Melissa Aellen, Director of Winery Operations, Linganore Winecellars & Simple Theory Wine Co
Melissa Aellen is a third-generation vintner from Mt. Airy, Maryland, and the co-founder of Simple Theory Wine Co. in Frederick. She earned a B.S. in Viticulture and Enology from Cornell University, gaining hands-on experience across wine regions like Oregon, Napa, and New Zealand, and later completed an Executive MBA. After returning to her family’s winery, Linganore Winecellars, in 2017, she became Director of Winery Operations, helping lead sustainability initiatives and innovation. Melissa brings a fresh perspective to Maryland wine while honoring her family’s legacy. She currently serves as President of the Maryland Wineries Association.
Matthew Brown, Founder, MWJ Brown Consulting
Matthew Brown is a Charlottesville, Virginia–based wine business consultant and educator with over 15 years of industry experience, including harvest work in Virginia, California, and Argentina. As Coordinator of the Virginia Wine Coalition, he leads trade development and consumer research for the state’s wineries. As Founder of MWJ Brown Consulting, he advises wine and hospitality businesses on branding, consumer strategy, and front-of-house training. He holds the WSET Diploma, is a Stage 2 Master of Wine student, teaches at the Capital Wine School in Washington, D.C., and judges for the Virginia Governor’s Cup and other regional wine competitions.
Francesca Galarus, Co-owner Mural City Cellars
Francesca Galarus is the co-owner of Mural City Cellars, Philadelphia’s neighborhood winery. Since launching the business with her partner in 2021, she has led its growth from a two-person operation into a team of twelve, expanded annual production from 800 to 5,000 cases, and oversaw the custom buildout and move into a 3,000-square-foot production facility, wine bar and bottle shop. Francesca leads the winery’s community engagement and philanthropic programs, manages financial operations, and steers long-term strategic planning. She also sits on the Sisterly Love Collective Executive Board which supports women-owned and led hospitality businesses in the Philadelphia area.
Shaylan Owen, Wine Club & Culinary Program Manager, Dr. Konstantin Frank Winery, Hammondsport, New York
Originally from Indiana, Shaylan worked in marketing and event planning before pursuing his longtime dream of attending culinary school. During that time, he discovered his passion for the wine world — and a special affinity for cooler climate regions. He later moved to Boston where he owned and operated a business as a private chef, wine educator, and event host. While on the East Coast, he continued his wine education, earned multiple certifications, and is currently enrolled in the WSET Diploma program. While in Boston, Shaylan fell in love with the Finger Lakes while on numerous road trips. After years of visiting, he couldn’t resist the region any longer and relocated to join the Dr. Frank team.
Erica Paolicelli, President, Three Brothers Wineries & Estates/ War Horse Brewing Company
Erica Paolicelli is an enterprise architect and partner at Three Brothers Wineries/War Horse Brewing Company, where she transformed the Finger Lakes destination into a multimillion-dollar revenue enterprise.
Matt Philips, Director of Tasting Rooms & District Manager, Lynfred Winery
Driven by a passion for hospitality, Matt has served Illinois’ oldest family-winery for over 18 years. At Lynfred, Matt leads efforts to expand the winery’s presence and sustainability by launching satellite tasting room locations, strengthening community partnerships, and boosting member engagement with approachable & inclusive programming and concierge service.