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Meet our Judges - 2026 North Coast Wine Challenge
DARYL Groom - Chief Judge
Owner/Winemaker, Groom Wines | Healdsburg, CA
Daryl Groom is the recipient of 8 Winemaker of the Year awards. He has judged in over 100 wine competitions across the USA. While he resides in Healdsburg California he is also the owner and winemaker for Groom Wines from Australia. This highly acclaimed Australian Winery focuses on three varietals: Shiraz, Sauvignon Blanc, and Zinfandel. In addition to Groom Wines, Daryl recently launched his most rewarding wine project ever, Colby Red Wine. This wine from California was initiated by his 13-year old son Colby who recently underwent back-to-back heart surgeries. Profits from Colby Red Wine go to heart related charities across the USA. Daryl's previous experience includes winemaking and operational management at Penfolds, Geyser Peak Winery, and Beam Wine Estates.
DEBRA Del Fiorentino - Competition Director
Director of Wine Competitions, Wine Competitions Management + Productions Sonoma County, CA
International Wine Judge, Sommelier, Certified Wine Professional and Certified Specialist of Wine, Debra Del Fiorentino is a consummate wine professional who brings a dynamic energy and expertise to every endeavor she undertakes. Debra is a familiar face at numerous prestigious wine competitions. She currently holds the esteemed position of Director of Wine Competitions for Wine Competitions Management + Productions, a producer of wine competitions for eight unique craft beverage competitions. Born and raised in San Francisco, Debra is a second generation Italian from a large family that originally settled in the Napa Valley. After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Business from the University of California at Berkeley, Debra opened two gourmet food stores in Marin before venturing into the wine industry. Debra also serves as an independent wine educator and partner at Russian River Vineyards.
KRIS Anderson
Wine Buyer, Willibees Wines & Spirits
After many years in food and wine, I have been the wine buyer here at Wilibees Wines & Spirits for over 5 years. As a buyer for two very busy wine shops I taste 30-50 wines per week. I have been certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers.
HEIDI Barrett
Winemaker, Barrett & Barrett Wines | Napa Valley, CA
Heidi Peterson Barrett grew up in the Napa Valley in a winemaking family and was destined to become one of the world’s foremost winemakers. It is said that winemaking is a combination of science and art. With her father a scientist-winemaker and her mother an artist, it’s no surprise that Heidi’s natural born talents led her to the wine industry. With great enthusiasm, a love for what she does, and an abundance of experience, Heidi’s instinctive gift of integrating the art and science of winemaking is unparalleled.
MICHAEL Beaulac
Director of Winemaking, Foley Family Wines
Foley Johnson Director of Winemaking, Michael Beaulac, a Vermont native, joined the Foley Family Wines team in2021, bringing over 30 years of experience working with premier luxury wineries.Michael began his winemaking career when a chance opportunity presented itself while he was running a Portland,Maine jazz dinner club. There, Beaulac’s career pivoted when Tim Murphy of Murphy-Goode offered him a job onenight, partly in jest. The opportunity was one that Beaulac was looking for, and he accepted his offer and moved toSonoma County, California to work as a Murphy-Goode Winery harvest intern in 1989.Beaulac spent an interim period at Laurier Winery in Sonoma’s Carneros region working as a cellar master withMerry Edwards from 1989 through 1991. This opportunity gave way to becoming assistant winemaker back atMurphy-Goode, where he spent four years developing new varietal programs for Pinot Noir and Zinfandel. In 1997,Michael Beaulac spent four years as winemaker for Markham Vineyards in St. Helena. Beaulac took his expertise tothe next level, becoming Vice President of St. Supéry Vineyards in Rutherford in 2001, working closely with MichelRoland and Denis Dubourdieu. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the Napa Valley, Beaulacbecame General Manager and winemaker at Napa’s Pine Ridge Vineyards in 2009 where he oversaw the estate’s 160 acres. Beaulac credits his development as a winemaker to working with Michel Roland and Pine Ridge’s highstandard for producing quality wines.Michael’s winemaking philosophy starts in the vineyard. Truly knowing the land, soil, and climate allows him toshowcase the exceptionally pure qualities of the diverse vineyard sites and AVAs throughout the Napa Valley. Hesays of his philosophy for winemaking, “Be proactive in the vineyards. Let the fruit find its balance. Do not force thewine to be anything it’s not. Let it express its typicity. Once in the winery the wine should be touched as little aspossible, in a perfect vintage, we really shouldn’t have to do anything.”Beaulac currently resides outside of Santa Rosa. When he is not in the vineyards, he enjoys hikes with his wife Cathyand their German Shepherd. He also loves to cook and experiment in the kitchen with different recipes
