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California Lifestyle Collection Resort-Like Setting in Greek Island Style
4 Beds | 4 Baths | 1 Half-Baths | ±4,165 sq. ft.
$8,995,000
A resort setting in Greek Island style on San Francisco Bay, this ±4,165 square foot 3+ bedroom, 4.5 baths home on ±11,360 sq. ft. lot offers magnificent views of San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito and Mount Tam with a boat dock and a pool. Spacious bright and airy living room and adjacent sitting room with a wet bar open onto a huge deck on the water’s edge on one side and a courtyard and the pool on the other side. A billiard room with a full bath and sauna opening to the garden and pool, two of the 3 bedrooms upstairs each has a view deck and wall-to-wall sliding door to enjoy the amazing views. There is a 3-car garage and ample street parking on the desirable wide and flat West Shore Road. Walking distance to downtown Tiburon, Ferry Service, bike-path, Belvedere park/playground, two world class yacht clubs and a dozen fabulous restaurants. FEATURES Waterfront | Water Views | Patio | Deck | Courtyard | Gardens | Dock | Pool Billiars Room | Wet Bar | 2 Fireplaces | 3-Car Garage
49WestShore.com
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Call or Text: 415.720.5915 | Olivia @SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080
California Lifestyle Collection 49WestShore.com
49WestShore.com
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Call or Text: 415.720.5915 | Olivia @SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080
California Lifestyle Collection Victorian Belvedere Masterpiece
4 Beds | 5 Baths | 1 Half-Baths | ±4,862 sq. ft.
$4,880,000
Welcome to 172 Bella Vista Avenue where the essence of allure, exquisite design, and sophistication converges on the enchanting canvas of Belvedere Island. This Victorian masterpiece stands as a testament to architectural splendor and heritage of the bygone era. Nestled on an expansive 18,405 square foot street-to-street lot, seamlessly stretching from Bella Vista Avenue down to Bayview Avenue, this property unveils a realm of grandeur and possibilities that are as vast as they are promising. The commanding presence of this full-scale home captures the essence of the historic design while offering the potential to create something truly extraordinary. The main residence approximately 3,500 square feet boasting 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms, invites you to explore its sprawling elegance. Immerse yourself in the symphony of architectural details that define its character, from the intricate moldings to the soaring ceilings, the colorful stained glass windows and the artistically designed inlaid floors both inside and outside. PROPERTY DETAILS (per public records) Main House - 3,500 sq. ft. | Lower ADU - 1,362 sq. ft. at 271 Bayview | Detached ADU - approximately 1,000 sq. ft. at 180 Bella Vista Lot Size ±18,405 sq. ft. | 2-Car Garage plus carport and additional street parking
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Call or Text: 415.720.5915 | Olivia @SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080
172BellaVista.com
Stefan Angelo | StefanAngelo.GoldenGateSIR.com Call or Text: 415.747.9503 | s.angelo@ggsir.com | Lic.# 02178746
California Lifestyle Collection 172BellaVista.com
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Call or Text: 415.720.5915 | Olivia @SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080
172BellaVista.com
Stefan Angelo | StefanAngelo.GoldenGateSIR.com Call or Text: 415.747.9503 | s.angelo@ggsir.com | Lic.# 02178746
California Lifestyle Collection Belvedere Brand New Construction — Completion End of 2023
Digital Concept Rendering
New Construction Project | 5,000± sq. ft.
Digital Concept Rendering
Price Upon Request
A rare opportunity to buy a new home under construction to customize
next door, this home o ers privacy to entertain and enjoy the Infi nity
your fi nishes on a dream location near tip of Belvedere Island at
edge pool with custom pool house. The extensive foundation has cost
end of Belvedere Ave. This appx. 5,000 sq ft masterpiece designed by
over $4,500,000 so far. Completion is estimated for June 2023.
acclaimed architect David Kotzebue features contemporary design
Buying now would be able to choose fi nishes except the hand crafted
and open fl oor plans, handcrafted European materials, expansive decks,
stone decking from Spain and the intricate kitchen mill work from
views of Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco, East Bay, Angel
Germany are already ordered. AKA 1 Blanding Ln, Belvedere
Island. Modern handmade bathroom vanities, crafted oak fl oors and stones. Interior design by Barbara Turpin Vickroy leading designer, honored with best design awards worldwide. Adjacent to open space
For more detailed information, please visit: 465BelvedereAve.com
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080
Escape To Paradise. BERRY ISLANDS
HARBOUR ISLAND
Haines Cay
Romora Bay
Private Island | 420 Acres | $37,900,000
4.3 Acres | Resort | Marina | $20,000,000
Golf Course, 60-Slip Marina and 2+ Miles of Beach.
15 Room Boutique Resort with 53 Slip Marina. Yacths up to 180 feet.
Property ID B3S27M Nick. D a mia no s @ S I R b ah am as .c o m
Property ID 53220 +1.242.37 6 .1841
Cra i g .Pi nder@ SIR ba ha m a s . co m
+1 . 2 4 2 . 4 5 7 . 2 2 8 2
WINDING BAY, ABACO
OCEAN CLUB ESTATES, PARADISE ISLAND
Sugar Cay, Lot 26 The Abaco Club
Lot 57, Ocean Club Estates
6 BR | 5/1 BA | 8,000 sf | $10,000,000
7 BR | 9/2 BA | 7,500 sf | 1 Acre | $5,995,000
Coastal Luxury, Sandy Beach, 1.656 Acres. Golf, Private Club, Gated.
On the 11th Fairway, Main house, Two Guest Apts., Full Basement. Gated.
Property ID 54247
Property ID 54187
Geor ge . D a mi an o s @ S I R b ah am as .c o m
+1.242.424.9 69 9
Mont y.R obert s @ SIR ba ha mas . co m
+1 . 2 4 2 . 4 2 4 . 4 94 4
BAHAMAS SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY | OFFICES THROUGHOUT THE BAHAMAS | +1.242.322.2305 | SIRBAHAMAS.COM |
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
OLIVIA HSU DECKER OWNER/PUBLISHER CELL 415.720.5915 LIVING,SAN SANFRANCISCO FRANCISCOAND AND HAUTE LIVING NORTHERN CALIFORNIA WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM
CO-OWNER OF GOLDEN GATE SOTHEBY’S INTERNATIONAL REALTY 24 OFFICES SERVING SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA OLIVIA.HSUDECKER@SOTHEBYSREALTY.COM
HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com 6 HAUTE
This issue is an emotional one for me, as the cover story about Gordon Getty and the story of Susan Williams on her late husband, Robin Williams, were close to my heart. I met Robin a couple of times in Paris, the first time at the celebration of Lance Armstrong’s victory in the Tour de France. He told me jokes about Tiburon-Belvedere. It was one of the saddest moments when I heard of Robin’s suicide. I went to his Tiburon home and placed flowers at his front gate, along with dozens of other fans. Our editor-in-chief’s interview with Robin’s widow, Susan Schneider Williams, seeks to understand his life and death. Susan’s dedication to the beloved comedian and actor’s impact was immeasurable and gives Robin’s legacy new meaning. Susan spoke to Teresa about the details and complexity of the Lewy body dementia Robin suffered. Our cover story subject, Gordon Getty, is truly an original Renaissance man. I’ve met Gordon dozens of times over the last 35 years, since we were both on the board of the now-defunct Marin Opera in early 1990s. Gordon is larger-than-life, not because of his billions, but because of his big personality and openhearted generosity. He inspired my pledge of $5 million to Festival Napa Valley for the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series. Gordon announced his $5 million matching grant when he hosted a dinner at his home to welcome me and others as new board members of Festival Napa Valley in November 2019. His grant was for five years and matched anyone who donated to festival during that period. My donation fulfilled his remaining grant within less than Howyears. time flies! Wewas are publishing ourdonated Holidayanother Issue again. Whatmatching an eventful three Gordon impressed and $5 million grant in January year we’ve had so far in 2023! It reminds me of a saying: “Life is too Don’t 2023. At nearly age 90, Gordon’s long, rich life is iconic and fascinating. short. It’s truly interesting to read assume you will have tomorrow and don’t waste today.” With this intent, we even a glimpse of his vast world. ® to the ultimate present you this joyful issue with gift guides fromentrepreneur Tiffany & Co. We also profile Daydreamers founder, Bay Area Katina Bajaj, who is a clinical psychology researcher, author, speaker, and creator. You must readothers this article to understand gifts for men and women to gifts of transformation and many in between. why, although daydreaming be not doing anything, it works Khaledi the brainand to make myriad We feature holiday food andseems winetopairings and profiled Darioush connections creativity and help with burnout and stress.dreams in the Maximilianthrough Reidel, two foreigners whouspursued their American We also profile British fashion designer Marchesa’s co-founder, Georgina Chapman. wine industry. Our new Ambassador of Investment, Charles Johnson, offers ideas I met at her at 2019 fashion showasfor SanofFrancisco Opera tax Guild’s annual fundraiser. I won the bid to go to fora gifting to charity part your year-end planning. New York Fashion Week, where I visited her at the Marchesa atelier. Georgina returned to Fashion Week this Herwithout flowing, events colorfully floral gownsWe arere-capture so femininethe and romantic. I think the world What’s a year. holiday and parties? San Francisco would be much more peaceful if every woman dressed in Marchesa! Opera Ball and Symphony Opening Gala, the Sonoma Wine Auction, Festival In this issue’s Haute Events, I cover San Francisco anniversary Napa Valley Olivia Decker Power ofthe Music concerts Opera’s at Peak 100th in New York andconcert and aatdinner with the artists. This one-night-only centennial celebration featured a program spanning Penthouse 5 at Neiman Marcus San Francisco, plus the annual Monaco San Francisco Opera’s first century theFilm San Francisco Orchestra and Chorus; conductors Yacht Show and the 10-day Mill with Valley Festival. Opera Most important of all, Eun Sun Kim, Sir Donald Runnicles, and Patrick Summers; and 15 vocal soloists who have been please make sure you read the Haute Wellness section and pay attention to active on the opera stage for decades. The concert included projected archival imagery from 100 your health and wellness. years of San Francisco Opera history. Founded in 1923, San Francisco Opera is only the third American opera company to and reachhealthy the centennial We wish you a very happy holidaymilestone. season sharing happy times with One other Haute Event this issue is my beloved Napaneed Valley. read Jennifer your family and remembering the families in theFestival world who ourPlease support! Boden’s interview with Festival President Rick Walker on this 17th season’s upcoming programs, July 14–23. Highlights this year include the Arts for All Gala fundraiser at Nickel and Nickel with a special dinner by chef Charlie Palmer, a concert headlined by 8-time GRAMMY® award winner Carrie Underwood on July 16, and the Olivia Decker Power of Music concert of Matteo Bocelli on July 15. Young Bocelli has an amazing voice like his father, Andrea. He will perform a mix of classic and contemporary songs. The Manetti Shrem Opera on July 21 will be Don Pasquale, starring Lucas Meachem, Alexey Lavrov, Serena Saenz, and Xabier Anduaga. Both concerts go on stage at Charles Krug Winery in St. Helena. While you attend Festival Napa Valley, please check out the vineyard estate for sale in this issue’s Haute Residence at www.3265SodaCanyon.com. Our July-August issue is our official kick-off for summer. We feature a lot of food, wine, and travel stories, too. Enjoy reading it!
PUBLISHER Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Teresa Rodriguez Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR Michelle Restante Michelle@HauteLivingSF.com DIGITAL EDITOR Laurie Jo Miller Farr Laurie@HauteLivingSF.com COPY EDITOR Karen M. Smith henhousepublishing@gmail.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Jennifer Boden, Noël Burgess, Laurie Jo Miller Farr, Adrienne Faurote, Becca Hensley, Steph Keay, and Layne Rudolph ABOUT TOWN AMBASSADOR Aubrey Brewster HEALTH & WELLNESS AMBASSADOR Lydia Graham LUXURY AUTO AMBASSADOR Tim Lappen TL@JMBM.com WINE COUNTRY AMBASSADOR Claudia Ross Claudia@HauteLivingSF.com INVESTMENT AMBASSADOR Charles R. Johnson Charles.R.Johnson@ftci.com SUBSCRIPTION & DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES Olivia Hsu Decker Olivia@HauteLivingSF.com SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES & MARKETING Cindy Pelland Cindy@HauteLivingSF.com VICE PRESIDENT SALES Jennifer Farrelly Jennifer@HauteLivingSF.com
Haute Living San Francisco Visit us at www.HauteLivingSF.com
Follow us @HauteLivingSF for your guide to all things haute
CONTENTS
30 ON THE COVER: HAPPY HAUTE HOLIDAY FOR HIM AND HER Cover photo courtesy of Tiffany & Co.®
6
PUBLISHER’S LETTER
10
EDITOR’S LETTER
11
CONTRIBUTORS
12
HAUTE CALENDAR
16
HAUTE SHOPPING
Always festive, this year’s season of holiday performances and events brings back favorite classics and debuts new delights.
HAUTE WINE
26
HAUTE CUISINE
COVER STORY
We have assembled a list of luxurious, unique, and elite gifts that will surely make the men and women on your holiday gift list smile.
HAUTE PROFILES 38
42
46
Darioush Khaledi emmigrated from Iran to California, grew a business, and established his eponymous winery: embodying the American dream. Dr. David Eagleman uses science, literature, and modern technology to divulge the secrets of the human mind. Maximilian Riedel of wine glass design and manufacturing fame shares his story and his greatest ambition: passing on the family business to the 12th generation.
8 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Welcome New Year’s Day in the over-
54 HAUTE TRAVEL
Head to Europe’s iconic Christmas markets to do your holiday shopping.
58 HAUTE FASHION
Iconic decades of the 20th century inspire the 2023/24 Chanel Cruise collection. HAUTE SCENE
68
Awe-inspiring décor and performances at the annual San Francisco Opera Ball raised proceeds supporting arts and music education for 65,000 Bay Area students.
70
San Francisco Symphony opens its 112th season with a stunning musical extravaganza under the direction of Esa-Pekka Salonen.
72
The 2023 Sonoma County Wine Auction raises $1.3 million to benefit local nonprofit organizations.
Wine industry experts share their favorite pairings of food and wine for the holidays. Naschmarkt brings together California’s fresh, seasonal produce and the classic, Old World flavors of Austria.
HAUTE HOTEL
the-top luxury of these five first-in-class hotel suites.
Treat yourself or a loved one to a gift that benefits mind, body, and soul long after the experience itself concludes.
22
30
50
HAUTE EVENT 73
Next summer, head to Vail, Colorado with your wine glass instead of winter gear for the Vail Wine Classic.
74
Acclaimed harpist Bridget Kibbey performed an Olivia Decker Power of Music concert at Penthouse on 5.
76
Festival Napa Valley and the Olivia Decker Power of Music hosted fine wine, delicious fare, and spectacular music at Peak in New York City.
58
HAUTE FASHION
CONTENTS
54
HAUTE TRAVEL
PHOTO: DANNY CARDOZO AT DC&CO STUDIOS
HAUTE SHOPPING PAGE 22
80
The San Francisco Fall Show displayed an impressive array of artwork and artistic design with 40 dealers participating.
82
A mountain village in Utah hosts one of the most diverse wine events: the Park City Wine Festival.
84
The 2023 Monaco Yacht Show showcases a commitment to green energy and ultimate luxury on the water.
90
This year’s annual Mill Valley Film Festival paid tribute to Bay Area legend Barbara Dane.
92
HAUTE MOVES
This all-electric version of the ultimate luxury vehicle offers a
sublime ride. 94
HAUTE WELLNESS
Paradisiacal Ananda delivers the wonder and tranquility of
HAUTE RESIDENCE 100
Custom-designed by Charles Gwathmey and featured in Architectural Digest, this 4-level family home on Belvedere Island offers gorgeous views.
104
With nearly 42 acres at 3265 Soda Canyon, this property claims some prime vineyards in the Atlas Peak AVA. HAUTE AMBASSADOR
108
The holiday season is the perfect time to begin a lifelong practice of generosity.
110
Aubrey Brewster shares his favorite gifts to give and polite etiquette surrounding our holiday gift-giving traditions.
114
Relax at Ross Ranch in Knights Valley and savor awardwinning wines and tranquility.
118
Charitable giving comes with tax consequences. Here’s how to indulge in tax-smart philanthropy.
Ayurvedic medicine deep within the Himalayas. HAUTE LIVING, SAN FRANCISCO WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM @HAUTELIVINGSF
@hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 9
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S LETTER EDITOR-IN-CHIEF’S LETTER
TERESA RODRIGUEZ EDITOR-IN-CHIEF TERESA RODRIGUEZ TERESA RODRIGUEZ HAUTE LIVING SAN FRANCISCO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITOR-IN-CHIEF HAUTE LIVING SAN SAN FRANCISCO FRANCISCO TERESA@HAUTELIVINGSF.COM HAUTE LIVING TERESA@HAUTELIVINGSF.COM TERESA@HAUTELIVINGSF.COM WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM WWW.HAUTELIVINGSF.COM @HAUTELIVINGSF @HAUTELIVINGSF @HAUTELIVINGSF
As we venture into the holiday season, we are thrilled to present you with an issue of Haute Living, San Francisco that is nothing short of extraordinary. Hasteam summer alreadytirelessly come to to a close? Francisco,collection it feels likeofitarticles never even Our has worked curateIn anSan unparalleled Has summer already come to a close? In San Francisco, it feels like it never even began. While the rest of the nation sweltered through scorching temperatures and featuring the best in luxury lifestyle, fine dining, and travel. began. While the rest of the nation sweltered through scorching temperatures and hazy sunsets, Sanmuch-anticipated Francisco remained enveloped in the refreshing embrace of its We begin withSan our to thein 2023 food and hazy sunsets, Francisco remainedguide enveloped theholiday refreshing embrace of its famous fog,Karl. Karl. wine pairings, featuring expert recommendations on the ultimate culinary famous fog,
combinations that will impress. For the discerning couple, our his-and-hers gift Inthe thewords wordsofof Benjamin Franklin, guests, much like fish, tend to become In Benjamin much fish, tend tocaptivate become guides present an array ofFranklin, stunningguests, options, eachlike handpicked to even unpleasantafter after three days. I couldn’t help but feel the same way about Karl. unpleasant three the most refined tastes.days. I couldn’t help but feel the same way about Karl. WhileI cherish I cherish the tranquil beauty brought eucalyptus groves in the While the tranquil beauty hehe brought to to thethe eucalyptus groves in the For the globetrotter, our listing of the most extravagant hotel suites to spend your Presidiothis thissummer, summer, overstayed welcome, lingering ceaselessly weeks. Presidio hehe overstayed hishis welcome, lingering ceaselessly forfor weeks. New Year’s Eve is an absolute must-read. From the dramatic skyline of Dubai to Asthe theSan SanFrancisco Francisco society’s gala season begins, eagerly anticipate the sun-kissed beaches of the Caribbean, our list encompasses the best in opulent As society’s gala season begins, wewe eagerly anticipate spectacular performances and a touch of sunshine. The San Francisco Opera accommodations, ensuringand an aunforgettable holiday experience. spectacular performances touch of sunshine. The San Francisco Opera iscelebrating celebratingitsits second century and start of 2023 season with is thethe start of thethe 2023 season with an an Our coverage of second holidaycentury marketsand worldwide underscores the culturally rich exquisitelineup lineup of star-studded performances, the dazzling Opera Ball, and exquisite of star-studded performances, the dazzling Opera Ball, and an an experiences available to our readers. From the world-renowned Christkindlmarkt unforgettable after-party (page 62). Discover enchanting highlights of the San unforgettable after-party (page 62). Discover thethe enchanting of the in Vienna to the bustling Christmas Fair & Winter Festival athighlights Vörösmarty, we San Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala as we delve into an exclusive interview Francisco Symphony Opening Night Gala as we delve into an exclusivefor interview highlight the most exquisite shopping destinations for those searching unique with co-chairs Amy Christodoulou and Julie Liegel (page 54). with co-chairs Amy Christodoulou and Julie Liegel (page 54). gifts and treasures. Lastly, our local Scene andtales Events sections showcase San Francisco’s vibrant Indulge the captivating tales Olivia Decker’s marvelous adventures in Italy, Indulge ininthe captivating ofof Olivia Decker’s marvelous adventures in Italy, society and the exceptional events that mark the season. From charity galas to art Napa, and Pebble Beach within the vibrant pages of this issue. Join Steph Keay Napa, and Pebble Beach within the vibrant pages of this issue. Join Steph Keay as as exhibitions, we bring exclusive accessexpedition toexpedition the people and happenings that defineto to sheembarks embarks a delectable culinary Kiln, a remarkable addition she onon a delectable culinary to to Kiln, a remarkable addition this thriving city. ourcity’s city’sgastronomic gastronomic landscape (page 28). our landscape (page 28).
PHOTO: VINCENT GOTTI
10 HAUTE HAUTELIVING LIVING hautelivingSF.com hautelivingSF.com 12 12 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
PHOTO: VINCENT GOTTI
We hope that this issue of Haute Living serves as a source of inspiration and delight, Wesincerely sincerelyappreciate appreciate the invaluable support advertisers and subscribers. We the invaluable support of of ourour advertisers and subscribers. and we look forward to continuing to exceed your expectations. Please use the QR IfIfyou inin advertising oror subscribing, don’t hesitate to contact meme youare areinterested interested advertising subscribing, don’t hesitate to contact code below to get Haute Living delivered to your door every issue and enjoy a 50 atatTeresa@HauteLivingSF.com. Take advantage of of thethe opportunity to enjoy a 50a 50 Teresa@HauteLivingSF.com. Take advantage opportunity to enjoy percent discount on our cover price. percent onon your annual subscription using thethe code EDITOR through percentdiscount discount your annual subscription using code EDITOR through Cheers to a joyful and prosperous end of the year, our convenient QR code below. our convenient QR code below.
and many other media platforms. Follow him on Instagram @mrnoelburgess and at noelburgess.com.
for Insider’s Guide to Spas. In a career spanning three decades, she has contributed to scores of magazines and newspapers, including Architectural Digest, Elite Traveler, Global Traveler, Conde Nast Traveler, and the Houston Chronicle. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @beccahensley.
career, she worked for several network affiliates as a news anchor and executive producer. She earned a degree in broadcast journalism from Arizona State University’s prestigious Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication.
AHAM enthusiastic d explorer ving. She has d positioned health s companies, chnologies, and ns receiving more wards nationally and lly. Her favorite healthy living and HENSLEY gevity. She sits on ant who f thejournalist Buck Institute ravel the ultimate h andisAging nionofislife awash with to eliminate aiting to be learned, f age-related blished,and Texastoday’s future Hensley is travel .ca Like the scientists New Orleans Graham envisions editor-at-large ssible for people ’satGuide Spas. 95 as to much as r spanning eminds us inthree her he haswe contributed what do each sofinmagazines our journey to papers, including mal wellbeing. ural Digest, Elite Global Traveler, st Traveler, and the Chronicle. Follow itter and Instagram ensley.
