1/8 LARRY VAN AALST, CHARLES MARA, THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION, ELIZABETH VIANNA, CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY, STAGS LEAP DISTRICT

LARRY VAN AALST AND CHARLES MARA - LIVE FROM THE SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE WINE COMPETITION

Charles Mara is a nationally recognized wine judge, winery producer/owner and wine merchant, Charles F. Mara is a force within the wine industry. Having traveled to many of the world's most prestigious wine regions, he is a well respected and knowledgeable wine guru who brings to table a love of wine. Wine judge for numerous prestigious wine tastings, as well as serving on several wine tasting panels, Professor of Oenology and member of the Society of Wine Educators, he has also appeared on local TV and Radio shows, was appointed as the Consumer Representative by the Governor of New York to the State Wine Grape Marketing Order Advisory Board, and has been a "Tastemaster" for monthly wine tasting events designed to increase wine awareness and appreciation by consumers. His knowledge has also led him to be a consultant to many restaurateurs and retailers.

Charles is also noticed, not once but twice, in the Guinness Book of World Records. One listing is "most paid for a single bottle of wine," - an 1806 Lafite-Rothschild for $28,000 (1978) - and the other is "most paid for a bottle case of American wine" - 1979 Opus I for $24,000 (1981).


ELIZABETH VIANNA - CHIMNEY ROCK WINERY - STAGS LEAP DISTRICT WINE GROWERS DINNER 2/4/14

Elizabeth Vianna attributes her career in winemaking to a glass of 1985 Sociando Mallet, which she enjoyed at a pre-auction tasting at Christie’s in New York. A biology major at Vassar College, Elizabeth was originally on the pre-medical school track. She fell in love with wine as a consumer while living in New York City, working as a clinical toxicologist at New York Hospital - Weill Cornell Medical Center. Her strong science background and sudden infatuation with wine propelled her to apply to the University of California - Davis, and its renowned winemaking program instead of medical school.

Elizabeth first came to Chimney Rock as a harvest intern in 1999, while completing her Master’s degree in enology at U.C. Davis. Upon graduation, she became an enologist at Napa Wine Company and was soon named assistant winemaker there, where she worked directly with many of the region’s top winemakers including Heidi Barrett, Erin Green, Pam Starr, and Celia Masyczek. Elizabeth was named to the position of assistant winemaker at Chimney Rock in January 2002 and advanced to the position of winemaker in 2005. In 2009, Vianna was honored by the University of California – Davis School of Graduate Studies when she was invited by the Dean of Graduate Studies to deliver the commencement speech. She was promoted to General Manager of Chimney Rock Winery in 2011 while continuing in her role as head winemaker at the Stags Leap District estate winery. She has also served as President of the Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association. During her tenure at Chimney Rock she has consistently produced wines that have been highly rated among critics and highly valued among consumers.

www.chimneyrock.com
www.stagsleapdistrict.com

A Culinary Evening with the California Winemasters & the Stags Leap District Winegrowers
Are going into their 25th year, and to celebrate, we've put together one of our finest 'kick-off' dinners to date!  Won't you join us?!

A Tribute to Van Vlahakis, Kelly Vlahakis-Hanks & Earth Friendly Products at the Cabana Room at Island Hotel Newport Beach

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2014 ~ 6:30pm
Hosted by Stags Leap District Winegrowers
Featuring Vintners Michael Beaulac & Elizabeth Vianna with a Menu by Executive Chef David Man
Tickets - $185 Per Person  ($105 is tax deductible)
690 Newport Center Drive, Newport  Beach, CA 92660
SEATING  IS LIMITED          VALET PARKING AVAILABLE
TO RESERVE  SEATS PLEASE CALL (323) 939-0758