TIM Bell
Director of Winemaking, Dry Creek Vineyard | Healdsburg, CA
Tim Bell, Director of Winemaking at Dry Creek Vineyard, has worked with a wide range of grape varieties and wine styles over his near 30-year career in Napa Valley, Sonoma, and the Central Coast; still wine, sparkling, dessert, even Kosher. Tim graduated with honors in winemaking at University of California, Davis, learning the intricacies of wine chemistry and microbiology that would inform his stylistic choices in creating complex and nuanced blends. Hands-on cellar work at premium California wineries led Bell to the historic Freemark Abbey Winery for 10 years, and later to Kunde Family Estate. He joined Dry Creek Vineyard in 2011 and has elevated the winery’s robust program of award-winning Dry Chenin Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Meritage blends, as well as a portfolio of single vineyard selections.
DAN Berger
Wine Journalist
Dan Berger, former full-time wine columnist for The Los Angeles Times, earned a degree in Journalism in 1967 and spent ten years as a reporter/editor for The Associated Press. He began writing about wine in 1976 and has been nationally syndicated since 1979. His private weekly wine newsletter, Dan Berger’s Vintage Experiences, began in 1996. He hosts a radio show, California Wine Country, every Wednesday on KSRO, Friday on 95.5 FM, the Krush, and is an international wine judge, having judged throughout North America, in Europe, Australia and New Zealand. His books include The Readers’ Digest’s “Wine Routes of North America”; “Beyond the Grapes: An Inside Look at Napa Valley” and “Beyond the Grapes: An Inside Look at Sonoma County.” In 2010, he was inducted into the Wine Media Guild’s Hall of Fame in New York and is vice president of the International Riesling Foundation. He also operates Dan Berger’s International Wine Competition, which just concluded its 43rdconsecutive year. And he writes regular regularly for Napa Valley Features, the Napa Register, and Creators Syndicate.
HARRY Bryan
General Manager at Valette restaurant | Healdsburg, CA.
Certified sommelier & wine program director. A Colombian native, who grew up enjoying great South American cuisine and Argentinian wine before coming to the US and expanding my wine knowledge.
I am currently the General Manager at Valette restaurant and work alongside the owners Aaron Garzini and Dustin Valette. With over 20 years of professional experience in the hospitality industry. Prior to Valette I was the Food & Beverage Director at award winning Timber Cove Resort on the Sonoma Coast. My management & carrier experience also includes positions as Bar Manager and Floor Captain of the Versace House in Miami Beach, General Manager of Mateo’s Cocina Latina in Healdsburg, and Bartender at the Capital Grille in New York City.
TINA Caputo
Multimedia Journalist and Editor | Sonoma
Tina Caputo is a multimedia journalist and editor who covers wine, food and travel. She regularly contributes to the Press Democrat, Sonoma magazine, Visit California, SevenFifty Daily, NorCal Public Media and KQED. For links to articles and her profanity-laced satire blog, visit www.tinacaputo.com
KERRY Damskey
Wine consultant and winemaker - Geyserville, CA
Kerry Damskey holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Fermentation Sciences, from the University of California, Davis. He also graduated from the Intensive Program for Small Business, at the Stanford University School of Business. And, he is a candidate with the Institute of the Masters of Wine.
Kerry's characterization·is that he is a trailblazing and renowned, international consulting winemaker. Breaking boundaries in familiar and uncharted territories, besides being a stellar winemaker in California, Kerry is known for achieving that character in god-forsaken territories, with absolutely no pre-defined, distinct differentiation yet to have been established. This is why Kerry Darnskey has called a "Wandering Winemaker" and the "Indiana Jones of Winemaking."
