1/17-Michael Jordan talks with Bruce Nichols

Bruce Nichols - 2014 Naples Winter Wine Festival

The 14^th annual Naples Winter Wine Festival, taking place Jan. 24-26, 2014, will host a group of 12 of the nation's most distinguished wine service professionals as festival sommeliers this year at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples, Florida. The sommeliers will lend their extensive wine knowledge and experience, which includes a total of seven Master Sommelier certifications, background positions at Michelin-starred restaurants, top sommelier awards and industry leadership positions, to the numerous festival events.

Festival sommeliers will join 38 wineries and 16 celebrity chefs at this year's vintner dinners and the festival auction. Among the talent assembled by 2014 festival Co-Chairs Linda Richards Malone, Anne Welsh McNulty and Adria Starkey are Honored Vintner Olivier Krug of Krug Champagne and Chef de Cuisine Bill Telepan of New York City's Telepan and Telepan Local.

The purpose of the Naples Winter Wine Festival is to raise funds for the Naples Children & Educational Foundation (NCEF), which serves underprivileged and at-risk children in the community of Collier County, Florida. Since 2001, the festival has raised over $110 million for the NCEF.

2014 Naples Winter Wine Festival sommeliers include:

Christopher Birnie-Visscher, db Bistro Moderne, Miami, Florida
Advanced ambassador, Wines of Portugal Wine Academy
Advanced sommelier certification, Court of Master Sommeliers
Participant in 2013 TOP|SOMM Competition - South region

Jason Carlen, Spiaggia, Chicago, Illinois
Spiaggia wine list given "Best of Award of Excellence" by Wine Spectator

Ian Cauble, MS, SommSelect.com (launching March 2014)
Winner of 2011 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs "Young Sommelier" Competition
Gold Medal at 2011 International Jeunes Sommelier Competition - Named "Best Young Sommelier in the World"
Winner of 2011 TOP|SOMM Competition
Co-star of the 2012 wine documentary "Somm"

Elizabeth Dowty, Vino Wholesale, New Orleans, Louisiana
Passed two levels of the Master Sommelier test
Southwest finalist at 2011 Chaîne des Rôtisseurs "Young Sommelier" Competition
Southeast Regional winner of 2012 "Top New Somm" competition with the Guild of Sommeliers

David Glancy, MS, CWE, FWS, San Francisco Wine School, San Francisco, California
Also runs SFSommelier Consulting
Echanson Provincial PNW for the Chaîne des Rôtisseurs

Jason Heller, MS, Dana Estates, Rutherford, Napa Valley, California
Named "Best New Sommelier" by Wine & Spirits magazine (2009)
First place at 2010 TOP|SOMM "Young Sommelier" Competition

Rachael Lowe, Naha, Chicago, Illinois
Master Sommelier candidate

Sur Lucero, MS, Jackson Family Wines, Napa, California
Listed as one of the "Best New Sommeliers" by Wine & Spirits magazine (2011)
2012 Krug Cup recipient of the Court of Master Sommeliers

Christopher Miller, MS, Harlan family of wineries, Napa Valley, California
Listed as one of the "Best New Sommeliers" by Wine & Spirits magazine (2008)
"Best Young Sommelier in the World," International Chaîne des Rôtisseurs Competition, Vienna
"Rising Star Sommelier for Los Angeles" StarChef (2010)
"Best Sommelier in Los Angeles" LA Weekly (2012)

Kathryn Morgan, MS, instructor at Capital Wine School, International Culinary Center, Washington, D.C.
19^th woman in the world to earn a Master Sommelier certification
Named "Best sommelier in Washington" by Washington City Paper (2010)
Responsible for 2941 Restaurant's "Best Wine and Beverage Program" award by Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington (2010)

Luis Reyneri, Domaine Serene Winery, Dayton, Oregon; Hobe Sound, Florida
Certified Wine Educator, Society of Wine Educators
Advanced Sommelier, Court of Master Sommeliers

Larry Stone, MS, Huneeus Vintners, San Francisco, California
First American to win the Grand Prix de Sopexa for Best International Sommelier in French Wines
Awards: Michelin Star, the Ivy Award from Restaurants and Institutions, Silver Spoon from Food and Wine, James Beard Foundation Who's Who, James Beard Foundation Outstanding Wine Service Award, Wine Spectator Grand Award for 12 years

