2013 CANVAS Hospitality Excellence Awards by CANVAS

Hospitality Excellence Awards 2013

The First Annual

Hospitality Excellence Awards We are fortunate to have world-renowned artist Gordon Huether living in Napa Valley, and as a member of CANVAS. His studio is one more reflection of how art contributes to the quality of life in our Wine Country community. For more than 25 years, Gordon has been creating large-scale, site-specific art installations integrated into architecture and landscapes for both public and private clients throughout the world. Huetherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work has been exhibited at museums and galleries across the United States. He has received more than 60 public art commissions and over 150 private commissions for airports, hotels, universities, hospitals libraries and more. His Napa Studio and Gallery offer extraordinary smaller pieces making his art accessible to the general public. Gordon graciously designed the trophies being awarded to our winners of Hospitality Excellence. CANVAS is honored to match excellence with excellence.

Honoring Recipients of Year 2013 Gala Dinner Thursday, February 27, 2014

The First Annual

Honoring Recipients of Year 2013 Gala Dinner Thursday, February 27, 2014

CANVAS Presents! The Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley & Sonoma has initiated the CANVAS Hospitality Excellence Awards to recognize and honor those hospitality industry employees who have taken the extra step to ensure that visitor experiences in Northern California Wine Country result in a positive and memorable encounter. For a total of six months there has been a reinforced awareness of Hospitality Excellence through the process of colleagues nominating their worthy associates, a period of voting for those nominees and now acknowledging the winners at this Gala Awards evening. The Hospitality Awards program serves to create greater awareness of the value of customer service and to elevate the standard of service excellence throughout our Wine Country. The Awards Program is designed to: • ensure that industry personnel are aware of the importance of service excellence to the reputation of Northern California Wine Country, • set an example and represent a leading standard for Wine Tourism in general, • support employers in recognizing their outstanding employees, • support employers customer service initiatives and training and to acknowledge the success of their programs, • AND... convey to visitors that service to them and ensuring a memorable experience is our top priority in Wine Country.

We gratefully acknowledge our Sponsors who are important partners in making the Hospitality Awards come alive each year.

Thank you to our esteemed judges who assisted in selecting the winners from the three finalist nominees. Ken Fischang, President/CEO Sonoma County Tourism Bureau Bob Hurley, Owner Hurley’s Restaurant Ariana Peju, Proprietor Peju Winery Terri Piper, Owner Piper Johnson Catering Stephen Pirak, Consumer Direct Manager Lasseter Family Winery Teresa Raffo, Events Manager Cornerstone Sonoma David Scott, President Sonoma County Lodging Association General Manager – Sheraton Petaluma

This Evening’s Speaker A trailblazing customer service philosopher, Holly innovated a method of hospitality training based on the practices and principles of the world-class concierge. After 17 years as a concierge, Holly started Thank You Very Much, Inc. to adapt hotel concierge service levels and philosophy to all kinds of businesses. Her training client list reads like an honor roll of companies known for their distinctive service: Disney, Nordstrom, AVEDA, American Express, Hyatt and Auberge Resorts to name a few. She received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the esteemed International Les Clef d’Or Association for her broad contributions to her profession, and is the first female and non-corporate executive to receive the “Distinguished Visiting Professor” Chair from Johnson and Wales University. Holly’s concierge training philosophy is that whatever business they represent every individual can be inspired to deliver service at the level of a world class concierge. In our unique destination everyone who interacts with a guest plays the role of a Concierge. Synonymous with extraordinary service, a concierge is expected to achieve the impossible and fulfill any request with efficiency, speed, discretion and creativity. Holly’s collaboration with the Training division of CANVAS instills this philosophy in our Wine Country service providers, as they feel pride in generating significant rewards in terms of repeat visits, referrals and corporate business. Author of 6 books, we are pleased to gift each of our guests this evening with Holly Stiel’s latest book, A to Z - How to Get the Best from Your Hotel Concierge.

