Wine Hosts

Step aboard for a truly unforgettable experience hosted by Heidi Rasmussen, Director of DTC Sales and Hospitality at Concannon Vineyard, one of California’s most historic and celebrated wineries. With over 17 years of leadership, Heidi has been a driving force behind Concannon’s recognition as Best Winery in the Bay Area, while also serving on the Boards of both the Livermore Valley Wine Association and the Livermore Chamber of Commerce. A WSET Level II Sommelier with deep roots in hospitality and a passion for global travel, Heidi brings warmth, expertise, and a spirit of adventure to everything she does.

Founded in 1883 by Irish immigrant James Concannon, Concannon Vineyard is a cornerstone of the California wine industry. James recognized the Livermore Valley’s unique terroir—similar to Bordeaux’s famed Médoc—and introduced pioneering viticulture practices to the region. As one of the first to import vines from Bordeaux’s First Growth châteaux, Concannon helped shape the future of American wine. Today, over 142 years later, Concannon continues to produce the Bordeaux-style red and white wines that made it legendary, staying true to its legacy of excellence and innovation.

Whether you’re a wine lover, history buff, or just someone who enjoys the finer things in life, this river cruise is the perfect opportunity to explore extraordinary wines, connect with like-minded travelers, and experience the heart of wine country—with Heidi as your passionate guide. Sip, sail, and savor the story of Concannon.

Ray Schnorr and Jeannine O’Brien are co-owners and co-winemakers at Highland Valley Vineyards, a boutique winery perched in Highland Valley overlooking the San Pasqual Valley in the foothills of San Diego, California. They began making wine as amateurs at their home in Rancho Bernardo and quickly scored numerous awards and accolades, spurring them to acquire their property in 2007. They became active in local winemaking groups, took classes from UC Davis, planted their estate vineyards and designed and built their craftsman-style winery. Jeannine earned a Certificate in the Business of Wine at San Diego State University and the level 1 sommelier designation from the Court of Masters. Ray led the San Diego County Vintners Association for two years as president.

Winegrapes have enjoyed a home for nearly a century in peaceful Highland Valley. Below the traditional craftsman-style winery, French Bordeaux varieties grow hillside in deeply draining decomposed granite, enjoying daily coastal breezes and cool nights. With this estate fruit and others carefully selected, they blend old craft with new techniques to hand style award-winning small lot red and white wines with character and distinction.

Located in the prime winegrowing area of Temecula, California, the Chapin Family Vineyards adventure started with an initial planting of five acres in 2002 with varietals of Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot. A few years later, the vineyard was expanded into another six acre parcel with planted varietals of Voignier, Aglianico and Montepulciano.

Each and every year since 2004, Steve Chapin, owner and winemaker has made more wine and sold less grapes to other wineries. Since 2012, 100% of the grapes harvested on the property have been utilized for production of Chapin Family Vineyards wines. The journey continues today with eight different wines being sold in the tasting room by knowledgeable sales associates.

“I want our winery friends to feel like they had a great time and felt welcomed in the quiet ambiance of the tasting room and patio area, a mini-vacation of sorts.” This is why on every Chapin bottle of wine reads “For the Love of Friendship”.

Winemaker Travis Clark first fell in love with wine in the village of Urbnisi, Georgia where he was living abroad teaching English. Upon returning to the US, wine slowly grew from a hobby into a profession. Travis attended the Northwest Wine Academy, interned at JM Cellars in Woodinville for the 2016 harvest, and became head winemaker at Amos Rome Vineyards in 2017. He's recently completed the WSU Viticulture Certificate program.

Briana wasn't a big fan of wine until she studied abroad in Argentina, where a glass of Malbec quickly became her drink of choice. She manages the tasting room, the wine club, and the calendar - and also helps out in the winery wherever Travis needs her; as a taster, a marketer, a grape sorter, a logistics coordinator, and a salesperson. She works full-time in radar sales for Echodyne. When they're not working, you can find them with their three kids enjoying all that Lake Chelan has to offer.

Carol Shelton has had an illustrious 48-year career in the wine industry. While getting her Enology degree from UC Davis, Carol worked with Dr. Ann Noble, the developer of the famed Wine Aroma Wheel, now used around the globe to help people find a common language when describing wine. As one of the first few women to receive her BS in Enology in 1978, Carol worked for Robert Mondavi, Saltram’s in Australia’s Barossa Valley, and at Buena Vista, where she was mentored by the great Andre Tchelistcheff.

As Winemaker for Windsor Vineyards from 1981 till 2000, her wines drew great acclaim, and she earned the title of “Most Awarded Winemaker in America” as well as “Winemaker of the Year” five times. Carol left Windsor in early 2000 to form Carol Shelton Wines with her husband, Mitch Mackenzie. Their goal is to craft small lots from vineyards that she carefully selects as the best expression of varietal style, with both Zinfandel and Rhône wines as both a focus and a passion. She continues to draw acclaim, earning 90+ scores consistently, winning many Gold+ medals and Best of Show awards. She has been named “Winemaker of the Year” a record eleven times, and her wines have been featured in the annual Wine Spectator’s “Top 100 Wines of the World” four times in the past ten years and in the Wine Enthusiast’s Top 100 list last year. Carol is a highly sought-after wine educator who is warm and down-to-earth, who loves to share her delicious wines with others.