NOËL BURGESS SHARON SETOMILLER FRAN ENDICOTT LYDIA GRAHAM Noël Burgess is an East A graduate of Golden Fran Endicott Miller is a Lydia is an enthusiastic Coaster living in Northern Gate Universityfreelance and serial luxury-focused advocate and explorer California wine country. entrepreneur, Sharon loves feature writer for a variety of healthy living. She ha His goal is to promote the excitement and creativity of lifestyle publications launched and positioned diversity and inclusion the business world and andofwebsites, editor-atJENNIFER BODEN BECCA TIM LAPPEN and wellness companies LAURIE JO HENSLEY MILLER STEPH KEAY NOËL BURGESS AUBREY BREWSTER SHARON SETO FARR in wine, food, and travel NOËL BURGESS NOËL BURGESS its people. Her addiction to SHARON SETO SHARON SETO large for JustLuxe.com, Jennifer is a freelance wine, A bon vivant journalist who A lifelong petrol-holic, products, technologies, Laurie is a US/UK dual Steph Keay is a Canadian Laurie is a US/UK dual citizen is an East Noël Burgess is an East an epicure and man-aboutAubrey, a bon vivant and manA graduate of Golden with a focus on the Noël Burgess an East Noël Burgess is isan East ventures began A graduate of Golden ACoaster graduate oftechnical Golden California editor forwith freelance food, and travel writer believes is serial the ultimate andbusiness mechanic (cars, motorcycles, organizations receiving citizen and travel dedicated and writer and dedicated urbanite who Coaster living Northern living ininNorthern town, is a product of his environment. about-town, is a product of his Gate University and places, the products, and Coaster living Northern Coaster living in inNorthern the acquisition of the El Cid Gate University and serial Gate University and serial luxury travel concierge based in beautiful Sonoma celebration of life awash with boats), and automotive urbanite who loves currently based in Silicon Valley. loves walkable cities. As a San wine country. California wine country. His affinitywine for cooking, fashion, environment. His affinity for and than 100 awards nationa entrepreneur, Sharon loves most importantly, the California wine country. California country. Building, site of the famous SF entrepreneur, entrepreneur, Sharon loves Sharon loves County has extensive waiting be journalist since penning a summerinternationally. Her favo walkable cities. Astocreativity awriter, Sanlearned, service Essentialist. After completing her an Bachelor Francisco-based travel isand to promote His goal to promote entertaining was inherited from cooking, fashion, and entertaining thelessons excitement and people! Noël’s work can His goalisfor istoto promote His goal promote Jazzshe Mural. Shepositions has served as the excitement and creativity the excitement and creativity Prior, held career in journalism. She widely-published, Texascolumn his high school Francisco-based travel of Commerce in her hometown she enjoys views from its and inclusion diversity inclusion vacations shared in Charleston, was inherited from summer West focus is on healthy living of the business world and be LAPPEN found in VinePair, diversity and inclusion diversity and inclusion JENNIFER BODEN TIM a board member, fundraiser, of the business world and4 the business world and the fields of politics, NOËL BURGESS contributes toand KRON Becca Hensley newspaper, internationally healthy longevity. She s JENNIFER BODEN BECCA HENSLEY TIM LAPPEN HENSLEY TIM LAPPEN JENNIFER BODEN Travel SHARON SETO writer, she enjoys viewstois travel inBECCA ofof Alberta, shetravel spent crazy, signature hills following food, inCalgary, wine, food, and travel Virginia with his southern belle modelvacations shared in Charleston, itsbased people. Her addiction Wine Enthusiast, wine,food, food, andtravel travel ininrecognized wine, and Jennifer is and achair freelance wine, AJennifer lifelong petrol-holic, and event for nonprofit its people. Her addiction to its people. Her addiction toABC television, professional Noël Burgess an Ea News San Francisco, editor for New Orleans attorney Tim the board of theisBuck In is a freelance wine, Jennifer is a freelance wine, A bon vivant journalist who A lifelong petrol-holic, A bon vivant journalist who A lifelong petrol-holic, is a freelance A graduate of Golden from its crazy, signature a summer in Croatia assisting half-a-lifetime promoting her focus on the places, with a on the turned-hostess grandmother. It should West Virginia with his business ventures began with & Leisure, Thrillist, San with focus onthe thesouthern with a afocus on food, and travel writer mechanic (cars, motorcycles, organizations, including the SF business business ventures began with ventures began with sports. She is proud to Coaster living in North 10News San Diego, and Bride and editor-at-large Lappen is a partner at a for Research and Aging food, and travel writer food, and travel writer believes travel is the ultimate mechanic (cars, motorc believes travel is the ultimate mechanic (cars, motorcyc wine, food, and travel Gate University and serial hills following half-aThe Week with two couple of theYacht products, andevents most places, the products, and come with no surprise that he followed belle model-turned-hostess thehometowns—a acquisition of the El Cid Francisco Magazine, places, theproducts, products,and and places, the based in beautiful Sonoma boats), and automotive Symphony of Governors, the acquisition of El Cid the acquisition thethe Elthe Cid have established California wineis to count others. 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It should come with an Building, site ofGuide the famous SF and inmany other media most importantly, the most the County and has extensive journalist since penning ahas City College oftoan San Francisco Building, site of the famous SF Building, site of the famous SF Golden State Warriors’ His goal is to promot career, she worked for In a career spanning three law firm, where he chairs the threat of age-relate County and has an extensive County and has an extensive lessons waiting to be learned, journalist since penning lessons waiting be learned, journalist since penning a Sonoma County. She the excitement and creativity two hometowns—a couple ofpeople! Hvar and Vis. can Formerly in in City London. Laurie’ s byline Noël’s work be found Noël’s work can inherent talent for hosting legendary with no surprise that he followed Jazzand Mural. She has served as platforms. Follow people! Noël’s work can people! Noël’s work can career in journalism. 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CONTRIBUTORS
RBREWSTER BODEN on vivant and mana freelance wine, n,travel is a product writerof his nt. His affinity for eautiful Sonoma shion, d hasand anentertaining extensive ed from summer ournalism. She hared in Charleston, s to KRON 4 nia with his southern Francisco, ABC -turned-hostess an Diego, and er. come or Ittoshould her writing prise that hefor followed e worked mother’ s footsteps, twork affiliates erent talent anchor andfor endary parties. producer. She listed among San degree in broadcast best dressed. Aubrey from Arizona ncisco native, traveler, versity’s prestigious nd lifestyle blogger onkite School uttown.com). He sm and Mass an Francisco with his cation. dward. Aubrey can njoying afternoons th friends at Neiman d some of San favorite haunts when or attending events.
City College of San Fran Foundation Board, Red C Board, National Colorect Cancer Alliance Board, S Ballet, and Dress for Suc
CONTRIBUTORS CONTRIBUTORS
law firm, where he chairs the firm’s Family Office Group and its Luxury Home Group and is, of course, a member of its Motor Vehicle Group. He can be reached at tlappen@gmail.com or visit LifeInTheFastLane.org
CONTRIBUTORS
of San Francisco Board, Red Cross nal Colorectal nce Board, SF Dress for Success.
CALENDAR
EVENTS NOVEMBER NOV. 1, 11, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 24, 30 AND DEC. 16, 19, 22, 23, 28, 30 Golden State Warriors | Chase Center Cheer on the local team as they host 15 more home games before New Year’s Day. 1 Warriors Way chasecenter.com/events
Union Square Ice Rink
NOV. 1 – JAN. 15, 2024 Safeway Holiday Ice Rink | Union Square Presented by Kaiser Permanente, the city’s only outdoor skating rink is open to the public daily. Opening celebration on Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 5 p.m. with special programming throughout the season. unionsquareicerink.com NOV 2 – 5 SFJAZZ Collective | SFJAZZ Center The all-star resident ensemble embodies a commitment to jazz, marking its 20th anniversary in 2024. They perform a program that honors the group’s history and looks ahead to its future. sfjazz.org 5 – 21
OMAR | SF Opera
The true story of a 19th century Islamic scholar from West Africa, enslaved in South Carolina, but finding identity and faith through the written word. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com
CALENDAR The festive holiday season delivers more than our fair share of beloved spectacles. The Nutcracker, a classical ballet that has charmed audiences since its 1944 U.S. debut in San Francisco, takes place in a child’s imagination on Christmas Eve. Handel’s oratorio Messiah is a stunning, large-scale production featuring a rousing “Hallelujah” chorus that’s a fixture of the holidays. Chase Center vibrates with Rock & Roll Hall of Fame headliners, the sound of the San Francisco Symphony brings cinematic favorites to life, and powerful music and themes strike a chord with audiences at the SF Opera. Drink it all in—and so much more. BY LAURIE JO MILLER FARR
Omar at SF Opera
8–9 Queen & Adam Lambert | Chase Center The Rhapsody Tour is a tribute to the band’s back catalog, classic deep cuts, fan favorites, and immortal anthems, one of the greatest song books in rock history. 1 Warrior Way. chasecenter.com/ events 9 Glide’s Annual Holiday Jam This year’s fundraiser pays tribute to the 60th anniversary of Cecil Williams’ arrival at GLIDE with a program featuring the classic songs of Ashford and Simpson: “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough,” “Reach Out and Touch (Somebody’s Hand),” “I’m Every Woman,” and more. 1111 California St. glide.org/ holidayjam 12 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
PHOTOS: UNION SQUARE ICE RINK (LEFT), CORY WEAVER (RIGHT)
7 John Mayer | Chase Center Twenty years in the making, the show features rare, full acoustic sets in an effortless blend of mind-blowing guitar playing, soulful voice, and songwriting. Multi-platinum GRAMMY®nominated singer-songwriter JP Saxe opens. 1 Warriors Way. chasecenter.com/events
Holiday windows at Macy’s Mamma Mia! at Golden Gate Theatre
28 – DEC. 3 Pink Martini | SFJAZZ Pound for pound, no other band does what Pink Martini does. With the combined power of a dozen musicians, the self-described “little orchestra” performs a rollicking cross-genre mix of classical, jazz, and old-fashioned pop. Featuring vocalist China Forbes. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org.
NOV. 17 – DEC. 31 San Francisco SPCA | Macy’s Union Square The 37th annual Holiday Windows features adorable cats and dogs for adoption. Thursdays through Sundays from 12 – 5 p.m. sfspca.org
NOV. 18 – DEC. 17
The Great Dickens Christmas Fair & Victorian Holiday Party | Cow Palace Seven stages, five pubs, 800 costumed characters, games, crafts, toy parade, and more. Now in its 39th season, open on Saturdays and Sundays including the Friday after Thanksgiving, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. dickensfair.com 18 – 19 West Coast Craft | Fort Mason An indoor gift fair featuring 275+ of the best local artists, makers, studio, and designer craftspeople. The Fort Mason WCC outdoor fair is on Dec. 2 & 16. Free admission. Festival Pavilion, 2 Marina Blvd. westcoastcraft.com
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BRINKHOFF MÖGENBURG, MACY’S, CORY WEAVER, DEEN VAN MEER
NOV. 19 – DEC. 9 The Elixir of Love | SF Opera Lacking money, confidence, and hope, a timid young waiter, Nemorino, gambles everything he has for a chance at an intoxicating romance with the alluring Adina. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfopera.com
The Lion King at Orpheum Theatre
20 An Evening with Ellie Goulding & the SF Symphony Multi-platinum-selling singer/songwriter Ellie Goulding’s vision to perform with the orchestra comes to life on the concert stage at this intimate show, giving fans a rare opportunity to catch the global superstar in a truly unique setting. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org NOV. 22 – DEC. 30 Disney’s The Lion King | Orpheum Theatre Giraffes strut. Birds swoop. Gazelles leap. More than 100 million people have experienced the awe-inspiring visual artistry, unforgettable music, and uniquely theatrical storytelling of this Broadway spectacular. 1192 Market St. broadwaysf.com NOV. 25 – DEC. 30 Sleeping Beauty | Presidio Theatre Panto returns this holiday season with 28 performances of the wildly funny, musical mash-up of true love, talking dogs, singing chickens, dancing ghosts, and enough fairy magic for the entire family. 99 Moraga Ave. presidiotheatre.org
The Elixir of Love at SF Opera
NOV. 30, DEC. 1, DEC. 16, AND DEC. 22 – 23 San Francisco Symphony | Films With Live Orchestra The magic of movies and music for the holidays features two evening performances of The Nightmare Before Christmas on Nov. 30 and Dec. 1. On Dec. 16, Love Actually is the feature; Home Alone is Dec. 22 and 23. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org/ Subscribe/Series/Film-Series
DECEMBER 1 Aerosmith | Chase Center Celebrating their 50th anniversary, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame members, 4-time GRAMMY® award winners, and diamond-certified rock legends are on their PEACE OUT™ final tour with special guest, The Black Crowes. 1 Warrior Way. chasecenter.com/events 3 Depeche Mode | Chase Center On tour for the first time in five years, the Memento Mori tour includes the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame member’s new single “Ghosts Again.” 1 Warrior Way. chasecenter.com/events 5 – 10
Mamma Mia! | Golden Gate Theatre
Celebrating 25 years, one of the world’s most successful musicals, set to the storytelling magic of ABBA’s timeless songs, comes to town in a limited engagement. 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com 6 – 24
A Christmas Carol | Toni Rembe Theater
The decades-long cornerstone of the A.C.T. repertory is a holiday tradition for Bay Area families. Last chance alert, as 2024 brings a new version of A Christmas Carol. 415 Geary St. act-sf.org 8–9 Handel’s Messiah | SF Symphony George Frideric Handel’s Messiah was an instant classic after its 1742 premiere and has been a holiday tradition around the world ever since. Jonathan Cohen leads the SF Symphony and Chorus in this perennial favorite. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
16, 17, 22, 23, AND 24 A Cathedral Christmas | Grace Cathedral Since 1947, Grace Cathedral Choir of Men and Boys with full orchestra and organ, a holiday tradition of treasured favorites and carols. Magnificent music in a majestic setting. Midnight mass at 10:30 p.m. on Christmas Eve. 1100 California St. GraceCathedral.org
CALENDAR
9 Holiday Gala | Ram’s Gate Winery Come dressed in glitzy, glamorous, Old Hollywood gowns and tuxedos. A Toast to Tinseltown gala and dancing features the finest wines, delectable canapes, decadent desserts, dueling pianos, and dancing in the lovely tasting room. 28700 Arnold Drive, Sonoma. ramsgatewinery.com
19 NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet | Golden Gate Theatre Jaw-dropping acrobatics, larger-than-life puppets, stunning hand-crafted sets and costumes. A record number of talented principal dancers from the great opera houses of Ukraine plus 40 world class artists from Japan, Italy, Turkey, and more. Two shows (also in Santa Rosa on the 18th). 1 Taylor St. nutcracker.com
12 – 17
To Kill a Mockingbird | Golden Gate Theatre
All rise for Academy Award® winner Aaron Sorkin’s adaptation of Harper Lee’s Pulitzer Prize-winning masterwork. EMMY® awardwinning actor Richard Thomas plays the role of Atticus Finch in the National Tour. 1 Taylor St. broadwaysf.com
20 – 23
A Charlie Brown Christmas | SF Symphony
Charlie Brown, Snoopy, and the entire Peanuts gang are back to bring this television classic to life. With live actors, an animated backdrop, and Vince Guaraldi’s timeless music. Davies Symphony Hall, 201 Van Ness Ave. sfsymphony.org
13 AND 15 A Baroque Christmas | Grace Cathedral The Christmas portion (Part I) of Handel’s Messiah, along with seasonal music by Baroque composer Marc-Antoine Charpentier, sung by the American Bach Choir. Now in its 25th year at this venue, the full 3-hour Messiah with stellar soloists, on the 15th. 1100 California St. gracecathedral.org
23 A Chanticleer Christmas | St. Ignatius Church Founded in 1978, this exceptional ensemble of 12 men’s voices presents a cappella, offering joy through beautiful music across centuries. 650 Parker Ave., San Francisco. Additional performances Dec. 14 – 21 in Oakland, Berkeley, Stanford University, Santa Clara, and Petaluma. chanticleer.org/202223-bay-area-season
13 – 30
The Nutcracker | SF Ballet
A magical winter wonderland of toy soldiers, King of the Mice, Sugar Plum Fairy, and more in this dazzling kaleidoscope of 150 dancers. Accompanied by the SF Ballet Orchestra performing Tchaikovsky’s beloved score for 31 performances. Sensory-friendly show on Dec. 30 at 11 a.m. War Memorial Opera House, 301 Van Ness Ave. sfballet.org/productions/nutcracker 15 Stevie Nicks | Chase Center Following her highly successful 2022 shows, the legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer has extended her touring run into 2023. 1 Warrior Way. chasecenter.com/events 16 Nutcracker Benefit Luncheon: Land of Dreams | SF Ballet With appearances from Nutcracker characters and extra-special surprises. Private box seats or front-and-center orchestra seats for the matinee performance of Helgi Tomasson’s celebrated Nutcracker. Alexandra Newman, chair. Tables of 8 and 10 to benefit the Boys & Girls Club. sfballet. org/support-us/special-events/nutcrackerbenefit-luncheon NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Golden Gate Theatre 14 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
NUTCRACKER! Magical Christmas Ballet at Golden Gate Theatre SF Ballet in Tomasson’s Nutcracker
24 San Francisco Gay Men’s Chorus – Holiday Spectacular | Castro Theater In its 46th season, a much-anticipated Christmas Eve tradition brings three evening performances to the Castro Theater. 429 Castro St. Additional performances on Dec. 8 and 9 at Sydney Goldstein Theater; on Dec. 16 at Green Music Center in Sonoma; Dec. 17 in Berkeley. sfgmc.org/season-45 28 – 31 Monsieur Periné | SFJAZZ Ring in the (tropical) New Year with SFJAZZ and Monsieur Periné, the 2015 Latin GRAMMY® winner for best new artist, who bring their singular hybrid music merging the simmering French jazz manouche style of Django Reinhardt with danceinspiring Latin American rhythms. 201 Franklin St. sfjazz.org
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) SF SYMPHONY, BROADWAY SF, ERIK TOMASSON
A Charlie Brown Christmas at SF Symphony
& working studio
C
Gallery Sausalito represents a contemporary collection
Artist: Sue Averell Title: Giant Fans Medium: Acrylic on Canvas
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of original, fine art works by award winning, local and internationl artists.
art@gallerysausalito.com
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Experience art being made while you visit. Gallery Sausalito 30 Princess Street Sausalito California 94965
Haute
SHOPPING
Write your memoir at Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort
CHANGE At a time when many of us feel increasingly listless, lost, or stuck, despite our successes or so-called perfect lives, perhaps the gift to ask for (or to generously give) isn’t a thing or object at all, but an experience. BY BECCA HENSLEY
16 LIVING hautelivingSF.com 00 HAUTE HAUTE LIVING
PHOTO: BÜRGENSTOCK HOTELS & RESORT
GIFTS FOR
Become a yogi at Abi d’Oru Beach Hotel & Spa’s yoga retreat
SOMETIMES EVERYONE FEELS THE NEED TO CHANGE GEARS,
to pivot to another place. However, that can be frightening, even intimidating. Asking for or giving something that incites transformation provides an easy avenue to experiment with a new reality, large or small. It allows space to discover and reset, to reject and go forward, or simply to play. Whether it’s going somewhere you’ve always dreamed about, feeling an adrenaline rush doing something daring, learning a new language, or experiencing the broadening of your heart when you volunteer to help someone, the gift of transformation deepens our experience in this world in countless ways. For the holidays, we’ve collected some experiences sure to add meaning to your life, whether you are the giver or the receiver.
Write Your Memoir You’ve been living your best life—now put it into words. Glimmering Lake Lucerne in Switzerland has inspired writers and artists from Mark Twain to Robert Louis Stevenson. Reflect on your experiences while staying at Bürgenstock Hotels & Resort, which perches atop a cliff above the lake. Under the tutelage of a writerin-residence, you’ll sit with a biographer and turn your precious memories into a book, prime for sharing with loved ones. When not reflecting on your life, enjoy the hotel’s world famous spa, infinity pool, fine restaurants, and outdoor activities. The 3-day package includes (among other things) a massage, access to the Alpine Spa, five hours with the biographer, 20 printed copies of your memories, and a digital e-book as evidence of your efforts. $13,277 burgenstockresort.com/en/offers/write-your-memoirs
Become a Yogi If all the buzz about yoga intrigues you, but you haven’t quite figured out how to join the trend (which happens to be thousands of years old), a yoga retreat fits the bill. Ideal for advanced practitioners or beginners, Abi d’Oru Beach Hotel & Spa’s yoga retreat package combines the healing power of Italy’s Sardinia, a storied Blue Zone known for supporting longevity, with both an opulent hotel experience and a serious yoga itinerary. Components may include private yoga lessons, sound baths, Thai yoga massage, yoga practices, and more. $800+ nightly. hotelabidoru.it
PHOTOS: RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS
Learn a Language Sure, you took high school Spanish. But haven’t you always wanted to be fluent—or at least confidently conversational? Enter Fluenz, an innovative, immersive Spanish program that offers captivating, 5-day, luxury intensives in a variety of locations, including Mexico City, Barcelona, Bogotá, Costa Rica, and more. Students stay in enchanting boutique hotels, enjoy VIP experiences at renowned museums and restaurants, and partake of meaningful and goal-achieving progress. (A digital program is also available.) $6,920+ fluenz.com
Learn a language with Fluenz
Haute
SHOPPING
Pursue Peace Otherworldly Sedona has a reputation for awakening something inside. At L’Auberge de Sedona, set beside an undulating creek and poised to connect with the mystical rock formations said to emanate energy and healing, soul seekers may take part in customized itineraries meant to address beginnings and endings, with a focus on celebrating life in the present tense. Two distinct experiences— Honoring Beginnings and Embracing Closures—promote growth, help to overcome hardship, and bring joy. Blended with the hotel’s famous spa treatments (Paths of Possibilities) and hikes among the renowned rocks, the program sustains self-exploration and realization. $2,000+ lauberge.com
Pursue peace at L’Auberge de Sedona
Rhino Whispering
Play Monet at The Ranch at Laguna Beach
Experience intuitive healing at Mandapa
Rhino whispering with Tswalu
Play Monet You’ve always longed to paint like the plein air painters you admire so much from the Musee D’Orsay. Now’s your chance to try it in SoCal. Drawn by the unique light, painters first arrived at the California coast in the 1800s, establishing an art colony in Laguna Beach, which remains active today. Stay at The Ranch at Laguna Beach, which offers a one-on-one immersion with renowned plein air painter John Crosby, revered for his signature energetic style and bold colors. Guests will spend the day at Crosby’s studio, where they will conceptualize the day over coffee then have lunch. Next, they’ll progress to a coastal bluff to create a masterpiece together, al fresco, amid the famous light. In addition to the painting, guests will receive a note from the artist and photographs documenting the day. $2,500 theranchlb.com
Intuitive Healing Transcendental, curative, and topical all at once, Bali has long been a destination for healing, wellness, spiritual seeking, and propulsion to the next phase of one’s life. Ubud, rooted within the island’s interior where jungles meet rice terraces and temples pepper the landscape, answers the call for those in search of sanctuary. Check into Mandapa, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve for extraordinary sessions with intuitive blind healer Ibu Ketut Mursi who addresses emotional, physical, and spiritual issues. She’ll recommend herbs, including a secret oil blend passed down from her grandfather, also a Balinese healer. $1600+ ritzcarlton.com/en/ 18 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
hotels/dpsub-mandapa-a-ritz-carlton-reserve/overview
PHOTOS: RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS
A safari to Africa forever changes your life, thanks to the ancient expanses, roaming wildlife, and starry night skies—among other captivating experiences. But go beyond game drives at Tswalu, South Africa’s largest private game reserve in the southern Kalahari. Join researchers for an intimate wildlife outing as you analyze, gather data, and support the genetic integrity of protected rhinoceros populations under the guidance of experts. You’ll take part in a microchipping experience that keeps track of rhinos and their health. Stay in one of Tsawalu’s three main accommodations— Motse, Tarkuni, and Loapi—or one of the resort’s safari homes which include an option to sleep under the stars. $7,265+ (Does not include accommodation and other safari activities, only the rhino experience.) tswalu.com
ARCHITECTURAL ICON IN NAPA VALLEY
3000 MT. VEEDER VILLA ESTATE, NAPA OFFERED AT $22,000,000 Rarely an opportunity presents itself to own a true architecturally significant property with premium Cabernet vineyards and expansive views of the Napa Valley. This estate property is home to an extraordinary masterpiece that seamlessly weaves together elements of diverse styles: Modernism, Art Deco, and a touch of Deconstructivism. Set on 130± acres spanning two legal parcels atop Mt. Veeder and against the breathtaking backdrop of the Napa Valley, this estate is a testament to artistic innovation and design synergy. At its heart stands a villa residence that defies convention, a structure that blends contemporary and modern influences with the grace of sculptural design. The property’s allure is further enhanced by its 8± acres of meticulously tended premium Cabernet vineyards that produce awardwinning wines. The Villa, the vineyards, and the land of this magnificent estate converge to create a narrative that offers extraordinary possibilities to its next owner. A Fletcher Benton ‘Folded Circle’ sculpture that adorns the front lawn and an extensive estate wine library also convey with the property. 3000Veeder.com
AG_HAUTE.SNGL_NOV-DEC.23.indd All Pages
HISTORIC FARMHOUSE ESTATE 350 KORTUM CANYON, CALISTOGA OFFERED AT $6,950,000 This graceful property is a glorious private compound with historical wine country roots overlooking, yet only steps away from, Calistoga, Napa Valley’s luxury resort destination. Anchored by a fully updated and expanded 3+ bedroom and 4½ bath 19th century wine country farmhouse with wraparound porches that emanate a tranquil aesthetic, the property also includes a ranch-style 3 bed and 2 bath guest cottage, an original 19th century pole barn for entertaining, and an enchanting treehouse cabin with queen bed and outdoor bath perched peacefully just below the main residence. A large stone-wrapped pool with abundant lounging and relaxation areas and lush terraced Mediterranean-style gardens for meditative relaxation round out this offering. This is a magical property with extraordinary Wine Country roots and immense character that emanate a sense of mystical energy upon entering its gates. 350Kortum.com
Arthur Goodrich Luxury Wine Country Specialist Sotheby’s International Realty arthur.goodrich@sothebys.realty 415.735.8779 (m) agoodrichrealty.com DRE: 02080290
9/28/23 11:10 AM
Haute
WINE
2023 Holiday Food & Wine Pairings Wine industry experts share their favorites. BY NOËL BURGESS
THE HOLIDAY SEASON OFFERS A TIME OF TOGETHERNESS,
celebration, and a few annual indulgences. Food and wine play a significant role in these festivities during the last months leading up to the new year. Pairing the right wine with your holiday meals enhances the flavors of your dishes and creates memorable experiences with your loved ones. Yet, finding the perfect wine for your holiday meal may be as daunting as buying a gift for your parents. That is why Haute Living, San Francisco asked some experts in the wine industry to share some of their mouthwatering pairings as an early present to our readers.
