Excellenceawards digital 2015 v6

Excellence Awards 2014

The Second Annual

Excellence Awards Honoring Recipients of Year 2014 Gala Dinner Tuesday, March 10, 2015

We are fortunate to have world-renowned artist Gordon Huether living in Napa Valley, and as a member of CANVAS. His studio is one more reflection of how art contributes to the quality of life in our Wine Country community.

For more than 25 years, Gordon has been creating large-scale, site-specific art installations integrated into architecture and landscapes for both public and private clients throughout the world.

Huether’s work has been exhibited at museums and galleries across the United States. He has received more than 60 public art commissions and over 150 private commissions for airports, hotels, universities, hospitals libraries and more. His Napa Studio and Gallery offer extraordinary smaller pieces making his art accessible to the general public.

Gordon graciously designed the trophies being awarded to our winners of Excellence. CANVAS is honored to match excellence with excellence.

CANVAS Presents!

The CANVAS Excellence Awards recognize and honor those hospitality industry employees who have taken the extra step to ensure that visitor experiences in Northern California Wine Country result in a positive and memorable encounter.

For a total of six months there has been a reinforced awareness of Excellence through the process of colleagues nominating their worthy associates, a period of voting for those nominees and now acknowledging the winners at this Gala Awards evening.

The Excellence Awards program serves to create greater awareness of the value of customer service and to elevate the standard of service excellence throughout our Wine Country.

The Awards Program is designed to: • ensure that industry personnel are aware of the importance of service excellence to the reputation of Northern California Wine Country, • set an example and represent a leading standard for Wine Tourism in general, • support employers in recognizing their outstanding employees, • support employers customer service initiatives and training and to acknowledge the success of their programs, • AND... excellent customer service and creating memorable experiences are our top priorities in Wine Country.

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Thank you to our esteemed judges who assisted in selecting the winners from the three finalist nominees.

Jennifer Buffo, Owner Pure Luxury Ken Fischang, President/CEO Sonoma County Tourism Bureau Kathy Magner, Director of Hospitality Robert Mondavi Winery Greg Nomura, General Manager ANDAZ Wendy Petersen, Executive Director Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau Terri Piper, Owner Piper Johnson Catering Don Rickard, Owner Platypus Tours Holly Stiel, International Trainer Thank You Very Much Larry Willis, Owner/Member The Gables Wine Country Inn/Sonoma County Lodging Assoc.

Thank you to our winery hosts for this evening!

Baldacci Vineyards Benovia Winery Breathless Wines Diageo Chateau & Estate Wines Eleven Eleven Franciscan Estate Winery Hall Wines Jamieson Ranch Vineyards

Jessup Cellars Judd’s Hill Patz & Hall Pellegrini Wine Co. Raymond Vineyards Round Pond Estate Truchard Vineyards

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We gratefully acknowledge our sponsors who are important partners in making the Excellence Awards come alive each year

Rentals to Make Your Event ‘Simply Excellent’.

DINAH CROSS JAMES 6

Prizes

Another way to recognize our winners is to reward them with an experience that will refresh and educate. The following are this evening’s generous sponsors and their prizes.

Rock out all summer long at the Long Meadow Ranch Summer Concert Series. The winner will receive two tickets to all seven concerts hosted by Farmstead on their beautiful property in St. Helena.

Sip on fabulous wines and enjoy amazing food while enjoying live music on the lawn.

Cruise through the wine country in style on a brand new Mozie bicycle. Mozie bicycles were born out of the desire to design the perfect street bicycles - bicycles that would represent the innate style of the rider through a handsome elegant design. Mozie bicycles are more than a mode of transport they are the stylish way to ride.

A beautiful day on the coast! Enjoy an overnight stay in a quaint cottage at Nick’s Cove in beautiful Tomales Bay. The picturesque setting and tranquil waterside evenings make it the perfect place to unwind and refresh. Hop on over to Hog Island Oyster Farm for a bit of heaven on the half shell.

Fabulous weekend in San Francisco! Treat yourself to a two night stay at the elegant Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco and dine at La Mar restaurant on the Embarcadero where they celebrate life, the sea and Peruvian culture through their seafood cuisine.