Since the Harvest of 1975, Bob Lindquist has been working in the wine business. At the young age of 22 years his first job was working as a “cellar rat” for a small family winery near Gilroy CA. On his days off he explored the up-and-coming wineries of Santa Barbara County and fell in love with the area. This led to a job with Zaca Mesa Winery in Los Olivos in 1979 as the winery’s very first tour guide.

In 1982, while still at Zaca Mesa, Bob founded his first winery, Qupé Wine Cellars. Qupé became one of the early pioneers of Rhone varietals in California, with a focus on Syrah. Bob also made Chardonnay from Santa Barbara grapes to “pay the bills”. In 1989, Bob and Jim Clendenen partnered to build their own winery at Bien Nacido Vineyard in the Santa Maria Valley, which they called CLV (short for Clendenen Lindquist Vintners).

In 2018, Bob started his own eponymous brand, Lindquist Family Wines, still focusing on Rhone varietals and Chardonnay. Bob’s wife, Louisa Sawyer Lindquist is also a winemaker, with a focus on Iberian varietals and Cabernet Sauvignon under the brand name Verdad.

Bob’s lifetime accolades in the field of winemaking are numerous and notable, including:

• First President of the Santa Barbara Vintners – 1983
• Founding member of The Rhone Rangers – 1988
• Winemaker of the Year from the Central Coast Winegrowers – 1994
• “One of the World’s 50 most Influential Winemakers” Wine & Spirits Magazine

The Cinquain Cellars owner and winemaker, David Nagengast, graduated from the Fresno State University Enology program in 1985 with the dream of someday having his own vineyard and winery. In 2000, the search for the perfect site culminated in the purchase of a small hillside property, overlooking Hog Canyon and the Estrella River basin from 1000-ft elevation, in the Northeast area of the Paso Robles Estrella Appellation. In 2002, the 14-acre vineyard was planted with 10,000 vines including nine different Bordeaux, Rhône, and Port varieties. In 2007, the construction of their simple 1200 square-foot winery was completed. And now, after nearly 40 years of making wines professionally for a variety of small and medium sized wineries in Santa Cruz Mountains, Santa Clara County, and Oregon, the culmination of this dream is evident with the establishment of Nagengast Estate Vineyard, Cinquain Cellars and the availability of 1500 cases annually.

Pattie and Mark’s story began at the University of Minnesota in 1985. They married and started a family while dreaming of becoming orchard farmers. From a tandem bicycle trip through Europe with their 2-year-old daughter, their vision of an orchard morphed into a vineyard. They moved to Oregon in 2005 to chase their vineyard dream. Within months, they discovered a picturesque 107-acre farm in the Eola-Amity Hills and transformed it into a flourishing vineyard. Their passion was bolstered by viticulture classes at Chemeketa Community College and Pattie’s invaluable internship at Bethel Heights Vineyard. Amid forests and streams, the reality of Björnson Vineyard lives as they craft award-winning wines including Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Gamay Noir, Pinot Blanc, blending their love for nature with their expertise. Björnson is the first and only vineyard in the Western Hemisphere to grow and produce the ancient variety Gouais Blanc. What started as a casual conversation about life goals in the ‘80s evolved into a legacy of fine wines and a testament to their shared dreams.

Founded by the late Judge Royce Lewellen, and long-time grape grower Louis Lucas in 1996, Lucas & Lewellen Vineyards has been producing fine grapes and wine for many years. Royce’s son Mike Lewellen became a minority owner of the company in 1999 and joined the company full-time in 2009 to help manage the operation as it grows into the future. As Managing Partner, Mike carries out business planning and analysis and works with all departments at the winery; Marketing & Sales, Finance, the Tasting Rooms, and of course the Winery. Prior to Lucas and Lewellen, Mike worked for over 16 years in the multi-channel retail business. Working at different times as Marketing Director, Circulation Manager and Inventory Planner, he gained valuable experience that he has applied toward the wine business. Mike was raised in Solvang, California near the vineyards, has a B.A. in Political Science from the University of Colorado, a Professional Designation in Business Management from UCLA, and has furthered his wine education through programs at U.C. Davis.

Mike Owen’s lifelong wine journey has taken him from California to France, from the cellar to the judging table, from a wine aficionado to a wine businessman. Mike and his wife Melissa own and operate Crystal Basin Cellars in the Sierra Foothills of the El Dorado appellation. Working with almost 20 different grapes provides an extensive line-up of award-winning wines. Mike has great success with Rhone varieties planted at high elevations. You can literally taste the difference in these flavorful wines. Who doesn’t want to talk about and sip great Syrah and Mourvedre?

Mike’s palate, easygoing informative approach, plus his serious, wine-geeky patter set him up to be an All-Star host for AmaWaterways. Crystal Basin’s winemaking history extends back nearly 40 years. Let Mike and Melissa them share their enthusiasm on an unforgettable trip.

Stuart, a fifth generation Sacramento Valley California farmer and Dolores from the Sierra Nevada studied agriculture at Chico State University. They, with the help of neighbors and friends, planted their first acre of grapes in 1993 on land purchased fifty years earlier by Dolores’ grandparents.

Brice Station Vineyards finds its name from the Brice Station stagecoach stop, where passengers and freight from the coast were brought to the mountains. At an elevation of 3280 feet, the vineyard is the highest in California’s goldrush region. The characteristic late bud break of Bordeaux varieties helps to avoid spring frost damage. The vineyard acreage was increased in 1996, and the additional yields were sold locally and to Napa Valley winemakers. In 2001, after winning homemade wine competitions, they opened a tasting room in an abandoned fallout shelter built during the Cuban missile crisis by Dolores’ father, Paul Quyle. Customers enjoy the cozy shelter in winter, and the flower gardens and patio spring through fall.

