Judges of the 2026 Vibe Vista Awards Announced

Vibe Conference announces a new judging panel for the 2026 Vibe Vista Awards. Vibe Conference is the premier on-premise beverage event for leaders and executives across national on-premise chain accounts spanning multi-concept restaurants, entertainment venues, casinos, concessionaires, cruises, hotels, and airlines.

The Vista Awards are the industry's definitive benchmark for beverage programming excellence across the on-premise hospitality sector. The awards program celebrates operators that use strategic menu development, staff training initiatives, innovative service delivery models, and more to make a measurable impact on revenue, guest satisfaction, and market differentiation.

This year, the judging panel consists of five industry powerhouses, who bring a wealth of experience across all areas of the beverage category. From education to consulting, these five judges are at the forefront of innovation in the beverage industry.

Brian Warrener, Judging Chair, Associate Professor & Director of the Center for Beverage Education & Innovation, Johnson & Wales University

Returning to the Vibe Vista Awards as Judging Chair, Professor Warrener began teaching adjunct at Johnson & Wales University in 1995. In 2002, he became a full-time faculty member in the College of Hospitality Management. His teaching focused on food and beverage operations and beverage operations and management. Professor Warrener has taught classes across the University in the Center for Food and Beverage Management; the Center for Sports, Entertainment and Event Management; The International Hotel School; the Center for Travel and Tourism; the College of Online and the Alan Shawn Feinstein Graduate School; and the College of Business.

Dale DeGroff, Partner, DeGroff Spirits

Legendary American bartender and author Dale DeGroff, also known as “King Cocktail,” is credited with helping to start the craft cocktail movement. He rose to prominence as the original chief bartender in New York City’s Rainbow Room from 1987 to 1999, where he emphasized the use of fresh ingredients and classic recipes. DeGroff’s book, The New Craft of the Cocktail, was also instrumental in the cocktail renaissance and serves as an influential manual for the trade. Dale has won many accolades, including two James Beard awards. In 2023, DeGroff launched his own bitter aperitivo and amaro through DeGroff Spirits.

Maria Bastasch, Partner, Drink Company

Maria Bastasch is a hospitality and beverage professional and partner at Drink Company, known for creating award-winning beverage experiences that center inclusion, creativity, and wellness. A certified sommelier and herbalist, she brings a holistic approach to cocktails that bridges flavor, mood, and well-being. She has created acclaimed beverage programs and D.C.’s viral Pop-Up Bars that featured several themed concepts including, Disco Mary, a plant-forward, alcohol-optional cocktail concept. Most recently, she co-founded The Mindful Drinking Fest, the largest U.S. event dedicated to conscious consumption and social wellness. Her work has been featured in Food & Wine, The Washington Post, NPR, AFAR, and CNN.

Christie Dufault, professor, Wine and Beverage Studies, Culinary Institute of America

Christie Dufault is a professor of wine and beverage at the Culinary Institute of America. Previously, she worked as the wine director for restaurants in San Francisco including Gary Danko, where she was featured on the Food Network and earned the Grand Award from the Wine Spectator. In 2003, Dufault was named “Best Young Sommelier” by Wine & Spirits magazine. In 2009, Dufault helped open RN74, and in 2012, she co-authored a cookbook, Two in the Kitchen. She holds the Advanced Certificate from the Court of Master Sommeliers, and in 2021, she received the honor of “Wine Mentor of the Year” by Wine & Spirits magazine.

Kim Haasarud, beverage consultant, Liquid Architecture

With over 20 years of experience as a beverage consultant, Kim Haasarud is an award-winning mixologist, innovator, educator, and author of eight cocktail books. She has embraced innovation and hospitality throughout her work on hundreds of projects with clients ranging from hotel groups, restaurant chains, mixology bars, liquor brands, distributors and other beverage brands both domestically and internationally with her beverage consultancy, Liquid Architecture LLC. Her innovative and award-winning beverage programs have boosted revenue by millions of dollars and have an eye towards large-scale operations. Haasarud also served for eight years as the National President on the Board of Directors of the United States Bartender’s Guild.