Holly Stiel, International Trainer Thank You Very Much, Inc. Jim Treadway, General Manager Bardessono Darcy Tunt, Hospitality/Marketing Consultant Gordon Huether Studio

We are proud to highlight the CANVAS Hospitality Awards Grand Prize

The Robert Mondavi Hospitality Excellence Award

Educating the American public about wine, food and the arts has always been part of the philosophy behind the Robert Mondavi Winery. The winery was one of the first to present tours, culinary programs, concerts and art exhibits, and its visitor programs have become world-renowned. In 1966, Robert Mondavi founded the Robert Mondavi Winery with a vision: to put Napa Valley wines in the company of the greatest wines in the world. Robert Mondavi recognized the potential of the Napa Valley, and especially a site in the heart of Oakville that he believed could produce some of the world’s finest Cabernet Sauvignon: the historic To Kalon Vineyard, home of some of Napa Valley’s oldest vines. There, he built the first new winery in the Napa Valley since the end of Prohibition and started a renaissance in the Napa Valley that transformed American wine culture. The combination of Napa Valley’s terroir, innovative winemaking techniques, and most importantly, Robert Mondavi’s relentless pursuit of excellence, resulted in the creation of many of the Napa Valley’s most iconic wines, including the venerable Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve. From its founding the Robert Mondavi Winery has been dedicated to enriching the American cultural experience. Thanks to Robert and his wife Margrit’s innovative vision, it was one of the first wineries to bring together cultural and culinary arts. The Robert Mondavi Winery has become an internationally acclaimed showplace for artists, musicians, and the great chefs of the world, as well as a testament to the many ways fine wine enriches life.

We are proud to highlight the CANVAS Hospitality Awards Grand Prize

The Robert Mondavi Hospitality Excellence Award

Thank you to our Prize contributors. Another way to recognize our winners is to reward them with an experience that will refresh and educate. The following are this evening’s generous Sponsors and their prizes - Alaska Airlines will sweep you away from your day-to-day with two tickets anywhere they fly, including Hawaii & Canada. - No need for a designated driver on your next wine tasting excursion with six hours of luxury chauffeured transportation service for up to 10 people in a Mercedes Sprinter Limousine from Beau Wine Tours. - Your inner wine-maker will delight at The Wine Foundry’s unique opportunity to participate in the process of making your own wine from Vineyard to Bottle. End up with three cases of your own labeled wine to enjoy. - Drive in style and comfort with a luxury Enterprise Car Rental. Five days of a luxury car rental on your next driving holiday. - Add a touch of luxury to your daily commute with the once in a lifetime chance to drive a Mercedes for a month. Experience a rotation of two different elegant Mercedes Benz’s for two weeks each. - Enjoy a lavish getaway without leaving town with a two-night stay at the chic Andaz Hotel in Napa and indulge in a wonderful dinner for two at Lucy restaurant at the Bardessono. - Be pampered during a two-night stay at the elegant Vintner’s Inn in Santa Rosa along with a $100 gift certificate at the famed John Ash restaurant. - San Francisco indulgence. Stay at Intercontinental Hotel Group’s San Francisco location along with dinner for two at Capos Restaurant. Luxuriate with two massages from Burke Williams, and see the city with Gray Line City Sight Seeing Tour. - Enjoy two nights in San Francisco at the centrally located Grand Hyatt hotel, dine for two at Osso Steakhouse and experience a fabulous sail around the bay on SF Bay Adventures’ 80’ schooner, Freda B. - Savor three wine indulgences, an intimate wine pairing dinner for four at St. Supery by their private chef. Become the owner of a mixed case of Napa and Sonoma wines, and step outside “Wine Country” and enjoy a special wine & cheese tasting at Dashe Cellars in Oakland.

Beauty and Health - Napa

Beauty and Health - Sonoma

Brenda Burke, Esthetician, Simplebliss

Monique Javier, Owner/Manager and Hair Stylist, Unique Salon

Brenda is kind, patient, and above all, talented. While expecting my first child I would see Brenda often. Through her massage she would help me find relief and feel relaxed. She also researched about stretches I could do at home to help my tired muscles and breathing techniques to help keep me calm. She gave me a few meditations to do, which lead me to sleep. With the lack of places in Napa for pregnancy yoga, exercise, massage, etc... I felt she went above and beyond to be sure I was able to enjoy elements of my pregnancy that were more difficult for me.