Kerry's company TERROIRS, INC. is his ground-breaking brainchild and passion. With more than 30 years of wine and wine business experience, he is recognized internationally for his acuity and focus in creating brilliant wines.
His firm Ten-oirs Artisan Wines provides custom winegrowing and winemaking expertise plus vineyard and acquisition services. Terroirs Artisan Wines: Damskey and Company also advises on business practices, strategic management, and operational development. These skills coupled with winemaking expertise translate to a fully integrated dynamic.
SARAH Doyle
Wine reporter at The Press Democrat | Santa Rosa, CA.
Sarah Doyle is a wine reporter at The Press Democrat, where also covers beer, spirits, and other beverages.
During the past 20+ years, her writing has appeared in over 50 publications, including the New York Times, the Washington Post, the Boston Globe, Wine Enthusiast, Wine & Spirits, Gourmet, Saveur, Bon Appetit, Food & Wine, Whisky Advocate, Forbes and Robb Report, among others.
Sarah joined the wine industry in 2006 when a “temporary” tasting room gig at Tablas Creek winery changed the trajectory of her career. From there, she went on to work for numerous wineries on the Central Coast and in Sonoma County in roles that spanned communications, PR/marketing, DTC sales, hospitality and wine production.
Sarah has worked three harvests and advanced courses in enology, viticulture, wine chemistry and sustainable/organic winegrowing. She also holds the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wine.
In 2022, Sarah joined the Press Democrat as a wine reporter—a job that finally feels like home.
TRACI Dutton
Educator, Sommelier, Wine & Beverage Judge - Public Wine and Beverage Studies, CIA | Napa County, CA
Traci Dutton is a sommelier, a wine judge, and the manager of public wine and beverage studies at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone in St. Helena. She joined the CIA in 1998 as beverage manager and sommelier for the college’s Wine Spectator Greystone Restaurant. Over the course of more than 30 years in the wine world, Ms. Dutton has worked in high-end establishments such as Montrachet, The Striped Bass, and 231 Ellsworth, and has served luminaries as varied as Oprah Winfrey, Kevin Bacon, and Chef Paul Bocuse. She has studied and tasted great wines at vineyards around the world, from Portugal and Austria to Argentina and the United States. Her writing on wines and beverages has appeared in Kitchen & Cook, the St. Helena Star, iSanté.com, and many other publications. In 2011, she was named one of the top wine country sommeliers by Tasting Panel magazine.
ZIGGY Eschliman
Wine & Spirits Broadcast Journalist, Educator, Consultant, Writer | Sonoma County, CA
Dame Ziggy Eschliman is among America’s most enthusiastic, authoritative and entertaining libation experts. For 29 years, Ziggy, known worldwide as “The Wine Gal” has set and reported trends in wine, spirits and all things to imbibe. She was the first woman in the United States to have a radio show about wine and spirits. Ziggy’s award winning, wine, spirits and travel focused radio shows, have a long time loyal following and are broadcast on FM stations and stream worldwide. Her writings are featured in lifestyle and libation based publications. As a wine and spirits expert, Ziggy is a lead judge in both international spirits and wine competitions. Ziggy is a dynamic guest speaker, educator and presenter. Her wine country lifestyle brand, ZigStyle, embraces her art of life, entertaining, wine, cocktails and gardening. ZigStyle is embraced in all she does and is a welcome, catching, organic approach to our busy lives.
ERIC Fox
Director of Food and Beverage, Appellation | Healdsburg
Eric is an Advanced Sommelier, CMS-A, and a dynamic hospitality leader who brings deep roots in both the culinary and wine worlds to every endeavor he undertakes. Eric has led teams at some of Northern California’s most respected dining and wine destinations, including The Matheson, Spruce, Lazy Bear, Coi, and High Treason.
Originally hailing from the Northeast, Eric grounded his expertise with formal training as a graduate of the ACE Program at the renowned Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, NY.