ABOUT BRUCE: First introduced to the hospitality industry as a teenager in a summer job, Bruce worked in restaurants and hotels through high school and college before locating to Sausalito, California. The move led to increasing ties in the then developing Napa and Sonoma wine scene. In the 1980′s, as Director of Restaurants for Sheraton Hotels, Bruce held the position of Wine Buyer, conducting wine education programs, hosting vintners, and winemakers, and working with syndicated wine writers. Expanded roles opening new food and beverage operations for major hotel chains across the country is when Bruce first launched “A Nichols Worth of Wine,” his eponymous wine publication dedicated to making wine educational and entertaining for the novice and connoisseur alike. Over the next two decades, he managed the corporate food service program for a global financial company while consulting to independent restaurants and developing and conducting wine education classes. Fast forward to late 2004, Bruce retired to beautiful Naples, Florida. In 2006, Naples Wine News was born and “A Nichols Worth of Wine“, was introduced to Naples and surrounding community wine enthusiasts. An internet-based, on-line publication accessed at www.anicholsworthofwine.com, each issue offers readers news, views, and reviews of wine, food and travel. For the past six years, Bruce has been the Wine Consultant to the Naples Winter Wine Festival, the largest charity wine auction in the world. Since its inception in 2001, the Festival has raised more than $100 million for the under-served children of the greater Naples area. Bruce also is the Grand Echanson des Etats-Unis of the Chaine des Rotisseurs and Societe Mondiale du Vin USA. The Chaine is the oldest and largest international food and wine organization in the world. Bruce’s wine consulting firm, Naples Wine Solutions, provides professional wine cellar management, wine brokering for buyers and sellers, sommelier services, wine education and wine event planning.

1/10-Larry Van Aalst Guest Hosts and talks to Carl Brandhorst & Dan Barwick

Carl Brandhorst - President, Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association and Board Member, American Wine Society

As President of the Atlantic Seaboard Wine Association and Board Member on the American Wine Society , Carl is in the Movers and Shakers category in the wine business. Among his long list of credentials , Carl is a certified wine judge , and will be flying in from the East Coast to be part of The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition.

We will have a chance to talk about the big competition , and get a perspective from an East Coast luminary.

Dan Barwick -  Winemaker, Paradise Ridge Winery

Winemaker for Paradise Ridge Winery , Dan is a favorite at CRN Studios.

Just nominated to be voted top Winemaker in a CRN poll, Dan will tell us what it takes to make the list. We will talk about new releases , and how record setting dry weather will treat the 2014 vintage.

1/3-Michael Jordan talks with Michael Horn & Constance Locates

Mike Horn - President, CRN Digital Talk

This veteran broadcaster has been part of major market operations for more than 30 years. He is the founder and President of CRN Digital Talk and has helped to launch the careers of countless media celebrities.  In addition to being the President of Cable Radio Network, Mike works with Paul Stern to host the nation's premier daily food, wine and travel show, the "What's Cookin' Today" show.  He also has hosted CRN Digital's popular "PM Show" for years. 

Horn’s experience in Los Angeles includes working at KBBQ and Alternative Rock/KROQ as News Director and later as on-air talent with KROQ’s original personalities Charlie Tuna, Sam Riddle, John Darren and Jay Stevens. Later Horn moved to KLAC Radio as Production Director and then to Country KFOX in Long Beach serving as on-air talent on the "Country Mike" show. 

Horn teamed with Dick Whittington to become part of KFI’s comedy team line-up of Lohman and Barkley, Whittington and Horn, and Hudson and Landry on "Goodtime Radio KFI." He recently appeared with his good friend William Shatner on ABC TV's  "Boston Legal". Michael J. Horn is the founder and President of CRN Digital Talk Networks (Cable Radio Network), the world’s first original cable audio service. CRN’s reach has grown to more than 11 million cable customers across the United States, the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands. CRN quickly became “the voice of cable” and the only exclusive 24-hour radio service for cable television. Horn, always looking to the future, placed CRN on the Internet (www.CRNi.net) to reach the World Wide Web’s millions of listeners.  Prior to launching CRN in 1983, Horn played a significant role in the evolution of radio in Southern California. Horn served as “on-air” personality for the legendary KBBQ, California’s first “hot” country station and paved the way for that sector of the industry to its’ subsequent nationwide appeal. Horn has a distinct style that makes his audience see and understand through his words. He knows how to draw out the information from “on-air” guests, making them look good while informing listeners.  In 1978, Horn founded Big Horn Productions, a company that pioneered the infiltration of country music to clubs in Los Angeles and the Marriott Hotel Chain. Big Horn Productions was an innovator in audio music entertainment by providing a comprehensive library of music to the vast circuit of nightclubs. As recognized cable audio expert, Horn was the voice of the Southern California Cable Marketing Council’s “Cable Up” commercials. Horn has appeared on TV’s General Hospital with “Frisco” (John Stamos) and “Blackie” (Jack Wagner) as well as “Luke” and “Laura”. His voice can be heard in numerous motion pictures and on many commercials. Horn is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Television and Film and a minor in Speech. He has held positions with the Southern California Cable Association, Marketing Cable Council and past President of the Chamber of Commerce. Horn is also a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists.