Dine during the day and sail in the evening in San Francisco! Start your day at Waterbar, situated in a prime location on the waterfront featuring panoramic views of the bay, Bay Bridge, Treasure Island, and the San Francisco skyline. The adventure continues with San Francisco Bay Adventures for Mondays In McCovey aboard the schooner FREDA B and celebrate our World Champion San Francisco Giants! Watch the game on a sailboat just outside the ballpark!

Wine and dine in Napa Valley while being driven around in a stylish Cadillac Sedan provided by Beau Wine Tours. You and a guest will enjoy a delicious lunch at Lucy’s at the fabulous Bardessono, then head out to taste hand-crafted, artisan wines from around the world at Women of the Vine Grand Tasting at the Meritage Resort in Napa!

Enhance your wine country knowledge at the Napa Valley Wine Academy with WSET Level 2 and Level 3 classes. If you have always wanted to learn more about wine from passionate industry professionals that have been in your shoes and now hold some of the highest certifications in the wine world, then Napa Valley Wine Academy is the right place for you.

Conn Creek AVA Room Barrel Blending Experience for four! Conn Creek is renowned for providing guests unparalleled educational experiences. And…a lovely lunch at Meadowood in The Grill for your group.

Enjoy the rare opportunity to have esteemed Wine Country Chef Marvin Martin prepare an olive oil inspired dinner for you and five guests in your own home!

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We are proud to highlight the CANVAS Excellence Awards Grand Prize

The Robert Mondavi Excellence Award

Educating the American public about wine, food and the arts has always been part of the philosophy behind the Robert Mondavi Winery. The winery was one of the first to present tours, culinary programs, concerts and art exhibits, and its visitor programs have become world-renowned.

In 1966, Robert Mondavi founded the Robert Mondavi Winery with a vision: to put Napa Valley wines in the company of the greatest wines in the world. Robert Mondavi recognized the potential of the Napa Valley, and especially a site in the heart of Oakville that he believed could produce some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon: the historic To Kalon Vineyard, home of some of Napa Valley’s oldest vines. There, he built the first new winery in the Napa Valley since the end of Prohibition and started a renaissance in the Napa Valley that transformed American wine culture.

The combination of Napa Valley’s terroir, innovative winemaking techniques, and most importantly, Robert Mondavi’s relentless pursuit of excellence, resulted in the creation of many of the Napa Valley’s most iconic wines, including the venerable Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve.

From its founding the Robert Mondavi Winery has been dedicated to enriching the American cultural experience. Thanks to Robert and his wife Margrit’s innovative vision, it was one of the first wineries to bring together cultural and culinary arts. The Robert Mondavi Winery has become an internationally acclaimed showplace for artists, musicians, and the great chefs of the world, as well as a testament to the many ways fine wine enriches life.

WINNER! Nancy Boerum!

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GORDON HUETHER STUDIO + GALLERY

OPEN TO THE PUBLIC!

Gordon Huether Studio creates large-scale, site-specific art installations that are integrated into architecture and landscape for projects throughout the world. A majority of the work Huether designs is fabricated in-house, in Napa, California, by his team of craftsmen who are internationally recognized for their innovative, creative and highly professional artistry.

Gordon Huether’s 15,000-square-foot studio, originally built by the Bishop Family in the 1980’s for use as a hay barn and later as a feed store, has undergone a 1.5 million dollar renovation. The studio houses Gordon Huether’s design studio, project gallery, fabrication facilities, administrative offices and the Hay Barn Gallery, featuring a revolving exhibition of Gordon Huether’s fine art, as well as exhibiting the works of selected guest artists.

Guests are welcome to drop by Gordon Huether Studio + Gallery at 1821 Monticello Road in Napa to tour Gordon’s project gallery, design studio and fabrication facilities M - F | 9 AM - 4 PM. For after-hours appointments or groups of more than four people, please call 707.255.5954 to schedule a visit.

