LOVE THE SKIN YOU’RE

Love the Skin You’re In

FULL SKIN EXAMINATIONS SAVE LIVES

One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime. The good news is, a lot of skin cancers are mild and can be easily treated, especially when caught early. One way to ensure early detection is to schedule a full body skin examination, a non-invasive visual tool used to identify and determine treatment for cancerous or precancerous skin growths.

“A full body skin examination is a significant tool performed by [a] board certified dermatologist,” says Dr. Abdallah Khourdaji, a dermatologist and pathologist with Golden State Dermatology. Those who should schedule a full skin examination include anyone with a family history of skin cancer, such as melanoma and basal cell carcinoma; patients with signs of sun damage; patients with multiple skin moles or birthmarks; and patients at a higher risk of developing skin cancer, such as those with fair skin, blonde or red hair, and green or blue eyes. “If you notice a spot that is different from others, or that changes, itches, or bleeds, you should make an appointment to see a dermatologist,” Dr. Khourdaji says.

During the examination, the dermatologist will inspect the skin for any concerning marks to identify it they are cancerous of precancerous. For many, receiving an examination annually is recommended.

Common types of skin cancer include basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, both slowgrowing types of non-melanomas that typically do not spread beyond the skin. Melanomas, on the other hand, are more aggressive forms of cancer that can be life-threatening and can spread to other parts of the body, but often originate in an existing mole or birthmark.

In addition to skin cancer, the skin examination tool serves other purposes, as well. “Some patients with psoriasis or skin eczema may need [a] full body skin exam to determine the extent of skin involvement and to decide on the appropriate treatment,” Dr. Khourdaji says.

BY NORA HESTON TARTE

Dr. Abdallah Khourdaji is a double boarded physician in dermatology and pathology. He has been in private practice in Lodi for 35 years and recently joined Golden State Dermatology Medical Group.

GOLDEN STATE DERMATOLOGY

Multiple Locations GoldenStateDermatology.com

 BY JESSICA ZIMMER / D DAN HOOD 2022

Wonder Women are individuals who put our community first. As they think ahead, they look for input from all sides, from teachers and parents to hospice volunteers and business owners. The 2022 Wonder Women are addressing a variety of needs, including patient care, the need for diversity and inclusion at the workplace, and the education of K-12 students.

Across the San Joaquin Valley, this year’s incredible women are also showing us how to overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. They’re using tools like virtual meetings and real “grab and go” events to make sure valley residents of all ages stay safe.

One unique aspect about the 2022 Wonder Women is that some of their missions intersect. This is evidence that they are building strong connections as their fundraising, activism, and thoughtfulness promise to benefit local families for decades to come.

Marianne Prieto-Harrold

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t deterred Marianne Prieto-Harrold from offering enjoyable and educational experiences to visitors of the Children’s Museum of Stockton—safely, of course. “We’re now open and working with teachers to share arts programming, field trips, and diversity and STEM-oriented content through the Children’s Museum,” says Marianne, who serves as executive director of the museum.

Marianne, who has been with the Museum since 2006, says it is critical to build support through the pandemic. “The museum’s donors, community partners, and volunteers showed me we’re all in this together. Our partnerships reveal we want to see each other succeed.”

It’s clear her love of the museum runs deep—and she has a storied history with the space. Her first visit came on a second-grade field trip. Her first job was as a front desk cashier. “My job involved welcoming everyone as I sold tickets. My next job was summer camp counselor. I just never left,” Marianne says.

Throughout her tenure with the museum, Marianne earned an Associate of Applied Science in business administration with an emphasis in accounting and a Bachelor of Science in business administration. The degrees gave her the knowledge to ensure operations run smoothly. Post-pandemic, the museum has undergone some exciting changes, one being the creation of a new space exhibit with informational graphics in English and Spanish. Faculty of the San Joaquin County Office of Education, Teachers College of San Joaquin, and local K-12 educators are assisting the museum in developing programming and curriculum for the exhibit as well as its STEM program. “Our reopening involved expenses like masks and hand washing stations and logistical changes like limiting capacity,” says Marianne.