The winners of the CRN Food and Wine Awards are revealed. 

Constance Locates - Epicurean Angel
There many benefits joining our wine community. We feature limited artisanal producers. Each week we introduce a winemaker who’s put his passion and expertise into his product. we are constantly on road trips scouting for these hard to find wines, so we do the footwork for you. We meet with them personally, taste, and ship these wines straight to your door. Even better shipping is absolutely FREE! We are confident about our palate but maybe you’re not. That’s ok cause we bring the wines to a panel of seasoned wine collectors who give them a thumbs up. In addition, if you are still doubtful, we host local events where you can taste, feats and meet the winemaker in person.We are proud of our events as you should too, because your event fee goes straight to charity. 

12/27-Michael Jordan visits with Mike Horn

Mike Horn - President, CRN Digital Talk

This veteran broadcaster has been part of major market operations for more than 30 years. He is the founder and President of CRN Digital Talk and has helped to launch the careers of countless media celebrities.  In addition to being the President of Cable Radio Network, Mike works with Paul Stern to host the nation's premier daily food, wine and travel show, the "What's Cookin' Today" show.  He also has hosted CRN Digital's popular "PM Show" for years. 

Horn’s experience in Los Angeles includes working at KBBQ and Alternative Rock/KROQ as News Director and later as on-air talent with KROQ’s original personalities Charlie Tuna, Sam Riddle, John Darren and Jay Stevens. Later Horn moved to KLAC Radio as Production Director and then to Country KFOX in Long Beach serving as on-air talent on the "Country Mike" show. 

Horn teamed with Dick Whittington to become part of KFI’s comedy team line-up of Lohman and Barkley, Whittington and Horn, and Hudson and Landry on "Goodtime Radio KFI." He recently appeared with his good friend William Shatner on ABC TV's  "Boston Legal". Michael J. Horn is the founder and President of CRN Digital Talk Networks (Cable Radio Network), the world’s first original cable audio service. CRN’s reach has grown to more than 11 million cable customers across the United States, the Bahamas and U.S. Virgin Islands. CRN quickly became “the voice of cable” and the only exclusive 24-hour radio service for cable television. Horn, always looking to the future, placed CRN on the Internet (www.CRNi.net) to reach the World Wide Web’s millions of listeners.  Prior to launching CRN in 1983, Horn played a significant role in the evolution of radio in Southern California. Horn served as “on-air” personality for the legendary KBBQ, California’s first “hot” country station and paved the way for that sector of the industry to its’ subsequent nationwide appeal. Horn has a distinct style that makes his audience see and understand through his words. He knows how to draw out the information from “on-air” guests, making them look good while informing listeners.  In 1978, Horn founded Big Horn Productions, a company that pioneered the infiltration of country music to clubs in Los Angeles and the Marriott Hotel Chain. Big Horn Productions was an innovator in audio music entertainment by providing a comprehensive library of music to the vast circuit of nightclubs. As recognized cable audio expert, Horn was the voice of the Southern California Cable Marketing Council’s “Cable Up” commercials. Horn has appeared on TV’s General Hospital with “Frisco” (John Stamos) and “Blackie” (Jack Wagner) as well as “Luke” and “Laura”. His voice can be heard in numerous motion pictures and on many commercials. Horn is a graduate of California State University, Northridge, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Radio, Television and Film and a minor in Speech. He has held positions with the Southern California Cable Association, Marketing Cable Council and past President of the Chamber of Commerce. Horn is also a member of the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists

12/20-Michael Jordan talks with Fred Scherrer & Jeff Stewart

Fred Scherrer - Sherrer Winery
Since our small winery’s first vintage in 1991, our goal has been to create handcrafted, full-flavored wines that express the personality of the unique Sonoma County vineyards where they are grown. Fred first became known for Zinfandel from his father’s Alexander Valley vineyard, and now his careful hand with Pinot Noir from the Russian River and Sonoma County has quietly gained attention and a steady following. That same attention has made Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah that exemplify the bounty of Sonoma County vineyards.