A testament to his commitment to continuous learning, he is currently pursuing his Master Sommelier certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers.
Eric’s distinct brushstrokes are visible across the canvas of Healdsburg and Northern California’s wine country. Hand-picked by Chef Owner Charlie Palmer to anchor the wine and beverage program at Appellation Healdsburg, Eric also extends his expertise through Renard Cellars, his independent hospitality and wine consulting business."
WILLIAM (Bill) Guadagni
Winemaker Orsi Family Vineyards | Healdsburg
William "Bill" Guadagni is a fourth-generation farmer rooted in the Dry Creek Valley, a region his family has cultivated since 1898. With a degree in Enology from Fresno State, Bill's winemaking journey began abroad, working the harvest as a cellar hand in South Australia's renowned McLaren Vale at Hardys Tintara. Upon returning to the U.S., he further developed his technical expertise in the lab at Martinelli Winery, where he became friends with consulting winemaker Erin Green. Their connection led to Erin offering to mentor Bill starting in 2015, providing him with invaluable skills and insights that continue to shape his winemaking philosophy today.
In 2016, Bill assumed the role of winemaker for his family's label, Guadagni Family Wines, while continuing to work with Erin Green on consulting projects for Ehret Family Wines. In January 2023, Bill became the winemaker for Orsi Family Vineyards, with the 2023 vintage marking his debut for the brand.
NICK Goldschmidt
Winemaker and Consultant, Goldschmidt Vineyards | Healdsburg, CA
Mr. Nick Goldschmidt co-founded Goldschmidt Vineyards in 1998. Originally from New Zealand and trained both there and in Australia. With Degrees in Science, Horticulture, Viticulture and a Post Grad in Enology. At 27 Nick became winemaker at Simi and soon after still wine blender for the LVMH portfolio covering 5 countries. From there Simi was purchased by Constellation in 1999 where he remained through 2023. He 2022 he was also group winemaker for Allied Domecq covering 6 countries until the company sold to Beam wine estates in 2006. After a further 2 years in the corporate world Nick went out on his own.
Today Nick lives in Healdsburg and is the owner winemaker for Goldschmidt vineyards including brands - Forefathers Winery, Goldschmidt vineyards, Fidelity and Boulder Bank. Representing other small growers in Napa/Sonoma he also has Trig Point, The Consoler, Set in Stone, Elementary, Turning Point, The Conspirator, Herald, Embankment and others. He continues to consult in Chile, Argentina, Canada, New Zealand and USA. He is also owner of Alpine Engineering Solutions a innovation company dedicated to the wine industry. Nick has been published many times in the AJEV and continues giving technical talks around the world.
BARRY Herbst
Wine Director, Bottle Barn Liquors | Santa Rosa, CA
Barry has more than three decades of experience in the wine industry, ranging from sommelier and wine shop owner to high-level retail and private cellar acquisitions. He was raised in Southern California, where he earned his stripes in some of LA’s most celebrated restaurants, among them Chinois on Main and Osteria Angelini. Most recently, Barry was General Manager of the Rare Wine Company in Sonoma, as well as working with Soutirage and Bounty Hunter Rare Wine & Spirits in Napa Valley. Currently, he is the wine buyer for Bottle Barn in Santa Rosa, CA, a 15,000 square foot superstore and arguably has the largest and finest selection of fine wines north of San Francisco. Barry blames a bottle of 1980 Jayer Vosne-Romanée Cros Parantoux for having sent him down the rabbit hole many years ago. Today, he lives in Petaluma, CA with his wife, two children and Australian Shepherd, Elvis, to whom he happily dedicates every spare moment outside of work.
AMANDA Johnson
Food and Beverage Manager at the Fountaingrove Club | Santa Rosa
Meet Amanda, a passionate connoisseur of fine wines whose journey into oenology soared with her WSET Level 2 Sommelier certification last year. Driven by an unwavering love for wine, she relocated to wine country, fully immersed in its vineyards and culture.
