Special Guests
Chefs
Wade's career has taken him from his roots in Sonoma, California, to the island of Maui and then to the Colorado mountains. He worked his way up early from pastry chef to line cook to sous chef, then to executive…
Wineries
Within a few months of becoming the ninth Master Sommelier in the United States, Larry Stone became the first American to win the prestigious Grand Prix de Sopexa for the title of the Best International Sommelier in French Wines in…
Brian O'Donnell began his winemaking career in New York City in the 6th grade when he pilfered some Concord grapes from a neighbor's arbor. After the ensuing hangover, he went into retirement for about 20 years until he started making…
Dave Guffy first became interested in wine as a Food Science student at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. During his college years, he was working in restaurants where he had the opportunity to sample a variety of different…
Amber used to tend bar at beloved local spots like The Altamont in Occidental, the lobby bar at the Hotel Healdsburg, and Underwood Bistro in Graton, but it was a tasting room gig at Rochioli Vineyards that ignited her passion…
Olivier will impress you from his 6'8" frame and charm you with his kind & friendly attitude. From Brittany, he moved to the US in 1994. He started working in the wine industry in 2001 and joined the Thienot USA…
Adam Fox is the Managing Partner at Canard Vineyard in Napa Valley, CA. Originally from Denver, Colorado, his family moved to Los Angeles in the early 70's. From a young age, Adam was passionate about creating art. Over the years…
Alana discovered her passion for wine while doing a study abroad in France in 2005. During the summer of 2009, she moved from Connecticut in order to pursue a career in the wine industry. Having completed the WSET Intermediate and…
German Bistue is a Founding Partner at Wine Bridge Imports and assistant winemaker at Bistue Cellars winery in California. Growing up in Mendoza, Argentina, German has always been involved in the wine industry. After graduating from college, he managed a…
Taylor Pfaff, stepped into the CEO position the summer of 2016. He brings the experience of 6 harvests in the cellar under the excellent mentorship of Winemaker Joe Wright, along with a MBA in Wine and Spirits from the Kedge…
In the late 1970s, while teaching math at San Jose State University and working a side hustle at a home-brewing supply store, Rick was encouraged to try his hand at winemaking and fell deeply, madly in love. His hunger for…
Matthew Regan is the Vice President/Brand Ambassador of VGS Chateau Potelle Winery in the Napa Valley. Matthew joined Chateau Potelle in 2000, and now manages all aspects of the VGS experience. Prior to his appointment at VGS Chateau Potelle, Matthew…
"Colorado's fastest growing winery making award-winning wines from Colorado's Grand Valley AVA! In 2015 we embarked on an endeavor to bring an exceptional & innovative wine experience to the Denver area. Initially a négociant winery, we began working with winemakers…
As the Director of Sales for Darioush, people are both Allen’s job and calling. After an earlier career in the securities industry, Allen became enamored with the evolving American wine industry and decided to pursue a more meaningful and family-oriented…
Taste of Vail Team
CRAIG BALE- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
KEVIN DELONAY - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ZACHARY LEWISON - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Joshua Marshall- BOARD OF DIRECTORS
GREG MOFFET - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
HEATHER PRICE - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PIERSON SHIELDS - BOARD OF DIRECTORS
ANGELA MUELLER - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
LISA BENSCHEIDT - ASSISTANT DIRECTOR
Guest Chef Coordinator: Lauren Gifford
KAREN CONKLIN - EVENT COORDINATOR: DEBUT OF ROSE
SUE TERBUSH - EVENT COORDINATOR: MOUNTAINTOP TASTING
KAREN CONKLIN - EVENT COORDINATOR: GRAND TASTING
ZACHARY LEWISON/HEATHER PRICE - EVENT COORDINATOR: SEMINARS
SCOTTY MOISES - EVENT COORDINATOR: OPERATIONS
STEFAN CREASER - EVENT COORDINATOR: OPERATIONS
LYNDA VANNORMAN - WINE ROOM COORDINATOR: OPERATIONS