Above all else, Marianne sees firsthand that as soon as children walk between the giant toy soldiers outside, their excitement starts to build. It’s the staff’s ability to promote and continue that joy that makes the museum successful. “I take more time to go out on the floor and see the kids. Watching the looks on their faces pushes me to teach museum staff that all children walk through our doors with the same desires: to learn, play, and [to] be kids.” Her best advice? “Don’t be too shy to jump on the fire truck and play with them.”

Mary Luna & Erma Solis

Mary Luna and Erma Solis are good friends who volunteer to help the San Joaquin Valley together. They joined forces in 2018 when Donna Ng, operations director of United Way of San Joaquin County (UWSJC), invited them to participate in a pre-planning meeting for a Western-themed event. “I sat on the board for UWSJC at that time. Erma was well known in the community for putting on these types of events. When we spent time talking, we instantly connected. We realized our common interest could benefit many nonprofits,” Mary says.

Mary and Erma’s first accomplishment was to salvage the Lodi Area Community Council’s annual crab feed in 2019. With the help of Janice Marengo, co-chair for the event, they then organized UWSJC’s 2019 “Best of the West,” a wine and food tasting fundraiser.

The duo were assisted by the other members of Andy’s Angels, a 20-member volunteer auxiliary group of UWSJC. This group, founded by Andy Prokop, president of the organization, regularly assists with event set-up, decorating, ushering, and clean-up for nonprofit functions.

Erma and Mary say Andy’s Angels are critical to carrying out events. “It is just magical. They are truly supporters of this community who work together toward a common goal,” says Mary.

Erma and Mary have also helped organize and participate in events for other nonprofits. The list includes Uplift All Foundation, a Stockton-based organization that provides mobile laundry services to people experiencing homelessness; Lodi Adopt-A-Child, which provides clothes and toys to children in need, and supports youth sports leagues; Grace & Mercy Charitable Foundation, a Lodi-based organization that provides meals to people in need; Gospel Center Rescue Mission, a Stockton-based nonprofit that provides food, clothes, and other resources for individuals and families experiencing homelessness;

and, between 2013 and 2018, Catholic Charities Diocese of Stockton.

For now, Mary and Erma are focused on their upcoming spring effort, their third annual Easter basket project. “Andy’s Angels will come together to assemble between 80 and 100 Easter baskets for UWSJC. These will be distributed to children through the Sierra Vista Community Center,” Mary says.

So how do they do it all? According to Erma, the process of developing a successful event begins with identifying an organization’s needs and goals. “We often put together fundraisers on a zero budget. We rely on the support of sponsors who believe in helping a cause and the community.”

Large-scale events take hours of preparation and communication. “We work diligently. At times it feels we are working 24 hours a day. Most of the time, Erma does not sleep. She answers emails and texts at 2 in the morning,” says Mary.

Organizing a range of events under difficult conditions taught Mary that more members of the community need to be involved. “There are so many people in the San Joaquin Valley who deserve assistance, including survivors of domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and K-5 students who lack afterschool programs. People can support the community by getting involved with one or more nonprofits that support these groups,” says Mary.

Erma’s own volunteer work was inspired by her parents, Juan and Carmen Solis. They sponsored events to help the underprivileged. “I watched them donate over the years. Then I started mirroring their behavior. That is why giving became a big part of my life.” She also credits her older brother, John Solis, retired executive director of San Joaquin County WorkNet, the local Employment and Economic Development Department agency, with showing her how to give back. At the same time, her youngest brother, Alfonso Solis, has been one of the biggest supporters of her and Mary’s work.

While their giving reaches a lot of people, Erma and Mary are particularly dedicated to helping people who are experiencing homelessness. “This past winter, we distributed three dozen 10foot by 10-foot tarps…(and) handed out clothes for cold weather,” Erma shares.

And with all of their work, one of the biggest changes Erma and Mary have made is implementing new health and safety practices. “For example, when we offer food, we require volunteers to be masked and wear plastic disposable items like gloves,” says Erma. “We’re still adjusting to find effective ways to assist people experiencing homelessness in a way that protects them and their families from COVID-19.”