Twelve years ago the business expanded to include summer music concerts, outdoor Shakespeare productions, weddings, and local fundraising events.

Both Stuart and Dolores believe in the positive results gained by travel. They have hosted over 100 young adults on the farm, starting in 1989 with a Danish exchange student, and continue to host students, called Wwoofers, through the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms program.

Judd was raised in Napa Valley and graduated from The Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Telecommunication at Arizona State University with a bachelor’s degree in Television Production, but you might say winemaking was in his blood. Since he was a tot, he has been making wine with his family. From pruning to picking to punching to pressing, Judd has been involved in every facet of winemaking and is known as “Mr. Hospitality Napa Valley," renowned for creating fun and memorable experiences for his guests.

Brian's journey into winemaking began surprisingly when, after a visit to a working winery in 2007, he announced his new passion. With determination and a drive that Brandee likens to being "half Golden Retriever and half Freight Train," Brian immersed himself in learning the craft. His dedication paid off as their wine production grew from two barrels in 2009 to five in 2010. Whirlwind would describe the next year - marriage, the purchase and remodel of a 1926 home and building a winery in the basement. The name "Structure Cellars" itself was born during the chaos of home renovation, reflecting the strong foundation they were building - both personally and in wine.

Fast forward to present, Structure Cellars has grown significantly and earning numerous accolades, including multiple scores of 92 and 93 points and the title of the most awarded winery in 2023 by Sip Magazine's "Best of the Northwest.". With three locations in Seattle and Tacoma, they continue to produce wine in Washington State, a place they cherish. Grateful for the journey so far, they look forward to future adventures, inviting others to join them in celebrating love, wine, and the beautiful moments shared along the way.

Linda and Mike McWilliams are the owners and proprietors of San Pasqual Winery located in La Mesa, California, with tasting rooms in La Mesa and San Diego’s famed Seaport Village.

Their venture into the wine industry began in 2009 by purchasing the San Pasqual Winery - San Diego’s first urban winery. Linda went back to school and earned her Certificate in Winemaking from UC Davis, becoming our fulltime winemaker. San Pasqual wines are hand-crafted in small lots using grapes sourced from local vineyards and renowned viticulture regions throughout California. We currently produce about 2500 cases a year sold exclusively in their two tasting rooms and through the “Friends of San Pasqual” wine club.

Their San Pasqual wine list includes a robust selection of traditional grape varietals that are consistent award winners in local, state, and international competitions, including our San Diego Riesling; awarded gold and double gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle. Our 20 different varietals include Chardonnay, Rose, Malbec, Temperanillo, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Barbera and multiple sparkling and special fruit wines.

Dane is an internationally experienced winemaker with nearly 24 harvests on his resume. Originally from South Africa, he earned a degree in enology and pomology from The University of Stellenbosh before producing wines for various wineries throughout the world including South Africa, Austria, Australia, New Zealand, California, Missouri, and Texas.

Working in different environments and using a vast range of machinery has given Dane the experience to build a state-of-the-art winery and the confidence to bring lesser-known grape varietals to the forefront.

He looks forward to introducing you to his wines and meeting new fellow wine enthusiasts.

Trey remembers his very first concert like if was yesterday (Helix, Keel, and Accept at the Omni in Atlanta in 1984 if you are wondering). His love of music, especially Pearl Jam, is one of the reasons he ended up in the Pacific NW. After moving to Seattle in 1992 and working for Nordstrom for 8 years, Trey was offered the chance to move his family to Walla Walla and get into the wine business with the Dunham Cellars family. Eric Dunham, the winemaker and owner of Dunham Cellars, gave Trey the foundation for his winemaking and philosophy. Trey fell in love with the winemaking process on the first day of crush in September of 2000, and that journey led him to Sleight of Hand Cellars.

Trey is in charge of, and oversees, the winemaking, keeping his finger on the pulse of what is happening in the vineyards and cellar. He also shares the sales and marketing duties with Jerry, traveling to far-away places to spread the Sleight of Hand love around the country. Trey also is a world-renowned Air Guitar player, and will often be found at a local karaoke bar belting out Tom Petty or Pearl Jam. He has the most amazing wife in Holly, and three amazing daughters that he loves more than anything, and can't believe how lucky he is to have ended up in this business with Jerry and Sandy.

Christine has a story to tell. She and her husband, Dennis, purchased 100 acres high in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia in 1999 that was to one day be their retirement retreat after they sold their veterinary practice in Virginia Beach. But before they had a chance to even consider retirement, serendipity stepped in, and soon, up at 1800 ft elevation where the air is cool and the earth, rocky and steep, they were planting a small family vineyard of Pinot Noir, a grape that was determined impossible to grow successfully in the humid, hot Mid-Atlantic climate. This unexpected journey brought their son, Nathan, back to Virginia from Denver to learn winemaking and he would soon produce one of the finest pinot noirs on the East Coast. Their Pinot Noir has been recognized as a “Top Ten Hot Brand 2017” by Wine Business Monthly, and Ankida Ridge was the only East Coast producer invited to Oregon’s prestigious International Pinot Noir Celebration 2016. They are listed in Food & Wine as one of Virginia’s Top 10 Vineyards and have received numerous high ratings from James Suckling and Wine Enthusiast.

