10 Winners of the CANVAS Excellence Awards were announced at the Gala Dinner held March 10 at the Napa Valley Performing Arts at Lincoln Theater in Yountville. These recipients rose to the top in esteem and selection by their peers for their outstanding contribution to Hospitality in Napa/Sonoma Wine Country.
And the winners are…
- Grand Robert Mondavi Award – Nancy Boerum, Concierge at MacArthur Place
- Concierge, Napa – Calista Roman, Bardessono
- Concierge, Sonoma – Sharon Cousins, Santa Rosa CVB
- Tour Guide – Karl Christiansen, Platypus Tours
- Winery Hospitality, Napa – Matthew McMann, Sequoia Grove
- Winery Hospitality, Sonoma – Alan Wastell, Anaba Wines
- Culinary/Restaurant, Napa – Chef Peter Kelly, Dean & Deluca
- Culinary/Restaurant, Sonoma – John Burdick, Olive & Vine
- Retail/Art – Jeanne Dillon, Artists of the Valley Gallery
- Beauty & Health – Lynne Memmott, Greenhaus Spa
“Our Hospitality Professionals have a powerful influence on the guest experience, and on our economy. I am excited and proud to host an annual event that recognizes them for their contribution.” explains Colby Smith, Founder and Executive Director of CANVAS.
All winners received a trophy sculpture designed by Gordon Huether, a highly esteemed, world renown artist whose Gallery is in Napa. The program cover for the evening was designed by another renown Napa artist, Dinah Cross James. Winners were also awarded substantial prizes.
From July to December of 2014 the Nominations and voting that took culminated on March 10th at the Awards Gala.
The Judges, from various areas of expertise in both Napa and Sonoma include: Ken Fischang, President/CEO, Sonoma County Tourism Bureau; Greg Nomura, General Manager of the Andaz Napa Valley; Kathy Magner, Director of Hospitality, Robert Mondavi Winery; Jennifer Buffo, Owner Pure Luxury Transportation; Larry Willis, Board Member of the Sonoma County Lodging Association and owner of The Gables Wine Country Inn; Wendy Peterson, Executive Director Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau; Holly Stiel, Founder/Trainer from Thank You Very Much, Inc.; Terri Piper, Owner, Piper Johnson Catering; and Don Rickard, Owner of Platypus Tours.
CANVAS is enthusiastically supported by its members and Sponsors. Contributing to make the Excellence Awards Gala an elegant experience are: Morimoto Restaurant; Hurley’s Restaurant; Chef Keith Olson, Trefethen Winery; Piper Johnson Catering, Dean & Deluca, Mary’s Chicken, Classic Party Rental, Clear Memories, EV Florals, Five Star Productions, Galaxy Press, Mercantile 12, Napa’s Photographer, Napa Valley Media, Peak Productions, SnapFiesta, Wine Country Party & Events, Wine Country Pianist.
These are stars of our Hospitality Community. Making programs like the Awards possible.
About CANVAS (The Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma)
CANVAS is a membership organization of over 1,000 hospitality professionals supporting tourism in Napa Valley and Sonoma County. It offers resources, information, introductions, and opportunities that enable Hospitality Professionals to arrange optimal experiences for visitors to Northern California Wine Country. CANVAS programs include Hospitality Training, an annual Trade Show for Event and Meeting Planners, Wine Education, Wine Marketing Boot Camps, Networking Events, a robust resource website and more. CANVAS also provides scholarships to Sonoma State University and Napa Valley College for Hospitality students.
