Upcoming Speakers & Events

Saturday, November 22, 2025 November 22, 2025 The Lodge at Woodloch

Johnny Livanos, Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin
November 22nd
Johnny Livanos, Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, is a trailblazer in the world of Greek wine and spirits. Raised in the heart of a bustling New York restaurant Greek-American family, Johnny goes beyond the restaurant scene to craft spirits that tell a unique story. Having worked in his family’s iconic spots like Molyvos and Oceana in NYC, as well as Jose Andres’ Zaytinya in Washington, DC, Johnny’s experience helped shape his passion and expertise in beverage with a focus in Greece.

Johnny graduated from Cornell University’s Hospitality School, where he returns to as a guest speaker to teach about hospitality, Greek wine and spirits, and entrepreneurship. Also an alumnus of the Culinary Institute of America, he has always combined a passion for food and flavor and today applies that to the beverage world. Johnny is a two-time guest speaker at Bar Convent Brooklyn where he has lectured tasting seminars on the world of Greek spirits. His brainchild, Stray Dog Wild Gin, is the culmination of years of pursuing exciting endeavors in the beverage world.

In addition to launching Stray Dog Wild Gin, Johnny is also a sales manager with Diamond Wine Importers.

Adriana Soley Livanos, Co-Founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin
Adriana Soley Livanos, co-founder of Stray Dog Wild Gin, is a maverick in the spirits industry. She spent her early years in restaurants and grew up to become one the most well-known bartenders, winning international cocktail competitions. Adriana moved to NYC in 2013 where she pursued her passion for developing brands and worked with some of the most respected companies in the industry. She was twice awarded a visa called “Aliens with extraordinary abilities” by the United States of America.

Adriana is passionate about mentoring and developing other women in the spirits industry and recently became a Tory Burch Foundation Fellow.

The culmination of her life and experience in the hospitality and spirits industry is the launching of her own brand Stray Dog Wild Gin, made in Greece with wild foraged botanicals and donating back to animal shelters.

Saturday, November 22nd
Gin is In (Greek Style) ($)*
3:00pm
Forget everything you think you know about gin. And if you don’t drink gin, forget that, too. Born from the untamed countryside of Greece, where botanicals grow as wild as the spirit runs free, Stray Dog Original Wild Gin is an exceptionally smooth and complex gin made to be savored neat as much as mixed. Join our special guests Johnny and Adriana Livanos for an hour of DIY Gin & Tonics, using our own herbs from our Blackmore Farm, create your own special crafted cocktail. Guests must be at least 21 years of age to participate. Cost is $25 per person.

Greek Flair Chef's Table Tasting Menu Dinner* ($)
6:30pm
It’s the place, the flavors, and the presentation all coming together in a symphony that makes the memory so strong. Join Chef Kate on a culinary journey through an 6-8-course Greek-flair tasting menu dinner in the Chef’s Kitchen. The evening begins in the Chakra Lounge with a signature cocktail followed by dinner in our cozy Chef’s Kitchen, which will feature unique weekly themes and ingredients from our own Blackmore Farm, local farms, and purveyors. Each course will feature a story along with the pairing from Johnny Livanos, Greek Wine and Spirits Expert. OPAH!!! The cozy setting offers friendly conversation to learn more about each dish including unique ingredients, cooking techniques, and best kept secrets. There is an up-charge of $80 per person, which includes the wine pairing. Please speak with a Hostess prior to making a reservation if you have an allergy or dietary restriction.

*Please sign-up for these activities with our Spa Concierge.