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We are at Your Service
A Common Bond. A Complete Resource
at your Service.
At Wine & Dine, we combine comprehensive knowledge of the area
with obsessive attention to detail and an unceasing quest for quality.
We love what we do - and we do it with style, sophistication and
a healthy dose of humor.
Consider our individual areas of expertise and the theme becomes
clear: commitment to service, passion for the pleasures of the table,
and a relentless pursuit of quality.
The Wine and Dine Team
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Shelley Wolfe
‘La Presidente’
With a zest for wine, food and travel, a flair for the creative, and two
decades of solid success in the “biz,” Shelley is a natural when
it comes to the delights and details of Wine Country event
planning and management.
In 1985, she began honing her expertise in the Corporate Events department
of Palo Alto’s Amazing Events. She soon started Austin-Wolfe
Event Design which, over the years, grew to three offices nationwide.
Seeking the beauty and pleasures of Napa Valley lifestyle, Shelley moved
to the area in 1995, joined Wine & Dine Events and
Adventures (then called Wine & Dine Tours),
and purchased the company from founder, David Mitchel, in 2003.
Shelley possesses an uncanny ability to match the perfect hotels, wineries,
restaurants and activities to her clients’ needs, producing events that
sizzle with excitement and individuality. Her creativity, insider
connections, meticulous planning, seamless management and budget savvy
are apparent in each phase of a project, transforming every occurrence
into an unforgettable Wine Country occasion.
The first to launch
a Napa Valley program of “Green” meetings and events, Shelley
has long been committed to maintaining and protecting her turf from eco-mismanagement.
Embodying the highest level of corporate citizenship, she serves on the St.
Helena Climate Change Task Force, a model for the region. |
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Ellen Kieval
‘Director of Vivaciousness’
Ellen comes to us with over two decades of hospitality experience and a distinctive
grasp of luxury service. As manager of our Leisure Department, Ellen combines
a lifelong focus on food and wine and a keen eye for detail with an unwavering
commitment to her customers’ enjoyment. She delights in creating
one-of-a-kind experiences that perfectly reflect the needs of each client, resulting
in an impressive portfolio of memorable trips, and an ever-increasing fan club
across the country. |
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Barbra Christo
‘The Countessa of Connectivity
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Barbra holds our office together with the greatest of ease and skill, and always
a smile. Barbra has long experience at a Napa winery one speaks of in hushed
tones... one of those 'cult' places. She is a graphics genius, brilliant mind
reader, and provides the solid administrative framework needed to support our
myriad of projects. When you encounter her exuberance, you will glimpse our inner
workings and sense the spirit we all have for planning Wine Country events and
adventures. |
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Ellena Reich
‘Director of Corporate Evolution’
You will appreciate the dedication and entrepreneurial savvy of our “Director
of Corporate Evolution”. Ellena’s
task is to understand, articulate, develop and support your program objectives. Her
thorough immersion into your corporate culture and goals will assist you in developing
a seamless event. And, to our delight, she is married to one of our favorite
winemakers in the valley, so she is a “keeper!” |
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Susie Lee
‘International Liaison’
Susie is our enfectiously fun travel wizard, Susie is your contact if you seek
to be “Wined & Dined” globally. Having
grown up in Europe, Susie is fluent in five languages and has over twenty years’ experience
in the industry. She is our indispensable “go-to-gal” for wine and
gastronomic tours abroad. |
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Ron Egherman
‘The Idea Guy ’
Ron brings a wealth of experience, enthusiasm, and notable expertise to his
role as partner in Wine & Dine. A
bit of a Renaissance man, he is a trained architect, former museum director,
home winemaker and brewmeister. Ron’s art and culinary interests
have propelled him to write a book entitled Guerilla Gourmet.
Need a brilliant idea for a particular client? He can weave together
a clever plan in seconds.
His ingenuity and innate curiosity make him
the “go-to-guy” with the perpetual light bulb over his head.
Our Tour Guides
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Steve Frattini
‘Ambassador-at-Large’
A native of Napa, Steve joined Wine & Dine in 1999 as Tour Director
and “Ambassador-at-Large.” Steve knows the Wine Country from
every angle imaginable, literally. He was the first hot air balloon pilot
to soar over the valley in 1972, and can name without hesitation the ownership
of vineyard blocks in the area. He’ll delight, educate and entertain
you with his many stories about Napa Valley’s past, and his appreciation
for his home town’s world-renowned agricultural product…wine! |
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Galbie Robinson
‘Head Honcho of Hi-Jinks’
Galbie is a ring leader of lively celebration and merrymaking for our guests. Galbie’s
warm, quick wit and exceptional knowledge of wine and food (due to fifteen years’ premium
restaurant experience) make him one our favorite characters to hang out with. |
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MaryLee Johnson
‘Vintage Class ’
Aged in the Napa Valley for over 30 years, MaryLee can be compared to a captivating,
well-rounded Cabernet Sauvignon. She has been guiding groups in the Wine
Country for over 18 years, and as a boutique winery and vineyard owner herself,
has first-hand knowledge of the wine industry. MaryLee strives to ensure her
tours are an enjoyable balance of information and an entertaining experience
peppered with her knowledge of wine, food and the Napa Valley lifestyle. |
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Jo Ann Bingham
‘Flying Ace ’
Jo Ann joined Wine and Dine part-time in 1999
after returning to live in Napa Valley from Hong Kong, where she was a flight
attendant with United Airlines. Jo Ann's love for wine began the day she
could legally consume it and seriously pursued her interest visiting almost
all wine regions in the world during the following 20 years. She shares her time
at a Napa winery and is in involved in various organizations teaching the
delights of the vine as well as responsible tasting. Jo Ann
is a member of the Knights of the Vine and continues to “wine and dine” airline
passengers on international flights. |
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Tim Stel
‘Dashing Elegance ’
Tim escaped L.A. in 1998 and landed in paradise—aka Napa Valley. He
always enjoyed wine, but now, it's his life. You might spot him at a historic
valley winery, leading tours and educating palates, but he joyfully moonlights
at Wine & Dine, where he will be your own personal “cork dork.” |
