About Us
Redefining What It Means to Drink Mindfully
At AFicioNAdo™, we believe in the power of choice: the freedom to enjoy world-class beverages without alcohol, and without compromise. We're here for bartenders, beverage professionals, and curious drinkers who want to elevate their expertise in the evolving world of alcohol-free and non-alcoholic drinks.
Founded by passionate experts in hospitality, education, and wellness, our mission is to provide meaningful certification and training programs that empower professionals to thrive in this fast-growing industry.
We're proud to be the world's first alcohol-free and non-alcoholic adult beverage certification program, created by industry leaders for industry leaders. Whether you're already in the beverage world or just getting started, we'll help you stand out, speak with confidence, and shape the future of mindful drinking culture.
Why We Started
It wasn’t just about business. It was about making room for new voices, new choices, and a better beverage culture. As alcohol-free options rise in popularity, there’s a growing need for serious training, representation, and innovation. We saw bartenders, beverage pros, and wellness advocates asking for guidance — and we answered.
We created AFicioNAdo™ to fill a gap: offering credible, inclusive education and certification that celebrates flavor, quality, and intention. Our goal is to champion a new standard of excellence and ensure that mindful drinking isn't just a trend — it's a respected part of the beverage industry.
Our Founders
Meagen Coester
Founder + CEO of AFicioNAdo™ Certification Program
Coester has lived a zero-proof lifestyle since 2020 and is passionate about elevating the category and reducing stigma around alcohol-free and non-alcoholic (AFNA™) adult beverages. With an MBA in Sustainable Business and 20 years in CPG, Coester’s experience includes national beer education at Boston Beer Company and global hops sales roles with Kalsec and NZ Hops Ltd. Coester is currently the Regional Technical Sales Manager for North America at ADM, leading the Totally Natural Solutions™ platform. A Certified Cicerone® and BJCP judge, Coester has completed 140+ hours of in-person beer sensory training with the esteemed Dr. Bill Simpson, and has consulted for breweries, tech startups, beverage producers, and hop companies.
Rachel Martin
Founder & CEO, Oceano WinesCo-Founder & Program Author, AFNA Wine Certified™
With a background in viticulture, sensory science, and hospitality, Rachel Martin has spent over 20 years pushing the boundaries of modern wine. Trained in enology at Napa Valley College and the University of Bordeaux, she has blended technical expertise with a passion for innovation—launching premium nonalcoholic and low-alcohol wines that highlight true terroir. From helping define the Middleburg Virginia AVA to crafting award-winning wines on California’s coast, her work reflects a deep commitment to quality, sustainability, and mindful drinking. Her contributions have been recognized by Forbes, Bloomberg, Food & Wine, and more. She is also a frequent speaker at industry events focused on the future of wine and consumer trends.
Derek Brown
Author & Co-Founder, AFNA Spirits Certified™
A pioneer of both the craft cocktail revival and mindful drinking, Derek Brown brings decades of bar leadership, including Washington, D.C.’s acclaimed Columbia Room.
Author of Mindful Mixology (Rizzoli, 2022) and Spirits, Sugar, Water, Bitters, he has been featured in major outlets as a leading national voice for no- and low-alcohol drinking. His guest-first approach helps professionals bridge classic craft and innovation in AFNA™ spirits.
Our Advisors
Leigh Gall
Antonia Fattizzi
Breanna Neff
Cara Simpson
Nathaniel Davis
Keith Villa
Aaron Golston
Mirella Amato
Claire Morelli
Julia Herz
Eric Teodoro Franco
Yael Weisberg
Katie Nasiatka
Bill Simpson
John Walker
Colin Wilson
Jake Kirkendall