1821 MONTICELLO ROAD | NAPA, CA 94558 | 707.255.5954 MAIL@GORDONHUETHER.COM | WWW.GORDONHUETHER.COM

Beauty and Health Sandina Bailo, Owner, SALA Salon

Sandina is a passionate active member of the Napa Valley community both through her business and her involvement as founder with TEDxNapaValley. She runs a successful business at SALA salon that is very customer focused while giving her staff a clear and structured career path. Monthly training sessions that focus on product knowledge, guest experience and local knowledge show an outward looking attitude to the Napa Valley and its visitors.

-- Marylou, from Texas, had booked her daughter’s bridal party hair and make-up for October last spring at SALA. Only her daughter had been to the Napa Valley, so they had no real idea of the lay of the land or what resources were available to them. While planning their trip, including where to eat, stay, flowers for the wedding, etc., Sandina became their go to person. Their correspondence stretched to dozens of emails, but it was all worth it as their experience was 5 star. A new band of Napa Valley ambassadors was created thanks to Sandina going way above and beyond by becoming their own personal concierge!

Lynne Memmott, Spa Manager, Greenhaus Spa

I’ve known Lynne for years. She is the consummate professional - always smiling - you can tell on the phone too! Lynne has excellent guest service skills, and gets rave reviews from guests all the time!

-- It was a very busy weekend at Greenhaus, and they were booked. But Lynne didn’t let that stop her from helping out a guest who got lost and drove to the wrong spa for massage treatments. After a worried call from the guest’s husband looking for her, Lynne managed to track her down and lead her to Greenhaus. Although she arrived too late for her massage, Lynne called every masseuse she knew and managed to get the guest another massage immediately.

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with appreciation

At Bardessono, we celebrate the world-class service our wonderful employees provide our guests day in and day out – service from-the-heart with genuine caring and friendliness.

Now it’s our chance to celebrate our nominees and the other employees from our amazing hospitality community. We also thank CANVAS for recognizing those individuals, who contribute so mightily to our Wine Region’s reputation for excellence and its legacy as a bucket list destination.

6526 Yount Street, Yountville, CA 94599 707. 204 . 6000 | bardessono.com

Concierge - Napa Pamela Grinnewald, Concierge, Andaz Napa

Pamela is an extremely passionate concierge with years of experience providing guests with services tailored just for them. She is knowledgeable, polished and enthusiastic. In her off time, she explores Napa Valley so that she is always up on the latest additions to guide her guests. Truly, Pamela is the only person I know that actually claps out loud and lets the world know “I love my Job!”. And gives all she can to every one of her guests, her colleagues and her friends.

-- It’s a late Sunday morning and a lovely couple walked up to the concierge desk at the Andaz, explaining that it was their 20th anniversary and they were only able to spend one night in Napa Valley.

They wanted to celebrate at one of those “wonderful” wineries that offer private dinners. “What?

Where? Tonight?” Pamela never uttered any of those questions. Within just a few hours, Pamela produced a beautiful anniversary dinner at a local winery, even including flowers. It was such an amazing evening that the guests have asked Pamela to oversee their next anniversary as well. I think this was an incredible feat. Pamela, in her very Pamela way, explains that it’s all in the networking. That’s what a great concierge does... and I believe she is a great concierge!

Art Rodriguez, Concierge, Silverado Resort & Spa

Art is an exceptional employee. His work ethic and attention to detail is unmatched. He has single handedly rebuilt the Concierge department when two concierges resigned. He worked for four months alone building relationships with our guests, creating training manuals for new hires within the department, and organizing all details of the Concierge desk for easy reference to assist guests, as well as, create a reference binder for our front desk team. Art goes above and beyond the call of duty for guests on a daily basis. He created a VIP itinerary packet equipped with a welcome letter, important resort information and all of the confirmations needed for his guests to make their arrival experience seamless.

-- One time, he had a gentleman call asking how he could propose to his girlfriend while on vacation here at Silverado. Art seamlessly set up a private VIP wine tour and coordinated the proposal with the winery, set up champagne and floral arrangements to make the day very special for his guests.

He was recognized by this guest in a very special way. Art continues to do many things off the beaten path to ensure his guests have the best experience in the Wine Country.