McCollum Heritage 91 CJ McCollum, Vintner, McCollum Heritage 91 Wine: McCollum Heritage 91 2020 Chardonnay Holiday Food: Collard greens Why did you choose this pairing? I chose collard greens to pair with the Chardonnay, because I’ve been eating them since I was a kid. It’s a part of our family tradition to eat collard greens along with other dishes that are customary in the Black community, particularly the South where my grandmother is from. My mom makes some of the best collard greens I’ve ever tasted in my life. The vibrant, rich, and smooth combination of flavors of the Chardonnay allow it to pair well with anything; however, on this occasion, I think it pairs particularly well with collard greens. There are other dishes with the meal around the holidays, but I especially love collard greens with a bit of hot sauce on top. The combination of flavor acidity and heat from the greens along with the seasoning allows the wine to pop. It is customary to add bacon, turkey, or another protein to the collard greens as it simmers and cooks. Chili flakes, along with other spices, bring out the taste, and the Chardonnay complements it really well. It also helps bring out the flavors if your Chardonnay is slightly chilled or stored at a good wine cooler temperature.
22 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
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Foley Family Wines Courtney Foley, Second Generation Vintner, Foley Family Wines Wine: 2021 Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay Holiday Food: Sugar cookies Why did you choose this pairing? Sugar cookies are the embodiment of holiday merrymaking. Pairing wine with sugar cookies doesn’t get any easier than with a bottle of 2021 Ferrari-Carano Tré Terre Chardonnay. The luscious mouthfeel of this wine envelops the delicate texture of sugar cookies, and hints of toasted oak create a harmonious pairing of vanilla and baking spice that echoes the flavors of the sugar cookie. The wine’s acidity, expressed in golden apples and lemon chiffon, lift the richness of the cookie, making this the perfect combination of sugar, spice, and acidity. Sarah Quider, Senior Vice President, Foley Family Wines Wine: Foley Family 2019 Brut Sparkling Holiday Food: Caviar Why did you choose this pairing? A beloved classic for kicking off celebrations, sparkling wine and caviar are a timeless pairing. Foley Family 2019 Brut Sparkling offers delicate aromas of citrus zest and green apples and lively acidity, complementing the salty, creamy texture of caviar. As the 2019 vintage brut unfolds on the palate, the wine showcases its freshness and effervescence, and when paired with the delicacy of caviar, it creates a sublime pairing for which the whole is greater than the sum of its two parts. Alison Rodriguez, Winemaker, Silverado Vineyards Wine: 2016 Silverado Vineyards GEO Cabernet Sauvignon Holiday Food: Holiday roast/prime rib Why did you choose this pairing? The holiday roast has become a tradition and custom in many homes. The 2016 Silverado Vineyards GEO Cabernet Sauvignon is the perfect wine to pair with this tender, rich, flavorful dish that’s often roasted to medium rare or medium. When served au jus and with sides such as sautéed mushrooms, creamed spinach, and mashed potatoes, our Silverado Cab is the perfect go-to wine pairing. This single vineyard, full-bodied red reveals aromas of blackberry, chocolate, and violets. The tannins have rounded and softened with age, making this wine an elegant addition to the dinner table that won’t overpower your dish and all its trimmings.
WINE
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WINE
Rodney Strong Vineyards Justin Seidenfeld, Senior Vice President of Winemaking & Winegrowing Wine: 2018 Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon Holiday Food: Garlic butter rib roast Why did you choose this pairing? Nothing is better than a roasted meal during the holidays! I enjoy a tender and juicy garlic butter rib roast, and Rodney Strong’s Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon pairs well with the spices and flavors of the holiday season. The ripe flavors of black currant, blackberries, and violets in the Alexander’s Crown Cabernet Sauvignon complement the savory herbs and seasonings from the meal’s ingredients. The wine is rich and velvety with soft tannins and a long, lingering finish that sticks around with every bite, especially the buttery crust of the rib roast.
Intercept Wines Charles Woodson, Vintner, Intercept Wines Wine: Intercept Red Blend Holiday Food: Beef Wellington Why did you choose this pairing? The holidays are a cause for celebration and special meals with big, bold flavors. A roasted beef Wellington this time of year fits the special occasion, and pairs deliciously with the Intercept Red Blend! The earthy and herbaceous flavors of beef Wellington are enhanced by the fruit and spice in the Intercept Red Blend which features Petite Sirah and Zinfandel. This full-bodied wine with fine tannins and a long, spicy finish complements the heartier mushrooms from the Wellington filling and the seasoned, charred beef fillet. 24 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
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McBride Sisters Collection Robin McBride, Co-founder and President of the McBride Sisters Wine Company Wine: McBride Sisters Collection 2021 Reserve Chardonnay “The Great Escape” Holiday Food: Cajun turkey Why did you choose this pairing? This prestigious wine is an escape from the overly oaked style of many California Chardonnays, and [it] highlights the natural elegance and bright flavors of the grape. To me, this crisp and playful wine is perfect with a robust, juicy Cajun turkey. Cajun turkey is actually a new Thanksgiving tradition for my family after I first brought it to the table last year. I’m looking forward to enjoying the wine’s crisp acidity and fresh, crunchy fruit contrasted with the turkey’s many layers of spice. Andréa McBride, Co-founder and CEO of the McBride Sisters Wine Company Wine: McBride Sisters Collection 2022 Central Coast Pinot Noir Holiday Food: Chocolate and jalapeño short ribs Why did you choose this pairing? I recommend the new McBride Sisters Collection 2022 Central Coast Pinot Noir to enhance a holiday meal. This fresh, ruby-colored Pinot Noir is blended from sustainably grown grapes and offers aromas of bright red cherry and crushed raspberry. It is lush and earthy and pairs elegantly with spicy, tender chocolate and jalapeño short ribs. Coming from Aotearoa, New Zealand, I don’t understand why Americans make such a fuss over dry turkey. I grew up with all types of tenderized meat, not just at holidays, but often at family dinners, and if I could make any recommendation for Thanksgiving dinner, it would be to try a new tradition! Especially because the rich and wellbalanced flavor of the chocolate and jalapeño short ribs complement the plum, spice, and soft hint of oak flavors within the wine, leaving a finish of vivid flavors on the palate.
Chosen Family Wines Channing Frye, Vintner, Chosen Family Wines Wine: 2021 Chosen Family Wines X Salty Goats Cabernet Sauvignon Holiday Food: Cowboy cut steak Why did you choose this pairing? My go-to holiday pairing is my Salty Goats X Cabernet Sauvignon with a cowboy cut steak, medium rare, with sautéed mushrooms and hash brown potatoes with sour cream. The notes of plum, black cherry, graphite, and dried herbs are the dream team on your palate with this filling holiday meal.
WINE
Haute
CUISINE
A Taste of Vienna in Palo Alto The newest branch of a beloved South Bay restaurant marries European tradition with Californian sensibilities.
Sweet corn soup with kettle corn, honey, crème fraiche, scallions, and Hungarian pepper
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NASCHMARKT PALO ALTO
BY STEPH KEAY
Double-cooked pork belly served with marinated cabbage, daikon, and braised cherries, drizzled with a lime-soy vinaigrette
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NASCHMARKT PALO ALTO
NESTLED AMID THE BUSTLING STREETS OF PALO ALTO,
a culinary gem transports diners to the vibrant streets of Vienna, Austria: Naschmarkt Restaurant. Following a decade of well-earned praise at its Campbell location, the family-owned establishment now brings its recipe for success to Silicon Valley. With its authentic cuisine, charming ambiance, and commitment to a warm and welcoming dining experience, Naschmarkt Restaurant in Palo Alto has earned a well-deserved reputation as one of the best new restaurants in the region since opening last year. The moment you enter Naschmarkt, you will feel right at home with owner Dino Tekdemir and his team in the casual-yet-elegant space. The restaurant’s décor reflects the traditional charm of Austria, creating a warm and inviting ambiance perfect for both romantic dinners and family gatherings. Named after Vienna’s renowned open-air produce market, Naschmarkt offers an array of regional specialties and homemade dishes. Vienna is renowned for its rich culinary tradition, characterized by a delightful blend of flavors, textures, and aromas. At Naschmarkt, Tekdemir successfully recreates this experience by offering a menu that showcases the best of Austrian cuisine with an emphasis on being seasonally driven. “I think Austrian [cuisine] appeals to everyone’s tastes,” says Tekdemir. “California and Austria share an overlap in some seasonality and having unique wines and various beers. I wanted to offer Austrian dishes, but with Californian sensibilities.” The culinary team—led by chef de cuisine Sedat Balkan who trained and worked in Vienna—creates regional specialties, all designed to satisfy a hearty appetite. Though heavier meals may first
come to mind in the context of Eastern European cooking, recipes are crafted to include even the most delicate of dishes by featuring Californian ingredients and incorporating a variety of influences from across Europe. Begin your culinary adventure with an appetizer such as the homemade pretzel with double-smoked bacon and beer cheese sauce, or the sweet corn soup, a velvety starter with hints of honey along with a delightful crunch of kettle corn, the bright tang of crème fraîche, and scallions. You’ll also want to try the restaurant’s sausages served with braised sauerkraut, caramelized onions, and Dijon mustard—whether it’s the classic smoked pork bratwurst, a spicy paprikawurst with just the perfect amount of heat, or the specialty sausage of the day. For the main course, you’d be remiss not to try beloved Austrian specialties on the menu, such as the classic wiener schnitzel, a crispy and tender breaded veal cutlet served with a salad of arugula and capers. We opted for the Hungarian beef goulash—a cozy dish perfect for the dropping temperatures—featuring beef shoulder braised in paprika, topped with Hungarian pepper and sour cream, and served with a hearty side of herbed spaetzle. There’s a reason it’s Tekdemir’s personal favorite, and a dish that its regulars frequently return for. Naschmarkt’s menu also includes pasta and seafood dishes, sumptuous chicken and pork options, and vegetarian selections, ensuring there’s something for every palate. Naschmarkt’s signature dishes are Austrian, but other menu items change seasonally. For example, you might discover rabbit with seasonal vegetables on the menu in spring, or duck and butternut squash in the fall. Don’t @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 27
Goat cheese purse salad with strawberries, walnuts, and balsamic vinaigrette
PHOTO: COURTESY OF NASCHMARKT PALO ALTO
Haute
CUISINE
Pork belly rillette with pickled vegetables
PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NASCHMARKT PALO ALTO
Naschmarkt’s sweet corn soup, served tableside
Beer cheese sauce served with Naschmarkt’s homemade pretzels
forget to pair your meal with a wine from a list of 30 hand-picked selections, as well as a diverse offering of refreshing German and Austrian beers. The group behind the restaurant now operates three restaurants in addition to this newest venture: the Mediterranean-themed Anatolian Kitchen in Palo Alto, Naschmarkt in Campbell, and Barbayani Taverna, which opened in Los Altos in September. One of the standout qualities of its Naschmarkt concept is the unwavering commitment to using the finest ingredients and traditional Austrian recipes. The restaurant sources locally whenever possible, ensuring the freshest produce and ingredients are used to create each dish. This farm-to-table sensibility unites with its authentic recipes to create a new genre: Austrian food as seen through a Californian lens. This dedication to quality shines through in every bite, making Naschmarkt a destination for food enthusiasts who appreciate authentic cuisine. Whether you’re a connoisseur of Austrian cuisine or simply looking to explore new flavors, Naschmarkt promises an unforgettable dining experience. From the delectable dishes inspired by Vienna’s culinary heritage to the inviting ambiance and attentive service, Naschmarkt captures the essence of Austrian dining, and is sure to provide an experience that will leave you craving the flavors of Austria long after your meal is over. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 29
COVER STORY
TIFFANY TREATS
A symbol of togetherness and connection, this delicately lavish bangle embodies the love you feel for her. Designed to celebrate all types of relationships, the Tiffany Lock Bangle in white gold with 9.24 carats of baguette and pavé diamonds is a glittering treasure that reflects the starry nature of your attachment and peerless memories. $110,000 tiffany.com
ULTIMATE GIFTS FOR WOMEN: YOU KNOW SHE NEEDS THESE BY BECCA HENSLEY
If her love language is giving (and receiving) gifts, then you’ll want to honor her this holiday with an over-thetop gift that shows not only just how much you care, but also how well you know her. You’ll want to surprise her with something she might not have thought she needed at all—that is, until she opened your gift. We’ve collected incomparable gift ideas so irresistible you’ll be tempted to purchase them all.
30 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
for her BESPOKE PERFUME
Since 1904 in Berlin, the House of Krigler has produced the world’s most exclusive perfumes, specializing in bespoke scents for glitterati, presidents, royalty, and sophisticates. Now for the first time, you, too, have the chance to make your own fragrance, just like luminaries as lofty as John F. Kennedy, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly. The unequaled, tailor-made process takes several years from start to finish. Available only at Four Seasons Hotel Houston’s one-of-a-kind, vintage-inspired Krigler salon, the experience results in a customized scent just for you. $80,000+ fourseasons.com/houston/servicesand-amenities/on-site-shopping/
BUTTON UP
Once only available to guests at The Singular Patagonia (a historical escape in Chilean Patagonia, located in a post-Victorian cold storage plant built in 1915), this locally crafted, limited edition alpaca coat comes in black and beige. Made from 100 percent premium baby alpaca fabric that combines luxurious softness and durability with exceptional thermal capacity, the coat boasts refined touches—such as lapels, a belt, and discreet front pockets. Timeless and discerning, it can now be purchased online or at the resort. $885 thesingularshops.com/products/abrigo-largo-camel-baby-alpaca
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS
ROMANTIC WEEKEND
Seductive San Ysidro Ranch enlivens the verdant hillsides of Santa Barbara’s Santa Ynez Mountains overlooking the unbridled Pacific. Once a hideaway for the likes of Jackie Kennedy and Winston Churchill, the extraordinary ranch celebrates its 130th anniversary this year by offering well-heeled guests a 3-night, $30,000 anniversary package inclusive of three nights in a bungalow, dinner at the property’s historic Old Adobe, a Champagne and caviar tasting, a spa day, and much more. As home to a rare collection of spirits and wine, the retreat offers add-ons to the package as extravagant as a Balvenie Chapter 4 Collection tasting or a bottle of Domaine de la Romanée-Conti, Romanée-Conti-Grand Cru 1990. $30,000-$51000+ sanysidroranch.com
SWISS PRECISION
Legendarily, Swiss-made watches are the best. Take time management up a notch when you travel to Switzerland to design your own Cyrus timepiece while staying at Bürgenstock Resort on Lake Lucerne. Inclusive of a 2-night stay, the coveted experience features a private, door-to-door helicopter transfer to the Cyrus Watch workshop in Le Locie for a personalized watchmaking experience. Later, within six months, you’ll return to the resort to collect your custom timepiece, donning it with pride as you wine and dine in the shadows of the Alps. $27,000+ burgenstockresort.com
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LATEST LV
Nicolas Ghesquière explores new techniques to embellish the GO-14 MM Louis Vuitton handbag. Padded lambskin is quilted, and a refined toasted effect applied by hand, giving the purse an edgy, futuristic allure. The top handle and adjustable chain—both detachable—enable carry options. It’s signed with the house’s emblematic LV Twist lock. $6,750 louisvuitton.com
GLITTERY GLAM
As a bright light momentarily blinds us, this sparking necklace from Avi & Co’s first-ever jewelry collection will wow her. The Royalty Chain, a limited-edition, private-label diamond jewelry treasure features an awe-inspiring 257.61 carats of diamonds ranging from VS1 to VS2 clarity and D-F color. Meticulously set in an assortment of round, Asscher, cushion, princess, pear, and emerald cuts, all elegantly showcased in 14-karat white gold, this astonishing masterpiece is one of a kind. $7,000,000 aviandco.com
COZY ELEGANCE
There’s nothing like cashmere. This travel or gad-abouttown outfit from Hania New York lures with its splendorous straight panel and cables repeat pattern in lightweight, sustainable cashmere knit. One of the atelier’s newest styles, it pairs with Colden sweatpants for sophisticated comfort at home or on the road. Made in Hawick, Scotland from the finest Scottish cashmere, this knitwear hails from the renowned heritage house Barrie Knitwear, a Chanel Company. $2,200 hanianewyork.com
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PARTY VIBES
Trust music lovers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Lily Collins, and Alison Roman who turn to Dart Collective for their social events. Offering a go-to array of live entertainment, Dart seals the deal for your festive fête. Give her the gift of music she loves. $4,000+ for deejay services and more. dartcollective.com
ENDLESS S-TURNS
Surprise your favorite ski bunny with unlimited runs on slopes around the world with an Epic Pass. For adventure seekers, adrenaline junkies, jetsetters, and snow lovers, this unbelievable pass from Vail Resorts unlocks a year’s worth of schussing at countless ski resorts around the globe, including destinations in the United States, Switzerland, Canada, France, Japan, and Australia. $949 vailresorts.com
STORIED TRAVELER
You’ve been around the world more than once, but have you traveled with inveterate explorer Abercrombie & Kent’s Geoffrey Kent by private jet? Join the charismatic luxury travel pioneer on a journey designed to incorporate some destinations that even Geoffrey Kent himself has not yet visited. This private jet’s jaunt around the globe will include stops in colorful Senegal, historic Malta, and Kanazawa in Japan. Complimented by the finest hotels and world class dining, this reigns as the trip of a lifetime. $184,950 abercrombiekent.com
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COVER STORY
GUCCI
When it comes to traveling, we all want to be able to do it with style and sophistication. Whether it’s for leisure or work, having a stylish suitcase and matching bag will certainly make you stand out from the crowd. And what better way to travel in style than with Gucci’s Savoy collection. Gucci Savoy large duffle bag, $3,700 gucci.com
Gucci Savoy large trolly, $3,980 gucci.com
for him
ULTIMATE HOLIDAY MEN’S GIFT GUIDE The holidays are here, and it’s time to start shopping for the perfect gifts for those special men in your life. But with so many options out there, it may be daunting to find something unique and unforgettable. Fear not! Our luxury men’s gift guide for the holidays will help you choose the perfect present for the discerning man. From timeless accessories to top-notch gadgets and indulgent experiences, there are plenty of options. Whether he’s a businessman, an adventurer, or a wine enthusiast, our gift guide has got you covered. 34 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS
BY NOËL BURGESS
TIFFANY & CO. Diamonds are not just a girl’s best friend! There was a time in history when men wore more jewelry than women, especially affluent aristocrats and royals. A few diamond accessories from Tiffany & Co. will help upgrade and/or complete your look. T1 circle pendant in 18-karat white gold with diamonds, large, $20,500 Tiffany.com. Golden Goose men’s singlebreasted wool coat with beige and gray herringbone weave, $985 goldengoose.com.
GOLDEN GOOSE Golden Goose has been a leading fashion brand that transcends timeless style with comfort and versatility. The wide variety of their menswear collection reflects an authentic mix of streetwear and classic designs that merge effortlessly. From sneakers to clothing and accessories, Golden Goose has something to offer for every style. Shown here, men’s bio-based Mid-Stardan with white star and heel tab, $595 goldengoose.com.
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BUCCELLATI Looking for a way to spend your evenings that doesn’t involve technology? Want to entertain guests in style? A backgammon set is the perfect addition to any home, and the ultimate luxury set can be found at Buccellati, $9,600 buccellati.com
BMW RUDD RALLY
• Stay in a suite at one of the Auberge Resorts Collection properties in Napa Valley • Eat at Michelin-starred PRESS Restaurant in St. Helena and enjoy wine pairings by master sommelier Vincent Morrow • Visit Rudd Oakville Estate to taste their award-winning wines with winemaker Natalie Bath and managing director Oscar Henquet, while enjoying a lunch made on the outdoor grill overlooking the lake. Visit ruddwines.com/ultimategiftwineenthusiast to learn more and view the entire itinerary. $29,000
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF RESPECTIVE BRANDS
Start your engines in San Francisco, California with one of BMW’s top new models and drive over the Golden Gate Bridge to Napa Valley. Along the 3-day journey, car and wine enthusiasts will:
HERMÈS Men like David Beckham, Marc Jacobs, Lebron James, and many others are sporting man bags as the ultimate expression of fashion and functionality. Haut à courroies or HAC bags were originally designed for carrying a saddle and equestrian riding boots, but today is used mostly for day-today or overnight travel. Step out and step up your sartorial style with Hermès. Haut à courroies multipocket bag in Barénia Faubourg calfskin, $45,000 hermes.com. BERES AIZU 5-STAR This might be the most expensive golf swing you’ve ever had! Honma Golf and their BERES Aizu 5-Star men’s set has been the choice for royalty, presidents, stars, and the uber-wealthy all over the world. The BERES Aizu 5-Star is a royal invitation to experience beauty and performance right in your hands, $70,000 us.honmagolf.com ON LOCATION AT THE 2024 PARIS OLYMPICS On Location, the official hospitality provider for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is offering customizable “On the Finish Line” packages for Paris 2024 events. Avid sports fans will enjoy unsurpassed views of some of the most historic moments at competition finals with premium in-lounge hospitality before, during, and after the competition. These packages include a high-end selection of champagne, spirits, wine, and beer and access to Salon 24, a historic, private, Parisian social club. As members of this exclusive club, guests may unwind between sporting sessions, enjoy world class service in its sumptuous lounges, and dine on French cuisine in this trendy, private space nestled in the historic La Maison de l’Amérique Latine. Visit olympics.onlocationexp.com/paris2024/ to learn more and view all packages. Starting at $6,000
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Sally, Darioush, and Shahpar Khaledi
From Persia to LA and Napa Valley The American dream of Darioush Khaledi BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER
I HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING DARIOUSH KHALEDI WHEN
I joined the Festival Napa Valley’s board of directors in 2019. Khaledi was a festival co-founder and co-chairman of the board. We have seen each other often at various board meetings and festival events every year since. I have always been impressed with his warm, big smile and generosity. I remember, in November 2019, when Gordon Getty hosted a dinner at his home for the festival donors and board members. My joining the board was announced as well as Getty’s $5 million, 5-year matching grant to the festival. I raised my hand to donate $100,000, and Khaledi raised his hand and donated $500,000! Born and raised in Iran and trained as a civil engineer, Darioush Khaledi was inspired by the rich wine culture in the fabled city of Shiraz, the eponymous grape of the city where he grew up. As a lifelong entrepreneur and avid collector and aficionado of Bordeaux wines, Khaledi pursued both a path in wine and the American dream. He had family who lived in Los Angeles, so he left Iran ahead of the revolution to visit them and quickly fell in love with the area. He purchased a home in Palos Verdes. During this time, the revolution in Iran was underway. He lost everything and was never 38 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
able to return to his home country, which in a way was a blessing, because his life got a big jump beyond his imagination or expectation in United States. In order to expedite his Permanent Resident Card, Khaledi and his brother purchased a grocery store in the LA area. The business eventually expanded to 23 stores under the names of Top Valu Market and Valu Plus Food Warehouse under parent company KV Mart and employed over 1,500 people and grew to what became the largest family-owned grocery business in California. On an anniversary trip to Napa around 1998, Khaledi and his wife, Shahpar, stayed at Auberge du Soleil and fell in love with Napa Valley. They discovered and understood the world class growing potential rivaling Bordeaux in France and purchased the estate vineyard property in 1998 from George Altamura, another immigrant who became super successful in Napa Valley. He named the winery Darioush. Darioush officially opened for business in 2000, while construction of the winery and hospitality center was underway. The winery doors opened in 2004. The winery is Khaledi’s realization of his American dream. Believing early in the world class potential of Napa
Darioush hospitality building’s unique architecture
Olivia Hsu Decker at Darioush winery
Darioush and Shahpar Khaledi welcome visitors
A concert at Darioush’s 25th anniversary celebration
Darioush’s entrance lobby
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Darioush productions include the following varietals: • Signature Cabernet Sauvignon. The foundation and flagship of the estate, the Signature Cabernet Sauvignon bridges the Old World complexity that originated in Bordeaux with Napa Valley’s modern style. • Signature series. The Signature series celebrates wines and vineyards with history, heritage, and kinship to Darioush Khaledi (e.g., Shiraz, Viognier). Showcasing varietal correctness, these wines are some of the portfolio’s most celebrated. • Darius II. The crown jewel of the estate, Darius II is a collectible wine showcasing the very best of the vintage. Historical Persian artwork adorns each release, handpicked, and licensed from London’s Victoria & Albert Museum’s personal and extensive collection. The Darius II is a deeply personal and significant release for Darioush Khaledi. • Sage Vineyard series. Unbound by vintage, the Sage Vineyard series is a single-vineyard blend from the steep, rocky hillside of Khaledi’s Mount Veeder estate. Made only in certain years, the Sage Vineyard Red is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, designed to showcase the complex aromas and flavors of its unique mountain top origins.