Christine loves to share her passion for high-elevation viticulture, the importance of matching grape variety to place and for maintaining respect for the environment. Their panoramic vineyard and sheep farm sits high above the valleys and distant cities and has been cited as having one of the most beautiful vineyard views on the East Coast. “Ankida” is an ancient Sumerian word meaning “Where heaven and earth join.” Christine embraces the connection between people, good food and wine and the conviviality that goes with it all. She hopes you will join her on this cruise so she can share with you their serendipitous story and learn about grape-growing in various regions of the world. She invites attendees to journey to beautiful Virginia wine country and experience for yourself the beauty, tranquility and fine wines of Ankida Ridge. And there is now no retirement in their future!

Messina Hof is the most awarded and renowned Texas wine in national and international competitions. In a community steeped in tradition, Messina Hof Winery & Resort holds its own with a 200-year history of award winning wines. Although the winery itself was officially established when with the first vintage release in 1983, the rich wine heritage of Winemaker Paul Bonarrigo dates back six generations to Messina, Sicily. Merrill Bonarrigo’s family originates from Hof, Germany. Together they have pioneered the Texas wine industry in creating premium wines of distinction and a landmark wine country destination.

Dehlinger is a small, independent, family-owned winery with a five-decade history of growing and producing wines from its estate vineyard in Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. As Director of Hospitality, Greg Johnson seeks to share both the wine and the rich history of Dehlinger Estate. A fifth-generation Sonoma County native, Greg’s passion for wine and food has a long history. Following a 30-year career in education, he began working and consulting for a number of small independent wineries before joining the Dehlinger team in 2022.

Mary Joli is the SE Regional Sales Manager with Willamette Valley Vineyards in Oregon’s verdant Willamette Valley. Mary brings with her a wealth of wine knowledge and experience from 20 years in the Oregon wine industry, starting in wine shops specializing in Oregon Pinots, and later with several small production Oregon wineries. Mary has managed tasting rooms and hosted special events and vineyard weddings. The last 14 years Mary has worked for Willamette Valley Vineyards on the National Sales Team managing Distributor relations in 8 states across the south US and travels throughout Europe hosting riverboat cruises for AmaWaterways.

As a TWA international flight attendant Mary traveled extensively throughout Europe where she first discovered the joy of drinking elegant old world wines. Over a four year period Mary tasted her way across Europe and developed a palate and passion for wine. After settling down and raising a family Mary returned to the workforce to pursue her passion for wines, of traveling and meeting new people, working with Willamette Valley Vineyards has enabled her to live her dreams.

At home in Oregon Mary enjoys hiking, organic gardening and kayaking on the Willamette River. She actively enjoys Oregon’s endless forests, snowy mountains, rugged coastline and, of course, its elegant wines!

Roman Roth is a gifted winemaker who often times is heard singing in an enviable tenor voice echoing amid the barrels of Wölffer Estate. Most of all Roman gives “voice” to his wines, produced by profound experience developed on three continents. It all began with the dream of a 16-year-old boy from Rottweil in Germany’s Black Forest region. He earned his Master Winemaker and Cellar Master degrees from Weinsberg’s College for Oenology and Viticulture.

In 1992, Roman became the first winemaker at Wölffer Estate Vineyard. He established the estate’s distinctive character food-friendly, elegant wines reflective of the Long Island’s distinct terroir. He has dedicated himself to promoting not only the wines of Wölffer Estate, but of Long Island, where he has consulted with numerous vineyards and served as the President of the Long Island Wine Council from 2016 – 2018.

Recent honors include having two Wölffer Estate wines make recent “Top 100” lists from Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast; being honored as the highest-rated wines in Long Island history; and having Wölffer Estate wines served in the White House over the past two decades.

Sommelier, wine writer and international wine judge, Roxanne Langer has tipped her glass around the world looking for the best wines, Champagnes, Cognacs, and Whiskeys. She has held executive management positions for Napa Valley wineries, international winery associations and even a cult winery located in the tawny hills of Bel Air, Los Angeles. Frequently a guest wine speaker for wine festivals (including EPCOT’s International Food & Wine Festival) to cruise ships, Langer has co-authored, “Churchill, A Drinking Life: Champagne, Cognac and Cocktails” (Skyhorse Publishing NYC). Langer has also penned several articles for the Somm Journal, The Tasting Panel, Wine Geographic and numerous newspapers and wine blogs. In addition, as a wine expert she has been quoted in more than 10 national books.

As the co-founder of LadySomm, a wine edutainment and experience company located in Carmel-By-The-Sea, Langer provides wine programs to corporations, associations, universities and C-suite executives in the US and Europe. A two-time graduate of the University of the Pacific (B.A & M.A.) Langer wrote her master’s thesis on wine. She attended the University of California at Davis Community Education Program in Viticulture and Enology and has studied under WSET in the UK, US Somm and is a somm-certification adjunct professor. Langer has traveled extensively through 40 countries focusing mainly on wine regions.

In addition, Langer serves as Vice Enchansson for the Los Angeles Chapter of Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, is a board member for Les Dames d'Escoffier International- Monterey Chapter, is a member of Women of the Vine & Spirits, Women for WineSense (past Sacramento president), CMO Club (Chief Marketing Officers), American Institute of Food and Wine, and Women in Wine, Monterey, CA.

At Stoller, their roots run deep. The family established the property in 1943 and the vineyard 50 years later. Over the last 30 years, the team has patiently transformed the 400-acre property into the largest contiguous vineyard in Oregon’s Dundee Hills. Much has changed from the original Stoller family farm, but two things remain constant: a pioneering spirit and commitment to their farm.