Positive, innovative and immensely talented, Monique manages her business with grace. She is always working on ways to improve her salon, stays on the cutting edge of products, even has a few of her own. As a client with difficult hair Monique has consistently taken whatever measures to get the right products and hair colors that work specifically for my hair. She does this by understanding me, my lifestyle, asking appropriate questions and always taking smart “risks” to do better and be the best every time.

Jennifer Thomas, Stylist, Thomas Dawson Salon

Jules Page, Guest Services Specialist, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

I was in a bit of a jam one evening. There was a large corporate group staying in my hotel. All remembered to bring their tuxes & evening clothes for the black tie awards dinner, however some of the gals didn’t realize the effects the pool, weather & naps might have on their hair. The event planner called for advice. One call to Jennifer did the trick! Within 90 minutes, she organized two stylists come to the hotel & wash & style 5 of our guests on site. Jennifer’s willingness to go above and beyond created some very happy clients that evening...they all looked gorgeous!

Jules helped a man who was interested in coming in ‘same day’ for his birthday. During the call she learned that his partner of 18 years was moving out this day and he really needed to leave the house and do something for himself. Jules knew he really needed to be cared for today so she spent extra time rearranging the schedule and brought in an additional employee to provide services, accommodating a full 4.5-hour package for the guest. Jules advised the Guest Services Staff of the emotional situation and that he definitely needed extra nurturing. Guest Services led him seamlessly through his time at Osmosis & even banded together to purchase him a little gift, which was given to him at the end of his day.

Pamala Dawson, Stylist, Thomas Dawson Salon Pamala often takes personal time to help her clients diagnosed with cancer. One of her clients was planning to be married and was diagnosed with breast cancer. She was devastated knowing the cancer treatments meant she would be bald on her wedding day! When Pamala learned of this, she traveled from Napa to Sacramento 4 times to accompany her for cancer treatments, helped her adjust to the loss of her hair and gently shaved her head. She helped her find and be fitted with the perfect wig for her wedding day so she would look no different than before. Pamala really made her wedding day very special.

Michael Stusser, Owner, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary Michael continues to grow Osmosis Spa into a unique one of a kind spa experience. He is a warm and caring man who makes his guests feel comfortable. His attention to detail is incredible throughout the property, which only heightens the experience. The word sincerity comes to mind when I think of Michael Stusser. Michael Stusser is an amazingly gentle soul who has made a difference by bringing a very original healing therapy and environment to our community. His vision has touched many people individually and enhanced our community.

Beauty and Health - Napa

Beauty and Health - Sonoma

Brenda Burke, Esthetician, Simplebliss

Monique Javier, Owner/Manager and Hair Stylist, Unique Salon

Jennifer Thomas, Stylist, Thomas Dawson Salon

Jules Page, Guest Services Specialist, Osmosis Day Spa Sanctuary

Concierge - Napa

Concierge - Sonoma

Donna Altes, Concierge, Napa Valley Marriott

Nancy Boerum, Concierge, MacArthur Place

Donna noticed a gentleman at the media center computer and sensed she should offer assistance. As it turned out, he wasn’t a MNV guest, but an international business traveler whose computer died, and he couldn’t find what hotel he was staying at. He had a charger, but no US adaptor and his hotel info was locked in his computer vault. Time zone challenges netted no assist from his company. Donna jumped into action, calling multiple NV hotels until she found where he was registered. Late Sunday night, stores were closing, so before personally driving him to his hotel, she went home and retrieved the proper adapter to loan him. This weary traveler explained how overwhelmed he was by her uncompromising effort, sharing that he’d never experienced such generosity and kindness.