Olivia Decker and Afie Royo at Darioush party
Valley, Darioush produces refined, complex wines inspired by a worldly and cultural lens. Honoring both ancient traditions and modern influences, he sources grapes from cooler microclimates throughout southern Napa Valley. Since its inception, Khaledi has continued his commitment toward the valley’s southern growing appellations. Director of Winemaking Hope Goldie oversees the winery. Having worked for Khaledi for nearly two decades, she possesses a deep understanding of the valley floor and mountainside estate vineyard sites at Darioush. Goldie aims to produce classic California wines that are an intentional reflection of each vintage and representation of what Napa Valley grows best. Renowned international wine consultant Michel Rolland visits the property on an annual basis and consults on blending alongside the winemaking team. Today, Khaledi’s estate vineyards encompass 120 acres throughout the southern regions of Napa Valley, spanning across the Mt. Veeder, Oak Knoll, and Coombsville American Viticultural Areas. Bridging Old World traditions with New World winemaking, Darioush’s portfolio of wines is known for individualism, ambition, complexity, and gravitas. Operating at the highest level of quality for everything they do—wine production, culinary offerings, and hospitality—Darioush sets the stage for world class, modern luxury in wine country.
I attended the 25th anniversary celebration at Darioush on August 12 this year and experienced magnificent hospitality; a fabulous concert; a remarkable, immersive, visual presentation; and amazing food and wine, not to mention Khaledi’s nonstop smile welcoming all the guests. I am sure there will be another 25 years of successful winemaking and transition for the Khaledi family. Haute Living was granted an exclusive interview with Darioush Khaledi: HL: In the world of wine, whom do you most admire and why? Who influenced you? DK: My idol in the world of wine was Bob Mondavi, who left an indelible mark on Napa Valley’s hospitality. I was fortunate to have him as a mentor in my early years of becoming a Napa Valley vintner, and Shahpar and I were honored to have him bless the winery at our grand opening in 2004. HL: Do you have a favorite wine or vintage that you have made? DK: I always say that each wine is like a child: each one is unique, challenging, beautiful, but you love them equally. HL: What is one of the hardest things about winemaking, year in and year out? DK: The hardest thing is also the most rewarding: listening and responding to Mother Nature’s will. HL: What is one of the most rewarding things in your career? DK: The most rewarding aspect of my career is the people. I love building a team, fostering growth, and seeing individuals achieve their goals. HL: How do you enjoy your free time? DK: Free time is rare for me, so when I have it, I enjoy being at home with my family, a home-cooked meal, and a glass of fine wine. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 41
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Exploring the Mind with David Eagleman An insightful conversation with the Stanford neuroscientist and bestselling author BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ
FOR CENTURIES, ASTRONOMERS GAZED UP INTO THE NIGHT
sky to understand the vastness of our universe. From Ptolemy to Copernicus to Kepler, these scholars helped us comprehend the solar system and galaxy we call home. But hidden between our ears is another mysterious space that doctors, scientists, and neurosurgeons study: the human brain. The brain is not always eager to share its enduring secrets, but Dr. David Eagleman has made it his mission to decipher its delicate circuitries and intricate wiring. While astronomers from the past gave us a view into our expansive outer cosmos, Dr. Eagleman is exploring our inner cosmos and sharing his findings with poetic simplicity and captivating storytelling. It was a circuitous route that led him to become one of the nation’s most respected and beloved neuroscientists. Eagleman shares, “I majored in literature as an undergraduate, because that was my first love. For a while I was double-majoring in space physics, but the items of interest—the stars—were so far away that I knew I would never actually visit them.” In the last semester of his senior year, Eagleman discovered neuroscience. “I was immediately in love,” he reports. “This elevated philosophy from the unknowable to something that could actually be directly studied. So, I proceeded to read all the books in the library on the brain—there weren’t very many at the time,” he laughs. He earned a Ph.D. in neuroscience and took the road of academic research which led to his current home at Stanford University where he teaches several popular courses on neuroscience. At every moment on the journey, his north star was clear: to shed light on the dark corners of our brains. Academia is only the beginning for Eagleman. He shares his insights into what it means to be a human with the public on his monologue podcast, Inner Cosmos, which ranked as the number one science podcast in the nation and hit the number nine slot for all podcasts. There, he addresses questions that might flit through our minds like rays of light, gone in a moment because we can’t answer them ourselves. However, Eagleman solves them with laser focus and comprehensive research and explains them through clever storytelling. Eagleman reveals our naked consciousness and allows us space to be at ease with our unknowing. Some examples of the questions he addresses include: How is drug addiction like heartbreak? How can we better detect deception? Why is our memory so questionable? 42 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Eagleman guides us through these perplexing human experiences and provides understandable answers to challenging questions. Eagleman also gives us easy-to-follow directions for implementing the advice he shares. For example, to help keep your brain healthy and to support brain plasticity, engage in activities like driving home by different routes or rearranging the books and artwork in your office. Along with his popular podcast, Eagleman has co-founded two venture-backed companies, Neosensory and BrainCheck. Neosensory uses a non-invasive brain-machine interface—a wristband with vibratory motor—to unlock the power of “hearing” for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. BrainCheck helps doctors quickly and easily assess patients’ cognitive functions. Eagleman also directs the prestigious Center for Science and Law, a national nonprofit institute. In that capacity, he examines how modern neuroscience can increasingly play a role in courtrooms. Eagleman is a renowned expert in sensory substitution, time perception, brain plasticity, synesthesia, and neurolaw. With over 120 academic publications, he’s a prolific academic. But he also captivates readers beyond the walls of the laboratory. He is the writer and presenter of the acclaimed PBS series The Brain with David Eagleman, which was nominated for an Emmy® Award and reaches audiences around the world—and he penned the companion book, The Brain: The Story of You. He also made The Creative Brain on Amazon and Apple. Additionally, he has written the textbook Brain and Behavior which is used in cognitive neuroscience courses at Stanford and around the world. His latest masterpiece, Livewired, delves into the fascinating tale of brain plasticity. He explores how the billions of neurons in your brain constantly adapt and reconfigure through your lifetime. Eagleman uncovers the hidden workings of the brain in his bestseller, Incognito: The Secret Lives of the Brain. He skillfully writes about the inner workings of the mind, exploring the complex neural functions that occur beyond our conscious awareness in a manner that is easy to understand. After reading a few of his bestselling books, listening to his podcast, and watching countless videos of Eagleman explaining the inner workings of our mind, I was on a mission to meet this modern-day pioneer at the forefront of brain exploration.
PHOTO: BRIAN GOLDMAN
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Dr. David Eagleman joined me for breakfast as I sat under the dappled shade of a valley oak on Main Street in Los Altos. His curious blue eyes caught the morning sunlight, and his mischievous smile lit up his face. Meeting someone who is not only an accomplished author but also a neuroscientist, podcaster, writer, and producer was overwhelming. I had to take a few deep breaths to calm my nerdy fan-crush heart rate. Dressed in workout gear and wearing a Neosensory wristband, Eagleman joined me for a lively conversation about his past, present, and future. While Eagleman is not one for stepping back into the past because he’s so focused on the future, he took some time out of his very packed schedule to talk with me about his early years and its influence on his current life. Perhaps it was the limitless skies of the Sandia Mountains in Albuquerque where he was raised that inspired him to think about the expansive nature of the human mind and consciousness; or, maybe it was the labyrinthine bookshelves in his father’s study, which were brimming with books in multiple languages, that sparked his incessant curiosity. One memory that does stand out to him is his fascination with the Underwood typewriter in his house. At three years old, he propped himself at the desk and began typing. “I started playing around 44 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
with the typewriter and learned how to type. I loved writing little books. They were just small kid things, but I enjoyed it so much that I thought I wanted to become a writer,” Eagleman shares. When Eagleman was eight years old, he fell off the unfinished roof of a house still under construction. While in mid-flight, time seemed to slow down for him, and Eagleman faced his mortality at a very young age. This brush with death led him to write the mind-bending literary fiction Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives. The book is an uncanny speculation of what the afterlife could be through 40 different short stories. One of my favorite chapters is one in which the afterlife is filled with countless versions of “you.” There is the “you” who worked out every day, the “you” who stayed home, watched television, and ate junk food. There is the overly critical version of “you” who is doing much better in the afterlife than “you” ever did because of that version’s commitment and grit to their goals. I could easily see myself running into better and worse versions of myself and wondering how I would handle it. Along with praise for Sum from the New York Times, The New Yorker, and Time Magazine, Eagleman was contacted by Brian Eno, the British musician, composer, record producer, and visual artist. Eno persuaded Eagleman to turn his book into a
PHOTO: ALINA GRUBNYAK/UNSPLASH.COM
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“IF YOU WERE TO INJURE YOUR PINKY, YOU’D STILL BE YOU. BUT IF YOU DAMAGE THE SAME SIZED BIT OF BRAIN, THAT CAN CHANGE YOU ENTIRELY.”
theatrical production with 12 tales from Sum. It seemed like an inconceivable triad—a book about death, a neuroscientist, and a musician—but on June 6, 2009, at the Sydney Opera House, the theatrical production Tales From the Afterlives debuted to a soldout audience. Then, independently, Max Richter, one of the most prodigious figures on the contemporary music scene in the United Kingdom, composed and produced Sum: Forty Tales from the Afterlives at London’s famed Royal Opera House. Achieving a career at Stanford University, being a national bestselling author, and becoming the author of an internationally acclaimed, bestselling book-cum-opera are significant milestones for most people, but not for Eagleman. He is a man who celebrates possibilities and is searching for answers, so much so that in a 2009 NPR interview, he called himself a “possibilian.” Eagleman explains, “A possibilian is somebody who is into the possibilities, who thinks that it’s silly to commit to any particular story.” Eagleman’s drive for inspiration and possibilities fuels his search for the next groundbreaking project. Since 2007, Eagleman has been researching a rare trait called synesthesia. He explains, “Synesthesia is a blending of the senses. You might see a letter, and that will trigger a color experience for you. Or you might hear something, and that triggers a visual shape. Or you might taste something and that puts a feeling on your fingertips.” In 2011, Eagleman and Dr. Richard E. Cytowic wrote Wednesday Is Indigo Blue: Discovering the Brain of Synesthesia, explaining the neuroscience and genetics behind synesthesia’s multisensory experiences. By building online tests, Eagleman collected data from over 65,000 synaesthetes worldwide, which has forwarded the understanding of this condition. He theorizes that sensory processing disorders in autism could be a form of synesthesia. Eagleman explains, “You know how certain textures or sounds can be very triggering for those with autism? I suspect it’s a form of synesthesia. Instead of triggering a color, external stimuli are triggering something aversive.” His groundbreaking research on autism and synesthesia could shed light on the murky landscape of mental disorders, and he might discover strategies that provide genuine assistance to individuals affected by these disabilities.
Our time together coming to an end, I ask Eagleman jokingly, “So, what else are you working on?” I expect nothing more than an answer about his syllabus at Stanford for his 120 students, where he teaches three different courses on brain plasticity, literature and the brain, and the brain and the law. He sits up straight and sets down his cup of coffee before answering, “I am working on five books right now. Three are nonfiction, and two are fiction. I’ve been writing my next book of fiction, essentially a follow-up to Sum. It’s not a sequel, but the book has the same playful spirit as Sum. I’ve been working on that book for 14 years.” How does he do all this and get eight hours of rest every night? “I can jump from one thing to another because, essentially, I’ve got these different idea buckets. Whenever I have an idea, I know exactly which bucket it goes into. So, each book or project develops slowly like a Polaroid, and then one day, I wake up and know it’s done.” With a last sip of my cold chai, I remember he mentioned something about starting a television production company. “Aren’t you also writing screenplays?” I ask, amazed by all that this single human has accomplished. Eagleman leans forward, looks at his phone quickly, and without missing a beat, shares his exciting news: “Yes! I started this production company about six months ago. We’re developing 10 different projects right now. I’ve written a family drama series about five families in Palo Alto … but it takes place 30 years from now when science has evolved and there are new ethical questions.” One would think that with all that Eagleman has on his plate, he would be a man weighed down by all his responsibilities, but he’s not. Instead, his voice has genuine excitement when he talks about his many projects. He shares, “Everything I’m doing I love.” I have time for one last question, so I ask him what advice he would give those starting in life. “Of all the subjects arrayed in front of you, only a few are going to resonate deeply with you. Do gutchecks often to figure out what you love, what gives you energy. And then put your efforts into becoming the best at that.” As I navigate a new route home, I reflect on the insights Eagleman graciously shared. With his unwavering passion for the brain, dedication to sharing knowledge, and creation of educational content on consciousness, Eagleman has revolutionized our understanding of the enigma that is our 3-pound companion. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 45
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Maximilian Riedel Leader of Riedel’s Eleventh Generation MAXIMILIAN RIEDEL STANDS IN THE MIDDLE OF A PASTURE
in Austria, laughing as he sweeps the phone’s camera past a cow just five feet away. The refreshingly gregarious 46-year-old might not immediately strike you as the CEO of the world’s top producer of specialized wineglasses, but he drops into that mode immediately, sharing the secrets to his family’s longevity and describing which glass everyone must own (the proper glass for your favorite variety). His down-to-earth business approach has drawn in countless new consumers, and he’s got 320,000 enthusiastic followers of his “second home,” his personal Instagram page, to prove it. Riedel’s good nature belies the fact that he carries the weight of 11 generations on his shoulders, running the family business, founded in 1756, for the last 10 years. “As the head of the business, my greatest achievement has been growth. Growth in many ways, not only in sales, but also in the brand’s reputation and in communication of the brand. We are a small family business and the market leader, and we’re very proud of that. And my job is to keep it that way.” 46 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
“My father [Georg Josef Riedel] did a very smart thing when I was able to join the family business. We lacked management in North America, so he sent me 7,000 miles away. And for nearly 15 years, I ran the American operation, which became our number one market worldwide.” Riedel credits the mutual respect between his father and himself for the success. “I think that the most important ingredient [in a family business] is respect for each other.” Riedel learned firsthand from two of the 11 generations. He shared, “I was a big fan of my grandfather [Claus Josef Riedel] and how he approached business. I’m an even bigger fan of my father and how he conducts business. They gave me enthusiasm and allowed me to shine.” “We’re celebrating the 50th anniversary of our original stemware collection, Sommeliers. These were the designs of my grandfather. The entire glass industry came forward with his glasses without decoration, with an egg-shaped bowl, a long stem, and a base. He was the first in history to come forward with such a design language, which is 100 percent Bauhaus [Design Principle]—form follows function, less is more.”
PHOTO: RIEDEL
BY LAYNE RANDOLPH
PHOTO: RIEDEL
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He explained how his grandfather created this innovation by working with successful sommeliers who told him what they needed. When his father joined the business, he expanded upon that innovation after consulting with wine industry leaders such as Robert Mondavi and Angelo Gaja. They taught him that the most important factor in winemaking was grape variety, and his grape variety-specific Riedel “O” Series was born. “He studied fruit, grape varieties, and winemaking. He learned so much and realized that every fruit and grape variety could communicate a sense of it so much better if you started developing glasses that brought it forward. They all have their own DNA. This was the beginning, and it’s our success story.” His father continued designing and creating products such as “Wine Wings,” a flat-bottomed glass. “The upper third of the glass is very similar to all other glasses; only the lower part of the glass is different, so new. And he said that his taste for wine has changed over time. He is not looking anymore for sweetness. He’s looking for minerality for the fruit, and this new shape really boosts the minerality in wine.” 48 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
The variety-specific wine glass choices continued to grow. For example, winemakers told them they needed a glass specifically for New World Pinot Noir. “So, we did it; it’s been on the market now for 20 years—a great success for us.” Riedel’s advice for wine lovers? “If people are serious about wine, they should definitely consider drinking it from a Riedel glass. It makes such a difference. Sometimes, people don’t like a wine, and they blame the wrong reasons. Temperature is a good reason, but they never blame the wine glass; people should know that it can negatively impact your wine experience. When I think about beautiful moments with my family, it doesn’t matter at what price point the wine is; if we serve it at the right temperature in the right glass, I’m super happy.” Regarding family, Riedel considers maintaining the business for the next generation his greatest challenge. “I need to pass on the torch and make the next generation feel part of the family and want to enter the business.” He laughed, “Because otherwise, I’m the biggest loser in 11 generations.”
PHOTO: RIEDEL
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h au t e re si d e n c e . co m
B e l A i r , L os A n ge l e s , CA
h a u t e r e s i d e n c e N E T WO R K
CHRISTINE HONG
Coldwell Banker Realty Beverly Hills christinehong@coldwellbanker.com christinehong.net
With her extensive experience of over 20 years in real estate, coupled with her drive and penchant for good timing and detail, Christine Hong has helped her many clients successfully meet their needs in the sale and acquisition of properties. Her clients consistently acknowledge and rely upon her expertise, sincerity, and personal client contact to create and align real estate strategies that follow their business plans.
CONTEMPORARYTROUSDALE TROUSDALEOASIS: OASIS:AAMID-CENTURY MIDCENTURY MASTERPIECE CONTEMPORARY MASTERPIECE WITH WITH BREATHTAKING BREATHTAKING VIEWS VIEWS 521 521Chalette ChaletteDr, Dr,Beverly BeverlyHills, Hills,CA CA 90210 90210 $14,500,000 $14,500,000
C
ompletely redesigned and carefully crafted, this home features open spaces and Fleetwood pocket doors throughout, seamlessly connecting the interior and exterior spaces and providing the ultimate California lifestyle. Situated on one of Trousdale’s most sought-after streets, the property boasts breathtaking city and ocean views from nearly every room, setting a new standard for luxury and quality. The renowned contractor, Gordon Gibson, ensured the highest level of craftsmanship.The architecture is a captivating blend of mid-century clean lines and contemporary elegance, creating a harmonious and welcoming atmosphere that maximizes space and proportions. This private and gated residence is equipped with state-of-the-art Crestron home automation, offering effortless functionality and top-notch security.From the frameless glass garage doors to the elegant Calcutta gold kitchen counters and backsplash, every detail was carefully considered. The zero-edge pool houses a floating spa, adding to the property’s charm and luxury. This newly redesigned home in Trousdale is truly a masterpiece of sophisticated and thoughtful design.
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Armani Hotel Dubai
HOTEL
Party Suites These top hotel suites are the perfect place for your NYE fête
PHOTO: ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI
BY BECCA HENSLEY
50 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
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HOTEL
SOMEBODY I KNOW SAID THAT EVERYONE OUGHT TO HOST
a populous party in their home at least once a year, because in its advent, one feels the need to finally get around to reorganizing those closets and drawers that beg for attention, not to mention scrubbing down those corners that even your housekeeper fails to find time to complete. As for me, when a fancy party looms, I tend to reorganize the furniture—for better or worse. Perhaps a simpler idea is to eschew the home venue concept for something infinitely simpler and less personal: an over-the-top, 5-star hotel suite complete with in-house catering, amenities, staff support, and often a jaw-dropping view. Here are some first-in-class suites for planning your next soiree.
The Post Oak Hotel Houston
ARMANI DUBAI SUITE, ARMANI HOTEL DUBAI, DUBAI
Imagine watching the fireworks and sharing greetings for the New Year from the tallest skyscraper in the world, the Burj Khalifa. As elegant as the designer behind the brand, the staggeringly gorgeous hotel and its 4,198-square-foot Armani Dubai Suite provide the ideal haven in which to share hopes for an auspicious year to come with friends and family. Situated on level 39, overlooking the Arabian Gulf, and floating above the city, the suite quickens the heart with its spellbinding, circular entrance vestibule, sleek décor, and three fixture powder rooms. Consider beginning the evening with an indulgent, 7-course dinner with wine pairings at Armani/Ristorante, the hotel’s Italian-intoned signature restaurant. This one is for fashion-forward revelers looking to take the holiday to new heights.
PHOTOS: THE POST OAK HOTEL HOUSTON (TOP), LAURENT BENOIT (BOTTOM)
THE PENTHOUSE SUITE AT THE POST OAK HOTEL HOUSTON, HOUSTON
Perched as the highest point of this glamorous hotel’s 38-story tower in Houston’s swanky Uptown, this astonishing, 2-story grand residence encompasses 22,000 fantastical square feet, complete with stunning 360-degree urban views. At $125,000 a night, it may be the world’s most expensive place to spend the night. Envisioned by owner billionaire Tilman Fertitta—owner of sports teams and restaurants among other things—as a showpiece and gathering place for his friends and associates, the palatial suite has five bedrooms (one with a his-and-her closet with room for 150 shoes and countless purses), a fully equipped kitchen, a teppanyaki corner, two hot tubs, 28 televisions, a movie theater, infinity pool, basketball court, interactive putting green, and state-of-the-art fitness center and spa. Bedecked with pieces from Fertitta’s own fine art collection (think: Robert Motherwell), the colossal suite features lavish design elements, including Michael Alexander velvet chairs, 23 custom chandeliers, silk fabric wall coverings, and Calacatta marble floors.
The Villas at Christopher Hotel
THE VILLAS AT CHRISTOPHER HOTEL, ST. BARTHÉLEMY
Perhaps no Caribbean island is as exclusive on New Year’s Eve as ritzy St. Barths, a destination that fuses island chic with Parisian élan. Rather than wait for an invitation, throw your own fête in one of the Christopher Hotel’s outstandingly lavish villas—the Niña, Pinta, or Maria. Embracing uninterrupted views of the ocean and neighboring islands, the contemporary hotel and its eye-catching villas lie between gin-clear waters and verdant Pointe Milou. Prime for ringing in the New Year with your favorite fellow jet-setters, the villas, set among lush vegetation, stretch for 12,600 square feet. Each holds four bedrooms and a private swimming pool. For a pre-party celebration, yield to the ministrations of the hotel’s Spa Sisley. Count on your personal hotel butler to help organize your celebration and staff to keep the Champagne and canapes flowing. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 51
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Rome Cavalieri, a Waldorf Astoria Hotel
PENTHOUSE SUITE, ROME CAVALIERI, A WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL, ROME, ITALY
Whether you want to offer your friends la dolce vita with an extravagant spread or show them that relaxed opulence means following the Italian concept of dolce far niente (the art of pleasant idleness), the iconic, hilltop Rome Cavalieri has the answer. Book their 2,115-square-foot penthouse suite for New Year’s Eve (or any time of the year) for an enchanted evening rife with fine food and wine and replete with sweeping vistas of Rome and the Vatican. Under prized art, including works by Andy Warhol, and amid glistening Swarovski crystals embedded into the décor and furnishings by the incomparable Karl Lagerfeld, your guests can enjoy the suite’s dining area with a bar; a large, walk-in dressing room; a private wine cellar loaded with top label wines; and a hydro-massage bath.
The guest list at the regal Broadmoor is the stuff of legends. For more than 100 years, the resort has treated every guest like a celebrity, including a slew of truly newsworthy visitors such as Jimmy Stewart who honeymooned here. A Rocky Mountain-situated manse with huge grounds, two golf courses, 20 restaurants and cafés, a swimming pool, a lake, and a garage brimming with vintage Cadillacs, the iconic hotel has white glove service down to a science. While they hold their own black tie gala on New Year’s Eve with a 5-course meal and special musical guests (this year, Broadway star Marcus Lovett and singer Julie Bradley), the hotel also encourages private guests to throw their own elite parties. Do it in the historic Penrose Suite, a 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom, private apartment that boasts spectacular views. Swoon over a dining room, sitting room with fireplace, sunroom, and formal living room—perfect for your sophisticated extravaganza, planned in collaboration with the Broadmoor team.
