SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
VINEYARDS
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SUSAN AND DUANE HOFF
Wine connects us. When shared with guests back home, it can be a reminder of great times in this beautiful place.
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FANTESCA ESTATE & WINERY 2920 Spring Mountain Road St. Helena, California 707.968.9229 info@fantesca.com fantesca.com When it comes to the proprietress and proprietor of Fantesca Estate & Winery, personality is in abundance. Susan and Duane Hoff, the husband-and-wife team responsible for the charm, quality and European intrigue of Fantesca, are rightfully described by their clients as passionate and fun with just the right amount of whimsy. The origin of their winery’s name showcases the pair’s charismatic nature. “Fantesca was a female character from an old Italian comedy troupe,” Susan says. “Her character was sexy, smart and unpretentious. We aspire for Fantesca to live up to those traits.” When asked to identify the key to their success, Susan and Duane both point to their exceptional team. “We understand the importance of hiring talented people, challenging them and giving them the resources to do great things,” Duane says. In business for 12 years this February, Fantesca has certainly found its way into the heart of Wine Country.
Is your work easily recognizable? Why or why not? If you have ever tasted a wine made by Heidi Barrett, it is easily recognizable. Heidi has a signature style that delivers powerful fruit, supple tannins, a long finish and most importantly, elegant balance throughout. How do you stay abreast of new trends and styles? We travel a great deal and enjoy fine dining. We seek out great experiences and work the most delightful elements of those experiences into our own offerings at the winery, in a way that fits our brand. Describe the philosophy behind your firm. To us, wine is not a trophy to collect, but a treasure to be shared with family and close friends.
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What is one thing your clients would be shocked to know about you? That Duane isn’t the slowest guy in the St. Helena rugby club and Susan goes through three pairs of lifting gloves a year. Who or what inspires you most? Our families. We are descendants of fighter pilots and entrepreneurs. We’ve been inspired and challenged by them and supported by their love.
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1. My Martin guitar was a gift from Susan for our 25th anniversary. I enjoy playing, and she supposedly enjoys being serenaded.
What is your most prized possession? We have a few cases of magnum wine bottles from our first Fantesca vintage. They were too large to fit on the bottling line, so we had to wake the kids and have them help us bottle by hand. We have saved five cases that we will someday serve at their weddings.
2. This Louis Vuitton luggage was a gift from Susan’s father. She travels for work, fitness and pleasure, and it never shows its age. 3. Susan’s latest pair of lifting gloves. She’s a bodybuilder and competes internationally.
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