With a background in hospitality, Amanda recently transitioned to the role of Food and Beverage Manager at the Fountaingrove Club of Santa Rosa. Here, amidst picturesque landscapes, she crafts unforgettable experiences for patrons, fueled by her dedication to the craft.
Every day, Amanda finds joy in sharing her passion for wine, whether guiding tastings or perfecting pairings. Now, she sets her sights on achieving the WSET Level 3 certification, eager to deepen her expertise and enrich her contribution to the industry.
In Amanda's world, the pursuit of excellence in wine is more than a career—it's a lifelong journey of refinement and appreciation. Her story embodies the transformative power of a life dedicated to the vine.
HADY Kahale
Head of Wine Buying, Naked Wines US – Wine Consultant and Winemaker | Napa, CA
Hady Kahale is the Head of Wine Buying at Naked Wines US, connecting everyday wine drinkers to the world’s best winemakers. Before joining Naked Wines, he was a serial entrepreneur with many hats: winemaker, wine-estate manager, and wine consultant.
He succumbed in 2006 to his passion: wine. He moved to Bordeaux and got a Master degree in enology and wine estates management Bordeaux Sciences Agro under the mentorship of Professor Denis Dubourdieu, one of the most famous French winemakers and wine academicians in the world.
He founded in 2008 the IXSIR winery, a love project he ran for 10 years. He also worked as a consultant for several wineries in the Mediterranean region.
He has an MBA from ESA – ESCP, and is a soon to be DipWSET.
JENNIFER "JB" Kelly
President, Sales and Marketing / Luxury Wine Partners |
Jennifer “JB” Kelly is a wine and spirits executive, certified sommelier, entrepreneur, and wine judge with more than 15 years of experience working with premium and luxury wine brands. She is recognized for her disciplined palate, calibrated sensory evaluation, and deep understanding of the premium and luxury wine marketplace.
Kelly’s background includes leadership roles with Wilson Daniels, where she focused on French and Italian fine wines, and Jackson Family Wines across domestic and international portfolios. As Founder and President of Sonoma County–based Luxury Wine Partners, she leads strategic initiatives for wineries, distilleries, and celebrity brands to build and accelerate premium brand performance across competitive markets.
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JOSH Kirchhoff
Corporate Wine & Spirits Coordinator Oliver's | Sonoma County
Josh has been in the wine industry for over 25 years. Spending the first half of his career in Sales Management for Sonoma County wineries, Josh has been a wine, spirits and beer buyer in the retail and online space for the last 15 years. Josh is the current Corporate Wine & Spirits Coordinator for independent retail chain Oliver's Market in Sonoma County. Josh holds an MBA in Wine Business from Sonoma State University, is a Certified Sommelier and Certified Specialist of Wine.
ELLEN Landis
Certified Sommelier, CSW, Wine Writer, Sonoma / Napa County, CA
Ellen is a published Wine Writer, Certified Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, Wine Educator and Professional Wine Judge. She is the author of the blog EllenOnWine.com and writes for the AWS Wine Journal magazine (AmericanWineSociety.org), Great Northwest Wine, (www.greatnorthwestwine.com), Michigan Uncorked, and The Slow Wine Guide (www.slowwineusa.com), among other publications.
Ellen’s experience includes more than 10 years as a moderator for the highly acclaimed Vintners’ Holidays annual event at the Ahwahnee Hotel in Yosemite, the American Wine Society annual conferences, and participates as a key speaker, moderator and panelist at various other wine events. For eighteen years, she and husband Ken built and co-owned award-winning Landis Shores Oceanfront Inn (Half Moon Bay, CA) where Ellen served as Wine Director and Sommelier. It was named the California Bay Area’s Top Inn, and ranked among the top 15 Inns for Wine Connoisseurs in North America. They sold their Inn to devote more time to the world of wine. Ellen was also a Sommelier for several years.
