Rob Barney
The story begins in Dallas, Texas In 2014. Up until then, Rob had not found a wine that appealed to his palate. His good friend at a nearby wine bar helped him find his love of wine, his favorite being wine produced from vines that had endured some level of stress – either old vines, […]
Heather Cole
Heather’s life motto has always been “Why not?” and her subsequent professional background is accordingly broad and varied, including time spent having worked as a paralegal, co-founding and running a medical records company, working at multiple wine bars and restaurants, selling wine for a distributor, working as an operational consultant for a metal recycling company, […]
Bobby Haase
Bobby Haase grew up in Salina, Kansas, where he developed a deep appreciation for rural life and agriculture. His upbringing instilled in him a passion for connection, hard work, and community — values that have guided his career in the wine and spirits industry. Bobby attended Arizona State University, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. […]
Charles Miller
Charles has been a dynamic force alongside Michael Kennedy since 2017, laying the groundwork for SOM Wines. In 2021, he stepped into the pivotal role of Brand Director for Fraîche Wine, where he oversees national and global distribution, collaborates closely with the winemaking team on production, and supports the team wherever needed. His love for […]
Marble Distilling
Enjoy Marble Distilling at the Grand Tastings.
Jesse Maxwell
Chef Jesse Maxwell is originally from Westchester, New York and this is where his passion for the kitchen began. As a boy he loved getting into the kitchen whether it was cooking for his family or baking with his grandmother, it always gave him a sense of accomplishment. Jesse started working at the age of […]
Casey Stringer
Casey Stringer was raised in the Midwest by a family of food and wine lovers. He discovered his passion for wine during an unexpected stop in Napa, while on college-visiting trip to the Bay area. Enchanted by the region’s relaxed lifestyle and scenic vineyards, he returned home inspired and took a job at a local […]
Eric Friedman
Eric Friedman grew up on the East Coast, where he developed a deep passionfor cooking, inspired by the bountiful seafood and classic home-style recipes ofhis upbringing. From cheddar biscuits and shrimp and grits to low country boilsand oyster bakes, these flavors laid the foundation for his culinary journey.Eric’s culinary career first began in South Carolina, […]
Christopher Lauro
For the past 11 years, Chef Christopher Lauro has been cooking up creative and delicious dishes in the Vail area. Born in New York and raised in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Christopher hails from a family of fishermen, which showcased all the opportunities of using fresh-caught seafood and experimental, zesty flavors to his […]
Joshua Marshall
Josh Marshall, executive chef of culinary operations at the Sonnenalp Hotel, came to Vail from China. He worked at hotels in Taiwan and Guangzhou, China, adding an Asian influence to his previous experiences in Denver; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Naples, Florida; and Southern California, where he’s from.Since joining the hotel in 2020, Marshall has been bringing […]