Alison McGregor

Alison McGregor aims to make mental health care for teens in the San Joaquin Valley more accessible and increase resources for families in need. She currently serves as the co-executive director and counseling and resources director of One-Eighty Programs, a faith-based nonprofit in Lodi.

One-Eighty is home to a teen center and a counseling center serving public school districts in Lodi, north Stockton, and Galt. The organization also maintains a mobile teen center for youth outreach. “How can we infuse hope? We have to look out for one another,” Alison says. “During the pandemic, we have utilized Zoom and counseled students in their front yards. We’ve met at parks and taken students on walks.”

Alison, who is a licensed marriage and family therapist, says connections, shared celebrations, and study support individuals and families through the pandemic. That’s why she and her husband, Jake McGregor, co-executive director of One-Eighty, cite the need for connection and hope as the reason they started Kingdom Community, a new church, online in April 2020.

“We now have about 50 members who began meeting in person at the teen center in April 2021. During services, we share ways to positively impact our community,” Alison says.

In the past few years, the McGregors have also advanced the progress of One-Eighty Community, a partnership of the Lodi Police Department, San Joaquin Valley churches, and One-Eighty Programs. “We’ve moved OneEighty team members into two apartments and two houses in the Heritage District, a Lodi neighborhood that is considered high-risk. The project, Intentional Neighbors, aims to help staff understand the area, develop relationships with residents, and connect residents with local resources,” says Alison.

For Alison, service is genetic. She is inspired to keep One-Eighty moving in new directions by her parents’ past mission work with inner city churches. She is also motivated by participants of WhyTry, resilience education programs that One-Eighty counselors teach in middle and high schools and proves the need for its resources. In fall 2021, OneEighty’s counseling team saw 600 students and gave crisis response presentations to teens throughout Lodi. “Pulling together allows us to be there for youth in crisis, ensuring they’re not so isolated and anxious.”

Georgia Brownlee

For 20 years, Georgia Brownlee has served as president of the Sierra Vista Residents Council. The south Stockton complex, managed by the Housing Authority County of San Joaquin, is home to approximately 483 families. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, Georgia’s focus has been on keeping residents connected, safe, and mentally well. “We’ve offered mobile vaccinations and flu shots as well as a harvest festival, Valentine’s Day pick-up for the kids, and winter holiday party. We always want to have more than enough. Then we can welcome children and families from surrounding areas, too,” she says. And as a mother of two, Georgia knows the complex well. “I grew up in Sierra Vista decades ago. This helps me understand the residents and surrounding neighborhoods. Our goal is to make sure children and parents here have the resources they need and are appreciated.”

Peter Ragsdale, executive director of the Housing Authority County of San Joaquin, says Georgia has led the Council in numerous ways. “She networks tirelessly with nonprofits like the Boys & Girls Club, the City of Stockton, and our elected officials to meet the needs of residents and provide opportunities for youth. Georgia sees the potential in the Sierra Vista community. That’s especially true for the kids, who are so often overlooked,” Peter says.

Georgia says figuring out what actions will benefit Sierra Vista residents comes from the heart. “Everything the council and I do, from food giveaways to parenting classes, is about meeting families’ needs and wants. As a recovering addict, survivor of domestic violence, and single mother, I know helping sometimes requires sharing a bit of your story,” she says.

This spring, Georgia plans to focus on organizing a Mother’s Day celebration, sharing summer job opportunities for youth, and getting residents signed up with health plans from San Joaquin County. “I know I can’t save the world, but I’m going to try to save Sierra Vista. Each and every person has their own method of recovery. Despite COVID-19 and the individual challenges people face, I’m here to find ways to agree with others. That’s when I can really serve.”

Nora Wager

Nora Wager is a founding member of the Stockton Butterfly Auxiliary, a nonprofit that fundraises to support Hospice of San Joaquin and its Hospice House. Hospice of San Joaquin has evolved over the past 20 years to include chapters in Lodi, Manteca, and Tracy.