The team continuously seeks new ways to refine and protect its legacy so that it can thrive for generations to come. Stoller’s winery was the first in the world to receive LEED Gold certification, attesting that their winery is sustainably built and environmentally friendly. Stoller takes pride in their B Corp, LIVE, and Salmon-Safe certifications, knowing they back their values with actions when it comes to their commitment to their land, wines, and community.

Leading the charge for the past 11 years is President Gary Mortensen. His career spans more than 22 years of senior leadership in the Oregon wine industry, coupled with a decade as a start-up veteran. As a devoted historian, he is committed to preserving and sharing our nation’s diversity and heritage. Gary’s passion for innovation and pushing boundaries has earned Stoller a reputation for excellence that consistently earns the family-owned winery a place on the USA Today 10Best Tasting Rooms Reader’s Choice poll and 2023 Best Winery by Willamette Week’s Best of Portland. In 2022, Gary was named one of the Portland Business Journal’s Executives of the Year, and one of Wine Business Month’s Top Leaders.

Peter Neptune is one of only 269 individuals in the World to hold the wine industry's most prestigious title: Master Sommelier. He is a 35-year veteran of the wine business, beginning as a sommelier in New York City, where he trained and worked for 10 years. Upon returning to his native California, Peter entered into Wine Education full time, and has established a nationwide reputation as one of the premier wine educators in the USA.

In addition to his MS Diploma, Peter holds the title of Certified Wine Educator with the Society of Wine Educators (for which he was recognized with the Banfi Award for Excellence in 2003), holds a Diploma in Wine and Spirits from the Wine and Spirit Education Trust in London, and is an Associate of the Institute of Wines and Spirits. He also holds the credential French Wine Scholar, with Highest Honors.

Peter is one of the teaching Masters at the Court of Master Sommelier Intro and Advanced Courses, and is an examiner at the Certified, Advanced, and Master Sommelier Examinations.

In 2003 Peter began the first WSET school in Southern California. Currently, Neptune School of Wine administers the WSET Level 1, Level 2, Level 3, and Level 4 Diploma Certification programs, as well as the French and Spanish Wine Scholar programs and exams. To date he has taught over 1,500 students at the various levels. Neptune School is proud to be celebrating over 20 years as a WSET APP!

The story of how owners Dee and Todd Krivoshein entered the wine business is true kismet. Both grew up in small towns in families with farming backgrounds—the values of hard work, respecting the earth, and building community were instilled from a young age. Todd’s wine journey began during his teenage years, helping his uncle with his small winery in Walla Walla. This background laid the foundation for what was to come.

Dee and Todd first discovered Page Cellars in the early 2000s—they were drawn to the robust house wine style and the energy of an urban working winery. They became club members and eventually cellar volunteers, with Todd often helping founder Jim Page in the winery. Fast forward to 2021, New Year’s Day. The couple was looking to establish a family business and create a legacy for their children, and Todd was considering his next career step. Dee stumbled upon a local winery listed for sale; they suspected the listing to be Page Cellars---- and the rest is history.

Although not a part of their original plans, owning a winery was a natural step for Dee and Todd. The Krivoshein household was always a hub for entertaining, and hosting winery guests became a natural extension. The couple’s decision to establish their business in the Woodinville Warehouse District was an intentional one. They wanted to create something hands-on and immersive, a working winery where they could share the winemaking process.

Utopia Vineyard and Winery is a family-owned producer of small-lot, handcrafted wines specializing in world-class Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Perfectly situated at an elevation of 500 feet in the heart of the Ribbon Ridge American Viticultural Area (AVA) in the Northern Willamette Valley, Oregon, Utopia consists of 16.8 acres of contiguous South-facing hillsides in one of the most prestigious wine growing regions in the United States.

Owner & Winemaker Dan Warnshuis discovered Oregon Pinot Noir early in his wine journey while working in the technology sector of Silicon Valley and living in Napa Valley. The raw beauty of the Willamette Valley wine country and his increasing love for Pinot Noir ultimately drove Dan to go looking for the perfect place for his own wine making endeavors. In 2000, the Utopia Estate Vineyard was born. Utopia produced its first commercial vintage in 2006 with 413 cases of Estate Pinot Noir. Utopia is a family enterprise. Wife Kathy Warnshuis handles operations and behind the scenes affairs. Dan and Kathy’s daughter Erin manages the winery’s marketing and hospitality.

Today the Utopia produces four Estate Pinot Noirs, each a distinct blend of different clones from the Estate Vineyard, an Estate Chardonnay, a Pinot Noir Rose, and a Pinot Noir Blanc every year, along with several other single vineyard varietals. All the practices at Utopia are designed to support Sustainable Organic Farming which lends itself to high quality fruit production annually. Utopia Vineyards received its L.I.V.E. Certification in 2008 and has since been committed to following international standards of sustainable viticulture including dry farming.

Growing up in a winemakers household within the Walla Walla Valley, Cameron had a great deal of exposure into the world of wine and winemaking. His father, Cliff Kontos of Fort Walla Walla Cellars, is a remarkable mentor and is always excited to share his knowledge of life and of wine. Cliff is easily the most important influence on Cameron’s life; as a winemaker, husband, father, and a man. It didn’t take long before he realized that this was his calling and his lifelong connection to his father.

