I grew up on a vineyard in the Russian River Valley, spent years cooking in restaurants, returned to the wine industry. I enjoy working with small businesses and helping them build a strong foundation and clarify their vision. On the restaurant side I can help run kitchens, resculpt food programs with limited resources and assist in creating the best possible food in less than ideal conditions.
On the wine side I can assist in planting vineyards, managing fruit, making wine, bottling, developing a brand, developing wholesale when necessary and learning the retail industry. Let me share what I have learned with you and help save you time and money while maximizing efficiency and quality.
Accomplishments:
Culinary
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Certified Sommelier with the Court
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Terra Restaurant - one Michelin star
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Executive chef managing both catering and restaurant operations
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Banquets up to 1,200 people
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Extensive wine pairing menus
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Staff wine training
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Specializing in bringing fine dining to affordable restaurant models
Wine
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Multiple Double-Gold medals and 89-93 point reviews for neglected cultivars in an Old-World style
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Experience as independent sales rep and working with wholesale on the West Coast and New York City
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Developed ongoing wine sensory seminar series and AWS speaker
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Specializing in non-mainstream cultivars and their vineyard practices