About Troy Smith: Earning the Advanced Sommelier Diploma from the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers, Troy Smith is a sommelier and beverage manager at Montage Laguna Beach.
Equipped with in-depth knowledge gleaned from more than 10 years in the wine industry, Smith oversees the selection, purchasing and storage of wines for the entire resort. He also facilitates all ongoing staff wine training.
In addition, Smith oversees the ambitious wine program for the resort’s three restaurants, including its signature restaurant Studio’s impressive 2,500 wine selections. To that end, he is instrumental in selecting Studio's approximately 50 wines by the glass; working in tandem with Studio Executive Chef Craig Strong and the Studio sommelier team to present wine pairings for each item on the private chef’s table and tasting menus.
Previously a sommelier at The Phoenician Resort in Scottsdale, AZ, Smith has also served as sommelier at the Ventana Room at Loews Ventana Canyon Resort in Tucson, AZ.
For more info on Montage, go to www. montagehotels.com
About Fred Scherrer: Fred began making Zinfandel from his father’s vineyard in 1991. The first vintage consisted of 600 cases. Over the next 5 years, Fred was able to slowly expand production of Zinfandel as he continued his ‘day job’ as winemaker at Dehlinger. In 1997, they were able to expand production to include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay from the Scherrer Vineyard. This expansion included making the winery a full-time occupation in 1998 and moving into its current location in an insulated metal building near Sebastopol.
For more info on this winery, go to http://scherrerwinery.com!