Dr. Botezatu has worked as a commercial wine maker in Europe and Canada, and obtained her PhD in Oenology in 2013 from Brock University in St. Catharine’s, Ontario, Canada.
Andreea now serves as an associate Professor and Extension Enology Specialist at the Department of Horticultural Sciences at Texas A&M University. Her mission is to service the Texas winemaking industry through applied research as well as through developing educational opportunities for current and prospective winemakers.
Currently, Andreea is directing her research toward solving wine quality issues associated with hot climate winemaking, such as low TA, high pH, wine color instability, and microbiological instability. Her interest continues to focus on chemical as well as sensory aspects as they relate to wine quality. Texas wine consumer attitudes are also an area of interest for Dr. Botezatu’s research.
Laura received her Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Cornell University, her Master’s degree in Food Science focused in Flavor Chemistry of fermented beverages from Washington State University, and her Doctorate in Bioengineering, focused in Food Engineering from Texas A&M University. Laura worked for Spoetzl Brewery (Shiner) for 4 years as the Quality Assurance Manager, where she developed new beer recipes, managed yeast growth, and analyzed every aspect of the beers to ensure they were up to the highest standards of quality. While working at Spoetzl, Laura earned her Brewing Diploma from the Institute of Brewing & Distilling.
Originally from Panama City, Florida Jason received his Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a focus in Marketing from the University of South Florida. During this time he began homebrewing while visiting craft breweries around the world and quickly realized his true passion was making craft beer. A few years later he decided to make the jump to professional brewing and sold everything except what he could fit in his car and moved to Austin, TX. His goal since then was to open a brewpub of his own. Jason went to work for Thirsty Planet Brewing Company over the last 5 years where he held many different positions allowing him to learn every facet of the industry. All the while guest brewing with his friends across the country at their respective breweries.
Shana Kutac, a dedicated Extension Agent from Brazoria County, brings her passion for food and traditional culinary techniques to her workshops on sourdough and fermentation. With a strong background in community education and a love for hands-on learning, Shana aims to empower participants with the skills to create homemade, wholesome foods. Her classes from Sourdough 101 to Fermentology, blend scientific insight with practical instruction, making them accessible to everyone, whether you are a novice or an experienced cook.
Shana’s approach emphasizes the beauty of slow, mindful food preparation, rooted in the art of fermentation and the magic of natural leavening. She enjoys sharing the history and health benefits of fermented foods, while also ensuring that participants leave with the confidence to experiment in their kitchens. With a warm, approachable teaching style, she creates an environment where learning is fun, informative, and rewarding.
Outside of teaching, Shana enjoys exploring new culinary trends, traveling, and seeking out fresh ingredients to fuel her kitchen adventures. Whether you are looking to start your sourdough journey or dive into the world of fermentation, Shana’s workshops provide the perfect blend of education and inspiration.
Brandon is a master mead maker and the proud owner of Lonestar Meadery located in Downtown Bryan, Texas. Brandon has several years of experience in fermentation that began in his home and transitioned into his livelihood and career. He crafts unique, artisanal meads that reflect his passion for the craft. A devoted husband and father of one, Brandon balances his time between family life and running his business. His commitment to quality and tradition drives his meadery’s success.