A long time guest of the hotel was coming for a repeat visit and Nancy made a point to be out front ready to welcome him with a warm “welcome back”. Prior to the guest’s arrival, Nancy informed the rest of the staff that a long time repeat guest was coming, and made personally sure that his special amenity was delivered to his room prior to his arrival and that the room was inspected and ready for him. While this may not be one of those stories you often here about a Concierge doing some “over the top” Nancy has many of those stories. It’s what Nancy does every day.

Harris Oranges, Concierge, Bardessono Harris goes above and beyond often. When guests with a complete itinerary (wineries, restaurants, etc.) learned of a very unfortunate loss, their minds were elsewhere. Harris got in touch with all contributors to their itinerary and arrange refunds, including changing the transportation. He personally walked to the changed restaurant to make a special dinner reservation for them. When the guests got back to their room he had left them a card signed by all employees and an extra amenity. The guests replied it meant the world to them. Harris went above and beyond, and involved the entire staff. It was over the top - but not for Harris.

Lisa Ross, Concierge, Carneros Inn A guest called Lisa from her room. Her husband was in a meeting and would not be able to get her a specific doctor-required soap. She was recovering from breast cancer surgery and in a lot of pain, and wanted to take a shower. Lisa, being a breast cancer survivor, knew the soap, and went off property to purchase it then delivered to the guest. The guest came to the concierge desk the next day with tears in her eyes, saying she has not had the level of service that Lisa delivered in all her travels. Lisa brings this kind of eye for detail every day!

Ramon Meraz, Concierge, Mayacama Golf Club A family missed their airline flight, because of conflicting emails. They were on their way from Oregon to a cruise vacation via SFO. Because they missed the flight, they missed the cruise, thus causing a “domino effect” for the whole planned vacation. They were unable to pay the $6,000 dollars to catch up to the cruise. When their path crossed with Ramon at the Hyatt Vineyard Creek, they weren’t even guests staying at the hotel. Ramon created a NEW vacation for them at that moment. He booked them at the Scottsdale Hyatt for a magical week. The Scottsdale Hyatt even gave them Ramon’s employee price, per his request. Ramon provided team support this 11th hour-created family vacation.

Sandra Shuster, Customer Service/CTA Coordinator, Sonoma County Tourism Sandra answers calls and visitor inquiries all day every day and always gives it everything she’s got. On one occasion, a couple came in to retrieve a visitors guide and map. Typically visitors go to the Santa Rosa CVB to pick up info, making this unexpected. Sandy stopped what she was doing, came from behind the desk, opened up the map and covered every inch of Sonoma County, beautifully highlighting all of the wonderful things to do and see. She even set them up with a hotel reservation for that night! This is not a typical service that our office offers to individual travelers. I have yet to see two happier visitor faces.

Concierge - Napa

Concierge - Sonoma

Donna Altes, Concierge, Napa Valley Marriott

Nancy Boerum, Concierge, MacArthur Place

Culinary/Restaurant Christa Cavanaugh-King, Reservations Lead Agent, Napa Valley Wine Train While making reservations daily, Christa is often bombarded with many requests of her teammates. It doesn’t matter if a manager is asking her to mail out press packages, follow up on leads, or teach a new reservation agent the system. She will be there and as a fellow colleague, you trust that she will get it done within 24 hours. This summer, we have been severely understaffed with people on maternity leave or knee surgery. She has quickly risen to the challenge. I even saw her in the office on her day off because the entire department was short staffed. She covered for her colleague who called in sick.

Kara Himes, Assistant F & B Manager, Bardessono - Grand Prize Winner Responding to a last minute schedule change for a wedding ceremony, Kara prepared the linens by having irons, steamers, tables, and extension cords ready for the staff when they arrived, without the planner asking. Every linen had to be/was perfect with no wrinkles. A thank you note said “Hands down, you have one of the best event teams in the region. I have to say that Kara has to be one of my all time favorite banquet managers now. Any request I made of her, she consistently responded with, “Absolutely.” I can’t tell you what a difference it makes to have someone so positive, helpful, and supportive.”