Nora’s steadfast volunteer work includes organizing events to raise money for the ongoing expenses of hospice. The Auxiliary also assists in the winter holiday tree lighting for patients and their families and engaging with local businesses and donors is critical to keeping the Auxiliary funded. “All it takes is a simple request. Everybody’s been touched by hospice. When you ask, they readily offer. It’s taught me people are so generous and wonderful,” Nora says.

Nora has a long history with the organization and can share tales from its past. She says the first Sip & Stroll in 2001, a wine, beer, spirit and food tasting held along Herons Lake Drive, was supposed to be a one-time event. “I was shocked at how it kept growing. Later we added other annual events like our BBQ, poinsettia sale, English tea, and lobster boil. We now have about 75 members, some of whom host events in their homes. We create events people look forward to. [We’ve also] coordinated virtual events during the pandemic,” says Nora.

Nora, who taught elementary school for Lincoln Unified School District for over 37 years, says her friend and former colleague Sharon Benninger was “the angel who got me into hospice.” “Sharon also taught me how to appreciate other volunteers’ talents. That helped me ask people who came to our meetings, ‘What can you do?’ and ‘What would you like to try?’,” says Nora.

Nora adds volunteering for the Auxiliary taught her it’s important to ask for assistance, even when you’re uncomfortable. “Once you break that barrier, you’re in for good. Donors ask, ‘Are you going to come back next year?’ They expect that,” says Nora.

Another component of continuing the Auxiliary’s work is ensuring members have a good time and work cooperatively together. “Our mission to help is what keeps us focused and communicating well. Bringing up hospice care and what it does for families is key.”

Rosa Solis

Rosa Solis is a dedicated volunteer for multiple nonprofits in San Joaquin County, including Hospice of San Joaquin Butterfly Auxiliary, Uplift All Foundation, Gospel Center Rescue Mission, and United Way Community Council. She’s also part of the local chapter of American Association of University Women‘s (AAUW’s) mentoring group, which advances gender equity in education and workplaces.

“I currently put a lot of energy toward raising funds and community awareness for ill patients in hospice. I help plan events like the annual Moonlight Sip & Stroll, the Lobster Boil, and poinsettia sales. These funds help sustain the only non-profit hospice house in San Joaquin County,” says Rosa.

Rosa says her work with Uplift All involved providing training at St. Mary’s Dining Hall, teaching a job search and resume writing class, and raising funds for the mobile laundromat called Loads of Hope. “We just celebrated the one-year anniversary of the laundry program in February. Our major achievements include washing over 3,000 loads of laundry for over 2,300 guests,” Rosa says.

Of all of her efforts, Rosa particularly enjoys participating in STEM mentoring activities for high school students. “I talk to students regarding STEM degrees and careers. Currently, AAUW is holding monthly activities like hosting speakers on financial literacy, university tours, [and] taking mentees to a holiday play at the Stockton Civic Theatre,” she says.

Rosa, who is of Chinese ancestry and grew up in Panama, also worked for the California State Compensation Insurance Fund for over 28 years. “I was one of a very small number of managers [who were a person of color]. It’s motivational for young women entering the workforce to see women of color in leadership positions.”

For her volunteer work with the aforementioned organizations and the Jene Wah Senior Center, Rosa was awarded the Susan B. Anthony Award in 2018. And in addition to her own efforts, she wants to inspire the next generation to give back, too. She says it’s critical to teach young people how to advocate for people experiencing homelessness or living with a terminal illness. “By giving to others, you give to yourself. I want to show young people being part of a community is being part of the city [and] the entire world.”