Broadmoor
IMPERIAL SUITE, GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS, LOS CABOS
If tequila or a regional Mexican wine is your drink of of choice on New Year’s Eve, there’s no better retreat to toast the New Year than the Imperial Suite, a lavish, 2-bedroom delight at Grand Velas Los Cabos. Gifting mesmerizing ocean views, the Imperial Suite has a commodious living area with a bar, a dining area, and accordion-style doors that lead to a terrace (complete with plunge pool). The whole accommodation seems to float above the waves. On Near Year’s Eve, stand on the terrace, glasses aloft, canapés in hand, as you dance privately to the live band music wafting up from below and cheer the beauty of the fireworks as they explode in kaleidoscopes of color in the sky. Note: with a 5-night stay, this tony suite’s stay includes two 50-minute massages, a 3-hour tour on a Bella yacht, roundtrip airport transfers, a private en suite dinner, and tequila tasting. 52 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Grand Velas Los Cabos
PHOTOS: (TOP TO BOTTOM) ROME CAVALIERI, A WALDORF ASTORIA HOTEL, BROADMOOR, GRAND VELAS LOS CABOS
BROADMOOR, COLORADO SPRINGS, COLORADO
SAN FRANCISCO DREAMING R E PR E SE NTING E X C EP T IO N A L P RO P ERT IES IN T H E MA G IC A L CI TY-B Y-THE-B A Y W W W. J O E LG O O D R I C H .CO M
GRAND-SCALE HILLSBOROUGH ESTATE WITH BAY & SILICON VALLEY VIEWS | $11,950,000
ICONIC WORLD-CLASS NOB HILL PENTHOUSE WITH EXTRAORDINARY 360º VIEWS | $11,500,000
EXQUISITE PACIFIC HEIGHTS HOME WITH BAY, CITY & GOLDEN GATE VIEWS | $8,125,000
SOLD
NS
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PARIS MEETS PARK AVENUE ON NOB HILL | $7,700,000
PANORAMIC VIEW GRAND RESIDENCE AT MILLENNIUM TOWER | $6,800,000
ULTRA-LUXURY HIGH-FLOOR NOB HILL RESIDENCE WITH 360º VIEWS | $4,750,000
FOUR SEASONS RESIDENCE WITH GOLDEN GATE VISTAS | $3,500,000
STYLISH SOUTH BEACH RESIDENCE WITH STUNNING BAY VIEWS | $2,998,000
CLASSIC PRESIDIO HEIGHTS PENTHOUSE WITH CITY & PARK VIEWS $2,998,000
SOHO LOFT- STYLE MEETS PARK AVENUE GLAMOUR ON NOB HILL $2,600,000
TOP OF THE WORLD VIEWS FROM A NOB HILL HIGH-RISE | $2,595,000
STUNNING BAY BRIDGE AND SKYLINE VIEWS FROM THE HARRISON $2,198,000
LUXURY LIVING FROM A PARKSIDE DOORMAN BUILDING ON NOB HILL $1,895,000
STUNNINGLY MINIMALIST RUSSIAN HILL RESIDENCE WITH DRAMATIC BAY & SKYLINE VIEWS | $1,650,000
W W W. J O E LG O O D R I CH .CO M | 415 . 3 0 8 . 818 4 | J O E L @ J O E LG O O D R I CH .CO M CALRE # 010 2 870 2
©2023 COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. COLDWELL BANKER® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK LICENSED TO COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC. AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY COMPANY. EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY. EACH COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE OFFICE IS OWNED BY A SUBSIDIARY OF NRT LLC. REAL ESTATE AGENTS AFFILIATED WITH COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE ARE INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR SALES ASSOCIATES AND ARE NOT EMPLOYEES OF COLDWELL BANKER REAL ESTATE LLC, COLDWELL BANKER RESIDENTIAL BROKERAGE OR NRT LLC. CALBRE LICENSE #01908304.
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Hotel Adlon Kempinski, Berlin
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Christmas Markets BY BECCA HENSLEY
54 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
PHOTO: TOR SILVESTER
These European holiday fairs are destinations unto themselves.
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Vienna
PHOTO: HARALD EISENBERGE
SNUGGLED IN A WARM COAT, MY THROAT WRAPPED BY A
long scarf, I skitter across the icy road to enter the Christmas market in Budapest’s Vorosmarty Square. Festooned with twinkling lights and peppered with cottage-like vendor’s stalls set up in rows, the town plaza hums with vivacity. Scattered laughter fuses into melodies that blend with a brass band and the singing voices of roving groups of carolers, sweetly dressed like angels. Pods of friends and families huddle together amiably, deep in celebration mode. Wafting through the air, the scents of cloves and cinnamon feed the soul. Pushing through the ebullient crowds, I meander the labyrinth of alleyways, eyeing huge pots of aromatic goulash (garnished with prunes) and salivating over Hungarian-style pizza topped with tomatoes, bacon, and dollops of cream. Savory pancakes and immense pork knuckles tempt, as do handmade chocolates, cakes, and nuts roasting on grills. Husky goose thighs and fat sausages cook on long spits stretched across open fires. It’s a timeless scene in a centuries-old square named for a poet. As I focus on a table that holds wooden handicrafts and hand-knitted hats, I think to myself that, besides the occasional cell phone being hoisted for a selfie, I could have stepped into any bygone century. At last, I reach my destination, one of the many vendors brewing up orange-infused gluhwein, redolent of vanilla and spices. A warm, sweet concoction, it possesses all the flavors of Christmas at once—like Christmas in a cup.
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MORE ON CHRISTMAS MARKETS
Europe has a long history of festive Christmas markets which operate daily throughout the season, often opening as early as November. Usually constructed as tiny villages with hut-like vendors’ stalls, they occupy street corners, city squares, and parks and lie in front of monumental buildings. Like street parties open to all, these Christmas markets embody the essence of the holiday. They incite connection and camaraderie between locals and tourists alike and deepen the spirit of the season. Put these christmas markets and festive hotels on your list for holiday travel.
BUDAPEST
The Market: Christmas Fair & Winter Festival at Vörösmarty Square, Budapest’s famous winter market opens November 17 and continues until January 1, 2024, abundant with activities. Set in the heart of the city, on the Pest side of the Danube River, this is considered one of Europe’s top fairs. The Hotel: Anantara New York Palace Budapest Hotel, a mélange of art nouveau, baroque, Italian renaissance, and gothic styles, reigns as a glamorous gathering place, once the den for Hungarian intellectuals and literati. You’ll find it on elegant Erzsébet Krt boulevard on the Pest side of the Danube River. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 55
COPENHAGEN
The Market: Intimate, brimming with convivial hygge, and more like a house party, Copenhagen’s Christmas markets exude an element of chic chill. Wander the capital city’s most famous fête which takes place at historic Tivoli Gardens, the world’s renowned amusement park. Sip gløgg beneath glittering lights as you admire more than 1,000 Christmas trees adorned with some 70,000 ornaments. Rides, concerts, food hawkers, gift stores, and entertainment galore gladden hearts.
Bern
PHOTO: BERN WELCOME
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Copenhagen
The Hotel: Part of Tivoli Gardens, magical Nimb, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, spellbinds with otherworldly charm. With just 17 exclusive suites, the elegant hotel manages to impart an element of opulent fantasy and awe.
BERN
The Market: With its preserved medieval city center, Bern’s Old Town boasts UNESCO World Heritage status. That makes this Swiss capital, the home to Lindt chocolate, an ideal backdrop for a yuletide soiree. Enjoy the Bern Christmas Market, a paragon of holiday razzle-dazzle, set atop cobblestone streets among ancient buildings. Replete with an ice rink, live entertainment, food stalls that feature local cheese from Emmentaler to Gruyère (don’t miss the raclette), chocolate, cookies, and mulled wine, the fair offers Swiss crafts such as cuckoo clocks and embroidered linens. The Hotel: After all that gallivanting, you’ll crave a grand dame. Make it Hotel Schweizerhof Bern & Spa, a 5-star beacon in the heart of the city. Luxurious suites, old school charm, a sky terrace heated in winter, and Jack’s Brasserie, a Bern institution famous for its wiener schnitzel, ensure a memorable stay.
BERLIN
The Hotel: Revel in the lavish halls of legendary Hotel Adlon Kempinski, located opposite the Brandenburg Gate. A treat at any time of the year, the hotel outdoes itself during the holidays with festive decor throughout its halls and special, seasonal meals, such as a goose menu on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. 56 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
PHOTO: TIVOLI
The Market: More than 100 Christmas markets take place in Berlin annually, evoking the city’s much-appreciated physical and cultural contrasts. The Christmas Market at Charlottenburg Palace features more than 250 vendors. Shop for classic German Christmas sweets such as marzipan loaves, gingerbread, and stollen, as well as Christmas crafts from ornaments to nativity figurines. A nostalgic fairground near the orangery thrills children with merry-go-rounds and other rides.
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Copenhagen
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OSLO
The Market: Fjord meets forest in Norway’s vibrant capital city, but in December, you’ll likely find snow as well. Along Karl Johan Street is the city’s most popular Christmas market in Spikersuppa. The city’s famous holiday-time ice rink attracts hordes of revelers with a Ferris wheel, market stalls that sell gifts from jewelry to pottery to knitwear, yuletide concerts and plays, and loads of traditional food and drink. The market opens in November. The Hotel: Hotel Continental Oslo, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, has been family-owned for more than four generations. Elegant and with four stunning restaurants, it invites just steps from the National Theater and Royal Palace.
VIENNA
PHOTO: FARA MOHRI
PHOTO: TIVOLI
The Market: December festive markets date back to the Middle Ages in stately Vienna, home to urban vineyards, classical music, top-of-the-line art museums, and coffeehouses. Christmas markets large and small abound across the city. Centrally located, the Viennese Dream Christmas Market sprawls in front of City Hall. Awash with yuletide cheer, it offers concerts, carolers, programs, sweets and savory snacks galore, and plenty of hot glühwein. The Hotel: Hotel Rathaus Wein & Design stands out as Vienna’s only wine-themed hotel. A short walk from City Hall, a slew of museums, the storied Naschmarkt, and most of the city’s top attractions, this intimate boutique hotel pampers amid sleek décor.
Oslo
PRAGUE
The Market: Atmospheric and transportive, Prague makes an impression with its ornate bridges, spellbinding architecture, and castle atop the hill. Celebrate the holidays as people have for centuries at the Old Town Christmas Market, erected annually in historic Old Town Square. Among its traditional Czech village-like configuration, you’ll find rustic huts selling Christmas goods aplenty, including traditional Czech blown glass balls, wooden toys, embroidered linens and more. Dig into juicy sausages and Czech roasted ham, washed down with Czech pilsner. Don’t leave without indulging in trdelník, a sweet pastry grilled on an open flame. The Hotel: Embrace the spirt of the city at newly refurbished, 5-star NH Collection Prague Carlo IV, a Neo-Renaissance palace that once served as a splendorous bank. Just 10 minutes from Wenceslas Square, the hotel lies in central Prague, convenient to all attractions. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 57
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58 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
For the Chanel Cruise 2023/24 collection, Virginie Viard fashioned a dream. A collection teeming with so many playful yet elegant design motifs, Chanel Cruise 2023/24 dances through the decades, embracing the poise of the 1920s and 30s while also grooving to the beat of the 1970s and 80s. “Between a tribute to the glamour of great film stars and evoking the world of fun to be had with aerobics, sports, and roller skating, between the dream on the one hand and what you want to wear on the other, it’s all a question of balance,” notes Viard. From whimsical prints and an array of textures to ladylike and sporty silhouettes, the Chanel Cruise 2023/24 collection is the ultimate fantasy. FASHION & CREATIVE DIRECTOR ADRIENNE FAUROTE PHOTOGRAPHY DANNY CARDOZO AT DC&CO STUDIOS STYLING ANNY CHOI HAIRSTYLIST & MAKEUP ARTIST GINA SIMONE AT CREATIVE MANAGEMENT USING CHANEL BEAUTY MODEL ARABELLA AT NEXT MANAGEMENT DIGITECH & VIDEOGRAPHER CARLOS ROJAS PHOTO ASSISTANT BRANDON SHAFRANSKI SHOT ON LOCATION AT THE COLONY PALM BEACH ALL CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES BY CHANEL
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THE SCENE
San Francisco’s Opera Ball Dazzles with Star-Studded Guests and Spectacular Music Performances BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER
Teresa Rodriguez and Olivia Decker Afie Royo, Cynthia Schreuder Kalev, and Ovadia Kalev
IN AN IMPRESSIVE SHOW OF SUPPORT, 600 PATRONS AND 370 MEMBERS
of the San Francisco Opera’s Bravo! Club ascended to the grand marble rotunda at the prestigious and stunning Beaux-Arts beauty. Esteemed guests were greeted by Opera Ball co-chairs Sue Graham Johnston and Francesca Gutierrez Amann and Opera Guild President and the city’s Chief of Protocol Maryam Muduroglu. Beyond the sheer indulgence of being immersed in the grandeur of this iconic venue, attendees also played an essential role in contributing to the Guild’s mission of providing music and education programs to enrich the lives of some 65,000 Bay Area students. Indeed, the sold-out event raised crucial funds that will allow the Guild and the San Francisco Opera to continue their artistic and educational efforts to support and inspire the many young people in the region who benefit from the programs. Guests experienced the next level of artistry with J. Riccardo Benavides’ Events Styling. Benavides revolutionized the San Francisco Opera’s new season by bringing the artwork to life in a way that transcends dimensions. Guests were immersed in the breathtaking masterpiece, becoming one with the art. From Brian Stauffer’s captivating artwork to awe-inspiring performances, every design element was perfectly curated to leave a lasting impression. Stepping into this magical world felt like a journey through a dream, with vivid colors and luxurious textures stimulating one’s senses. Oversized floral sculptures and intricate light patterns breathed life into the space, creating an ethereal ambiance that evolved with the narrative. Benavides was honored to be part of this larger-than-life art experience which promised to redefine the boundaries of creativity, space, and imagination. The evening’s concert featured Caroline H. Hume Music Director Eun Sun Kim and the San Francisco Opera Orchestra and Chorus with married couple- French tenor Roberto Alagna and Polish soprano Aleksandra Kurzak. Kurzak’s aria of “Vissi d’arte” from Puccini’s “Tosca” was emotional and beautiful. Alagna performed SaintSaëns’ “Samson et Dalila” and Leoncavallo’s “Pagliacci” both were powerful. The couple also performed popular Mexican song “Cielito Lindo,” the Neapolitan song “Funiculì, Funiculà,” and “Libertà,” a ballad written by Alagna’s brother David. It was an unforgettable night at the Opera Ball with honorary chairs Diane B. Wilsey, John A. Gunn, and Cynthia Fry Gunn. Joining them on the host committee were a group of prestigious city notables, including Linda Behnke, Romana Bracco, Katie Colendich, Arif Damji, Valerie Crane Dorfman, Linle Froeb, Elizabeth Malkassian, and Anne Popkin. 68 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Jennifer Walske and Jorge Maumer
Carolyn Chang, Farah Makras, Mary Beth Shimmon, and Christine Suppes
Gregory Malin and Riccardo Benavides
Jake Heggie and Dede Wilsey
Matthew Shilvock, Francesca Amann, Sue Graham Johnston, and Jack Calhoun
THE SCENE
Joann To, Ahin Thomas, Amy Christodoulo, Eleanor Pollak, Matthew Spivey, Alana Trujillo, Priscilla Geeslin, Kelny Denebeim, Julie Liegl, Heather Childs, Jessica Pascolini, Ella Qing Hou, Carol Reiley, and Andrea Blavin
San Francisco Symphony Gala An unforgettable evening of music and celebration BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER
SAN FRANCISCO SYMPHONY OPENED ITS 112TH SEASON WITH
much fanfare at Davies Symphony Hall, marking a fourth season under the tutelage of music director Esa-Pekka Salonen. The Opening Night Gala on September 22, 2023, in San Francisco was a stunning musical extravaganza showcasing the Symphony’s brilliance and talented musicians. Attendees were thrilled with the stellar performance featuring legendary pieces such as Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan,” Gustav Mahler’s “Songs of a Wayfarer,” Anders Hillborg’s “Rap Notes,” and Maurice Ravel’s “Boléro.” The gala began on a high note with a grand, pink carpet welcome. Attendees were greeted with sparkling wine and light bites, setting the tone for an evening of sophistication and elegance. Unique decorations, showcasing the gala’s theme, interwove music and technology at the iconic venue, Davies Symphony Hall. The show began with a magnificent performance of Richard Strauss’ “Don Juan” conducted by none other than Esa-Pekka Salonen himself. The music carried the audience away on a journey, evoking emotions from 70 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
thrilling excitement to poignant reflection. The Symphony’s impeccable rendition showcased their outstanding talent and skill and earned them a well-deserved standing ovation. The surprising performance of the night was Anders Hillborg’s “Rap Notes.” This modern and imaginative composition highlighted the San Francisco Symphony’s versatility through its unique blend of classical and contemporary sounds. Under Salonen’s direction, the orchestra delivered an inspired and electrifying performance entrancing the audience with standout performances from Oakland-based hip-hop artist Kev Choice, San Franciscobased freestyle artist Anthony Veneziale, and soprano Hila Plitmann. Amy Christodoulo and Julie Liegl co-chaired the Opening Night Gala. It was a roaring success with attendees appreciating every bit of the experience, from exquisitely performed classics to the lavish decorations and cuisine. San Francisco Symphony set the tone for yet another promising season, and the audience left feeling grateful and exhilarated after an unforgettable night of incredible music and entertainment.
Olivia Decker and Maryam Muduroglu
Dede Wilsey and Matthew Spivey
Kristen Green-Kutch and Noël Burgess
Jessica Pascolini, Carol Reiley, and Ella Qing Hou
Priscilla Geeslin, Esa-Pekka Salonen, Amy Christodoulo, Julie Liegl, and Matthew Spivey
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Delicious Sonoma County wines
Sonoma County Wine Auction Raises More Than $1.3 Million For Local Nonprofits BY JENNIFER BODEN
Mike Thompson, vintner honoree Stuart Bryan, and Jared Huffman Anne Moses and James Hall
PHOTOS BOB MCCLENAHAN
THIS ANNUAL EVENT OFFERED EXCLUSIVE VINTNER DINNERS,
Best Party Ever hosted by Rodney Strong Vineyards, and the main event— Saturday’s auction—held at La Crema Estate at Saralee’s Vineyard. Guests experienced excitement at the auction with impressive travel packages, exquisite wines, and rare entertainment opportunities. Top lot highlights featured an 8-night Azamara cruise exploring Croatia and the Amalfi Coast. The August 2024 voyage, donated by Patz & Hall and Azamara, brought in $22,000. Donated by Benovia Winery, the “Best of the Big Apple” New York City experience sold for $47,000. Winners will enjoy a 5-night stay, Michelinstarred dining, and Broadway show tickets. A trip to Bhutan will celebrate the Bhutan Wine Company’s first commercial wine grape harvest in 2024. This lot was doubled for two bidders to enjoy at $30,000 each, raising $60,000. Sonoma County Wine Auction honorees included honorary chairs Anne Moses and James Hall of Patz & Hall, vintner honorees Stuart Bryan and Pride Mountain Vineyards, and chef honoree Duskie Estes. Sonoma County Vintners has funded more than 430 nonprofit organizations via their charitable events. Next year’s Sonoma County Wine Auction is September 19 – 21, 2024. 72 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
(L-R) SCWA Chef Honoree Duskie Estes and Prema Kerollis of Three Sticks Wines
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Savor the Flavor of the Vail Wine Classic Fine wines in Colorado’s high country BY NOËL BURGESS
VAIL IS ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST POPULAR SKI
destinations, but every summer, town residents turn in their winter wear for wine glasses to attend the Vail Wine Classic. This 4-day experience is a perfect rendezvous for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts who want to indulge in the best of high country living and fine wine in a spectacular mountain setting. Team Player Productions, known for the Breckenridge Wine Classic and Park City Wine Festival, completed the third year of the Vail Wine Classic this past summer. It kicked off with hosted dinners on Thursday evening, where attendees enjoyed wine and food pairings at popular venues around Vail Village. One of those venues is the new 13,000-square-foot restaurant and speakeasy, Chasing Rabbits, which hosted the “Uncorked Narratives” dinner with master sommelier Sean Razee. As one of the first 100 people in the United States to ever achieve the title of master sommelier, Razee’s selection of fine wines combined with the cuisine at Chasing Rabbits made for a great introduction to the weekend.
The weekend wasn’t just about the wine; it was also about the unique mountain lifestyle that draws millions of visitors to Vail every year. As such, attendees were able to experience a host of outdoor activities that showcase the natural splendor of Vail. One memorable example was the “Uncork and Unwind” hike, featuring wine from Napa Valley’s Aratás Winery and showcasing the views from atop Vail Mountain. From scenic hikes and bicycle rides to outdoor concerts and theater, there was plenty to keep attendees entertained and engaged. The flagship event at the Vail Classic is the grand tasting on Friday and Saturday, featuring 100-plus wineries from renowned regions such as Napa Valley, Bordeaux, New Zealand, Australia, and many more. Premier access guests were able to explore the numerous selections of Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, craft cocktails, and beers one hour earlier than other ticket holders. However, there were still plenty of locally owned bites and music to be enjoyed for those in general admission over the 2-day grand tasting event. The Vail Classic will be back for its fourth year from August 8 – 11, 2024. To learn more please visit vailwineclassic.com or tppevents.com. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 73
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Bridget Kibbey at Neiman Marcus
Harpist Bridget Kibbey Concert at Neiman MarcuS BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER PHOTOS DAVID ORTEGA
NEIMAN MARCUS’ CHIC EVENT SPACE ON UNION SQUARE,
Penthouse on 5, came alive on October 8 as acclaimed harpist Bridget Kibbey performed an Olivia Decker Power of Music concert presented by Festival Napa Valley. Guests enjoyed an elegant Champagne reception hosted by Neiman Marcus and a concert that previewed Kibbey’s forthcoming album by Pentatone Music, Crossing the Ocean. The program featured music by Paquito d’Rivera, J.S. Bach, Benjamin Britten, Claude Debussy, Franz Schubert, and Kati Agócs. Before each piece, Kibbey shared insightful observations about her work and instrument, giving the event a feeling of warmth and intimacy. Noted tenor Nicholas Phan made a special appearance as part of the performance. Olivia Decker, Mona Tvass, Christopher Barefoot, Joel Goodrich, Mark Calvano, Hafsa Burt, Hank Mou, Victoria Paarup, Kristen Klehr, as well as Lena Strayhorn, Sally Yu, and Kristin Sorenson who brought their harp-loving daughters, were among the music lovers enjoying the concert. Afterward, guests were invited to explore Neiman Marcus’ tastefully curated store where they experienced the irresistible sparkle of the just-begun holiday shopping season. 74 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Mark Calvano, Bridget Kibbey, Olivia Decker, and Joel Goodrich
Sally Yu and her daughter
Ruby Strayhorn and Lena Strayhorn
Danny Tran, Kristin Sorenson, and daughter Elena who is a harpist
Victoria Paarup, Hank Mou, Bridget Kibbey, and Kristen Klehr,
Festival Napa Valley’s Olivia Decker Power of Music concert with Bridget Kibbey at Neiman Marcus
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Christina Maxwell performs with MET Opera Orchastra musicians
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Festival Napa Valley Olivia Decker Power of Music Reaches New Height in New York BY OLIVIA HSU DECKER PHOTOS SABRINA STECK
FESTIVAL NAPA VALLEY’S OLIVIA DECKER POWER OF MUSIC series reached new heights in New York on September 7 at Peak at 30 Hudson Yard. Broadway singer and actress Christina Maxwell headlined the evening which featured the NYC debut of Taste of Napa and showcased the Festival’s ability to bring audiences together to celebrate music, food, wine, and the art of life. The event was organized in partnership with Related Companies, Hudson Yards, and Peak, as a benefit for Project Healthy Minds, a new nonprofit for mental wellness, dedicated to democratizing mental health resources and destigmatizing the conversation around mental health. A sold-out audience of 250 gathered at Peak—one of the city’s most exciting, exclusive venues and restaurant—perched atop the 101st floor of 30 Hudson Yards building. Maxwell performed a sizzling set of Broadway favorites and jazz standards including “Glitter and Be Gay” from Candide, “Cabaret” from Cabaret, “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” from The Wizard of Oz, and “Pure Imagination” from Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory while guests enjoyed a selection of Napa Valley wines from Blackbird Vineyards, Trinitas Cellars, and the Mondavi Sisters Collection’s Aloft and Dark Matter, together with small bites prepared by Peak Restaurant’s talented culinary team. 76 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
A special appearance by Italian tenor Pasquale Esposito, who performed with Christina the duet “Un Tramonto” which Esposito composed, as well as featured performances by renowned clarinetist Anthony McGill and pianist Rieko Tsuchida with musicians from the MET Opera Orchestra, matched the sparkling, 360-degree view of Manhattan’s nighttime skyline and moved the audience to an exuberant standing ovation. The concert was followed by a visit to The Edge to enjoy more views and wines at this highest outdoor sky deck in the Western Hemisphere. Many guests also completed the evening with dinner at Peak. “The breathtaking location, world class artists, delicious food and wine, and Christina’s stunning artistry made this an evening none of us will ever forget,” said Charles Letourneau, Festival Napa Valley’s vice president and director of artistic planning. Distinguished guests from across the globe in attendance, representing leaders in business, philanthropy, and the arts included Related Companies’ Jeff Blau, Ken Wong, Greg Gushee, Robbie Bernstein, Craig Kennedy, and John Jacobsson, luxury fashion designer Naeem Khan who dressed Christina Maxwell in two of his stunning gowns for this concert, Tim Busch of the
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Mel Quigley Vince Rietmeijier, and EVENT Tamar Podell
Rieko Tsuchida, Yasuhiko Hashimoto, and Christina Maxwell
Naeem Khan and Olivia Decker Phil Schermer, Christina Maxwell, and Jeff Blau
Ken Maxwell, Christina Maxwell, and Renee Maxwell
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Lorre Erlick, Allan Rappaport, and Olivia Decker
Trey Rallis, Christina Clevenger, Scot Clevenger, Julianna Clevenger, and Nicole Rallis
Charles Letourneau, Sienna Peck, and Rick Walker
Olivia Tricarico, Maral Artinian, Margaret Anne, Ava King, Brian Persico, and Fallon King
Magnificent 360-degree views of New York serve as the backdrop of the concert.