In 2002 he joined Forgeron Cellars, and quickly became a part of their family. After a short time, Cameron was promoted to assistant winemaker. During his eight years there, Marie-Eve Gilla helped further his knowledge of crafting wines in a traditional French style. He and Marie still compare notes and enjoy a treasured friendship to this day.

Cameron’s own style of winemaking has evolved and matured with time. The blending of the Alatus is of primary importance. He then focuses on blending wines within the same varietial but from various vineyards throughout the Walla Walla Valley. A very extensive oak program gives him the finishing finesse that make Kontos Cellars wines stand proud.

Ab Astris, meaning ‘of the stars’ in Latin, is a family owned and operated boutique winery. Owners and Co-Founders Erin and Tony Smith opened Ab Astris with their daughter and son-in-law, Co-Founder Kristen and Co- Founder and Winemaker Mike Nelson. As a family-owned winery, we are passionately committed to crafting exceptional wines sourced from the finest 100% Texas-grown fruit. Nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, our 12-acre vineyard, planted between 2018 and 2019, showcases a meticulously curated selection of varietals, including four acres of Tannat, two acres of Souzao, two acres of Clairette Blanche, two acres of Petite Syrah, and two acres of Montepulciano. Ab Astris is proud be the recipient of many awards including numerous gold medals from the San Francisco Chronicle International Wine Competition, one of Texas Monthly’s Top Texas Wines of the Year 2024, and more. When visiting the winery, guests can enjoy our award-winning wines, numerous tasting experiences, and our idyllic setting.

Established in 2002, Sojourn Cellars produces highly acclaimed Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay wines. We source fruit from celebrated vineyards in both Sonoma and Napa Valley, where we work closely with vineyard owners who use world-class growing methods for cultivating grapes of the highest quality. Our hands-off winemaking style allows the character and personality of these special vineyard sites to shine through in the finished wines.

Randy Bennett started as Sojourn’s Assistant Winemaker in 2008. He is now responsible for making all the Sojourn wines and overseeing cellar operations and vineyard management activities. He works closely with our growers and cellar crew to achieve Erich’s vision for the wines each vintage. Randy is also Sojourn’s General Manager, running the day-to-day operations of our production, marketing, and business operations. Randy’s introduction to winemaking came under the tutelage of Thomas Brown and Mike Smith while working in the wine caves of Nicholson Ranch in Sonoma. Randy was introduced to the art of making distinctive high-end wines during his time helping Thomas and Mike, as they produced wines for Schrader Cellars, Rivers-Marie, Myriad Cellars, Tamber Bey, and Nicholson Ranch.

Doug Margerum has been intimately involved in the Santa Barbara food and wine scene for over 40 years and is widely regarded as one of the pioneers promoting the uniqueness and quality of the region’s food and wine. In 1981, Doug and his family founded the Wine Cask in Santa Barbara, which was a legendary restaurant known for its wine program and in 1994 became one of the 74 restaurants in the world to earn the coveted Wine Spectator Grand Award. Doug launched the Wine Cask Futures program in 1984 and owned and founded Vita Nova Winery with Bob Lindquist (Qupé) and Jim Clendenen (Au Bon Climat) in 1986. Doug sold the Wine Cask in 2007 after deciding to devote all of his energies to winemaking having started Margerum Wine Company in 2001. Margerum produces limited quantities of wines made from grapes grown at the Estate Vineyard in the Los Olivos District and at top vineyards from around Santa Barbara County. In 2014, Doug released the Barden wines, which focuses exclusively on the terroir of the Sta. Rita Hills, sourcing fruit from top vineyards in the appellation and makes limited amounts of world-class, cuisine-friendly and age-worthy wines. Doug was recently nominated as Winemaker of the Year for the 23rd Anniversary of the Wine Enthusiast’s coveted Annual Wine Star Awards, which honors individuals and companies that make outstanding contributions to the wine world.

Bellante Family Winery is a boutique winery founded by our winemaker and his wife, Chuck and Sheri Bellante, in 2000. Our award winning wines focus on cool climate, single vineyard, Santa Barbara County fruit; specifically Viogniers, Pinot Noirs, and Rhone Reds.

Chuck’s background in Chemical Process Engineering gives him a foundation for extracting all he can from these delicate grapes. The result is delicious, age-worthy wines that belong on any dinner table and in the most discriminating wine cellars.

Join us on a captivating journey along the Rhine River, where we eagerly anticipate the pleasure of meeting fellow wine enthusiasts like yourself. Together, let’s set sail to share our love and expertise of wine with each and every one of you.

Barbieri Wine Company was founded in 2005 by Master Sommelier Paolo Barbieri. Paolo's exposure to the world's wine inspired him to start making small (experimental) lots from Santa Barbara County in his garage in Las Vegas, Nevada in 2003. The small wine press used in his initial batches can still be found in his tasting room today. During the early development of Barbieri Wine Company, Paolo used his experience and expertise to master his own wine making process. Paolo always loved the central coast for its wines, and soon began crafting them in Buellton, CA, while commuting back to Las Vegas.

Erin Kempe's career in the culinary world started back in her home state of Texas where she worked in several restaurants, which helped to develop her love for food and wine. A move to Las Vegas brought her to work with culinary masters and James Beard winners like Hubert Keller of Fleur de Lys, Rick Moonen of RM Seafood, Wolfgang Puck of Cut and Spago and Shawn McClain of Sage. Together with Paolo, she created a new label under her name, KEMPE which focuses on Bordeaux varietals such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Petite Sirah, some Bordeaux Blends, with a Rose' and white blend as well.