In addition to an MBA, Ellen’s wine education includes UC Davis viticulture course work, achieving CSW certification from the Society of Wine Educators program, and earning the credential of Certified Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Ellen serves as a judge at numerous national and international wine competitions including the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Great Northwest Invitational Wine Competition, Finger Lakes International Wine Competition, Mid-American Wine Competition, The Great American International Wine Competition, LA Invitational Wine & Spirits Competition, California State Fair Wine Competition, El Dorado Wine Competition, The Idaho Wine Competition, American Fine Wine Competition, North Coast Wine Challenge, Amador County Fair Wine Competition, Sonoma Harvest Fair Wine Competition, East Meets West Wine Competition, Harvest Challenge International Wine Competition, Cascadia Wine Competition, Savor Northwest Wine Competition, Michigan Wine & Spirits Competition, The Frankfurt International Trophy Wine Competition, Jefferson Cup Invitational Wine Competition, Alameda County Fair Wine Competition, Great Northwest Wine Platinum Judging, Selections Mondiales des Vins Canada, Pacific Rim Wine Competition, and the Central Coast Wine Competition.
NEIL Mechanic
Sommelier Purchasing & Logistics Manager, SommSelect | Napa
Neil Mechanic brings more than 30 years of fine‑wine experience across top restaurants and leading retail platforms. He began his career as a sommelier with the Ritz‑Carlton Hotel Company before serving as Wine Director for the Absinthe Hospitality Group in San Francisco.
For the past 15 years, Neil has focused on e‑retail wine procurement, sourcing California and imported wines for major online platforms, including Wine Access and, currently, SommSelect. His work is grounded in deep regional knowledge, long‑standing producer relationships, and a disciplined, detail‑driven tasting approach.
Neil is honored to join the judging panel and help celebrate the quality and diversity of North Coast wines, and he has proudly called West Sonoma County—specifically the Russian River area of Forestville—home for the past thirteen years.
CHRIS Munsell
Director of Winemaking, E&J Gallo Winery | Sonoma County, CA
As Director of Winemaking for Gallo’s Premium Business Unit, Chris oversees the Winery’s Premium Wine programs across a range of California appellations. He has been instrumental in creating new wines for Gallo, leveraging the Winery’s premier vineyard properties in the Sonoma County and the Central Coast. After honing his craft at some of the industry’s top wineries, including Geyser Peak and Domaine Chandon, Chris Munsell arrived at Gallo with more than 19 vintages behind him.​ “My job is to help our winemakers achieve their ultimate vision for each wine,” says Chris. “I really enjoy the depth of talent we have at Gallo. It allows us to marry traditional approaches with cutting edge winemaking.”
LINDSEY Rich
Winemaker DipWSET - Naked Wines | Napa / Owner L.Rich Wines
Lindsey is a technical oriented winemaker with broad experience crafting wines throughout California. With a background in custom crush, Lindsey has worked with winemakers and fruit throughout the state, from large brands to small, premium lots. She cut her teeth in winemaking while working for Lange Twins Family Winery & Vineyards, fifth generation grape growers from the historic region of Lodi. In her current role with Naked Wines, she supports the global portfolio of independent winemakers, helping them bring their vision and craft directly to the consumers who enjoy them. Last year she launched her own brand, L. Rich Wines, which celebrates the terroir of her home in the Sierra Foothills. Lindsey holds a B.S. in Viticulture & Enology from UC Davis and a Level Four Diploma in Wines from WSET.
NICOLA Pellacani
Assistant Winemaker, Saintsbury Winery | Napa, CA
Nicola “Nico” Pellacani is a 28-year-old Italian-born winemaker based in Petaluma, currently making wine in Napa at Saintsbury. He leads Saintsbury’s experimental Footnotes R&D series, working with site-driven Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and esoteric varieties from vineyards like Alder Springs. Nico is also the co-founder and winemaker of Bestie Wines, a small California label he is building alongside his mentor Tim Colla.
He studied Viticulture & Enology at the University of Bologna and first came to California in 2018 for a harvest at Saintsbury, which ignited his commitment to California wine. After returning to Italy during COVID, he joined Caviro—Italy’s largest wine cooperative and a leader in circular economy models—where he evaluated and developed wines for major international buyers. His path has since taken him back to California via Australia, where he also completed a Yarra Valley harvest.