Calista Roman, Concierge, Bardessono

She has a can do attitude that reflects professionalism and enthusiasm. Calista’s attention to detail and customer service skills are outstanding. She strives to give a very customized experience, always asking questions to ensure her recommendations are unique. For guests looking for off-thebeaten-track experiences, Calista arranges small, boutique options that they’ve not visited. She hits the nail on the head. In at least three amazing reservations that we know of, the guests became wine club members at two of them.

-- A frantic husband called Calista because he had left his wife’s anniversary gift at the Somerston property! Calista jumped into action and spent her lunch break driving up to the Priest Ranch mountain location to retrieve the gift for her client. She then dropped it off at Redd where they were celebrating their 10 year wedding anniversary. She literally saved the day!

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Concierge - Sonoma Nancy Boerum, Concierge, CTA, MacArthur Place - GRAND PRIZE WINNER!

Nancy is an admired member of the concierge and hospitality community while being a shining example of the Les Clef d’Or motto, “In Service Through Friendship.” Nancy is a natural connector and has built strong relationships among guests, concierges, wineries, restaurants and the community as a whole.

-- As a colleague, I called Nancy at the last minute to see if she was available for a few hours that same evening to tour me through Sonoma. She gave me the concierge tour extraordinaire! While driving, Nancy pointed out important locations and imparted history and stories. Walking around Sonoma Square and through hidden alleys, I had a chance to experience Sonoma through the eyes of someone who is passionate about her town. Nancy pointed out tasting rooms and shared her input on each, including the experience, the wine, and the ideal guest. At one particular tasting room, although they were closed, the manager invited us in. It was clear that Nancy had earned the admiration and respect of local businesses. I learned more that night than during all of my prior visits to Sonoma combined. I remember thinking how lucky the businesses and community of Sonoma are to have an advocate like Nancy helping visitors leave with wonder in their eyes and contentment in their hearts.

Sharon Cousins, Concierge, Santa Rosa CVB

Sharon is smart, fun to be with, and above all a “people person.” She has worked at the CVB for over 15 years. She explores new restaurants, and new attractions with the goal of being more informed. Sharon never wants to say “I don’t know” to a visitor’s question, but instead, “here’s the answer.” She is a sophisticated world traveler who loves talking to our foreign visitors about places they have been to best understand their needs while visiting Wine Country.

-- Just a couple of examples of Sharon’s savvy concierge skills: young travelers from Europe arrive with backpacks asking to visit Ft. Bragg and Grass Valley by bus! Sharon spends an hour detailing every connection to get them there safely, without a hitch. A woman arrives from Iowa with no plans for a week. Sharon becomes her personal concierge and arranges a lovely trip including wineries, restaurants and historical venues to visit.

Tegan Wilson, Concierge, Hotel Healdsburg Tegan is the heart of the Hotel Healdsburg!

-- Tegan had some guests returning from Africa, and went the extra mile to assist them. They couldn’t remember the name of their tour guide they had the last time they visited Wine Country several years before. Tegan took the time to research their part of the tour and track down the tour guide so they could go on another adventure with him!

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Culinary / Restaurant - Napa Guy Barstad, Restaurant Manager, Bardessono

He can talk to anyone, knows everyone, can handle any sticky or delicate situation, coaches staff, spots the details and can effortlessly work a room. Guy’s presence in Lucy has given us the lift we needed. He embodies everything Lucy is and every aspect of hospitality that we strive for.

-- Recently, we had a table with a small boy of maybe six or seven years old. Their last name happened to be Kennedy and the table made several references to his similarity to JFK. Of course the young boy had no idea who they were referring to. When dessert arrived at the table, on the boy’s plate was the simple inscription in chocolate reading “Mr. President.” The family was blown away!

Merely by being present and paying close attention to our guests, Guy created a special memory at Lucy for this family.

Catherine Gesiakowski, Head Bartender, Hurley’s

Cassie has been a bartender with us for over 10 years now! From day one, her bubbly personality and grit behind our bar has been second to none. She’s spunky and always has a smile on her face.

Cassie has created almost all of our signature drinks through the years and just has an amazing sense of reading people while giving them the best customer service...day in and day out!

