The leadership team at Cookout at the Vineyard (CATV) is a powerhouse of BIPOC industry professionals, unified by a shared commitment to making wine more approachable. Led by Co-founders Tahlia Suggs and Courtney Summers, whose dinner-table vision evolved into a food and beverage cultural movement, the team is built on a foundation of communal joy and professional excellence. What truly sets this team apart is their deep-rooted connection to the mission: nearly every member transitioned from being an inspired attendee or a collaborator to a core volunteer and leader. Together, they are more than just event planners; they are architects of a new hospitality standard, dedicated to ensuring that the BIPOC community is not just seen, but celebrated, within the hospitality world.
The leadership team at Cookout at the Vineyard (CATV) is a powerhouse of BIPOC industry professionals, unified by a shared commitment to making wine more approachable. Led by Co-founders Tahlia Suggs and Courtney Summers, whose dinner-table vision evolved into a food and beverage cultural movement, the team is built on a foundation of communal joy and professional excellence. What truly sets this team apart is their deep-rooted connection to the mission: nearly every member transitioned from being an inspired attendee or a collaborator to a core volunteer and leader. Together, they are more than just event planners; they are architects of a new hospitality standard, dedicated to ensuring that the BIPOC community is not just seen, but celebrated, within the hospitality world.
Ayana Ivery
Ayana serves as ECommerce Manager for CATV, leading email marketing campaigns, driving ticket sales, and managing website channels to showcase the efforts that advance The Veraison Project/ Cookout at the Vineyard’s mission to expand access and support emerging talent in the wine industry.
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: Caviar and Fried Chicken Skin with the 2012 Saintsburg Chardonnay
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? I attended year 2 at Cookout at the Vineyard and fell in love with the entire premise of the Veraison Project: what they are about, what they’ve created, and where they’re going, and of course, the energy of both Courtney and Tahlia.
Tyishia Franklin
Tyishia serves as our Administrative Manager for CATV, providing essential administrative and logistical support to the team. Maintaining organized documentation, coordinating internal team schedules, managing communications, and streamlining pre-event operations. Keeping everyone in line!
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: Fried Chicken Skin & Caviar with Champagne
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? Meeting the creators of CATV through a colleague at JFW was a transformative turning point. As a wine industry professional, I felt an instant connection to the mission of founders Tahila and Courtney: uniting Black wine professionals and BIPOC enthusiasts.
In an industry where representation is often scarce, volunteering for an event that centers on diversity has been a source of immense joy. This journey has reinforced my belief in the power of community, and I am thrilled to continue supporting this vision through CATV 26 and beyond.
Courtney Summers
Courtney serves as our Co-Founder & Business Development Manager for CATV, strengthening relationships with our brand partners, donors and community. While spearheading our robust grant application process as we are 100% grant funded as our part of our proceeds directly impact The Veraison Project’s mission and funnels back into executing this event every year.
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: Slow Smoked Brisket and Syrah
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? What began as a dinner table conversation became an event that transformed our lives! As co-founders of Cookout at the Vineyard, this FUNdraiser which gives back to The Veraison Project, has allowed us to build meaningful relationships and create a space where our community feels seen and welcomed. We witnessed a need for a safe, inclusive place when many others were not.
Cookout was created to say to the BIPOC community: you belong here. This is our space too. I’m incredibly proud of our growing team. It continues to affirm that this work is needed and necessary. Seeing our community come together and the joy on everyone’s faces at Cookout at the Vineyard reminds us we’re doing something right!
Nicole Winzey
Nicole serves as our Event Director for CATV, where she oversees the end-to-end strategy, planning, and execution of our annual FUNdraiser event. Managing vendor logistics and onsite operations to ensure our guests have a wonderful experience at the Cookout.
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: Fried Fish (Minnie Bell’s Soul Movement) and Sparking Wine
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? I attended the first annual CATV with my favorite cousin at the invitation of Tahlia, one of the event founders. It was a beautiful day highlighted by an incredible meal and wine, a gorgeous vineyard backdrop, and dancing until the sun set. I was invited back as a member of the planning team to support the expansion of CATV’s event to a three-day format, welcoming more cousins to this special celebration of culture.
Tahlia Suggs
Tahlia serves as our Co-Founder & Executive Producer for CATV, where she provides the visionary leadership and creative direction necessary to execute this 3-day event. From project management, budget oversight, technical coordination and more she ensures every facet of the production aligns with our core mission. Having the guest, partner and community experience top of mind through it all.
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: BBQ Ribs & Zinfandel
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? I grew up watching my grandfather host legendary cookouts that were the heartbeat of the neighborhood. He taught me that a great event isn’t just about food; it’s about making people feel like they belong. As I navigated the wine industry, I realized that this specific sense of community was exactly what was missing for BIPOC.
What started as a conversation between Courtney and I is now our lifelong commitment. Cookout at the Vineyard isn’t just an event; it’s our way of reclaiming space. Seeing that familiar joy on everyone’s faces today is a constant reminder that while we’ve come far, our work is just beginning.
Edwin Porcayo
Edwin serves as the Creative Designer for The Veraison Project. I first discovered The Veraison Project thanks to a chance meeting at a winery with Courtney Guntz-Summers. After learning about the mission, it immediately resonated. I offered to help and was connected to Tahlia Suggs, which led to his work on Cookout at the Vineyard, where I created the brand identity. Since then, I have been fortunate to support additional Veraison initiatives, using thoughtful, inclusive design to help bring the organization’s vision to life.
Go-To Wine Pairing | CATV Edition: Champagne a plate piled high with pulled pork, coleslaw, and mac n cheese
How did you discover CATV and inspired you to volunteer? Edwin first discovered The Veraison Project thanks to a chance meeting at a winery with Courtney Guntz-Summers. After learning about the mission, it immediately resonated. He offered to help and was connected to Tahlia Suggs, which led to his work on Cookout at the Vineyard, where he created the brand identity. Since then, Edwin has been fortunate to support additional Veraison initiatives—using thoughtful, inclusive design to help bring the organization’s vision to life.