Nico is now enrolled in the MBA in Wine Business at Sonoma State University (recipient of the E. & J. Gallo Scholarship) while working full-time at Saintsbury. His work blends Old World training, cooperative-scale tasting experience, and a curiosity for innovation—making him especially interested in benchmarking, sensory evaluation, and emerging styles.
ALEXANDRIA Sarovich
Founder & CEO Own Rooted Hospitality | Healdsburg California
Own Rooted Hospitality provides consulting services using case by case solutions for Private Clients, Beverage Brands and Restaurants.
With over fifteen years of extensive experience in the restaurant and wine industry, Alex possesses a profound dedication to delivering exceptional guest experiences, coupled with a strong focus on business success and ownership mentality. Her passion for her craft is evident, as she takes immense pride and joy in her work, eagerly sharing her wealth of knowledge and expertise with others. Holding the prestigious title of Advanced Sommelier through CMS, Alex is adept at assisting clients seeking wine services to enhance their business operations, offering invaluable insights with her expert-level proficiency.
Alex embodies a holistic approach to hospitality, whether discussing a modest $10 bottle or a luxurious $2,000 vintage, always striving to ensure maximum enjoyment for her patrons. Beyond her professional endeavors, Alex finds solace in outdoor activities such as hiking, running, and biking, as well as indulging in the pleasures of a good novel. A devoted pet parent to her long-haired grey cat, Echezeaux, Alex also shares a passion for adventure and travel with her fiancée, Kate.
In her previous role as the Executive Wine Director at Little Saint, Alex established an inclusive wine program, fostering a welcoming environment that supported community engagement while amplifying underrepresented voices within the wine industry. Under her leadership, the wine program at Little Saint flourished, expanding from 250 bottles to an impressive 1000, culminating in the prestigious Wine Spectator’s Best of Award of Excellence. Prior to her tenure at Little Saint, Alex honed her skills as a sommelier at renowned establishments such as the three-Michelin-starred SingleThread and the internationally acclaimed Attica in Melbourne, Australia.
Outside of her professional duties, Alex remains committed to mentoring aspiring women in the wine industry through her involvement in the Bâtonnage Mentorship Program since 2022. Her outstanding contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed, as evidenced by her recognition as VinePair’s New Wave Sommelier of the Year in 2023. Alex's expertise has been featured in esteemed publications including Condé Nast Traveler, Sonoma Magazine, Wine Spectator, San Francisco Chronicle, Wall Street Journal, SevenFifty Daily, and SOMM TV.
LAURA Sanfilippo
Certified Sommelier, Wine Buyer and Owner of Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen | Healdsburg, CA
Laura developed her passion for wine working for many years in fine dining restaurants in San Francisco before moving to Sonoma County in 2009 to pursue her degree in Wine Studies at Santa Rosa Junior College. There she studied viticulture, enology, world wine styles, and business while also working for Windsor Oaks winery gaining experience in the vineyards on a 700-acre property growing 17 different grape varieties in the Chalk Hill and Russian River appellations. Through the wine studies program she also earned internships at the San Francisco Chronicle and Sonoma County Harvest Fair Wine Competitions and became a Certified Sommelier in 2012. After working for a winery, she returned to the restaurant world to be on the opening team of Spoonbar in Healdsburg in 2010 and continued her work in the restaurant business running bars and beverage programs as well as consulting for restaurants in Napa and San Francisco. In 2022 she opened Lo & Behold Bar + Kitchen in Healdsburg with her partners Tara Heffernon and Chef Sean Kelley. Her wine list at Lo focuses on food friendly wines from small local independent producers. She is also a regular judge for the Sunset International Spirits Competition.
CHRISTOPHER Sawyer
Wine Writer and “Sommelier to the Stars” | Sonoma, CA
Christopher Sawyer Short Bio 2025
Christopher Sawyer is an internationally-renowned sommelier, wine judge, consultant, wine educator and public speaker. Well known for his wine variety events at the former Gravenstein Grill in Sebastopol, he is now hosting them on a larger scale with Sonoma County Vintners in 2025. His wine knowledge is appreciated by many, which is why he is recipient of many prestigious awards and industry honors. To enjoy his wine adventures follow his Blog The Sommelier Files & YouTube Channel featuring The Varietal Show!