-- When the “100 Years of Broadway” show was in town at the Lincoln Theater, several of the famous cast came down to Hurley’s after the show for drinks. On a warm night, they busted out their guitars and started singing and carrying on. I told them my bartender liked to sing so they invited her to join in. Cassie completely belted it out in front of some amazing talent. They loved her and the night was filled with amazing song after song with little miss Cassie being Cassie... at the top of her lungs! They were impressed with her willingness to join in the fun, go make more drinks and then come sing some more.

Chef Peter Kelly, Assistant General Manager, Dean & Deluca

Peter is that person that makes all difficult things possible and does so with apparent ease. He has made our store successful on so many levels. I consider myself blessed to have him as a direct resource and manager. Peter is not only generous to a fault, he is also productive, efficient and effective in making all of our catering and in-store activities a success on a daily basis.

-- Most recently at a charity event for Jameson Rescue Ranch, we catered for over 300 people serving over 1800 combined appetizers and desserts. Peter spent days preparing and devising vegan and vegetarian options (not on our standard special events menu) while managing a fully staffed store. He also came in early at 4 am for two days straight pulling nearly 18-20 hour days in order for us to perform successfully…and he smiled the entire time. We exceeded the client’s expectations at this first time event, and received countless fabulous compliments of our (his) food during and after this success.

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Culinary / Restaurant - Sonoma John Burdick, Olive & Vine

Olive & Vine, my favorite restaurant, is owned by John Burdick and Chef Catherine Venturini. The front of the house is warmly run by John, who also runs a fabulous wine touring business and is an amazing sommelier. Catering to both Napa and Sonoma, John has become a popular fixture and a big success.

-- In addition to regularly having John taste our wine for his opinion, we brought in a rare bottle from Burgundy that was given to us. We had kept it awhile and wondered if it was still good. We challenged John do a blind tasting and wow, he nailed it within 3 years! His knowledge is very impressive. John is in touch with his clientele and personally checks in with them to ensure all are having a wonderful experience at the restaurant, on a tour, or simply tasting wine with him.

Saul Gropman, Owner, Cafe LaHaye

This is one of the most coveted reservations in Sonoma and one that must be booked way in advance. There are only twelve tables in the split level dining room which is actually an art gallery with beautiful artwork, all for sale. The food that comes out of its tiny open kitchen is just amazing. They make only eight or nine entrees a night, all locally farm fresh to the table.

-- Saul Gropman, the owner, is on-site ensuring things run smoothly and seeing that all his guests are happy with their meal. He takes all the reservations himself. I can always email him with any special requests and count on a speedy reply. Saul is helpful in making things happen and I enjoy working with a warm, hospitable professional.

Jennifer Thompson, Director of Catering, Grapevine Catering

Jennifer works tirelessly in her position as the Director of Catering. She provides each and every client with impeccable customer service and has an eye for detail that is imperative in the catering industry. Jennifer is a kind, caring individual who is passionate about the hospitality industry. I feel she truly embodies hospitality and what it means.

-- Jennifer’s work ethic and approach to customer service cannot be narrowed down to one story.

She takes care of so much for each and every client behind the scenes. A client does not even know about some of the extras she does just to ensure that each and every event that Grapevine Catering Company produces is a success. From scrambling to ensure glassware is delivered when it doesn’t originally show up, to going to the grocery store to purchase more bar ingredients because the client did not provide enough, to rushing to fill in for a sick server, Jennifer will do whatever it takes to make sure clients have the event they dreamed of.

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Retail / Art Elizabeth Cameron, Co-Owner, West End Napa

Elizabeth is always smiling - that’s the first thing you notice about her! She helps run West End so effortlessly and with a certain amount of elegance. She goes the extra mile to go above and beyond with every customer each and every time. Elizabeth is a joy to be around!

-- We stopped by a few months ago and have come back several times, always finding something new for a special gift for others and ourselves. What stands out is how Elizabeth supports top regional artisans. She reaches out to not only find items but creates ideas and collaborates with the artists. It’s a win-win for everyone!

Jeanne Dillon, General Manager, Artists of the Valley Gallery

Jeanne has navigated huge minefields (over 50 different and individual artists) to push the gallery’s quest for an enhanced appearance, efficiency and success. The latter has greatly increased the value and number of Napa Valley Art Association scholarships for young artists. In her dealings with artists she has always struggled to be reasonable and fair, but has had the fortitude to stand her ground and maintain the principles of the gallery. The end result is a gallery that is an asset to both the locals and visitors for its artwork, but also its altruism.