Meritage Collection and Trinitas Cellars, Sir Robert Fairbairn of Blackrock, owner of NES Healthcare Group Allan Rappaport, Chris Norton of Equinox Hotels, Vanessa Walder of Ness Group, Mark Veich of The Deerfield Foundation, Chena Dedarian of Bank of America, Paul Knopp of KPMG, Yasuhiko Hashimoto of Mikimoto, Gena Smith of LVMH, as well as Festival Napa Valley board members Olivia Decker, Steven Stull, and Michael Polenske who contributed the wines from his Blackbird Vineyards in Napa Valley. “The tremendous response to this event speaks to the importance of mental health awareness across all sectors of our community,” said Jeff Blau, CEO of Related Companies, as he welcomed the audience. “We greatly appreciate the work of everyone involved in tonight’s event in support of Project Healthy Minds.” The driving force behind the night was Christina Maxwell, whose dedication to the community was matched equally by her talent and charisma onstage throughout the evening. Christina’s talent and charisma caught Olivia Decker’s attention in July 2022
during a performance at Festival Napa Valley. Maxwell was invited to perform at the Olivia Decker Power of Music concert in November 2022 in Tiburon and performed at the January 2023 Festival Board’s retreat in Cabo, Mexico and again on June 24, 2023, at the private island of Li Galli off Positano Italy where Decker introduced Christina to perform duets with Pasquale Esposito. While touring Peak together in New York in February 2023, Decker and Maxwell came up with the idea of this fundraising concert at Peak with Related Companies for Project Healthy Minds. “My work as an artist brings together people from all walks of life and reminds us of all of the amazing beauty in the world,” she said from the stage. “To have all of you here with me tonight is such a blessing.” Decker added “The power of music is a best way to nurture a healthy mind.” Learn more about Festival Napa Valley and the Olivia Decker Power of Music Series at festivalnapavalley.org and Project Healthy Minds at projecthealthyminds.org. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 79
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Yurie Pascarella, Carl Pascarella, and Danielle St.Germain
La Dolce Vita The San Francisco Fall Show celebrates 41 years. BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ PHOTOS DREW ALTIZER
FROM BOTTICELLI TO BERTOIA, FROM FELLINI TO FORNASETTI,
from Schiaparelli to Sottsass, La Dolce Vita embodied poetic beauty, breathtaking art, groundbreaking design, exuberant colors, and refined materials. With over 40 dealers participating, the show offered a diverse selection of American, English, Continental, and Asian furniture and decorative objects, as well as paintings, prints, photographs, books, jewelry, rugs, textiles, and ceramics. Alongside the impressive array of artwork, the show also featured book signings and lectures by esteemed speakers such as Nina Campbell, Newell Turner, and Jean Liu, among others. The 2023 show’s honorary chair was Lauren Santo Domingo, co-founder and chief brand officer of Moda Operandi and artistic director of the Home Collection at Tiffany & Co. The grand entry hall showcased four stunning designer vignettes created by renowned designers and members of the show’s design council. Each vignette incorporated pieces borrowed from show exhibitors, as well as wallcoverings and embroideries by show sponsor de Gournay. The 2023 vignette designers included Nina Campbell, Benjamin Dhong, Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen, and Lauren Santo Domingo of Moda Operandi. Show chair Suzanne Tucker shares, “For anyone interested in art and design, furniture, and the decorative arts—buying, collecting, or simply learning about art and antiques—this show is not to be missed. It’s a Bay Area ‘must do’ of the fall social season with four wonderful, vibrant days filled with terrific dealers, fascinating lectures, and gobs of eye candy.” 80 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Robert Beadle, Olivia Decker, and Joel Goodrich Jack Calhoun and Susan Oberndorf
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Alexis Traina, Trevor Traina, Dede Wilsey, and Suzanne Tucker Christopher Lawrie and Jarrod Baumann
Shelby Milanez and Mark Sullivan Paolo Moschino and Philip Vergeylen
Grace Gustafsson and Nina Campbell
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Park City Wine Festival
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Grand Tasting aerial view
Park City Wine Festival Offers One-of-a-Kind Experiences with a Lot of Flavor THE PARK CITY WINE FESTIVAL IS AN IMMERSIVE FOOD AND
wine experience with a little craft beer thrown in. Held from October 5 to 7 in the Utah mountain village, the event features more wineries than any one person could enjoy, food purveyors, breweries, and much more. There were food and wine tastings, luncheons, and seminars as people quaffed world class wines and enjoyed the incredible mountain scenery. Music and dancing were plentiful. The location in Park City’s Canyons Village makes the festival an easy walk from some of the town’s finest hotels, including the area’s newest lodging property, Pendry Park City. The event featured more than 100 wineries hailing from France to California and everywhere in-between. Wine dinners were sprinkled throughout the weekend. In addition, there were wine hikes, mountain bikes, and other outdoor activities. For those 82 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
wishing to brush up on their wine knowledge, winemakers and sommeliers offered in-depth classes. One of the highlights was the grand tastings held on Friday and Saturday, featuring wines from around the world. There were also craft cocktails and local beer to offer a little counterpoint to the wine. Gourmet small bites matched nicely with the vino. The event focuses on both the experience and the opportunity to learn. Master winemakers, sommeliers, and other experts flood the event, sharing their knowledge and tips. Guests were treated to expertly matched food and wine pairings presented by the people who could explain why they worked so well together. The Park City Wine Festival benefits the Mountain Trails Foundation, a local, nonprofit organization. The next event is planned for October 3 – 5, 2024.
PHOTOS: PARK CITY CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
BY JENNIFER BODEN
Extraordinary New Construction 5 Trestle Glen Circle, Tiburon | $10,777,000 | 5 Bed | 6.5 Bath | 6880 (+/-) sqft | 4.4 (+/-) acre | 5TrestleGlen.com This incredible modern masterpiece embodies the essence of luxury living with an unparalleled design. Situated against a backdrop of scenic open space, this is one of the most stylish and stunning homes to grace the Tiburon Peninsula. • Walls of glass encompass this newly constructed dream home, showcasing five ensuite bedrooms all on the same level, grand scale living spaces with state-ofthe-art finishes, elevating the residence to the pinnacle of modern luxury; an eye catching 40’ ft pool and spa highlight the outdoor living spaces • Carefully selected materials share a harmonious color palette both inside and out, creating an effortless connection between the indoors and outdoors; the exterior surfaces of the residence feature Portuguese limestone, and the interior includes a combination of Italian porcelain on the main level and white oak hardwood flooring throughout the upper level • Collaboratively designed by architects Miles Berger and Holscher Architecture; completed in September of 2023 by Peterson Construction and Development • The dramatic living room is an entertainer’s dream with floor to ceiling Weathershield sliding glass doors opening to an expansive entertainment terrace overlooking the stunning panoramas of the rolling hills of Ring Mountain and Mount Tamalpais; a custom-built bar and cocktail station make entertaining effortless • The phenomenal chef’s kitchen was designed to elevate the art of entertaining; a sleek aesthetic defined by clean lines, white custom cabinetry, Vadara White Aurora Quartz countertops, two 8’ center islands, dynamic wood accents, and high end stainless steel appliances • A large adjacent family room with floor to ceiling sliding glass doors opens to the ‘turf` lawn, outdoor shower, sparkling pool, and spa with stunning views of Mount Tamalpais and the rolling hills of Ring Mountain open space • A breathtaking floating staircase featuring sleek glass paneling gracefully ascends to the upper level of the residence, featuring a spacious media/family room, four ensuite bedrooms, a luxurious primary suite, and multiple view terraces • Three car attached garage with guest parking for multiple vehicles
#1 Agent Marin County
O: 415.789.9999 C: 415.264.7101 SRL@Compass.com DRE 01079806
Compass is the brand name used for services provided by one or more of the Compass group of subsidiary companies. Compass is a real estate broker licensed by the State of California and abides by Equal Housing Opportunity laws. License Number 01866771. All material presented herein is intended for informational purposes only and is compiled from sources deemed reliable but has not been verified. Changes in price, condition, sale or withdrawal may be made without notice. No statement is made as to accuracy of any description. All measurements and square footage are approximate.
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The Highlight of 2023 Monaco Yacht Show Plus, the Four Seasons launch of luxury yacht experiences. BY OLIVIA DECKER
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Mega Yacht Leona
EVENT TRAVEL
TOP PHOTO: MARK CALVANO, BILGIN AND FOUR SEASONS YACHTS
THE MOST PRESTIGIOUS ANNUAL GATHERING OF SUPERYACHTS IN
the world, the Monaco Yacht Show is a must-attend for yacht owners, builders, brokers, and all related yachting industries in the world. This event showcases the most opulent yachts and their creative designers and builders. I have been attending the show since 2008 and have never ceased to be entertained and inspired. The 32nd Monaco Yacht Show (MYS) took place this year on September 27 – 23 at Port Hercules. The show strives to promote a unique experience for visitors while enhancing the positive reputation and development of the yachting industry. The industry has taken on its social responsibility with a proactive and committed approach for several years in economic, technological, and environmental development to meet current societal challenges. The 2023 show solidified the first “seducation” cycle by unveiling an impressive fleet of 120 superyachts and mega-yachts, all available for discerning buyers. The seducation program, an innovative project and collaborative effort with the industry, is based on four core pillars: environmental innovation, cutting-edge design, a deep understanding of yachting intricacies, and an unmatched visitor experience. The organizers of the Monaco Yacht Show aspire to transform the exhibition into a true “yachting ecosystem,” promoting eco-conscious innovation and offering visitors a captivating and educational journey through the latest avant-garde trends in the yachting world. The ultimate goal of this ambitious program is to strengthen MYS’s position as the leading international showcase for the luxury yacht industry while delivering an unforgettable experience for yacht connoisseurs and enthusiasts of the finer aspects of the lifestyle. The MYS also ensures the participation of influential industry players who showcase innovative and sustainable solutions in design and environmental stewardship, emphasizing eco-conscious technologies and providing an inspiring vision for yacht enthusiasts. This was exemplified through the Sustainability Hub and Yacht Design & Innovation Hub where I visited DRIFT Energy Ltd. and spoke to founder and CEO Ben Medland. DRIFT Energy uses “energy yachts” to harvest energy from towable turbines and distribute it to ports and harbors around the globe. The equation is to take a sailboat, add a turbine, then multiply that by the power of modern AI routing to generate green energy in the deep ocean.
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Beach club on the mega-yacht Leona
The DRIFT Energy yachts are designed to sail the world’s oceans, towing turbines through the water to generate energy that is, in turn, stored onboard as green hydrogen in a process called electrolysis. The resulting climate-critical green hydrogen is then delivered to any port around the globe. DRIFT’s secret ingredient is a new form of artificial intelligence able to find the so-called “Goldilocks” of wind zones where the breeze is just right to maximize the vessel’s efficiency. The company teamed up with AI firm Faculty to plot routes around the Atlantic for the best winds. The algorithm also uses weather forecasts and sea conditions to adjust the course in real time. The team has calculated that a flotilla of DRIFT’s yachts sailing from New York to Penzance could achieve a load factor of 72.5 percent. By comparison, load factors for wind turbines in the UK are 26.5 percent for onshore wind farms and 39.9 percent for offshore wind farms. In other words, the yachts are super-efficient. DRIFT Energy says it is aiming to trial the technology on a 130-foot yacht within a year. A vessel that size would be capable of producing in excess of 55,000 gallons of hydrogen per hour. The Monaco Yacht Show is also known for great parties and visiting mega-yachts. My favorite party this year was the annual 86 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Monte Carlo 007 Party at the Yacht Club de Monaco hosted by IGY Marinas. My favorite yacht this year is Leona, a newly launched megayacht built in 2023 by Turkish shipyard Bilgin Yachts. This 262-foot, 6-inch (80 meters) yacht captured my attention at first with its bright red hull. Getting an appointment to visit the yacht wasn’t easy, but seeing it in person was a real treat. Designed by Unique Yacht Design, Leona showcases luxurious style with steel and aluminum in five decks. The deluxe bathrooms are designed in the style of Versace. There is a palatial owner’s suite with a private lounge with access to a private pool. H2 Yacht Design created the interior in exotic backlit onyx, gold inlays, and polished timbers. The living room features a fireplace and a mini aquarium and is furnished with Roberto Cavalli furniture. Other amenities include a gym, sauna, sky lounge, movie theater, bar with amethyst and agate, and a beach club with a dramatic Grecian indoor pool complete with marble statues. There is also an outdoor infinity pool on the main deck. Leona is not just a pretty face, Bilgin staff pointed out it has twin 2,560 kW MTU engines that reach 19 knots at full tilt and cover 5,000 nautical miles at 12 knots. It is also fitted with a 100 percent clean air exhaust system that adheres to the rigorous emissions standards of IMO Tier III.
Main salon on the mega-yacht Leona
Gym on the mega-yacht Leona
Main salon on the mega-yacht Leona
Owner’s suite on the mega-yacht Leona
Four Seasons yacht
Four Seasons introduced a new lifestyle travel experience at 2023 Monaco Yacht Show. Four Seasons Yachts is the latest addition to the brand’s world class offerings, joining the ongoing global expansion of new hotel, resort, and residential properties to the Four Seasons Private Jet Experience, the Four Seasons At Home Collection, and more. I met with veteran luxury travel industry expert Larry Pimentel who is leading Four Seasons Yachts. Pimentel proudly assured me, “In partnership with Four Seasons, we are creating a new category of luxury lifestyle travel that appeals to discerning guests. We are bringing together the very best across industries to create the pinnacle yachting offering through world class design, curated experiences, and truly exceptional service. When we launch in 2025, there will be nothing else like it on the open seas. Our shipbuilding partnership with Fincantieri rounds out a triumvirate of industry leaders in this unprecedented luxury lifestyle project.” Alejandro Reynal, president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, announced: “Four Seasons Yachts represents the next chapter of our long history of industry-leading innovation and a milestone moment for our company as we continue to capitalize on new opportunities to extend the world of Four Seasons. True vision rests in the ability to imagine the possibilities while always remaining loyal to one’s values. Our vision for this new venture does exactly that. Together with our partners at Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, we are creating something extraordinary that combines their expertise with what Four Seasons does best— delivering unmatched quality and excellence, surrounded by beautiful acts of service and love for our guests.” In partnership with luxury shipping expert Marc-Henry Cruise Holdings LTD, the first Four Seasons Yacht is currently being designed in Trieste, Italy by leading shipbuilder Fincantieri, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding groups. It is anticipated to set sail in late 2025. The yacht will be 207 meters (679 feet) long and 27 meters (88.6 feet) wide with 14 decks. At a building cost of $4.2 million per suite, no expense 88 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
is being spared in terms of the remarkable custom design. The yacht will offer nearly 50 percent more living space per guest than currently available, offering ultimate privacy, flexibility, and spaciousness in an all-suite nautical residential setting. The vessel’s 95 spacious accommodations will feature an extensive network of joining suite combinations, creating adaptable, villa-like residences. Each suite will offer floor-to-ceiling windows, providing unobstructed natural light and access to expansive terrace decks. The combination of generous indoor and outdoor private guest space and ceiling heights of more than 2.4 meters (7.9 feet) will achieve a new level of guest comfort. Suite accommodations will start at an average of 54 square meters (581 square feet) of indoor/outdoor living space, designed seamlessly to be part of each room. Sixty percent of the vessel’s inventory is exceeds 76 square meters (818 square feet) of indoor/outdoor space. The most expansive residence, the “Funnel Suite” will range an astonishing four levels, offering more than 892 square meters (9,601 square feet) of combined indoor/outdoor living space, including a private wading pool and dedicated private spa area, creating a home away from home with a sea view. The yacht’s restaurants, lounges, and bar concepts will celebrate the excellence and creativity that has been the hallmark of Four Seasons’ history of culinary innovation. There will also be full-service spa, salon, and wellness programming from fitness to health and nutrition. The classic canoe-shaped aft will be an expansive pool deck. This area will also transform into an outdoor movie theatre or space for an array of private events. The elegant and industry-first transverse marina is also an ideal spot for guests to enjoy the inviting water, sunbathe, or explore the specially designed aquatic leisure toys and accessories. The onboard yacht experience will be led and staffed by a dedicated Four Seasons yacht team to bring each voyage’s itinerary and destinations to life. The vessel will have an industry-leading staff-to-guest ratio to deliver an unmatched standard of highly personalized service. Details on fourseasons.com.
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Hotel de Paris at Monaco Center Square
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The Ahpo, turkish hammam
Olivia Decker with model of the Four Seasons yacht
Mark Calvano, Olivia Decker, and Joel Goodrich at annual 007 Party at Yacht Club de Monaco
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Barbara Dane and Bob Dylan at Gerdes Folk City in Greenwich Village, NYC, ca. 1965
THE MILL VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL Bay Area treasures honored at annual event BY LAYNE RANDOLPH
ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2023 MILL VALLEY FILM
Festival, The 9 Lives of Barbara Dane directed by Maureen Gosling, features the incredible life of legendary Bay Area singer and social activist Barbara Dane. The film and Dane herself encapsulate the spirit and import of the Mill Valley Film Festival (MVFF), a cultural cinema event held annually for almost half a century. Inspirational, informative, and entertaining, the film celebrates the powerhouse blues/jazz/folk singer, activist, feminist, and record producer Barbara Dane, whose life has spanned over nine decades—and she’s still singing. Dane was also celebrated with the Performances in Honor of an American Hero tribute concert. Director Gosling explained how the documentary came to be. “[Barbara’s] daughter had taken an interest in preserving her archive—this incredible collection of photos and posters, letters, and recordings—and she thought it would be cool to have a film. I was editing a promo for Barbara’s new CD (that came out when she was 89), and as I was learning more about her, I thought, oh my God, look at all the stories she’s got.” Dane’s experiences go back to the early days of the civil rights movement. “She said that when she was 18, the only people who were doing anti-racism work were communists; union supporters were communists, and she just thought that that was the thing to be. This was way before the McCarthy hearings. To get it fresh from a young person’s perspective in the ’50s or late ’40s was interesting.” The annual MVFF celebrated its 46th anniversary with 10 days of screenings, Q&A sessions, seminars, and a rich program 90 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
of classes and hands-on workshops led by international and local filmmakers and industry professionals. Held in partnership with the California Film Institute (CAFILM), a nonprofit organization that celebrates and promotes film and media arts, MVFF presented a diverse lineup of potentially award-winning films in locations throughout the Bay Area. MVFF has come a long way since 1977, gaining international recognition for its commitment to showcasing exceptional films, supporting emerging talent, and fostering creative dialogue. This year, the MVFF screened 148 films representing 41 countries, including 56 premieres, 86 features, and 62 shorts. Notably, 45 percent of the films screened were directed by women. “What has been really evident this year is the creative spirit that is at the root of why we do this work—its boldness and fearlessness, its commitment to an exploration of why we’re all here,” said Zoë Elton, MVFF Director of Programming. Some of the films shown this year include Jack Huston’s extraordinary writing/directing debut, Day of the Fight, featuring Michael Pitt, Ron Perlman, Joe Pesci, and Nicolette Robinson. Director Sofia Coppola presented her film Priscilla, based on Priscilla Presley’s best-selling memoir, and received the MVFF Award for filmmaking. Gosling said what she learned from the experience of directing the documentary was the value of elders like Dane. “We’re not starting from day one in our protests of the different problems in this country; we’ve got shoulders to stand on.”
PHOTOS COURTESY OF (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT)ERIK WEBER, AUBREY TRINNAMAN, DIANA DAVIES
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Anti-Vietnam War march in San EVENT Francisco, 1964
Barbara Dane and the Chambers Brothers at the Newport Folk Festival 1965. The photo became the cover of Dane and the Chambers Brothers’ album
Barbara Dane in the New York Times, an article on the 50th anniversary of Paredon Records, “Barbara Dane’s Life of Defiance and Song,” Feb. 14, 2021
2024 Rolls-Royce Spectre An Electrifying Spirit BY TIM LAPPEN
STEALTH. THAT’S AN INTERESTING WORD TO USE FOR AN ULTRA-LUXURY ROLLS-ROYCE, BUT LET ME FINISH.
I use the term advisedly as this is a car that, while gorgeous and even imposing to look at, is almost silent when underway, and, due to its very aerodynamic design, it even slices quietly through the air. As I said, stealth. But why isn’t the name spelled correctly, with the “er” at the end? Maybe it’s to give you a clue that things are not what they always seem, especially when it comes to the Geniuses of Goodwood, the legendary home of Rolls-Royce. Definitions of the word “specter” include a phantom or a ghost, so now we’re on to something, given that Rolls-Royce’s Spectre is a close relative of both the Phantom and their Ghost. Now that we’ve resolved that haunting issue, we can move on to this wonderful vehicle, which the company claims is the “world’s first ultra-luxury, all-electric super coupe.” While the vehicle bears some resemblance to the Rolls-Royce Wraith — a long, two-door hardtop coupe with a rooftop sloping elegantly to the trailing edge of the boot (trunk) — in person, it appears to be a distinctly different car. First, the aerodynamics are more important in an all-electric car (did I forget to mention that there’s no internal combustion engine (ICE) in sight?). When a vehicle is battery-powered, the impact of the air on the moving car can seriously affect the vehicle’s range, so the creators seek to eke out as much “slipperiness” as they can, in this case, canting the lovely Pantheon grille slightly rearwards, adjusting the height and angle of the Spirt of Ecstasy, redesigning the wheels to cut through the air better, and, of course, adjust every shape and surface of the body so that the wind becomes less of an obstacle. The result of all this effort is to cause less interference from the air when the Spectre is in motion. Weight is another metric that can impact the ability of an electric vehicle to go far, and here there is little choice since batteries are heavy. To produce the same amount of energy that resides in a one-gallon can of gasoline requires batteries that take several times the size — and weight — of that gas can. Ironically, creating an electric car that is lighter is a supreme challenge since the batteries themselves — the source of the motivating power — weigh so much. By one estimate, the Spectre’s batteries weigh more than 1,500 pounds. Adding to the heft is about 400 pounds of sound-deadening materials, so the Spectre must haul around 2,000 pounds of batteries and acoustic materials, which, of course, explains why the Spectre tips the scales at an impressive 6,400 pounds.