MICK Schroeter
Schroeter - Naked Wines | Geyserville, CA
Mick’s wine background made him superbly qualified to serve as only the third head winemaker in the history of Sonoma-Cutrer. Starting out on his own as an oenologist at Kaiser Stuhl winery in Australia, Mick wanted to blaze his own trail and had no intentions of following in his father and uncle’s footsteps at the Penfold Winery. Then in 1982, Penfold bought Kaiser Stuhl and reunited Mick with his family in the business. Although Mick was already well-versed in winemaking, Penfold allowed him to continue his pursuit of total enlightenment, sponsoring his winemaking education at the famed Roseworthy College and providing him a scholarship to visit and study Chilean wine country. This was followed with a 6-month tour around the world with his wife and a stop in California to work the wine harvest. Mick rose rapidly through the Penfold system and had the privilege to be part of their red winemaking team, eventually working on Penfold’s legendary Grange Hermitage, the benchmark of Aussie Shiraz. From there, Mick accepted an invitation from Geyser Peak Winery in California to take over as Vice President of Winemaking and for 17 years was in charge of vineyard assessment, harvest scheduling, winemaking direction, budgeting and brand ambassadorship. It is his long track record of success and illustrious career in Australia and California, along with twice being named “Winemaker of the Year” at the London International Wine & Spirit Competition, that gave Mick the encompassing experience to take the reins at Sonoma-Cutrer. After 13 years at the helm of Sonoma-Cutrer, Mick has moved on to focus on his own brand "Schroeter" with Naked Wines USA.
LARRY Van Aalst
Radio Host of "The Sonoma Wine Report", CRN Digital Talk Radio | Santa Rosa, CA
As Sommelier, Larry selected wines for Equus for over a decade. Larry has been judging at the Cloverdale Citrus Fair/San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition for over a decade likewise, an opportunity for Larry to keep abreast of fine wines from California.
ELSIE Wolfe
Contributor, Connect The Dots Collective | Napa, CA
Elsie Wolfe is a Contributor at Connect The Dots Collective. We are a brand innovation and strategic advisory company led by dynamic, experienced female leaders with expertise in brand development, retail, digital and customer experiences.
Elsie is a top strategic retail leader in alcohol beverage and grocery. Her longstanding career within the Retail Industry includes roles at Target Corporation, Albertson’s Companies and Safeway where she headed Alcohol Beverage and Grocery nationally and regionally. Under her leadership, Safeway was recognized as Wine Enthusiast 2017 Retailer of the Year and Albertsons Companies was named Wine Enthusiast 2020 Retailer of the Year. Elsie is passionate about leveraging supplier and wholesaler partnerships to bring wine, spirits, and beer history to life at retail. She drives business results and creates transformation with new category and brand launches, cross-functional collaboration, financial analysis, assortment and merchandising planning, negotiations, and project management. In short, her leadership has generated award-winning, best-in-category success in financial and business planning at retail. Noted twice as a Top Women in Grocery by Progressive Grocer, Elsie holds WSET certifications in Wine and Spirits, Cicerone Level 1 in Beer, and is an active judge in national wine, spirits, and beer competitions. Outside of work, Elsie enjoys time with family, traveling, sports, outdoor adventures and is an avid foodie always looking for new places to try new foods & drinks!
Debra Del Fiorentino
Heidi Barrett
Jennifer (JB) Kelly
Ziggy Eschliman
Nick Goldschmidt
Hady Kahale
Dan Berger
Christopher Sawyer
Kerry Damskey
Tim Bell
Mick Schroeter
Amanda Johnson
Alexandria Sarovich
Michael Beaulac
Kris Anderson
Sarah Doyle
Harry Bryan
Laura SanfilippoÂ
Ellan Landis
Chris Munsell
Traci Dutton
Josh Kirchhoff
William "Bill" Guadagni
Lindsey Rich
Tina Capuro
Barry Herbst
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