George O’Meara
INTRIGUING SMALL WINERY ADVOCATE As CEO of Save the Family Farms, a group of owner-occupied, Napa Valley grape growers that classify themselves as ‘micro-producers,’ George O’Meara works to protect Napa’s smallest wineries and vineyards. His goal is that Napa County...
Cathy Buck
INTRIGUING NAPA ENTREPRENEUR Cathy Buck’s 20 years as a realtor in Michigan did not necessarily qualify her for a career in the movie theater business. But as proprietor of St. Helena’s Cameo Cinema, the former waterfront properties specialist found a calling. “The...
Larry Hyde
INTRIGUING GROWER Known for his farming passion and innovative farming techniques, Larry Hyde of Hyde Vineyards has made Napa Valley his home for more than 40 years. The influential grower knew that grape growing was his calling when he signed up for his first...
Ken Frank
INTRIGUING CHEF Chef Ken Frank opened the first La Toque on the Sunset Strip at age 23. After a 14-year run, and a succession of other high- profile culinary positions, he heeded the call of wine country and moved north to open a new La Toque in Rutherford in 1998...
Ali and Ben Koenig
INTRIGUING COUPLE To say that Ben and Ali Koenig pivoted their local business in response to COVID-19 is an understatement. The Heritage Eats founders, in an attempt to remain viable, found themselves transforming their fast-casual Napa restaurant into a variety ...
Yannick Rousseau
INTRIGUING WINEMAKER Yannick Rousseau’s winemaking philosophy and style are old school. His wines – both his high-end Y. Rousseau label wines and the more approachable Son of a Butcher (SOB) – are made with passion, consistency, and meticulous care....
Sam Peters
INTRIGUING MARKETER In his role as executive director for three Napa Valley wine associations (Howell Mountain Vintners & Growers Association, Mount Veeder Appellation Council, and Atlas Peak Appellation Association) Sam Peters represents and markets each’s...
Rodger Collinson
INTRIGUING COMMUNITY SUPPORTER Napa firefighter/paramedic Rodger Collinson loves food. When on duty, he is often the crew appointed firehouse chef. When off duty, he’s combing the Napa Valley for new restaurants and undiscovered eats. “I’m...