Thank you for taking the time to find us,

Fred and Judi Scherrer

Jeff Stewart - Hartford Family Winery

Born and raised in South Lake Tahoe, California, Jeff Stewart is, not surprisingly, an avid skier. But it was a summer trip to France and an enthusiastic chemistry teacher that enticed him away from the mountains and into winemaking.
"My summer in France was really my first experience with wine as part of the family meal. I was fascinated with the lifestyle and the importance of wine in that culture," says Hartford Family Winemaker and General Manager, Jeff Stewart. "I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science and after several conversations with my high school chemistry teacher, I was soon enrolled in the Viticulture and Enology program at U.C. Davis. The idea of combining agriculture, science and the creativity of making wine, something celebrated and revered in many cultures for thousands of years, was mesmerizing."
Throughout his academic career, Stewart did internship work at Robert Keenan Winery and in 1988 received his degree in Fermentation Science, Viticulture and Enology from the University of California at Davis. Having also held winemaking positions at Laurier, De Loach, Mark West, Kunde, La Crema and most recently Buena Vista Carneros, Jeff brings with him a wealth of experience and an established reputation for quality. His deft hand with cool climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir in particular make him a perfect fit to lead the winemaking team at Hartford Family Winery.

12/13-Guest Host Larry Van Aalst vistits with Christopher Silva & William Seppi

Christopher Silva - President & CEO of St. Francis Winery
Being President / CEO of St. Francis Winery would be more than most of us could handle. Chris is not only in that enviable position but is also one of the young Wine Industry notables who gives tirelessly to his job and community. St Francis is one of the most well know of the Sonoma Valley Wineries and the world wide acclaim is what we will discuss , along with finding out about  the new winemakers.

William Seppi - Costeaux French Bakery
Having won both local and national honors , Costeaux French Bakery is a Sonoma County treasure. Located in Healdsburg , the bakery is a must visit for all those touring the local Wine Country. Will is General Manager and one of the family who made Cousteaux into a favorite spot in our area. We will talk about the Holidays and his role in the big San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition coming up in January.

12/6-Michael Jordan visits with John Gellentien & Lisa Rigisich

John Gellentien - Monte De Oro Winery and Vineyards
Tasting room host at Monte De Oro Winery and Vineyards in Temecula & former Student of Michael Jordan.
Congrats to John who just passed his sommelier exam this week!  

Lisa Rigisich - Founder of Pinot Days

Pinot Days Southern California is our fastest growing event, and it makes sense! People who enjoy blue skies and an easy, breezy lifestyle gravitate to pinot noir because it is easy to pair, easy to drink, and fascinating to talk about. Couple that with the area's innovative food, and you have a fantastic coupling of place with pinot. Enjoy Winemaker Pinot Pairings at restaurants and wine venues around town in the days preceding our Grand Festival, which is back on the West Side at the Skirball Cultural Center. Meet our winemakers, hear their stories and enjoy the most diverse, lovely wines on the  planet....

When - Saturday, December 7th, 2013.

Trade Tasting: 1pm-3pm.

Public Tasting: 3 - 6pm.

Price: $75 - Grand Festival. $120 VIP Tasting and Seminar.

Tickets - Tickets are on sale for the Grand Festival and Grand Festival VIP Tasting. To order tickets for the Grand Festival:www.pinotdays.com

Exhibitors -

Ancient Oak Cellars

August West

Blair Estate

Cargasacchi Wines

Domaine Chandon

Donelan Family Wines

Double Bond

Emeritus Vineyards

Fess Parker Winery & Vineyard

FOXEN

Fritz Winery

Gros Ventre Cellars

Hahn Estate

Inman Family Wines

J Vineyards & Winery

Ken Brown Wines

Kendric Vineyards

Kenneth Volk Vineyards

La Follette Wines

Landmark Vineyards

Loring Wine Company

MacMurray Ranch

MacPhail Family Wines

Martinelli Winery

Meiomi

Monterey Chocolate Company

Morgan Winery

New Zealand Winegrowers

Ousterhout Wines & Vineyard

Pali Wine Company

Reuling Vineyard

Robert John Russo Gallery

Romililly Wines

Rusack Vineyards

Saintsbury

Scherrer Winery

Siduri Wines

Sojourn Cellars

Sokol Blosser Winery

The Wine Check

Thomas Fogarty Winery

Thomas George Estates

Thorne Wine

Trombetta Family Wines

Waits-Mast Family Cellars

Wren Hop Vineyards