Nesrin Shabbar

OWNER OF AMERICAN WAFFLE DINER

Nesrin Shabbar, owner of American Waffle Diner (previously America Waffles), is celebrating 13 years in business! Nesrin is most proud of her ability to thrive as a female business owner in San Joaqiun County, proving to herself and those around her that women can indeed do anything. And she wouldn't be where she is without the support of those around her, especially other women who know the importance of lifting eachother up, and celebrating success together. While Nesrin is an accomplished busines owner, it's the food that takes center stage at American Waffle Diner, which won Best Waffle again in 2021. In previous years, the establishment has also received honors for Best Bloody Mary and Best American Cuisine. The success of Nesrin’s business has been noted by Good Day Sacramento and even Fox 40, not once, but three times! Aside from her business’ TV appearances, Nesrin knows that the true measure of success is your customer’s satisfaction. She believes that to be a successful businesswoman you must believe in yourself and never give up. The best part about being a businesswoman for Nesrin is being her own boss. It’s not always easy, but it continues to bring Nesrin both satisfaction and joy. “Life is full of challenges and difficulties, but I always overcome them,” she says.

AMERICAN WAFFLE DINER

1540 E. March Ln., Stockton (209) 951-1175

WAFFLE

H O U S E DINER

TIFFANY EMBRY-SAVEA D

OWNER & BALLET INSTRUCTOR

Hazel Maglasang is a dance studio owner, classically trained dancer, pianist, philanthropist, and college graduate (currently pursuing MBA/MHA). She is wellknown for her futuristic thinking; inspired by the future and what it could be. Hazel inspires others with her vision and how she breathes life into her big dreams.

Beginning in 2017 to present day, she set new dance studio industry standards; recognized as San Joaquin County’s Best Ballet Studio, San Joaquin County’s Best Summer Day Camp, Hulafrog’s Most Loved Dance Studio, and a feature in two issues of Dance Teacher Magazine.

San Joaquin Magazine welcomes Hazel in her third year representing women in business, celebrating the women that help San Joaquin County thrive.

Hazel believes leaders should prioritize customer focus, creating value, and leading with a purpose; providing a culture and environment families can be proud of. Hazel does this by pondering what she can upgrade, enhance, or perfect; motivating her to excel at higher levels than she has in the past. The talents Hazel possesses goes beyond the steady growth of En Pointe Dance Studio, but also transforming ideas into things you can touch, taste, see, smell, or hear. She places great value on moments that arouses her intellectual curiosity.

Hazel had an opportunity during En Pointe’s 2020 annual performance to demonstrate her out-of-thebox thinking while adapting to the “new norm”, due to COVID-19. With strategic thinking and collaboration, family and friends enjoyed an outdoor “drive-in” recital. Guests and performers were also treated to an ice cream truck and taco food vendor. During En Pointe’s 2021 annual performance, she was able to provide a sold-out indoor event at The Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy, CA. The audience was treated to magnificent dance performances to amazing music filled with confetti, balloon drops, and fireworks among many other delightful things.

Hazel continues to create opportunities while motivating her students to reach their highest potential as dancers through hard work and passion. Her hope is for her students to one day become leaders in what they love and enjoy and that, they too, may change the lives of others.

EN POINTE DANCE STUDIO

346 W. Grant Line Rd. Tracy, CA 95376 (209) 820-2926 www.enpointeds.com

MAYWELL L. INONG, DDS

GENERAL & COSMETIC DENTIST

Dr. Maywell Inong is a Stockton native and graduate of the University of the Pacific. She opened her dental practice in 1999. Over the years she has become known as a leading dentist within the Stockton area. Dr. Inong went into dentistry with an earnest desire to partner with her patients to help them pursue a lifetime of optimal dental health. Towards this goal, she has been a leader in the field of dentistry by always endeavoring to become certified in the latest medical technology breakthroughs and surgical techniques that she feels can ensure better treatment success for her patients. As an example, Dr. Inong is the only dentist within 100 miles of the Stockton area that is an experienced practitioner in the use of Pinhole Surgery Technique (PST) to treat gum recession by eliminating the need for painful gum grafts and long months of healing times that were seen in the past. Treatment recovery times for this new procedure have been reduced to just days with minor to no pain at all. Though she has been given many opportunities over the years to expand her practice to multiple offices, she has decided that by having just one location with her as the sole dentist on staff, it is the best way to maintain a personal relationship with her patients to attend properly to treating their individual health needs.