-- Jeanne Dillon consistently goes out of her way in helping find what each guest wants. A guest wanted a specific piece of art. The giclee was framed and too large, and the guest asked if it was possible for a smaller version, and just the giclee print. Jeanne called the artist, the artist was able to provide the size the guest requested, and Jeannie got the print to the guest. The end result, the artist made a sale, the guest was very pleased with her art. Jeannie effortlessly facilitated making all the arrangements. Jeanne consistently meets the needs of the artists and our guests, while helping to promote the Artists of the Valley Gallery.

Kristina Young, Gallery Curator, The Grand Hand Gallery

Kristina is a positive force in the downtown Napa business scene. As the previous Director of the Arts Council of Napa Valley she has a deep passion for art, the arts and the Napa Valley.

-- Having drawn so many maps of downtown Napa for visitors to the Grand Hand Gallery, Kristina decided it was time for a proper Downtown Napa shopping guide. She recruited over a dozen more businesses and almost single handedly got the Downtown Shopping guide created. This sort of inclusive and collaborative visionary marketing work from a Gallery Director deserves to be recognized, especially as downtown Napa is poised to be the destination that it has always promised to be.

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Tour Guide Karl Christensen, Tour Guide, Platypus Tours

Karl is truly an ambassador for Napa and Sonoma Valley. He embraces the service and host mentality. He views each day with excitement because he has a group of visitors that he gets to share his special valley with. Carl does not have a “set tour” as he likes to customize it based on the personality of his guests. He is welcomed at the wineries because they appreciate his character and professionalism. Carl is requested by the hotel Concierge team and the visitor centers because they know that they’ll hear all the fun stories about how memorable the day was when he drops them off!

-- It was a very hot day and Karl brought a cooler filled with water. All wineries were very welcoming.

It was like we were being given special attention because of him as our guide. Karl arranged for private tours in a couple of the wineries. At one of the wineries, Karl introduced the winemaker to our group and we were able to converse and ask questions. He is also very knowledgeable and told us what to expect before we arrived at each winery. Karl knew about all of the vineyards and the Napa area. During our drive between wineries, he gave us details and tidbits about the vineyards and area history. Karl even brought in fresh tomatoes from his garden for everyone to eat with their lunch.

Brian Sayles, Owner/Tour Guide, A Limo Excursion

Brian is always extremely professional and a truly genuine person. He has a natural ability to make every guest and vendor feel like they are his priority, and with his vast knowledge of the valley, they know he is the ultimate “insider.”

-- Guests were waiting for their transportation, which they had arranged, and were under the impression that an employee from a winery would be driving them for the day. No one showed up. They came up to me and asked for help...unfortunately it was 10am on a Saturday and all transportation companies were booked. I called Brian, but he was already on a wine tour with his guests. Because they were already in the winery on the tour, Brain offered to pick up the guests that were stranded at the hotel and take them to their first appointment (without charge!), which gave me time to find another option for the guests. Brian always has a “can do attitude” he came up with the best solution, and saved the day!

Stacy Su, Owner, Stacy’s Wine Tours

Stacy has the experience and relationships to please the most discriminating client. Stacy has the ability to put the client at ease while providing a custom wine experience. She always has an upbeat and fun personality, gives her best at all times, and treats each guest like family. Stacy always goes the extra mile all while smiling!

-- We had a guest staying at our inn that had a sick son receiving medical attention for cancer at San Francisco hospital. This guest had set up a two month rental that ended up being a scam and sadly taken her money. We had called Stacy simply for transportation to San Francisco, and Stacy not only set up a ride (for free!) but also found affordable lodging for our guests in San Francisco!

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We love our tour guides!

Sam and Karl, you are true professionals who inspire us all!

Congratulations and thank you for all of the thought and energy you put into your tours!

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2450 Foothill Blvd Suite G, Calistoga, CA 95414 707-942-5432

SCHEDULE YOUR TOUR & TASTING ď‚„ 707.967.2626 HALLmark Tour & Tasting

Learn about our modern architecture juxtaposed with historic old world charm.Tour is followed by a private seated tasting.

