The Cal Poly Black and Latinx Alumni Communities invite you to attend a unique wine education experience that showcases BIPOC and Cal Poly alumni voices in the California wine industry. Learn from panelists about their journey into the wine industry and how they got to where they are now. The events spotlights the following winemakers:

• Miguel Lepe (Wine and Viticulture, '11), Lepe Cellars
• Brandon Shepard (Kinesiology, '11), The Shepard Collection
• Raymond Smith, Indigené Cellars

Tickets include the wine tasting experience, on-campus parking, and a special Cal Poly souvenir. This is a 21+ event.

Purchase your ticket by noon on Wednesday, Aug. 2.

For more Cal Poly Alumni events visit https://alumni.calpoly.edu/events

Miguel Lepe (Wine and Viticulture, '11), Lepe Cellars

Miguel Lepe, founder of Lepe Cellars, is a first-generation Mexican-American winemaker in Monterey, CA.

Lepe discovered his love for wine-making in a community college viticulture class while working towards a business degree. He quickly pivoted and enrolled at Cal Poly, declaring his new major as Enology and Viticulture.

During his time at Cal Poly, Miguel was able to gain hands-on experience working at the campus winery and vineyard, and working for a local wineries.

Miguel's hard work and dedication led him to create Lepe Cellars to showcase the best of Monterey County wines.

Brandon Shepard (Kinesiology, '11), The Shepard Collection

Brandon Shepard is a Cal Poly football alum who was once well on his way to a career in Physical Therapy when a part-time job at a cigar lounge gave him his first taste of a world that would quickly have him hopelessly entranced.

After 15 years in the wine industry, Shepard couldn't help but notice the resounding lack of diversity and accessibility throughout the industry. He wanted to find a way for more people to experience the joys of wine that had transformed his life.

Further inspired by the instrumental women in his life, Shepard Estates was born to not only produce exquisite handcrafted wines but to also create a welcoming space that inspires others.

Raymond Smith, Indigené Cellars

Raymond Smith, the founder of Indigené Cellars, celebrates the origin of the terroir in every bottle of wine he makes.

Born and raised in Oakland, California, Smith relocated to Paso Robles in the 1980s where he quickly acclimated himself to the many aspects of the wine business.

After years of bottling and tasting both fruits off the vine and wine, Smith has found his niche in making wines that, as the land, are in a constant state of evolution and known to wow visitors with every sip.