MAYWELL L. INONG DDS

4568 Feather River Dr,, Ste. E, Stockton (209) 477-9105 | InongDental.com

Dr. Erin Doxtader

ZEITER EYE MEDICAL GROUP

Dr. Doxtader is one of the esteemed female optometrist that represents Zeiter Eye Medical Group. Her entire life she has been focused on personal achievement and serving her community, earning a Bachelor of Science in Human Biology, Health and Society from Cornell University and a doctorate from Midwestern University in Arizona, where she graduated as a member of Beta Sigma Kappa, the International Optometric Honors Society.

Dr. Doxtader has since relocated back to her hometown of Lodi to treat her patients and neighbors. She has a strong passion for patient care, ensuring all questions are answered and all needs are met at every appointment to the best of her ability. While building her patient load at Zeiter Eye, she also is looking forward to creating lasting relationships with her community.

At work, Dr. Doxtader has an extensive background in understanding and prescribing specialty contact lenses to treat corneal disease and dry eye. When she isn’t working, she enjoys being active in her church, cooking, reading, playing board games, and spending time with her husband and five young children.

ZEITER EYE MEDICAL GROUP

Multiple Locations (209) 466-5566 ZeiterEye.com

Abodes

Lindsey and Blake Burnham

FROM FARM TO CELLAR

LOCAL FARMERS AND VINTNERS BUILD WINE CELLARS TO HOUSE IMPRESSIVE COLLECTIONS

BY SUZANNE LEDBETTER

Its no surprise that wine cellars are a popular home addition in San Joaquin County. After all, our region is home to over 100,000 acres of wine grapes and boasts more than eighty-five wineries. Local wine enthusiasts need a place to store their prized possessions, and these collectors need more space than a simple empty closet. Over the next few pages, we will share the elaborate wine cellars of a few grape farmers and vintners with one common thread: a passion for wine, an investment in the community, and a thoughtful need to cellar wines worthy of storing.

BURNHAM FAMILY WINE CELLAR

For Blake and Lindsey Burnham, creating a wine cellar was a labor of love. As owners of a Toyota and Crown forklift company, Watts Equipment, wine was part of their business and family culture. When the couple found out they were expecting twins, they along with their friends Mitchell and Brook Masotti,came up with the concept to make a wine in their honor. The two launched their own wine brand in celebration of the birth of their twin daughters, Audrey and Madelyn, in 2013. It was a passion project for the two to bring to life a product they enjoyed while honoring their girls. The concept, a Russian River Pinot Noir, Lindsey’s favorite varietal, bearing the name Audelyn, a blend of both girls’ names. What started out as a simple project has transitioned to a healthy following, with their wines offered at local restaurants and cafes for locals to enjoy.

The duo quickly became wine enthusiasts with a penchant for enjoying and collecting quality wines. But they had one problem, their wine refrigerator was overflowing, and they didn’t have enough space to store the dozens of wines they had on hand. They purchased a new home in 2015 in Woodbridge, where they had an expansive basement that covered the entire footprint of their home. There was so much space, the two knew immediately they would build a wine cellar. They just had to work out the details to figure out how to create their wine haven.

The Burnham’s dwelling was designed, created, and built without any kits or professionals. Blake secured the help of his friend from college, Beau Davies, and the two embarked on a project the Burnhams will enjoy for the rest of their lives. They looked at dozens of designs, and while the original aesthetic was rustic, they opted for a traditional style with clean lines and plenty of storage.

There is something else unique to this cellar. When considering what wood to use, Burnham chose white ash, an ode to his love of baseball . Every single piece of wood used in the making of the cellar was cut by hand in their backyard. They even hand carved two swans to be installed on wood beams mirroring the logo on their Audelyn wine bottle. For two months, Blake and Beau toiled relentlessly to measure, design, readjust, and eventually, build the cellar they’d imagined in their dreams.

The result? A spacious, elegant wine cellar with ample room for seating, perusing, and drinking wine with family and friends. The room is temperature controlled with a Whisperkool unit that they purchased from Vinoteque to ensure bottle stability. Sophisticated lighting showcases favorite bottles and hand carved shelves display wines with sentimental value. There is wine from floor to ceiling on every wall, which is a good thing for a wine collector like Burnham.