Offered daily on the hour 10am-4pm. $40 per person, 90 min.

Demystifying Wine & Food

Expand on your winery tour with a guided wine and food pairing experience.

Offered Saturdays at 12 pm. $75 per person, 90 min.

Please advise if there are dietary restrictions

Ultimate Cabernet Collector This exclusive experience is perfect for the serious wine collector and Cabernet Sauvignon lover.

Offered daily at 11am or by appointment. $100 per person, 60 min.

Wine and Art Exploration

Wine tasting is woven throughout this experience which features internationally acclaimed artists.

Offered Sundays at 11am. $40 per person, 45 min.

HALL | ST. HELENA OPEN FROM 10 AM TO 5:30 PM 401 ST. HELENA HWY S, ST. HELENA, CA 94574 Cong ratulations Fre d S c on b er g !

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Wine Staff - Napa

Matthew McMann, Tasting Room Manager, Sequoia Grove

Matthew is the most positive and focused individual I’ve ever met. He’s always willing to step up and help, regardless of whether he’s at his winery or even at other outside events! Matthew has been known to jump in and help move tables or fix a broken light at events that he’s attending as a guest. He’s the definition of hospitality! Matthew is truly the most selfless person in the entire valley.

-- Matt was commended with an email from a guest who visited the valley and needed to purchase wine for some very special events. They were traveling all over Napa and had purchased a bunch of wine, but the earthquake caused them to lose more than half of the wine they bought. They didn’t have time to get back to all the wineries before their flight. Matt went beyond the call of duty in order to pick up the wine from all the different wineries they visited and overnighted it to them! In time for their daughter’s wedding/rehearsal dinner. What a fabulous representative of Napa, and supporting all Napa wineries, beyond even his own!

Mary Beth Salmieri, Director of Hospitality, Jamieson Ranch

Mary Beth has risen through the ranks quickly at Jamieson Ranch. Her work ethic, leadership and commitment to excellence has been noticed and rewarded by the ownership of Jamieson Ranch.

She has been promoted from Director of events to VP of Hospitality and has built a dynamic team.

This leadership and passion has been infectious throughout the company and has helped to empower others to succeed as well. She is a forward thinker in the Valley and she is not afraid to step out and blaze a new trail, try new things and think differently. Her vision, fearlessness and desire for excellence will turn heads in the coming years and redefine the Wine Country as we know it.

-- Mary Beth overheard that a couple in the tasting room were celebrating their 40th anniversary.

She immediately got to work setting up an amazing experience for them in the garden. The couple was unexpectedly lead by their host on an impromptu tour ending with the pleasant surprise of a beautiful food and wine pairing in the garden. Mary Beth then had them finish with a chocolate tasting at the end. The guests still talk about it today and have come in nearly every anniversary now to celebrate with Mary Beth and her staff.

Fred Sconberg, Logistics Coordinator, Hall Wines

They say that everyone should give 110% effort all day every day, especially at their given job...well, Fred, gives this and way, way more. Although his title is Logistics Coordinator, he does more for the company than anyone. He does hospitality work, landscaping work, art protection, wine valet, shipping, and general improvement of the facility. Fred will do whatever is asked with a smile on his face. Fred is level headed and will talk with each employee when they are having a bad day, and turn their moods around. He is an ear to listen, and provides wise advice.

-- Fred’s job isn’t as front-facing as some and his responsibilities are mostly in a logistics/support role. That said, he loves the public, is knowledgeable and passionate about the winery, and will always lend a helping hand. We were in the middle of a Wine Club shipment and he was swamped.

There was an older couple from Minnesota who missed their tour and it was the last one of the day.

They were so disappointed. Fred stopped what he was doing, and offered to give them a private tour of the property. Even though he was swamped with other things, he put the customer first, and they will never forget him or us.

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Wine Staff - Sonoma

Amanda Artz, Seghesio, Events Coordinator (formerly with Ledson Winery)

Amanda calls on us for Ledson Winery. She is very good about coming by often ensuring we have their tasting cards and answering any questions we may have. She really goes beyond the call of duty. Amanda has the sweetest disposition and personality making it is a real pleasure to see her. It is like a ray of sunshine when she walks through our door!

