DREAM BIG DARLING 2025 RETREAT
Thought leader presentations, educational exercises, transformative nature outings and more!
June 24-26, 2025
Paso Robles, CA
Join Dream Big Darling as we connect the best and brightest women in the industry in a stunning setting offering enormous character, beautiful landscapes, and rancho hospitality. Over the course of two exciting days, our intimate in-person retreat at the Parkfield Lodge and community will feature a combination of incisive thought leader presentations, hands-on educational exercises, nature outings, live music and more that marry the unique beauty of Parkfield with our goals of professional development, personal growth, and community building. You’ll be inspired and rejuvenated, with essential tools and contacts for the next steps in your career and personal evolution.
25 slots for scholarship recipients (value of $5,000 per person) are available with a deadline of May 15, 2025. Female recipients in the wine, spirits and beer industries from the U.S, and abroad are eligible; in keeping with Dream Big Darling’s mission to support women emerging in their fields, the organization seeks candidates in earlier stages of their career.
The scholarship includes shuttle service to and from San Luis Obispo Airport to Parkfield Lodge and accommodations both two nights at the lodge, as well as assorted meals (see below) on retreat days. Please note there will be a $250 administrative fee for all applications and that the scholarship does not cover airfare or travel expenses.
The retreat will be held at the relaxing Parkfield Lodge.
Tentative schedule & Activities
DAY 1: Tuesday, June 24, 2025
2:00 PM: Shuttle pick-up from SLO Airport
3:30 PM: Arrival in Parkfield
3:30 - 4:00 PM: Check-in and settle in
4:00 - 5:00 PM: Welcome Reception and Appetizers
5:00 PM: Program Overview & Ice Breaker
5:30 - 7:00 PM: Harnessing Your Power
7:00 - 9:00 PM: Group Dinner
10:00 PM: Lights Out
DAY 2: Wednesday, June 25th, 2025
6:30 - 8:00 AM: Breakfast
8:00 AM: Developing Your Personal Strengths
9:00 - 10:00 AM: Small Group Sessions
10:15 - 11:45 AM: Horseback Rides at Cow Camp
10:15 - 11:45 AM: Nature Walks at Cow Camp
12:00 - 12:30 PM: The Power of Mentors
12:30 - 1:30 PM: Group Luncheon
1:30 - 3:30 PM: Free Time (Poolside, Read, Nap, Relax)
3:30 - 4:30 PM: Sign Up with a Mentor Q&A
4:45 - 5:30 PM: Sharpening Your Pencil: Understanding Numbers and Risk
5:45 - 6:30 PM: Building Your Community: Small Group Breakout Sessions
7:00 PM: Group Dinner and Bottle Share with Our Community
8:00 PM: Concert and Dancing
10:00 PM: Lights Out
DAY 3: Thursday, June 26th,2025
Thursday, June 26, 2025
6:30 - 8:00 AM: Breakfast
8:30 - 9:15 AM: Meditative Walk
9:30 - 10:00 AM: You Are Your Biggest Investment: Why Taking Care of Yourself Can Make or Break You
10:15 - 11:15 AM: Putting It into Action: Charting Your Course
11:30 AM - 12:00 PM: Check Out and Farewells
12:00 PM: Shuttle Departs for SLO Airport
Featuring a special LIVe performance by:
Jade Jackson
Nashville Songwriter and Country Musician
Jade Jackson, a native of the small town of Santa Margarita, California, grew up legally blind, navigating her early years through sound. With no TV or internet at home, she immersed herself in her father’s extensive record collection, discovering a profound love for music and songwriting. While working in her parents’ family restaurant, Jade found that waitressing provided the perfect setting to dream up songs, turning everyday experiences into inspiration for her craft. She pursued her passion for music at CalArts, where her unique talent caught the eye of industry professionals, leading to her being discovered and signed to a label during her junior year.
Life’s challenges never deterred her; even a severe back injury in college, which temporarily halted her journey, became fuel for her songwriting. Jade went on to release two critically acclaimed records with Anti-Records, establishing herself as a formidable voice in country rock. In 2022, she joined forces with Aubrie Sellers on the collaborative album Breaking Point, further expanding her musical reach.
Jade moved to Nashville to bring the Jackson+Sellers project to life and now splits her time between Tennessee and California, continuing to craft music that bridges both worlds. Most recently, in July 2024, she released her EP Silent Wings, continuing to draw listeners into her world with music that reflects her journey. Her songs remain deeply rooted in her lived experiences, shared with a sincerity and openness that aim to connect with others.
Confirmed speakers:
Please check back for updates.
Nancy Ulloa
Owner and Winemaker, Ulloa Cellars
Justin Trabue (she/her)
Owner & Wine Witch, Ward Four Wines
Courtney Taylor
Vice President - Legal Counsel, Viña Concha y Toro USA
Amanda W. Higgins
Founder, Full Cup Solutions
Erin Kirschenmann
Managing Editor, Wine Business Monthly and Founder, Novel Pairings
Jordan Fiorentini
Vice President of Winemaking & Vineyards, Epoch
Stasi Seay
Director of Vineyards & Community Relations, Hope Family Wines
Dr. Meridith Dillon
Professor of Kinesiology, College of the Desert
Cynthia Lohr
Co-owner & Chief Brand Officer, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines
Andrea Smalling
Vice President of Marketing at Bogle Family Wine Collection
Maeve Pesquera
Chief Marketing Officer and Executive Vice President-Luxury or O’Neill Vintners & Distillers
“There is nothing more powerful than in-person connection and the authentic relationships that result from valuable time together. Located just outside of the Paso Robles AVA, this year’s location, Parkfield, is a rural ranching community with enormous character, beautiful landscapes, and rancho hospitality…all creating the intimate and inspiring environment we know will greatly enrich this very special retreat.”
—Amanda W. Higgins, Founder, Dream Big Darling
Media Inquiries: We invite you to share this opportunity with your readers and join us for an unforgettable experience. For interviews or to request a media pass, please contact Amanda W. Higgins, Founder, Dream Big Darling at hello@dreambigdarling.com