The Burnhams are on several wine allocation lists, and collect wines from Realm Cellars, Carter Cellars, Aubert, Kosta Browne, Dumol, Bevan Cellars, and California's first 100-point Malbec, Devil’s Proof. These are big wines with the ability to age for decades to come, but Burnham also believes in drinking his wine. “We believe wine is meant to be shared and enjoyed over great meals and good times, so we definitely dig into it more than we probably should,” he says. “But at the end of the day, wine is meant to be drank, so there are many times we don’t worry about the vintage, or how long it’s been cellared. It’s important to focus on enjoying something fun when the time is right!”

LEDBETTER FAMILY WINE CELLAR

For John and Edyth Ledbetter, building a wine cellar was inevitable. As local wine grape farmers, the couple has spent their lives cultivating, farming, and producing premium wine grapes for California wineries. So naturally, creating a space for their wine collection was part of their plan when they built their dream home nestled on the Mokelumne River. In 1998, the couple packed up their home in the city and began building a custom home on the outskirts of Lodi in Victor. As they began designing their new home, they opted to add space in the basement for a wine cellar. The couple struck a deal with one another—John would get to build the wine cellar of his dreams, and Edyth would

Ledbetter Cellar

get ample storage for her vast collections of seasonal home décor. And before you start to wonder if I am related to these two wine collectors, the answer is unabashedly yes. They are my mother and father-in-law, and most of our holidays over my 16-year marriage have been spent perusing the wine cellar for our favorite gems. But I digress.

When the Ledbetters finalized their plans, they worked with their contractor Mike Donaldson of Lesovsky/Donaldson Architects to create the cellar they imagined. He created an expansive space with enough room for storing large and small format bottles, case good storage, display shelves, counter space, and even racking for glassware. Most importantly, the two hundred square feet cellar with storage for up to 2,500 bottles, is functional.

They contracted builder Curtis T. Vick out of Modesto to bring their plans to life. Utilizing redwood from Union Planning Mill in Stockton, Vick crafted the basement cellar with deliberation and attention to detail. Before long, the cellar boasted enough room for 2,500 750 ml. bottles and twenty spaces for large format bottles. With a dedicated A/C system and a built-in humidifier that is fully automated, John likes to keep his cellar temperature at 58 degrees with a steady 48 percent humidity level.

When pressed to share his favorite feature of the cellar, John put it simply. “The ability to display wine bottles that are meaningful for me and my family.” Large format bottles of Clos Du Bois Marlstone lie alongside some of his favorite collector’s bottlings from the 1980’s: Lucas Winery zinfandels, Benziger Winery selections, bottles from Lloyd Martel, Robert Mondavi cabernet sauvignons, and a selection of Arrowood Wines. He is also a huge fan of Robert Young wines from Sonoma County, which have even more sentimental value as the two worked alongside one another on several grape growing initiatives throughout the years.

Without a doubt, the Ledbetter family is patient when it comes to enjoying older wines. Probably because there is never a shortage of great wines to drink, they have kept a handful of cherished old bottles around just for fun. The oldest bottle in the basement is a 1941 Sebastiani Cabernet Sauvignon. It is hard to wrap your head around a wine bottled during the second World War. Some of Ledbetter’s other vintage wines include a hearty selection of Silver Oak Cabernet Sauvignon wines from the 1970s, Opus One wines from the 70s, 80s, and 90s, and Kenwood wines from the 80s and 90s.

The truth is, the wine cellar, and the story behind the wines, is about family. At each family dinner, holiday gathering, or celebratory function, John makes the trek down a stunning spiral staircase to his cellar in search of the perfect wine to share. Each Christmas, John makes his way with his son to pick a handful of large and small format wines as old as mother time. They open the bottles, decant them, and label them to be placed at Christmas dinner alongside a couple of hearty prime ribs. Some are hits, some have reached the end of their shelf life, and some are absolutely mind blowing.

