role in policy advocacy, market development, and industry education. It represents the interests of small producers while establishing a recognizable standard for authentic wine experiences.
Board of Advisors
Independent Expertise Supporting the Guild’s Mission The Micro-Winery Guild intends to establish a Board of Advisors comprised of experienced professionals across wine production, agriculture, hospitality, and regulatory policy.
The Board of Advisors will provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and subject matter expertise to support the ongoing development of the Guild and the T.A.S.T.E. Verified Experience℠ designation.
The Board of Advisors serves in an advisory capacity only. All certification standards, approvals, and enforcement decisions remain under the authority of the Micro-Winery Guild.
Advisors are selected for their expertise and perspective and do not represent or act on behalf of the Micro-Winery Guild in certification decisions.