OSU hosts Wine Forum of Oklahoma
Wednesday, April 9, 2025
Media Contact: Page Mindedahl | Communications Specialist | 405-744-9782 | page.mindedahl@okstate.edu
Oklahoma State University welcomed wine enthusiasts, students and industry leaders from across the country for the 2025 Wine Forum of Oklahoma, held April 4-5 at the Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education in the Nancy Randolph Davis Building.
The two-day forum blended immersive wine education, exceptional culinary experiences and world-class networking while raising over $700,000 to support student scholarships.
Founded in 2009 by OSU alumni Carl and Marilynn Thoma, the Wine Forum has evolved into a highly anticipated biennial event. Focused on student engagement and professional development, the forum provides hands-on industry experience while spotlighting the dynamic intersection of food, wine and hospitality.
This year's theme was “In Vino Veritas: In Wine, There is Truth.” Keynote speaker Kay Malaske, a School of Hospitality and Tourism Management alumna, discussed what this phrase meant to her after 28 years in the wine industry.
“What a splendid idea to underpin our time together. I'd like to take that idea a bit further and add that in wine, there is community history, craftsmanship, care, integrity, pride and joy,” Malaske said.
Students begin planning the event in the fall, booking vineyards, chefs and decor. Six student-led committees, ranging from the executive committee to social media and hospitality, work to put on the event.
“This was the largest event I have ever been a part of, and it was by far the most rewarding and transformative experience of my college career. Over the last eight months, I’ve had the opportunity to lead multiple committees, work closely with my peers, and see every detail of this extravagant event come to completion,” said Sienna Lawson, a member of the student executive committee.
This year’s event featured Gus Gamba, esteemed vintner and owner of Gamba Vineyards, as the Honorary Vintner Chair. Executive Chef Andrew Black, Oklahoma City’s 2023 James Beard Award winner for Best Chef in the Southwest, led the culinary experience, crafting exquisite dishes that paired seamlessly with selections from renowned wineries.
Festivities began Friday evening with a gala dinner and live auction. Guests enjoyed a curated meal and wine pairings from vineyards nationwide. Each table had a unique experience learning from their table's assigned winemaker while having the opportunity to bid on exclusive items and experiences.
Saturday’s schedule included a series of educational wine sessions hosted by experts from across the industry, followed by a grand tasting event showcasing a diverse array of wines.
By offering students direct exposure to industry professionals and world-class experiences, the forum reinforced HTM’s standing as a global leader in hospitality education and research.
“OSU has given me numerous opportunities to grow and learn, but serving as the executive chair for this event challenged me in many unfamiliar ways and introduced me to new sides of the industry. I appreciated the opportunity to collaborate with 20 other students to bring this concept to execution, especially my two co-chairs, Karlee Newman and McKenzie Beesley,” Lawson said.
With its continued growth and impact, the Wine Forum of Oklahoma remained committed to its vision of becoming a world-class wine education and outreach program. The 2025 forum strengthened OSU’s role in developing future hospitality professionals and deepened its appreciation for food and wine’s cultural and economic significance.
“The students, faculty and staff of our School of Hospitality and Tourism Management have put a great deal of effort into ensuring that you each have a memorable experience,” said Dr. James Payne, Spears School of Business dean. “Our students have worked hard planning and executing this event, and I know they are eager to show you why our School of Hospitality and Tourism Management is one of the top programs in the country.”