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PHOTOS COURTESY OF ROLLS-ROYCE MOTOR CARS
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What will be of most importance to Rolls-Royce buyers is what it’s like to drive (or be chauffeured in) a Spectre. In a word: sublime. From the first touch of the door handle, it’s clearly apparent that this is an extremely well-made car. Looks aside (though I am a big fan of the looks), the feel of the car is wonderful at every tactile engagement (“touch” seems too plebian a word for this car). The door handles feel as if they were carved from silver ingots, while the controls for everything one needs have an unmistakable quality. Even the famous push-pull knobs for the air-conditioning have retained their historic stature, and although they now operate the actual air system via electronics, it does feel like one is actuating a highly-machined metal air door. Adjust the column-mounted gear lever (please pronounce that leever) into the drive position, and off you go; depending upon the propensity of your right foot, it may be GO. The electric motor is estimated to produce over 575 horsepower and over 650 pound-feet of torque (Rolls-Royce typically indicates that their engines’ power is “adequate”). When you factor in the weight of the car, it’s a pleasant surprise to find that the power metrics allow the car to accelerate to 60 mph in just over four seconds. (Note, however, that Rolls-Royce has built in some delay before the delivery of full power, much like the feeling of the legendary V12 Rolls-Royce, which purposely had a slight lag as RollsRoyce owners don’t want to experience whiplash upon acceleration.) This is not your grandfather’s Rolls-Royce, unless he was Barney Oldfield. And to balance out that prodigious power, the Spectre’s brakes act in a lovely concert with the regeneration of the electric motor upon deceleration. (Rolls-Royce has thoughtfully allowed regen to be toggled on and off, so you don’t spill your Champagne when being driven ever-so-elegantly to the opera.) Now, let’s look at handling. One rarely puts “Rolls-Royce” and “handling” together, but the Spectre turns the table on that measure, too. We’ve already seen that “performance” has entered the Rolls-Royce vernacular, but to my surprise and delight, this big coupe really can handle. As is typical, the suspension system on the Rolls-Royce has a name — the Planar System — which implies that the system runs in all directions. First utilized in the Ghost, Rolls-Royce engineers explain that all of the systems work in tandem so that the amount of the Spectre’s left or right lean in a curve, the forward or rearward bias from braking or accelerating, and the angle of the front wheels based on the steering input all are calculated in milliseconds so that the suspension can respond accordingly. While the Spectre maintains the legendary “magic carpet ride” for which Rolls-Royce is so well-known, the ability of the suspension to counteract lean and other G forces is remarkable so that the major twisties do not upset the car’s aplomb. This latest “Roller” is a force of nature in that it is stunning to behold. It cossets the occupants in luxurious splendor, handles like a dream, and performs like a — sports car. The company likes to say that they designed a Rolls-Royce first and an electric car second. It is clear they have done exactly that. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 93
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FROM HERE TO DIVINITY Finding wholeness in the Himalayas BY TERESA RODRIGUEZ
HAVE YOU EVER FOUND YOURSELF ON THE BRINK OF A crisis or in pain whispering those four dreaded words: “I don’t want to be here?” We try to achieve excellence by pushing beyond limits, persevering through challenges, and embracing inevitable discomfort, but is this good for us? Based on the ancient science of Ayurveda, this is not how we should treat our bodies. After all, our body is the only vehicle we have to make it through this lifetime. Yet, many of us suffer from physical imbalances leading to insomnia, migraines, and chronic health conditions. Others fight through the pain with high anxiety and stress levels, while some fall into deep depression and hopelessness. What if there was a place to release your tension and aches and find healing and rejuvenation? Luckily, there is such a place. Ananda
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in the Himalayas is a wellness retreat that focuses on healing the whole person using the art of Ayurveda thoughtfully combined with traditional Chinese medicine, emotional healing, spiritual awareness, meditation, yoga, and healthful, organic cuisine. Quietly hidden, overlooking the curves of the sacred Ganges River, and perched on the low mountains in the Himalayas, the pristine palace estate of the Maharaja of Tehri-Garhwal is home to the world-renowned Ananda holistic retreat and spa. Voted the number one destination spa in the world years over by Conde Nast Traveler, Ananda’s mission is clear: to achieve balance and rediscover the body’s innate divine essence. Ananda’s promise is an escape to a serene paradise in the birthplace of Ayurveda, yoga, and meditation. There, you can
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“WE FIND AFTER YEARS OF STRUGGLE THAT WE DO NOT TAKE A TRIP; A TRIP TAKES US.” –JOHN STEINBECK
immerse yourself in 100 acres of stunning landscapes with breathtaking views of the majestic Ganges River and the sacred city of Rishikesh. Roam through miles of vibrant gardens and peaceful pathways that invite you to reconnect with the blissful harmony of nature. Documented over 5,000 years ago, Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems. It is two Sanskrit words: ayu, meaning life, and veda, meaning science or knowledge. It translates to the “science/wisdom of life” or the “knowledge of longevity.” Ayurveda’s key to optimal health and wellness is to achieve a harmonious balance in body, mind, and spirit. A fundamental principle at Ananda is a concept stating that the whole universe comprises five elements, and the permutation and combination of these gives every form of life a unique set of qualities and responses. That unique set of qualities and responses is one’s dosha. Ayurveda philosophy believes space, air, water, earth, and fire connect everything; and, if you are in harmony with the universe, then you will have good health. When something disrupts this balance, your dosha creates an energetic imbalance which leads to physical and mental ailments. The goal at Ananda is to balance your dosha and bring you to a place of optimum health and ease. Before starting your journey to this extraordinary place where you’ll recenter your life and find peace and healing, you must first have a video consultation with one of the highly skilled Ayurvedic physicians on staff to assess your needs. Before your consultation, you fill out a health questionnaire online that the physicians use to determine your dosha. Once your dosha is determined, the staff will customize your schedule, treatments, and cuisine accordingly. Once the staff knows your dosha, you are given a personalized dining experience based on your needs. Ananda’s chefs incorporate seasonal variations in cuisine and recommended cooking styles to 96 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
create a truly exceptional dining experience tailored just for you. Many herbs and vegetables used in treatments and cuisine are grown in one of the estate’s many gardens. Finding your perfect escape with Ananda’s diverse offerings, featuring luxurious villa packages and rejuvenating wellness programs, is easy. One of the most popular plans is the Ananda Rebalance program. You can book a 7-night, 14-night, or 21-night stay. They use ancient Chinese therapies to achieve hormonal balance and find relief at any stage of life. This unique approach addresses menopause and imbalances in testosterone and other hormones for men. By focusing on unblocking energy flow through the 14 meridians, their intensive therapies help restore balance, reduce pain, boost energy levels, and reset your whole system. Ananda offers over a dozen personalized programs, and some of the most popular include holistic detox, weight management, chronic pain management, stress management, and sleep enhancement. Experience peace and tranquility with Ananda’s renowned dhyana meditation program. Meditation is a process of selfrealization, one of the critical tools to help harmonize the mind and tap into the potential of higher consciousness. This program helps with mind management, improving focus and concentration, somatic and psychosomatic healing, and deep spiritual immersion. Soothing and healing therapies complement the mindful meditation and yoga sessions. Ananda’s unique dhyana meditation program harmonizes the physical, mental, and spiritual faculties, balances chakras leading to spiritual enlightenment, stimulates reflex points to restore energy flow in the body, improves cardiovascular and circulatory health, reduces stress, improves circulation, boosts the immune system, improves memory, and normalizes sleep patterns and blood pressure.
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While the property is a paradise of waterfalls, quiet pathways, and expansive lawns, the true magic happens in the state-of-the-art spa center which is the heart and soul of the property. Their expert physicians will review your needs and provide tailored solutions to restore balance, tranquility, and health. With their personalized care and comprehensive treatment plan, you journey toward a revitalized and harmonious body, mind, and spirit. Ananda has an impressive cadre of qualified Ayurvedic physicians and therapists to administer treatments ranging from therapeutic massages to more rigorous modes of toxic elimination. The Ayurvedic therapies at Ananda are firmly rooted in ancient traditions. Each day, you’ll receive a list of treatments that focus on your healing, along with fresh white cotton kurta pajamas provided in your room, comfortable attire all guests can wear throughout the property. Treatments range from physiotherapy to address chronic pains to acupuncture and oil massages to help with circulation and muscle tension. You’ll meet with a traditional Chinese medicine doctor and an Ayurveda doctor to chart your progress during your stay. Some of the most popular therapies include emotional healing therapies which apply a comprehensive set of ancient and scientific tools ranging from spiritual counseling, energetic cleanses, and behavioral cognitive therapy. The path of emotional healing therapy resolves traumas and negative thought patterns to bring relief to the mind and manifested physical ailments. The resort offers daily morning meditation, chanting, yoga, workout classes, and lectures by international leaders in the wellness space. Weekly offerings include cooking classes, hiking excursions, and trips to surrounding towns. Of course, going through these deep processes throughout the day requires a comfortable nest where you can rest at night. Ananda offers a few different luxurious accommodations, from garden suites to villas. Experience the opulence of India’s regal past at the magnificent Viceregal Suite. Perched in the guest wing of the maharaja’s stunning palace, this suite is appointed with a spacious sitting and dining area, a plush bedroom with a period four-poster bed, and a private terrace with rooftop gazebo seating where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the beautiful, landscaped gardens and the distant Ganga Valley. For those who want ultimate privacy, choose from one of the three villas on the property. Each villa features a spacious living room, a pantry for your butler, a stylish dressing room, and a large bathroom with a private sauna. Enjoy quiet swimming in your private pool as you relax amid the thick bamboo and flowering plumeria trees. Personal transformation can be challenging sometimes, and the attentive staff at Ananda understands that. Everyone, from the morning yoga instructors to the gardeners, greets each guest with a smile and folding of hands as if you were the only person in the world. Their team is dedicated to your comfort, well-being, and healing. From their talented chefs to expert massage therapists, your needs are their top priority. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 97
At the end of your stay, you’ll receive a personalized posttreatment plan from their experienced physicians based on your specific wellness program. Your treatment plan includes: 1. Their observations from your visit, including your physical and mental constitutions, imbalances, body ailments, locations of stuck energy, and emotional state. 2. A list of your food allergies, nutritional preferences for optimum health, and dietary restrictions that you should follow to maintain balance. 3. A detailed list of recommendations, including overall lifestyle changes, dietary suggestions, and physical activities to help your body integrate the improvements you made during your visit to Ananda. Discover the blissful sanctuary of Ananda, where you can embrace a transformative wellness journey like no other. Their immersive experience combines physical and emotional care with tranquil serenity, catering to your needs and limitations. Ananda is your sanctuary if you seek a destination dedicated to healing and personal growth. Indulge in a lavish retreat with 24-hour room service, exquisite wellness à la carte dining options, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a tranquil poolside setting with opportunities to sip herbal teas. Experience the ultimate luxury getaway tailored to support your healing needs. Sometimes, the best way to reconnect with our divine selves is by disconnecting from the chaos of the present moment. At Ananda, they gently help you create a healthier lifestyle with the perfect balance of emotional support and physical restoration. It’s a place where they see your potential to become the best version of yourself, and through their gentle guidance and healing, they will show you the way from here to divinity.
HOW TO GET THERE
Embark on an exhilarating journey to the majestic Himalayas—an adventure that may not be easy, but certainly adds to its allure. Experience sheer comfort and style with Air India, the best way to reach this exotic destination. With daily flights from SFO to Mumbai and Delhi, Air India ensures a luxurious travel experience. From the moment you step into SFO’s International Terminal, your business class experience begins. Their attentive staff caters to your every need, ensuring a pleasant and luxurious flight across the globe. Settle into your private cabin and indulge in ultimate relaxation as you receive a set of cotton TUMI™ pajamas and a topnotch TUMI toiletry kit. Quench your thirst with a wide selection of champagnes and wines from France and Italy, listed on their impressive menu. Throughout the 16-hour flight, you will be treated to delectable meals featuring Western and Indian cuisine. Enjoy lunch, dinner, and flavorful snacks, making your journey delightful. Let Ananda help you with your travel needs once you arrive in Delhi. Whether you prefer road transfer or domestic air travel, Ananda is here to assist you. They also offer meet-and-greet services and access to exclusive lounges at the Delhi airport. If you need hotel accommodation in Delhi for overnight transfers, Ananda can arrange that, too. Let Ananda take care of your travel needs, so you can focus on creating unforgettable memories. 98 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
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“CLIMB THE MOUNTAINS AND GET THEIR GOOD TIDINGS. NATURE’S PEACE WILL FLOW INTO YOU AS SUNSHINE INTO TREES… CARES WILL DROP AWAY FROM YOU LIKE THE LEAVES OF AUTUMN.” –JOHN MUIR
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Magnificent Belvedere Island Waterfront Residence Features Stunning Views Learn more at www.445BelvedereAve.com. BY OLIVIA DECKER
FEATURED IN ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST, THIS MAGNIFICENT
residence overlooks panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay, the Golden Gate Bridge, the city’s skyline, and Sausalito in a dramatic setting on the most prestigious waterfront location. It spans ±8,131 square feet on a ±0.67 acre lot and features four bedrooms and five and a half baths. This house was designed by renowned architect Charles Gwathmey with spectacular outlooks from every corner of the expansive 4-level floor plan. The uppermost level contains a 3-car garage with glass doors, an elevator which descends to a courtyard, a detached guesthouse with one bedroom and one-bath, and a wine cellar. The remaining levels are situated between two large retaining walls, which follow the natural contours of the site and splay outward toward the Bay An interior circular stair winds around the elevator and forms the cylindrical focal point of the house’s massing. A barrel vault ceiling articulates the living and dining room at the entry level of the main house, and a large deck projects toward the Bay to extend 100 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
the space into the landscape. Three bedrooms, three baths, a study, and a 2-story entertainment room occupy the intermediate floors, while a media room, a beautiful wet bar, and a full bath with steam shower and sauna on the lowest level open onto a spacious outdoor terrace with a pool. The pool’s “infinity edge” of water establishes a poetic connection to the bay. The interior floors are limestone and wide plank Bubinga wood, and the cabinets are lightly stained maple. The exterior is clad in gray-stained cedar and has a curved, standing seam, zinc roof. All exterior windows, doors, and decks are teak; all terraces are beige and gray-flamed limestone pavers; and the retaining walls are painted a warm, white stucco. This home is within walking distance to two world class yacht clubs and downtown Tiburon with ferry service to San Francisco and Angel Island. This unique home is offered at $28,880,000 or best offer.
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Prime Napa Valley Vineyard Estate Learn more at www.3265SodaCanyon.com BY OLIVIA DECKER
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the premiere wine-growing region of California and the USA. The gated, private property at 3265 Soda Canyon is situated on one of the best vineyards in Atlas Peak wine region where high-quality vines produce the grapes which are sold to excellent wineries in Napa Valley. A spacious residence with timeless wine country architecture and a separate red barn serving as the vineyard manager and workers’ office, this property offers the indoor-outdoor Napa Valley lifestyle, a breathtaking view, and the charm of the wine country living.
PROPERTY HIGHLIGHTS
Napa Valley is the most renowned wine growing region in the United States and the world. The Napa Valley appellation is unique due to the diversity of soils in such a small area. The area’s topography supports a wide variety of soils: over 30 different types have already been identified, ranging from well-drained, gravelly loams to moisture-retaining, silty clays. These soils vary in depth and fertility. The structure and composition of the soil significantly affect vegetation, including the grapes. Napa’s wine reputation has risen to meteoric popularity among the Bay Area’s elite. Napa Valley is recognized worldwide as host to international legions of wine enthusiasts throughout the year. In 2019, the gross production value of Napa Valley agricultural products was reported at $937,961,800. Atlas Peak is the most prominent feature of the area; 3265 Soda Canyon is
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located in east central Napa County, within the Atlas Peak AVA. The AVA draws its name from the highest peak in the appellation, but is perhaps more defined by the shallow Foss Valley, where most vineyards lie. The unique land formation of Foss Valley allows for the infiltration of cooling breezes from San Francisco Bay, which moderate the daytime high temperatures experienced during the growing season. It also sits above the coastal fog that regularly blankets Napa Valley, so, despite the cooler temperatures, it enjoys more sunlight. Environmental restrictions and controls on new hillside development significantly constrain new vineyards on the surrounding hills. Planned Napa vineyard acres were reported at 34,598 in 1995 and have grown to only 43,430 in 2018. Therefore, vineyard values have been consistently stable in this market. There has been a steady demand for Napa properties as the valley’s global reputation as the home of the best wines of the New World grows. Entering the stately iron gate, tall Italian cypress trees line the driveway. This enchanting private vineyard estate is prominently sited on 41.76 acres in the Atlas Peak wine region, with 28.18 acres of high quality, plannable land with the best soil for complex wines grown on Soda Canyon’s peak, known for its rocky soil and undulating elevations. The 26.76 aces of currently planted vineyard are mostly modern style, including 14.35 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon—the king of grapes within this valley—4.23 acres of Merlot, 2.88 acres of Malbec, 1.33 acres of Zinfandel, 1.98
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acres of Sauvignon Blanc, 0.87 acre of Tempranillo, and 1.42 acres ready for replanting. The vineyard is certified organic by CCOF and CDFA. The grapes produced at this vineyard are sold to local Napa Valley wineries. The parcel’s zoning designation is Agricultural Watershed, which allows for agricultural uses, one singlefamily dwelling unit, a guest cottage, and farmworker housing. The property is improved with several structures, including an estate residence, a red barn, a vineyard office, and equipment storage.
THE RESIDENCE
The spacious 5,487-square-foot residence with timeless wine country architecture features large windows in each room facing panoramic views of the vineyard, hills, natural landscape, and beyond. Bright sunlight shines into every room, bringing in the warmth and charm of wine country. The open kitchen features the finest materials, a large granite countertop island, and a dining bar. The formal dining area looks out upon the magnificent view of the vineyards, perfect for hosting dinner events and gatherings. 106 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
The living room, with a fireplace and attached large deck, showcases a panoramic view of the vineyard and dramatic vistas. Enjoy sunrise and sunset over the vineyards with a glass of wine. The master suite is located at the end of the hall on the second floor and features a marble bathroom, walk-in closets, a fireplace, and large windows with an attached deck facing a dramatic view of the vineyard and beyond. It brings privacy, peace, and tranquility. Two guest bedrooms are also located on the second floor, each with a bathroom. Two more bedrooms on the third floor feature vaulted ceilings and panoramic views of the hills and vineyard. The basement includes a wine cellar, one bathroom, and an office which may also be used as an additional bedroom for staff.
THE RED BARN
A separate, two-level, red barn building features four rooms and one bath. It serves as an office building for vineyard staff and storage. This separate building, as bonus rooms, can also be used for other purposes.
VINEYARD SUMMARY
Total 41.76 acres. • Total 28.18 acres of high quality, plannable land good for vines, rocky with undulating elevations • Total 26.76 acres currently planted vineyards, include: - 14.35 acres of Cabernet Sauvignon - 4.23 acres of Merlot - 2.88 acres of Malbec - 1.33 acres of Zinfandel - 1.98 acres of Sauvignon Blanc - - 0.87 acre of Tempranillo - 1.42 acres ready for replanting. For sale at $14,995,000. www.3265SodaCanyon.com @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 107
Lydia is a passionate advocate of healthy living. She has launched and positioned many health and wellness-related companies, products, technologies and organizations receiving more than 100 awards nationally and internationally. Her focus in the health sector is specifically on healthy living, aging and longevity. She is a partner and investor in several recognized national brands. She sits on the board of the Buck Institute for Research on Aging whose mission is to eliminate the threat of age-related disease for today’s and future generations. It is the only independent research organization globally dedicated to extending the healthy years of life. Like the scientists at the Buck, Graham envisions it will be possible for people to enjoy life at 95 as much as at 25. To support Buck’s mission, please visit www.buckinstitute.org.
This Holiday Season: Balance Your “Generosity Portfolio” Best-kept secret: you will benefit and be healthier for it. FOR THIS HOLIDAY ISSUE, I HAD ORIGINALLY PLANNED TO
share some of my favorite health gadgets that would be good stocking stuffers. (Okay, they might not exactly fit into your stocking.) But thinking about the holidays more gave me pause to reconsider something less commercial and much more important, the subject of generosity, especially as we enter one of the most social times of the year for some, and for others, the loneliest. It turns out the best medicine for our body and soul is low-tech; i.e., cultivating a practice and mindset of generosity which in turn leads us to healthy connections. With our busy 24/7, always-on schedules, it is easy to lose sight of this. While the latest technology can measure important bodily functions and biochemistry markers, most experts agree one of the strongest keys and indicators (all else being equal) leading to longevity turns out to be the strength of our relationships and community. This was an underlying finding in the research on Blue Zones, for example. One of the best routes to achieving strong relationships and community is to embrace the practice of generosity. There is no better time than the holidays to begin—a little goes a long way. During the holidays, countless ads urge us to buy more stuff and tout all the things we cannot live without. But living what I call “the generous life” is about more than spending money or gifting money to others. Yes, that can be part of it if you have it to give. But even for those individuals, it is about so much more. It is an attitude and a mindset of using one’s skills, time, attention, and, yes, money, to notice and meet needs among our friends, families, and our immediate and greater communities. 108 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
GENEROSITY BEGINS WITH NOTICING If one is to commit to a life of generosity, first one must notice. Notice, first, what is going on with you. Then secondly, what is going on with those around you? Let’s begin with you. What is keeping you from being more generous? How you can be more generous in each moment and interaction? I like to think that, in an ideal world (we all have our bad days), each interaction leaves the other person better than before, albeit ever so small—even a smile or a comforting word can be an expression of generosity. Examine your attitudes about money and possessions. How do you feel about lack versus abundance in your life? If you give something away, will you have less as a result, or do you believe something even better is coming your way to replace it? Do you believe in circulation? If you fall into the hesitant camp, just notice and make the effort anyway, beginning with small gestures, and see what happens. It is like exercising a new muscle: it may feel awkward in the beginning, but the more you use it, the easier it becomes until it’s a reflex. Be brutally honest with yourself—this is subtle work. Practicing generosity also means becoming aware of others and recognizing their needs. To do that, one must be a good observer. Plus, it is hard to be self-absorbed when we focus on others. What do they want; what do they need; what is keeping them from their goals that you might be able to help with? This can be as simple as fulfilling the need of a life partner, a child, or even a pet for more focused attention, or it could be as grand as a nonprofit seeking to build a new building or produce a gala or an event.
RIGHT PHOTO: LILARTSY
BY LYDIA GRAHAM
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PRACTICING GENEROSITY MAKES YOU HEALTHIER As it turns out, cultivating generosity is good for you—the giver. There is a whole host of physical and even longevity benefits. First, it causes our brain to secrete a cocktail of chemicals such as serotonin (mood), dopamine (pleasure), and oxytocin (a sense of connection). There can also be a release of endorphins when helping another. And there is more. It decreases our cortisol, a stress hormone linked to premature aging when consistently elevated. Too, generosity can lower blood pressure, surprisingly like exercise and a healthy diet. INCLUDE DIFFERENT KINDS OF GIVING IN YOUR “GENEROSITY PORTFOLIO.” A study by Inagaki and Ross published in the Psychomatic Medicine Journal of Biobehavioral Medicine focused on looking at brain activity in relation to two kinds of giving. They called one “targeted” (e.g., giving money to someone we are close to) and the other “untargeted” (e.g., giving money to a charity). While “both forms of support triggered increased activity in the brain’s ventral striatum, which is an area linked to altruism … only targeted support was associated with diminished brain activity in the amygdala.” Increased activity in the amygdala is observed in a variety of stressful situations and disorders. Their research “suggests there is a neural pathway that ultimately influences health that is specific to targeted forms of support-giving, such as giving to specific people we know are in need.” This finding not only supports the benefits to both kinds of giving and does not minimize the importance of giving to charities, but it also underscores the importance of what I like to think of as creating a balanced “generosity portfolio,” whereby we practice various kinds of generosity in our life. It would seem here that “targeted” generosity is much more personal, but “untargeted” giving (e.g., to charities or to our community) is essential, too. It is important to make sure your generosity portfolio contains both kinds of giving. For ten years, I was involved with a successful nonprofit the mission of which was to serve older adults across all phases of older adulthood. Their mantra, which I internalized as my own, was to “meet needs.” That is a beautiful way to think about serving, living, and giving, as it is not just about money. Besides money, “meeting needs” is also about acts of service and creating a relationship between the giver and the receiver. Finnish psychology expert and philosopher Frank Martela summed up in five words how to be happy: “Make yourself meaningful to others.” That is exactly what practicing generosity does. Many of the world’s religions embrace the tenet of service. True giving is about giving without expectation. It seems the more we practice generosity, the more generous our own world becomes. We receive more, although not always directly. Work by sociologists Brent Simpson and Robb Willer “[has] suggested that when you give to others, your generosity is likely to be rewarded by others down the line—sometimes by the person you gave to, sometimes by someone else.”
AMBASSADOR
Life is a dance of giving and receiving, and we must honor those who give to us as well. And remember to give to ourselves. It is hard to give to others when your glass is empty.
WE ARE HARDWIRED TO HELP The good news is, if you are questioning exactly how generous you are, you are probably subconsciously helping others more than you give yourself credit for. In a cross-cultural study conducted by UCLA assistant professor Giovanni Rossi and others and published in Scientific Reports (2023), the study found, “a desire or need for immediate help is signaled ... very frequent(ly) in everyday interaction among familiars, whether kin or non-kin, (and occurs) on average once every 2.3 min. When immediate help is sought, people comply, on average, seven times more often than they decline; six times more often than they ignore; and nearly three times more often than they either decline or ignore. This preference for compliance is cross-culturally shared and unaffected by whether the interaction is among kin or non-kin.” It seems, as humans, we are biologically hardwired to help each other. “Large-scale social realities are built out of small-scale moments like these,” according to Rossi and his coauthors. And we have a “uniquely evolved cooperative psychology.” This might also explain why random acts of kindness can be so gratifying. (Add those to your portfolio, too.) “You don’t need to become a self-sacrificing martyr to feel happier. Just being a little more generous will suffice,” notes professors Phillipe Tobler and Ernst Fehr, both from Switzerland’s University of Zurich Department of Economics. They conducted a study on understanding the neural pathways of the brain in relation to generosity. In a 2003 study on elderly couples at the University of Michigan, Stephanie Brown and colleagues found even small acts of generosity were important to longevity: “those individuals who provided practical help to friends, relatives, or neighbors, or gave emotional support to their spouses, had a lower risk of dying over a five-year period than those who didn’t. Interestingly, receiving help wasn’t linked to a reduced death risk.” It seems in this case, it is better to give than to receive. EMBRACE GENEROSITY THIS SEASON So, be bold and tap your inner generosity this holiday season. If you have moments of hesitation, thinking well, maybe, that new sweater would look better on you than your sister or brother, it is okay. Forgive yourself for a fleeting moment of temptation; we are human. Just like cultivating mindfulness or gratitude, embracing generosity is also a practice that must be nurtured and a lifelong journey. Ignore the urge to resist. Show up as your most generous self; it will be your greatest gift—both to yourself and to others. (This would be a good New Year’s resolution for 2024. Consider it.) Have a wonderfully generous holiday season. Note: Nothing in this article constitutes professional medical advice. Please consult your health practioner if you have questions or any underlying physical or mental conditions. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 109
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AMBASSADOR Aubrey Brewster, a bon vivant and man-about-town, is a. product of his environment. His affinity for cooking, fashion, and entertaining was inherited from summer vacations shared in Charleston, West Virginia with his southern belle model-turned-hostess grandmother. It should come with no surprise that Brewster followed in his grandmother’s footsteps, with an inherent talent for hosting legendary parties. He is often listed among San Francisco’s best dressed. Aubrey is a San Francisco native, traveler, and food and lifestyle blogger (aubreyabouttown.com). He resides in San Francisco with his husband, Edward. Aubrey can be found enjoying afternoons lunching with friends at Neiman Marcus and some of San Francisco’s favorite haunts when not hosting or attending events.