Michael Powell, Executive Chef, Tarla Mediterranean Grill When same sex marriage became legal in California in 2008, Powell was approached by a lesbian couple who wanted to make their wedding extra special because they were very excited about what this meant to them for the rest of their lives. Powell sat down with them to plan the meal and discussed past memories and culinary experiences that stood out to them through their lifetime. The couple was vegetarian but most of their guests were not and they wanted make a menu that really wowed the whole crowd. Numerous guests came up to personally thank Chef Powell and told the couple about how amazing the food was.

Luis Ramirez, Server, Nectar Restaurant This one story of personal touch from Luis really made him a star. A couple was staying for their anniversary at the hotel. We decided to send them an amenity with champagne. But Luis knew they didn’t drink alcohol. After learning that non-alcoholic option was not available, Luis on his time off went to the supermarket and purchased sparkling Cider and brought it to the hotel for the amenity delivery.

We’re so proud of you, Jenny! From, Don & Kathy & Everyone at Platypus Tours

Outdoor Activities Tim Chaille, Operations Manager, Getaway Adventures Tim is the consummate bike mechanic professional. Mountain biking tours are not available as a public tour (we only do a handful a year) and we do not offer tours for one guest but when Tim received Juan’s email about his upcoming visit and found out that he was 1. unfamiliar with the area and 2. an avid mountain biker, Tim took it upon himself to create a customized tour and came in at 6 am to get everything together, picked up our guest at the home he was staying, and took him on a wonderful adventure.

Liane Manso, Office Manager, Getaway Adventures Liane is nothing short of a miracle worker. On one occasion, there was a winery miscommunication for a group of 33. On a tight & well-coordinated schedule, the host on one stop took more time for a tasting than planned. With a 30-minute window in which to arrange another winery that would allow for a group tasting of this size, Liane used her considerable resources & powers of persuasion to reconfigure the tour & ultimately provide a noteworthy experience for our guests. This was all done during a busy time of year when this type of last minute adjustment is virtually impossible to arrange.

Lisa Pearson, Owner/Operator, Kayak Napa Valley Liza is passionate about making a positive impact in our community and provides unique “off the beaten path” Napa Valley experiences. Her company is devoted to keeping Napa community healthy. Her spearheading of the Napa River Cleanup project has been a huge help to the Napa community! She secured partnership with Compadres Rio Grille Restaurant to offer lunches as a thank you to those who participate and has now gotten sponsorship from the county to continue offering regular cleanup trips. Her love of kayaking and Napa make her the perfect guide for water excursions. Liza’s enthusiasm is contagious.

Retail/Art Kristina Young, Gallery Manager, The Grand Hand Gallery On one occasion, a customer saw a painting in the gallery that they loved, but were not sure that it would be the right size for their San Francisco home. She drove into the city to meet at their home with their interior designer to see the painting in their space. When they still could not make a final decision, she offered to let them keep it for a few days, & would return if they did not want it. The customers were thrilled with the painting after living with it for a full day & purchased the piece feeling very comfortable that it was the right decision. Kristina gained devoted new customers for the Grand Hand Gallery.

SETTING THE STAGE for your CLASSIC EVENT Photo by: Faith Echtermeyer; Florals: Anne Appleman

TA B L E T O P LINENS EQUIPMENT LIGHTING S TA G I N G TENTING INDOOR/OUTDOOR AND MORE...

Photo: tidewatertents.com

Napa/Sonoma San Francisco Modesto Sacramento 707.253.2332

650.652.0300

209.524.1996

916.444.6120

W W W. C L A S S I C P A R T Y R E N T A L S . C O M

SETTING THE STAGE for your CLASSIC EVENT Photo by: Faith Echtermeyer; Florals: Anne Appleman

TA B L E T O P LINENS EQUIPMENT LIGHTING S TA G I N G TENTING INDOOR/OUTDOOR AND MORE...