Each year, John pulls a mystery wine out of the cellar, pours it into a decanter (so there is no cheating), and places it on

the dinner table with 35 to 40 guests. He’s the only one who knows what it is, and he gets a kick out of trying to stump everyone. So far, he continues to stump the entire family, many of whom have excellent palates and experienced tasters. It’s a tradition he plans to continue. “Because wine doesn’t always have to be pretentious,” John says. “Sometimes, you have to have a little fun with it.”

Pro-Tip from a seasoned collector: buy and store wines from your anniversary year, children’s birth years, and grandchildren’s birth years. There is nothing more satisfying than pulling out a bottle from your collection for your child’s 21st birthday, engagement, or wedding!

MANNA FAMILY CELLAR

There are some people in this world who love to entertain. Mike and Lisa Manna are those people. Whether they are hosting a family celebration, a local fundraiser, or an auction dinner, the Mannas are the penultimate party hosts. They also just happen to be successful wine grape farmers with a passion for California wine!

On a visit to Italy in 2013, Mike and Lisa fell in love with the concept of having a place to sip, swirl, and savor a glass of wine. He took pictures of their inspiring architecture and returned home with a renewed passion to build his family their own wine cellar. So, the couple, who live on an expansive property surrounded by vineyards on Lodi’s west side, made the decision to build a proper wine cellar on site. Instead of converting a room or closet into a cellar, they opted to create a space adjacent to their pool house that would provide friends and family a place to gather around the table over a glass, or bottle. The result— an underground cellar with style, sophistication, and ample room for entertaining.

The Mannas teamed up with local contractor and good friend David Duke to build the cellar of their dreams. What started as a simple dwelling with dirt floors evolved into a charming and spacious entertainment room complete with Italian tile flooring, walls crafted from stone, and adorned with some old Petaluma beams they found in a recycling wood lot.

Upon entering their underground abode, guests are immediately transported to Italy. A heavy wood door opens to a long, narrow staircase surrounded by fauxed walls and a brick ceiling that descends underground. The outside walls are adorned by metal wine racks that display their wine collection in an open style and underneath there are cubbies for even more wine to be on display.

But the centerpiece of the room is an oval table with comfortable seating perched underneath a stunning, rustic chandelier made from antlers. Mike Manna

Manna Cellar

Soft neutral cabinetry adorns the focal walls where the Mannas store their glassware, decanters, and other barware. Local decorator Cheryl Stern helped Mike with the traditional décor, and she knew just how to bring a piece of Mike’s Italian heritage into the space with olive tree topiaries resting atop end tables and ceramic platters and jugs to round out the little details in the space that make you feel like you’ve traveled to the old world.

One of the most unique features is the built-in ham stand and rack, nestled in a corner of the cellar. It is designed to display Prosciutto di Parma or Iberico

Manna Cellar whole hams carved off one slice at a time. For an Italian family like the Mannas, it’s the ideal addition to a space dedicated to wine. Take a sip of wine, savor a salty slice of prosciutto. How perfect does that sound?

The underground abode is temperature controlled with its own cooling unit to keep the wine at optimum temperature for serving. Mike’s favorite wines to uncork are local ones, including what he often pours at blind tastings for friends and family. Guests are always blown away at which bottle is local, and which is from Sonoma.

For the Mannas, the wine cellar is less about collecting and storing wine, and more about drinking what you have and sharing it with those you love. The oldest wine in the cellar is a 1979 Heitz Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon, but that doesn’t mean, older vintages haven’t been enjoyed there. The wine cellar is a focal point for every family dinner or guest that visits their home. “I love it when my family or friends go down to the cellar to pick out the wine they want to consume with dinner,” Manna says. “We entertain here and want to know what wines others like to choose.” His philosophy is drink what you like—and we wholeheartedly agree.

TIPS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUILDING A WINE CELLAR

• Be sure racking includes large enough spaces for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay bottles • Make space for storage of large format bottles like Magnums • Build in plenty of counterspace • Install a step stool or built-in ladder to get to hard-to-reach bottles • Include display shelving • Opt for temperature controls • Include hooks for towels • Include wine glass racking or storage for glassware