Aubrey Brewster (in Alexander McQueen)
AUBREY ABOUT TOWN My top five holiday gifts to give by Aubrey Brewster
I LOVE THE HOLIDAYS! THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT GIVES ME THOSE
WARM and fuzzy feelings, and I cannot help but be in a more jovial and giving mood. Decorating the house with the stockings hung with care and planning those yuletide soirees may leave little time to shop for the perfect gifts, so I put in place a little elvish magic to help get those packages under the tree! A bit of organization is all I need to get it all accomplished effortlessly. Everything goes on a spreadsheet—names, addresses, gift names, SKU numbers, sizes, and prices—so I can easily keep track of who’s receiving what. It becomes a shopping list to print for reference while I shop, but when it comes to holiday gift giving, a bit of help from friends is all I need to get the gifts on the sleigh! For over a decade, the management team at Neiman Marcus San Francisco has personally shopped all my gifts, wrapped them with personal notes from Ed and me, and shipped them out, freeing up my time for hosting holiday festivities. Over the years, my top gifts to give for the holidays have evolved into some tried and true favorites that I’m excited to share with you.
FOR HIM | NM QUILTED FULL-ZIP SWEATER JACKET Every year Neiman Marcus offers a lightweight, cashmere blend (Merino wool, cashmere, polyester) sweater jacket in some incarnation, and for years, it has been a mainstay in our gift repertoire for the guys, including my Ed and former San Francisco Mayor Willie L. Brown, Jr., who’s been spotted around town sporting his in navy. Ed can often be seen (looking most dashing) wearing one to run errands around town or dressing one up under a sharp sportscoat for casual functions and our weekly date night out. I make sure that a sweater jacket is under the tree for him every other Christmas. For availability see Kyung Sarto (NM, lower level). 110 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
Left: Bernardaud Ecume White Limoges porcelain; Right: Kids “Books to Bed” printed 2-piece pajama gift set (From left: Augustine Maumer, James King, and Jemma King)
FOR HER | THE NM CASHMERE COLLECTION My newest favorite gift to give is the gift of comfort. Who doesn’t love the feel of soft cashmere on a cold winter’s day? Whether she’s a trendsetter, fashionista, country girl, lounge lizard, or socialite sophisticate, the NM Cashmere Collection has the gals on my gift list covered. This collection doesn’t stop with sweaters; the ribbed lounge pants, coats, and cardigans are the epitome of cozy chic! For availability, please contact your personal shopper or Debbie Morales (NM, 4th floor). KIDS | “BOOKS TO BED” PRINTED PAJAMAS & BOOK SET The little ones absolutely love these adorable, matching sets of books and printed, 100 percent cotton pajamas sets! They are the cutest way to elevate story time and allow their imaginations to soar. These darling, whimsical pajamas are printed with illustrations from many new and old kid-favorite books, from sharing the Parisian boarding school adventures of Madeline and Eloise’s madcap antics as the youngest resident of New York’s posh Plaza Hotel to an endearing lesson in believing in oneself with The Little Engine That Could and holiday classics like The Night Before Christmas and The Story of Santa’s Beard, and many more! And how darling do my friends’ children look in theirs? I just had to send them home with their very own. HOME | BERNARDOUD ECUME WHITE PORCELAIN I love a gift that becomes tradition. This beautiful and contemporary pattern works with many styles, and you can add pieces bit by bit over the years. Founded in 1863 in Limoges, France, Bernardoud is a family-
owned company specializing in creating the world’s most luxurious porcelain, working to the highest standards and collaborating with internationally famous, contemporary artists. With its modern, rounded divot pattern, the Ecume White is a nod to modern elegance and a favorite of chefs worldwide to showcase their culinary masterpieces. Everything from dinner plates to cereal bowls, espresso cups and saucers, caviar presentoir, service platters and gravy boats, and everything in between, Ecume White dinnerware is a marvelous way to create a gift giving tradition, building a thoughtful collection for someone you love and a collection to which they can add. The Ecume pattern is also available in pearl white, platinum, gold, and more.
FOR THE HOST | YOKU MOKU CIGARE AU CHOCOLATE ROLLED COOKIES These thin, rolled, cigar-shaped Japanese cookies are delicate, crisp, and oh-so-buttery. Individually wrapped and in a beautiful, collectible tin, they transport well to holiday parties and are ready to put out for guests to enjoy. They’re a perfect, not-too-sweet accompaniment to spiced cider, hot cocoa, hot toddy eggnog, mulled wine, and most holiday libations, being sure to add merriment to the party. And they are delicious alongside your matcha latte, cappuccino, or espresso for a decadent Christmas morning eye-opener. The chocolate-dipped Cigare Au Chocolate is my favorite, and the plain Cigare pairs best with most, but Yoku Moku’s Cinq Delices cookie assortment in the holiday tin is divine for the more sophisticated palate. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 111
On him (left): NM Quilted Full-Zip Cashmere Blend Sweater Jacket (grey) and Cashmere Cable Knit Quarter-Zip Sweater. Model: Chris Cassano, LOOK Model Agency, styled by Kyung Sarto, NM; Gift (right): Yoku Moku ‘Cigare Au Chocolate’ and ‘Cigare’ Rolled Cookies
ETIQUETTE IN GIFT GIVING & RECEIVING Be thoughtful in the gift you give. Though a cliché, it’s not always necessarily “the thought that counts” if one doesn’t really put any thought into it. A gift doesn’t need to cost much, and a gift made with love is always appreciated. Who doesn’t like a big tin of assorted, homemade Italian Christmas cookies or a beautifully knitted scarf? But if you know the person to whom you’re giving a gift is diabetic, gluten intolerant, or trying to watch their weight, then a tin of cookies may come off as insensitive. Know whom you’re giving to and be a little mindful in the gift you give. After all, consideration is one of the best gifts one can receive. Accompany the gift with a greeting card. Not only does the card tell the recipient whom the gift is from, it also conveys your feelings and why you think the person(s) that you’re giving it to is so special that you thought of them this holiday season. A gift card insert is okay, but it doesn’t give adequate space to really express yourself. Take a moment and spend a little time in writing your note and be sure to include your return address on the back of the envelope. If you’re giving to a business associate, include your business card so the recipient knows where to send a thank-you note. The wrapping elevates your gift. I love to wrap gifts. When I was 17, I had a summer job at the now defunct BoxWorks, a custom giftwrapping store on Chestnut Street (and sometimes the Laurel Village location) in San Francisco. We specialized in high-end gift wrapping and shipping. I had wrapped everything from a pair of cowboy boots for singer Bonnie Raitt and a Cartier diamond necklace and earrings suite, to a package with plane tickets and passes to Graceland for Beach Blanket Babylon’s late Steve Silver from his wife Jo Shuman Silver. I wrapped the box to look like Elvis Presley’s iconic white jumpsuit and cape, just to give you an idea of the level of customization we offered. I always had customers call to rave about how special it made the recipient feel and how often the aesthetic is nearly as important as the 112 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
gift itself. You’ve spent the time finding the perfect gift, so why not present it beautifully? Are gift cards a suitable gift or are they lazy? That all depends. If you’re giving a gift card from a business that you know the recipient loves, then do so! A friend once gave me a gift card to Neiman Marcus that they attached to a cute red NM popover pan and a box of the NM popover mix. I must admit that was very clever and on-the-nose. But you may want to rethink that rack of gift cards at your local pharmacy. Don’t bring cut flower bouquets to a dinner party. It’s an interruption and can be a hassle for your host or hostess. Your host will have to stop everything and find a vase and a place for them. Unless you know what your host’s holiday decorations are, chances may be that they won’t match the aesthetic of the host or hostess’ décor. Try a potted living Christmas amaryllis, paperwhite narcissus, or Christmas cactus (Schlumbergera). Every first week of December, my grandmother, Ruth Ann Brewster, brought out her blooming red Christmas cactus from hibernation in the garage to display hanging in her kitchen. So, they have a special place in my heart. Mine is in pink and stays on my terrace. These potted plants go with most holiday décor and won’t put your host out. Poinsettias are a lovely gift as well, but if your host has pets, then you may wish to leave the poinsettia out altogether as they are mildly toxic to cats and dogs. The creamy white sap in poinsettias contains the chemicals diterpenoid euphorbol esters and saponin-like detergents. If ingested, it can lead to drooling, vomiting, or diarrhea, and skin irritation. Don’t expect a gift in return. Gift giving is a gesture of friendship, thoughtfulness, and love, but never a competition. Live with grace is the best advice I can share. Be gracious when receiving a gift. Your face says it all! Yeah, I get it, that scented candle smells like burning rubbish or you’d sooner be found wearing a burlap sack before ever being caught dead in that god-awful blouse. Not everyone has the same taste as you do, or any taste for that
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On her (left): NM Cashmere Collection (shown, coat, sweater with pearl accents, ribbed lounge pants, shoe: ‘Pumppie’ by Christian Louboutin). Model: Ahnastasia Carlyle, LOOK Model Agency, styled by Debbie Morales, NM; Right: Yoku Moku ‘Cigare Au Chocolate’ and ‘Cigare’ Rolled Cookies
matter. Hopefully, they’ll come across this article for some much-needed tips. But in the meantime, just kindly accept it, show your appreciation, and quietly save it to donate to someone who would like it. But always be honest and transparent and let the person whom you give it to know that someone gave it to you and you aren’t using it, but you thought they’d appreciate it. Send a handwritten thank-you note. A text message or social media post may be seen as a lackluster effort that doesn’t make for a proper show of gratitude. Make a real effort that fits the thoughtfulness of the gesture. A simple, handwritten note is always the way to go and always appreciated. Just a quick paragraph mentioning how thoughtful they and the gift are and how much you appreciate their kindness goes a long way. For a timely thank-you note, the general rule of thumb is to send it within four weeks of receiving the gift. (In the case of wedding gifts, the bride has up to a year to send thank-you notes.) Though these tips in gifting etiquette are commonplace to the American sentiment, gift giving around the world varies. For instance,
it’s quite normal to open a gift immediately in front of guests in the U.S. and is expected in Italy, but in China opening a gift in front of others could be construed as one valuing the gift more than the guests around you. The same etiquette would apply in India and South America. In India, you are to use both hands when presenting a gift to someone. The same goes in Japan, and in Japan, the care in a gift’s packaging is almost as important as the gift itself. One would modestly downplay the gift while giving it, by saying something like “It’s nothing much” or “It’s not that nice” (it could be a Hermès Kelly bag!). Italians take pride in wrapping gifts in elaborate packaging, but it is taboo to wrap the gift in black paper with a gold bow, which to Italians would symbolize death and mourning. In Brazil, it is polite to send flowers to your host before coming to their home, and again afterwards. Whatever the case may be with all these traditions in gift giving and receiving, the most important of all is love and gratitude. Merry Christmas and happy holidays! @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 113
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my opinion, I have had the experience of tasting I can bring an extraordinary product with a trem Kelly. At Protégé where the wine selections are Kelly is always there to impress his guests with don’t love expensive wines, we love transparen At Montage in Healdsburg, Director of Beve his wines by telling a story of quality and divers be found first locally. Seeking to appease his two and local clientele, Coker works with his team (a James Beard Award winner, winemakers, and m robust and different wine lists. “By bringing tog opinions and flavor profiles, we ensure that we ‘house palate’ and maintain respect for different approaches.” For their extensive rare wine colle most treasured wines off the list, specifically bec the power of relationships. Just putting the ultra has potential to be transactional and a recipe for more value in using these treasures to begin or g our guests that can last for many years to come. When talking to local chefs and wine buyer BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS wines have become more abundant on their w NESTLED IN THE PICTURESQUE KNIGHTS VALLEY OF SONOMA What makes Ross Ranch stand out is the couple’s commitment overall consensus was that many feel that Euro BY CLAUDIA CASTILLO ROSS County lies Ross Ranch, a captivating estate that boasts not only to creating wines and an environment that will stand the test overdeliver, andvision, when exceptional California Cabernet Sauvignon grapes, but also a unique of time. Having developed the land to create their Rossasked about wine lists a blend of warm hospitality. With a passion for winemaking, owners Ranch has truly become a destination. With nearly two decades not want a Napa Cabernet with steak, due to th Keith and Claudia Ross have created a hyper-local boutique winery of winemaking experience, Keith and Claudia are no strangers AS A WINEGROWER AND WINEMAKER MYSELF dowine notfrom have enough acidity with too much oak that stands out for their unwavering passion for winemaking and IN KNIGHTS to making wine. Having made their own vineyard in commitmentCounty, to producing greatalways estate wines. Built with Lafayette, their newly planted roots and winemaking experience Valley, Sonoma I am looking toa specific support local wineries which doesn’t pair as well with food,” says Ma vision and a passion for developing a lifestyle brand, the couple have been years in the making. when dining out. inasSilicon Valley Napa Valley, I do spirits buyer forbottle Diablo Keith and Claudia’s focusand on quality is evident in every they Foods. With that sa developed RossWhether Ranch not only a producer of greator wines, but also create. They just recently released their first red wines, a signature as a destination created to welcome guests to experience ranch life. my best to select unique, exceptional wines to support my wine down to personal preference. Ranch Red blend (50% estate Cabernet Sauvignon aged in new French Creating wines from estate Cabernet Sauvignon and Zinfandel grapes community. I travel abroad, it’s all about the local fare. Solage Calistoga, oakWhen barrels, 35% Malbec ,and 15%At Merlot), and ain 2021 Zinfandel. sommelier Louise Ol as well When as additional varietals sourced exclusively from local Knights Both wines are extremely well-balanced and simply delicious. Their Ranch is producing great tasting wines. in Italy, Valley I lookvineyards, for theRoss best Barolo; in Spain, a Rioja Gran Reserva; and that guests travel from all over the globe to expe 2022 Sauvignon Blanc, an award-winner (95 points/double gold), With each wine created, the couple places great emphasis on the when intransparency France—where do I start?—a Blanc de Blanc a a crisp and Cabernet Sauvignon, and the extensive selection is crafted toor deliver thoughtful wine with a long-lasting of their winemaking process, firmly believing that the Champagne impact. “We just wanted to make great tasting wines that can be crafted with minimal manipulation. From vine to hidden finest gemwines of aare Bordeaux. So, when dining locally, I drink locally. reflects that expectation. However, with over 10 enjoyed. It’s really that simple,” says Claudia Ross. bottle, every step is carried out with integrity resulting in wines that As ofreflect late,their I have Michelin-star and sought-after thesurrounded wine industry, Olivares Knights Valley is idyllically by the majestic Mayacamaboth embraces this s varietalfrequented and origin. Withaa few commitment to utilizing only Mountains and Mt. Saint Helena. Ross Ranch thrives on its unique the fruit from the renowned Knights Valley, Ross Ranch’s wines are restaurants in both Silicon Valley and Napa Valley where, when asking turns the stereotype on its head. Currently, the C terroir, with volcanic soil and microclimates that contribute to the reflective of the pristine land from which they originate. for the wine list and selecting a wine, I struggled in my selection due by the glass is a 2013 vintage coming from two t 114 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com to wine lists offering an abundance of internationally acclaimed wines Knoll district of Napa. Olivares says, “The majo that outweigh my local varietal options. The more I tried buying local, consumed very young, within three to five year Rooted in California and having earned her degree at UCSB, Claudia Ross is living her best Rooted inlife California and havingValley after in Knights earned her degree at UCSB, leaving Claudia Ross is livingbehind her best a career in public life in Knights Valley after relations as the founder of Cross leaving behind a career in public Marketing relations as the founder ofand Crossformer director Marketing and former director of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie of Harper’s BAZAAR and Marie Claire. She has worked with Claire. She has worked with the world’s most iconic luxury the world’s most iconic luxury brands. The owner and vintner of brands. The and vintner of Ross Ranch, a working farmowner and vineyard producing a farm-toRoss Ranch, a working farm and table experience, Ross now enjoys vineyard producing a farm-tosharing thoughtful insights into the worldtable of wineexperience, country life, both Ross now enjoys socially and agriculturally. sharing thoughtful insights into the world of wine country life, both socially and agriculturally.
Discover Ross Ranch: A the TALE OF Blend Perfect
TWO VALLEYs
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THE ROSSES HAVE NOT ONLY BUILT A WINERY BUT ALSO A PLACE WHERE NATURE, LUXURY, AND EXCEPTIONAL WINES COME TOGETHER.
exceptional quality of the grapes. The vineyards play a vital role in creating the serene and majestic ambiance of the ranch. Visiting Ross Ranch is a memorable and immersive experience showcasing the couple’s love for wine and nature. Keith and Claudia warmly welcome guests to their ranch, where they can explore the vineyards, learn about winemaking firsthand, and appreciate the beautiful surroundings and plethora of farm animals. Alongside the vineyards, Keith and Claudia have created a space for agriculture, farm-raised meats and organic produce. The ranch features a farm to table experience, adding to the charm of each guest’s visit. At Ross Ranch, Keith and Claudia have built winery and a place where nature, luxury, and exceptional wines come together. Their commitment to sustainability, the land, and creating wines that leave a lasting impression sets Ross Ranch apart. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, a nature and animal lover, or simply seeking a relaxing getaway, a visit to Ross Ranch promises an unforgettable journey through the world of wine and the beauty of Sonoma County. For those looking to delve deeper into the agricultural aspect of winemaking and enjoy a farmstay experience, Ross Ranch offers luxury accommodations. With stunning views of the vineyards and mountains, guests can indulge in the tranquility of the surroundings. Ross Ranch is a testament to Keith and Claudia’s passion and dedication to their craft. Their meticulous attention to detail and commitment to quality ensure that every bottle reflects the true essence of the grapes and the land they come from. As guests savor the exquisite wines, they also immerse themselves in a luxurious setting surrounded by nature’s beauty and the couple’s devotion to creating an unforgettable experience. rossranchwine.com @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 117
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Charles R. Johnson, Wealth Director, is responsible for developing investment and trust relationships with families and organizations. He works closely with the Trust and Tax planning group to help clients determine optimal asset allocation and transfer strategies. Before joining Fiduciary Trust, he worked for Rockefeller Capital Management, an independent financial services firm offering global family office, asset management, and strategic advisory services to ultra-high net worth families, institutions, and corporations. He received his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Southern California. He works closely with the Addiction Education Society nonprofit.
Year-end Tax-Smart Charitable Giving Strategies BY CHARLES R. JOHNSON
donating is an annual endeavor. Along with benefiting the causes we care about, giving usually brings a side benefit: tax deductions. Choosing how and when to make these donations is an important part of tax planning. Here are five key strategies to help you maximize the benefits of your charitable gifts, both for yourself and your charity.
1. GIVE APPRECIATED ASSETS TO AVOID CAPITAL GAINS TAX. If you have securities or other assets which you’ve owned for more than a year and have increased in value, consider gifting them to charity. You’ll avoid the capital gains you would incur if you sold the assets. It’s also possible to receive an income tax deduction for the full fair market value, even if your cost basis is much lower. For example, let’s say you invested $20,000 in a stock that is now worth $100,000. If you were to sell the stock, you could pay as much as $19,040 in federal capital gains tax. If you then donate the proceeds to charity, the charity would receive $80,960. You could potentially deduct up to that same amount on your tax return. 118 HAUTE LIVING hautelivingSF.com
What if you donated the stock directly to charity instead? In this case, the charity would receive the full $100,000, since charities are allowed to sell the stock tax-free. You would also receive a potential income tax deduction of up to $100,000. The total benefit to you and the charity would be significantly greater.
2. TIME YOUR GIFTS BASED ON YOUR INCOME. If you received an influx of income this year, such as a large bonus or proceeds from the sale of a business, then consider making a larger donation before the end of the year to offset that income. If you donate to a public charity, you’ll be able to deduct up to 60 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) if the donation is in cash and 30 percent if you donate securities or other assets. (If you give to a private charity, the deduction limits are lower.) Even if you exceed the AGI limit, then you can carry over contributions and deduct the excess in each of the next five years. If you’re in a year-end time crunch for making your donation but are uncertain about which charity to choose, we often recommend using a donor advised fund (DAF). A donor advised fund is a
RIGHT PHOTO: MORGAN HOUSEL/UNSPLASH.COM
FOR THOSE OF US WHO ARE CHARITABLY INCLINED,
particularly attractive option to consider in a year when you have realized a large amount of capital gains or have significant additional income. You’ll get an immediate tax deduction for your donation and may wait to select a specific charitable organization any time in the future while assets grow in the fund.
PHOTO: SCOTT GRAHAM/UNSPLASH.COM
3. IF YOU ARE 70½ OR OLDER, GIFT IRA ASSETS. Donating your IRA assets to charity may be a good idea, due to their taxable nature. If you are 70.5 years or older, you may transfer up to $100,000 per year directly to a charity, tax-free. You won’t get an income tax deduction for the gift, but the amount will not be included in your gross income. The other major benefit: charitable distributions count toward the required minimum distributions that you must make each year once you turn 73. 4. NAME A CHARITY AS THE BENEFICIARY OF YOUR RETIREMENT ACCOUNT. If you plan to leave money to charity as part of your estate after your death, it is almost always better for your heirs if you use your retirement assets to fulfill the gifts before gifting your non-retirement assets. Unlike non-retirement assets, your heirs must pay income tax when they pull money out of a traditional IRA or 401(k) plan they have inherited. And, if your estate exceeds the estate tax exemption amount ($12.92 million or $25.84 million for a couple in 2023), these assets may only reach your beneficiaries after being subject to estate tax at 40 percent. Ultimately, your beneficiaries may receive less than 50 cents on the dollar, depending on their tax brackets and your estate tax situation. A charity, in contrast, is not subject to estate or income tax and will receive 100 percent of the funds.
CRTs provide you or your beneficiaries with a stream of income over the life of the trust and turn over the remaining assets to a charity at the end of the trust’s term. How much of your contribution is tax-deductible depends on the present value of the remainder interest in the trust, which is determined by an IRS calculation. CLTs work the opposite way, making annual contributions to a charity and distributing the remaining assets to beneficiaries at the end of the trust’s term. With a CLT, you receive a deduction based on the present value of the stream of distributions the CLT makes to charity. Generally, a CLT is a more favorable option when interest rates are low, since lower rates increase the present value of the charitable gift, thereby increasing your potential tax deduction. In addition, any appreciation of the trust assets above the IRScalculated interest rate results in a tax-free gift to your beneficiaries.
CHECK WITH CHARITIES As you consider your gifting, it’s a good idea to consult with the charity on its gift acceptance policy to ensure they can receive the assets you want to contribute. While it is not a requirement, developing open communication often yields more personal satisfaction with a gift and more meaningful influence on the causes you care about. Charles R. Johnson Wealth Director | 628 286 8403 charles.r.johnson@ftci.com One Franklin Parkway, Bldg 920, 1st Floor San Mateo, CA 94403 fiduciarytrust.com
5. CONSIDER A CHARITABLE TRUST. There are two basic types of charitable trusts: charitable remainder trusts (CRTs) and charitable lead trusts (CLTs). However, the interest rate environment may play a role in their potential tax advantages. @hautelivingSF HAUTE LIVING 119
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2 Lots | Approx 1 Acre 111-117 Belvedere Ave, Belvedere, CA Located on the prestigious Belvedere Island’s South side, these 2 rare waterfront lots total one acre with boathouse and boat dock have magnificent views from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge, Sausalito to Mt. Tam with ever changing views of sailing yachts, sparkling
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$18,995,000 evening lights, stunning sunsets and a level area at water’s edge with unobstructed panoramic views. This is a very rare opportunity to build a waterfront estate with privacy, and accessible by both water and land. Price includes two parcels 060-181-34 and 060-181-35 totaling approximately 1 acre. For More Information, Call or Text Olivia Decker at 415.720.5915
Olivia Hsu Decker | SanFranciscoFineHomes.com Cell: 415.720.5915 | Olivia@SanFranciscoFineHomes.com | Lic.# 00712080