Photo: tidewatertents.com

Napa/Sonoma San Francisco Modesto Sacramento 707.253.2332

650.652.0300

209.524.1996

916.444.6120

W W W. C L A S S I C P A R T Y R E N T A L S . C O M

Tour Guide Abe Abdu, Chauffeur/Tour Guide, Napa Valley Wine Country Tours At his Union Square stop one morning, Abe encountered a woman who boarded his tour bus in error. She spoke limited English and was very upset to find out she was registered for another tour and was on the wrong bus. Abe called the driver of the other tour company she had booked, but the driver refused to come back to pick up the guest. With the permission of the people on his bus, Abe drove out of his way to meet up with the other tour bus and deliver his passenger. Abe was greeted with a resounding cheer from his passengers when he got back on the bus.

napa’s award winning fine american craft gallery. kelly

CANVAS friends, please mention this ad and r eceive a 50% discount on your next purchase.

Javier Calderon, Wine Coach, Napa Private Tours As a testament to Javier’s generous character: once when a taxi service was unable to pick up the bride the couple were very concerned at how and when they would arrive at this very public wedding. Luckily, Javy was available after a wine tour and in the lobby. He introduced himself and sprang into action. With a smile he shuttled the bride and her bridal party in style with his Luxury SUV, the perfect (white) ride for a lady in white.

1136 main street • napa, ca 94559 • www.thegrandhand.com 707-253-2551 • One blOck nOrth Of intersectiOn Of first & Main in dOwntOwn napa

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Jenny Toomer, Director of Sales & Marketing, Platypus Tours Jenny shows boundless energy in her effort to provide a guest experience that is unique and memorable for her clients. Her integrity, depth of knowledge of the wine country and beyond, make for delightful and memorable guest experiences. Jenny supports her industry colleagues with participation and opportunity to work together as hospitality professionals for the best guest experiences. I continually learn about smaller family owned wineries in the Napa Valley from her. Jenny understands the value of supporting these smaller wineries and personally visits each one to make sure the business relationship is solid and working for both parties.

02.06.14

Advertiser: THE GRAND HAND GALLERY Art & Production KJE Design llc Contact: Karen Engelbretson 6777 Keats Ave N Stillwater, MN 55082 651.602.9440 | karen@kje.com Media Placement: The Grand Hand Gallery Contact: Kristina Young 707.253.2551 kristina@thegrandhand.com

napa’s award winning fine american craft gallery. kelly

CANVAS friends, please mention this ad and r eceive a 50% discount on your next purchase.

1136 main street • napa, ca 94559 • www.thegrandhand.com 707-253-2551 • One blOck nOrth Of intersectiOn Of first & Main in dOwntOwn napa

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5.5 x 4.25

Color

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02.06.14

Wine Educators - Napa

Wine Educators - Sonoma

Dean Busquaert, Outreach Coordinator, Sequoia Grove Winery

Zachary Chamberlin, Assistant Hospitality Manager, Ram’s Gate Winery

Dean helped me recently with some very, very, VIP guests. When setting up the private tasting appointment with Dean, I explained that they traveled the world collecting wine. Dean immediately went into action, pulling his finest vintages and preparing for them. Dean reconfirmed with me (a few times), he researched the clients, he contacted the limo driver and had the guests come in a private entrance, and he brought in the winemaker to meet the guests. Dean, of course, delivered their purchases to their hotel. His professional demeanor, extensive knowledge, and preparation for their arrival, impressed the guests so much that they called me to say, “We have traveled the world, and this is by far the best wine-tasting they have ever experienced.”

Mary Beth Salmieri, Director of Events, Jamieson Ranch

When asked for an example of Zach going above and beyond for a winery guest, teammates responded, “every moment of every day.” To every question, he has an answer; to every hiccup, he has a remedy; and whenever the Tasting Hall is in need of stemware, Zach is as willing to polish a glass as he was on his first day at the winery. He now manages many of the team members to whom he once reported, leading with total dedication towards creating a winery experience that exceeds every guest’s expectation, fostering camaraderie while ensuring the Tasting Hall’s daily tasks run seamlessly.