In 2014, Paolo and Erin decided "roll the dice" and go "all in" to pursue wine making full-time, and left Las Vegas to open their tasting room in Los Olivos.

Nestled in the rolling westside hills of Paso Robles, Brecon Estate is a Boutique Estate winery owned by Damian and Amanda Grindley. The estate produces exquisite and inviting wines. Each Brecon Estate wine is a small batch ferment, sold exclusively onsite.

Master winemaker and proud Welshman, owner Damian Grindley has been in the industry for over 20 years, crafting highly awarded wines across the United States, Australia, and Europe. During his travels, Damian has explored and mapped some of the longest and deepest caves in the world. His love of limestone and exquisite wines brought him to the Central Coast for the first time 17 years ago, and when the opportunity arose to purchase Brecon Estate, he knew that it was time to settle down and craft his own unfettered wines.

Co-owner Amanda Grindley is Australian by birth and an adventurer in her own right. A keen caver and world traveler, Amanda is passionate about conservation and the great outdoors. She has been instrumental in the design and remodeling of Brecon Estate. Her keen eye for detail is prevalent throughout the winery’s buildings and decor. Amanda enjoys hosting events on the beautiful, peaceful grounds at Brecon Estates.

Karl Wittstrom oversees the daily management and operations of Ancient Peaks Winery. Karl is an entrepreneur, winegrower, rancher and longtime Paso Robles area resident who was raised amid his family’s ranching and farming business. Karl is a former director of the California Mid State Fair in Paso Robles, and he is a member of the California Cattlemen’s Association, California Farm Bureau and a past director of the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. He oversees his own family vineyard and co-owns Margarita Vineyard and Ancient Peaks Winery.

Ms. Theodora Lee, known in the wine world as Theopatra, Queen of the Vineyards is the founder and owner of Theopolis Vineyards. In 2001 she bought land in Anderson Valley, California and planted her first grapes in 2003. In an ode to her Greek sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, she named her vineyard, Theopolis Vineyards. Her first harvest received 94- 96 points from Wine Critic Robert Parker. Ms. Lee decided to bottle her own wines in 2014.

In addition to bottling Petite Sirah, Theopolis Vineyards strikes a lighter note by bottling a Symphony, a white wine grape, which is a crossing of Muscat and Grenache Gris. Ms. Lee also bottles the unique Rosé of Petite Sirah, a Yorkville Highlands Pinot Noir, a Santa Lucia Highlands Pinot Noir, a Cuvee Blanc and a Cuvee Cerise.

The 2018 Estate Grown Theopolis Vineyards Petite Sirah has received 96 Points from Wine Enthusiast, and Cellar Selection, ranking it No. 16 in the Top 100 Cellar Selections of 2021.

In 2008, Lisa Liberati and Michael Fogelman attended a one-month U.C. Davis winemaking program in Dijon. A month after coming home, Michael decided to try to make wine in his second floor, white-carpeted apartment on Sweetzer Avenue in the heart of West Hollywood. Undaunted by his lack of experience, armed with a willing cellar hand (Lisa) and a wealth of information (internet), he dove in. Crushing and destemming in the carport, fermenting in the dining room, pressing in the kitchen, cold stabilizing in an ice-filled bathtub became an annual ritual. What began in 2008 with 700 pounds of Cabernet Sauvignon from Sonoma expanded to 2000 pounds of Pinot Noir from Santa Barbara County in 2012.

By 2013, the winemaking project had outgrown the apartment and Sweetzer Cellars became a fully bonded winery (but no longer on Sweetzer Avenue). While they still live in Los Angeles and haven’t quit their day jobs as test-prep tutors, Lisa and Michael can be found every weekend in Lompoc at their tasting room and the shared facility where they make their wines, still committed to a hands-on approach. The singular style that developed in the apartment – clean, balanced, complex wines made with minimal intervention and a respect for terroir – continues today. Their initial focus on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay eventually grew to include other varietals – all bearing the Sweetzer signature style, and all made with care, love, and dedication born in a second-floor apartment.

Jeff has been in the wine business for the past 20+ years, working for some of the top Champagne and Burgundy houses. With the name Liquid Farm on Jeff’s mind for many years, it was the catalyst for starting the project in 2009 with the helping guidance of Brandon Sparks-Gillis of Dragonette Cellars.

The name Liquid Farm was thought of long before there was wine in barrel as we wanted to remain dedicated to telling the Above Ground/Below Ground story. The vintage, placed above the line, pays homage to the particular year's influence on the wine, while the AVA of Sta. Rita Hills lies below, honoring the soil's unmistakable impact, which also ends up inside the glass. Before Liquid Farm, our glasses were often filled with old world wine. We preferred the lower alcohol, cooler climate, and more earth-driven characteristics of European wines compared to their more ripe, fruit-focused, more alcoholic Californian counterparts. We allow the wines to develop on their own with little intervention, minimal or no new oak and use no additives or machines to manipulate the wines inherent personality.

We decided to start out making what we most love to drink: Chardonnay that is earth and mineral driven from cool climates with little or no new oak, Bandol-inspired Rosé of Mourvedre and four different Pinot Noirs . To achieve these qualities we were drawn to one of the coolest of all California AVA's, Sta. Rita Hills. Located in Santa Barbara County, it is home to some of the most Chardonnay-suited, unique, ancient soils in North America.