-- Recently, we had set up a private tasting appointment at Ledson through Amanda. It was this couple’s 25th wedding anniversary. Amanda took it upon herself to arrange a surprise special cake and candles to be waiting there for this couple’s tasting. They were very touched and pleased by her gesture. Ledson looked good and so did we for referring them.

Jesslyn Jackson, Hospitality Manager, Gracianna Winery

Jess is a true service leader! She is always wanting to go beyond the expected to delight and surprise her guests. She exudes southern charm (developed in her years growing up in Alabama) and seamlessly became a valued part of the Gracianna Winery family. She exemplifies what Gracianna was founded on: grace, gratitude and graciousness. Customers adore her and she is a large part of the reason Gracianna has been growing rapidly.

-- For a customer, Jess had her father pick up wine in Alabama at the ABC store and had her mother deliver it to the customer. Jess has (and will) personally deliver wine all over the San Francisco Bay Area” in order to help customers with last minute needs or special requests. She never wants to leave a customer in distress. Gracianna Winery presents wine club members with “medallions,” which are hand carved stone plaques that are personalized with whatever the member wants. Jess has professionally dealt with many break-ups of Medallion Club Members and literally will either remake, move, or hide medallions for customers in order to keep relations good! And conversely, Jess has seen and been a part of engagements that have happened here at the winery and even for a baby named after the winery; baby Gracianna.

Alan Wastell, Tasting Room Manager, Anaba Wines

Alan is a joy to work for and with. His benign, avuncular style makes everyone feel at ease. Many, many years in the Sonoma DTC wine trade has polished his knowledge to a point where I referred to him as “Mr. Sonoma.” Even after a grueling day in the tasting room, Alan always was eager to greet “just one more guest.”

-- Alan’s approach was the same daily; complete commitment to visitors’ pleasure, whether it be a slow rainy Monday to a throbbing Wine Club pick-up party. He regularly gives up personal days off to ensure delayed shipping is up-to-date, pitches in to come to work if called in a panic if the tasting room is overwhelmed and arrives at an astonishing seen AM daily to be certain all is ready for (any) day. Astonishing!

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award-winning olive oils

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co-milled oils

guided tastings and tours

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balsamic vinegars

culinary center

OPEN DAILY www.ilfiorello.com

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local wines

private events

1:00-5:00pm

2625 Mankas Corner Road, Fairfield, CA

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707.864.1529

This Evening’s Hosts

Masters of Ceremonies: Colby Smith, Harris Oranges CANVAS Team: Liane Manso Betton, Nicole Garcia, Samantha Pascoe

About CANVAS

CANVAS is a membership organization serving the Hospitality Industry of Wine Country. We are proud to have over 1,100 members with a shared vision - to ensure that the visitors to our destination have an extraordinary and memorable experience.

CANVAS provides a variety of programs designed to enhance the effectiveness and enthusiasm of its professional hospitality members.

• Networking events, • A robust website and mobile application of essential information and resources for hospitality, • The dynamic CANVAS calendar network, • A weekly Newsletter of announcements and activities to share with guests, • Education in areas that strengthen knowledge and proficiency in hospitality, • Research Days exploring the resources to recommend to guests, • Hospitality Training to hone the skills of customer service, • An annual Trade Show that brings Event and Corporate Meeting Planners to experience and gather resources in our region, • Hospitality Excellence Awards to acknowledge excellence, • And other benefits, discounts and custom programs designed for individual members.

Our Hospitality Professionals are responsible for channeling millions of dollars throughout our communities. To the degree that they are well educated, networked and informed, they will match the guest with the best suited experience. And the result is increased business, return visits, strong referrals, corporate leads and a great pride in contributing a positive economic effect on our community.

For more information contact: CANVAS (Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma) P.O. Box 2267 Yountville, CA 94599 www.ConciergeAlliance.com 707 254-5495

Cheers to a simply excellent event!

707-940-6060 winecountryparty.com sales@winecountryparty.com

Wine Country Pianist

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