Marc Hartenfels, Director of Hospitality, Ram’s Gate Winery

Mary Beth constantly goes above and beyond to be a critical member of the team. Mary Beth has been a crucial player in many special events, but none stick out as much as the wine club member that wanted to do something special for his wife on their anniversary. He didn’t have many ideas, but Mary Beth took it upon herself to setup an entire day for them, complete with transportation, live music, dinner and dancing to their wedding song. The member said they, “will be with us for life,” as we created the most memorable 10th anniversary they could have imagined.

During the NYE floods in Napa, Marc took it upon himself to go into to work at Auberge du Soleil on his day off, at 6am, to help the staff & guests who were stranded; with everything from serving the make-shift breakfast, to helping clean all of the rooms, assisting concierge with changing travel arrangements, and even staying through the New Year’s Eve dinner service-changing into a tuxedo-to make it a wonderful experience for those guests who stayed. Under pressure, Marc is calm and adaptable, never breaking a sweat, able to seamlessly delegate tasks when appropriate, or step up to the plate and handle problems himself when appropriate.

Matthew McMann, Retail Sales Manager, Sequoia Grove Winery

Lisa Vasse, Hospitality Manager, De Loach Winery

Matthew’s outgoing personality is welcoming to every person who enters the winery. He truly understands making wine a personal experience and his guests comment about that on a regular basis. His exceptional skills should be recognized since he is responsible for many of Napa’s repeat visitors! Matthew has pulled strings for many guests, but on one specific occasion he reached out to a personal contact to assist a couple who had their dinner reservations cancelled by the restaurant and the guy was going to propose! He made a terrible night into a memorable and wonderful experience for that couple.

The consummate professional, Lisa enthusiastically helps visitors find the wines that they enjoy most. Lisa guided me through tasting the entire De Loach wine portfolio. She zeroed in on what turned out to be my favorites. When my additional questions turned toward grower relations, cultivation arts, pressing techniques, and fermentation styles, Lisa arranged an appointment for me with De Loach’s director of winemaking. Her savvy, warmth, and teamwork-intensiveness make her the kind of hospitality director that I hope to meet wherever and whenever I visit a winery. This was a success.

Wine Educators - Napa

Wine Educators - Sonoma

Dean Busquaert, Outreach Coordinator, Sequoia Grove Winery

Zachary Chamberlin, Assistant Hospitality Manager, Ram’s Gate Winery

Mary Beth Salmieri, Director of Events, Jamieson Ranch

Marc Hartenfels, Director of Hospitality, Ram’s Gate Winery

Matthew McMann, Retail Sales Manager, Sequoia Grove Winery

Lisa Vasse, Hospitality Manager, De Loach Winery

This Evening’s Hosts Masters of Ceremonies: Colby Smith & Ian White CANVAS Team: Jen Sarkisian & Danielle Mathews

About CANVAS CANVAS is a membership organization serving the Hospitality Industry of Wine Country. We are proud to have over 1,000 members with a shared vision - to ensure that the visitors to our destination have an extraordinary and memorable experience. CANVAS provides a variety of programs designed to enhance the effectiveness and enthusiasm of its professional hospitality members. • Networking events, • A robust website of essential information and resources for hospitality, • A weekly Newsletter of announcements and activities to share with guests, • Education in areas that strengthen knowledge and proficiency in hospitality, • Research Days exploring the resources to recommend to guests, • Hospitality Training to hone the skills of customer service, • An annual Trade Show that brings Event and Corporate Meeting Planners to experience and gather resources in our region, • Hospitality Excellence Awards to acknowledge excellence, • And other benefits, discounts and custom programs designed for individual members. Our Hospitality Professionals are responsible for channeling millions of dollars throughout our communities. To the degree that they are well educated, networked and informed, they will match the guest with the best suited experience. And the result is increased business, return visits, strong referrals, corporate leads and a great pride in contributing a positive economic effect on our community.

This Evening’s Hosts Masters of Ceremonies: Colby Smith & Ian White CANVAS Team: Jen Sarkisian & Danielle Mathews

For more information contact:

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