Anthony Schroth’s journey into winemaking began unexpectedly. In 2003, he was recruited to play baseball at Sonoma State University, but a shoulder injury altered his path. When an accounting class was unavailable, he enrolled in a wine course, unknowingly setting the stage for his future.

During the 2005 harvest season, Anthony interned in Napa, immersing himself in winemaking. He graduated in 2006 with a double major in marketing and wine business, then joined Harvest Moon Estate & Winery in the Russian River Valley, gaining hands-on experience in vineyard management, winemaking, and sales.

In 2007, Anthony took on the challenge of restoring a neglected vineyard. While working the vines, he envisioned a winery of his own. That dream became reality with Jackson Hole Winery, founded in 2009 in Jackson, Wyoming. Situated at 6,229 feet, the cool mountain climate enhances the winemaking process, producing beautifully balanced wines.

Today, Jackson Hole Winery produces 4,000 cases annually and has earned top honors at major competitions:

• 2022 Pinot Noir, Russian River Valley – Best of Class, Sonoma County Harvest Fair
• 2022 Catch & Release, Zinfandel – Best of Class, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
• 2021 Rendezvous Red – Best of Class, San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Anthony’s passion for winemaking and commitment to quality continue to shape Jackson Hole Winery’s reputation for excellence, crafting wines as unforgettable as the Grand Tetons themselves.

Jimmy’s journey started at just six years old, when he began singing and playing drums in his family’s band, The Quailes. By the time he was a teenager, The Quailes were performing at local and national nightspots.

Jimmy’s road then took a sharp turn from 2002 to 2011 when he and his chef wife, Janet, opened and operated Big Daddy’s Crabcakes. Their seafood restaurant was recognized as the Best of Philly by Philadelphia Magazine.

The route recalculated further when Jimmy became Wine Consultant for leading wine retailers Roger Wilco Wines & Spirits and WinesTillSoldOut.com (WTSO.com). In 2014, he received the title of Certified Sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers.

All roads eventually lead to Jimmy combining his entertainment background and his passion for wine with his book, Tales from the Wine Floor: 100 Questions Asked of a Sommelier. The book, published by Lyons Press (Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.) is available wherever books are sold.

In addition to writing about wine, he teaches wine classes, hosts “Somm Dinners” for corporate clients and casino special events and donates his time and talents in support of his favorite charities.

While living in Santa Barbara, Rob and Paula dreamed of owning property in the country to raise their two young sons. After searching the California coast, Rob took Paula for a visit to Paso Robles Wine Country and she was hooked after seeing the beautiful countryside and the downtown square that reminded her of her Midwestern roots. Paula discovered an 81-acre property on the top of a hill past a little country graveyard dating back to 1865. The property had everything on their list of “must haves” including an existing vineyard. The first bottling in 2006 was only 184 cases and now is an award-winning winery with tasting rooms in California and Texas with direct-to-consumer sales of 4,000 cases per year.

Forge Cellars is a boutique winery located in the Finger Lakes Wine Region of NYS. In 2011, Louis Barruol and Rick Rainey founded Forge Cellars on the southeast shores of Seneca Lake in New York. Their goal is for the wines to reflect the place that they come from, because this is where the pleasure is. The choices in the cellar guard the purity of the vineyards. They make wine in the traditional, handcrafted manner.

Louis comes from a winemaking tradition of 14 generations. His family has been located at their historic property in the village of Gigondas in the Southern Rhone Valley of France since 1570. Louis grew up among the vines and took over the estate from his dad in 1992, proceeding to improve quality and grow a vigneron-negociant arm of the business. Château de St. Cosme is now regarded as the benchmark of wine quality in Gigondas.

Born in Florida, Rick came to the Finger Lakes by way of the Philadelphia restaurant industry with the aim of someday owning a winery. For more than two decades, Rick has been involved in all aspects of the distribution business, from his role as a wine buyer for a French portfolio to managing a team of nine sales people. He naturally gravitates to working in partnership with growers and alongside the vines but also enjoys the cellar, as it is the culmination of all their hard work.

Weston Eidson is an emerging star in American winemaking, known for his innovative approach, meticulous craftsmanship, and commitment to quality. Originally from Texas, he grew up appreciating wine’s deep cultural and historical significance, as well as its special place at the dinner table. With a background in law and a successful business career, his passion for wine eventually led him to leave the corporate world and immerse himself fully in winemaking.

While attending graduate school in the UK, Weston explored renowned wine regions from Chile and South Africa to Bordeaux, Alsace, and the Veneto. His journey ultimately brought him to Napa Valley, where he worked the 2012 harvest under Jason Moore of Modus Operandi, gaining invaluable winemaking skills. He later trained under esteemed winemaker Russell Bevan, refining his expertise in crafting complex, balanced wines.

In 2012, Weston founded Silver Ghost Cellars, inspired by his great-grandfather’s 1909 Rolls-Royce Silver Ghost. Known for its elegant, expressive Cabernet Sauvignon, Silver Ghost reflects both Napa’s rich terroir and Weston’s dedication to minimal-intervention winemaking.

About Silver Ghost

Weston’s great-grandfather, John Montagu, was a British Lord, automotive pioneer, and close friend of Charles Rolls and Henry Royce. His secretary, Eleanor Thornton, inspired the iconic Rolls-Royce hood ornament, the Spirit of Ecstasy. Like its namesake, Silver Ghost wine embodies richness, culture, and authenticity—an homage to a legacy of craftsmanship and excellence.