THE 4TH ANNUAL DURANGO WINE EXPERIENCE
Special Guests

Alison Dance, Cyprus Café & ENO
Chef and Owner
Owner Alison Dance loves good food, good wines, and good music. Cyprus Cafe is a joyous expression of all three, bursting with flavors and, in the summer, the sound of a patio jazz trio. "Mediterranean country cooking" is how Alison describes the seasonal menus she and her staff design - simple, healthy, and tasty. Cyprus Cafe uses local organic produce and meats, and sustainably harvested seafood to create meals that are as delicious as they are beautiful. Her meals fuse the best of Italian, Greek, North African and Southwest American flavors. Whether you choose to dine at the restaurant, or drop in to listen to live Jazz on a warm summer evening, or have Alison design and cater your special party, you'll have a great meal - and a great experience - at the Cyprus Cafe.
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Alison will be featured at the Cyprus Café Restaurant Showcase Table during the Grand Tasting & Saturday’s “Bubbles” seminar location is her new wine bar, ENO.
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Chef Dave Cuntz, The Historic Strater Hotel
Executive Chef and Food Operations Manager
David Martin Cuntz, Sr. “Chef Dave” is honored to be the Executive Chef and Food Operations Manager at the Historic Strater Hotel, and its various venues in Durango, Colorado: The Mahogany Grille, The Office Spiritorium, The Diamond Belle Saloon and 1887 Catering. Chef Dave was a main-stage demonstrator at the 2007 Scottsdale Culinary Festival, a three-day exhibitor at the 2008 Food Network South Beach Wine and Food Festival, participated as a wine-pairing chef at The 2008 Telluride Festival of the Arts, and was a three-day exhibitor at the 2009 Aspen Classic.
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Chef Dave will be featured at the "Wine to Water" Benefit dinner Wednesday evening at the Henry Strater Theatre, hosting the "Blending Seminar" at the Strater Hotel and presenting at the Mahogany Grille Restaurant Showcase Table during the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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David Walden, Heck Estates
Fine Wine Associate for Colorado
David, a certified Wine Sommelier, is a seasoned 12-year veteran of selling wine in the Denver metro area. David has traveled the world touring and sampling the various wine regions of Italy, France, Australia, New Zealand, Chile, Argentina, as well as throughout California, Oregon, Washington, Texas and Virginia. Heck Estates represents Kenwood Vineyards of Sonoma, Valley of the Moon Winery in Sonoma, Lake Sonoma Winery and Korbel Brandy.
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David will be featured at the Walk-About Durango on Friday and the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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Ken Martin, Steamworks
Lead Brewer & Director of Brewing Operations

My name is Ken Martin, I am from the cultural hub of the universe known as Grand Junction Colorado. I am a 2000 graduate of Fort Lewis College with a degree in Finance. I started home brewing in 2000 and fell in love with the craft.  Soon after, I landed a position with Grand Teton Brewing in Teton Valley Idaho.  There I learned the basics of commercial brewing by doing tasks such as: cleaning all applied vessels, bottling, kegging and eventually filtration and some brew house activities. I started working with Steamworks Brewing Company in the fall of 2003 and today I am the head brewer.
When I am not in the brewery I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, climbing, fly fishing and hanging out with my wife and son.

You will find Ken at the VIP Welcome Reception, Brewery Tour & Tasting, the Walk About Durango & the Grand Tasting.
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Ryan Lowe, The Ore House
Executive Chef & General Manager

Ryan was born and raised in Durango, CO.  He still serves as a Chef Mentor for Durango High School's Competitive Culinary Team. Heavily supportive of Local, Wild, Organic, and Sustainable Foods, Ryan was the Durango Farmers Market Iron Horse Chef Champion 2009. Established in 1972, the Ore House is one of Durango's oldest and finest restaurants. Featuring hand cut USDA certified black angus prime and choice steaks, sustainable seafood, all natural poultry, seasonal local produce, and homemade desserts.  Nightly Specials featuring Steaks from local Ranches.
Durango Wine Experience Special Offer: Bring in any DWE passes and receive 1/2 off on any bottle of wine! (with the purchase of 2 entrees)

 Chef Ryan will be featured at the Ore House Restaurant Showcase Table during the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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Shelley Sale, CSW
Southern Wine & Spirits of Colorado

Shelley has been on the Western Slope for 15 years. Some of you may remember her from the Riedel Seminars at past DWE’s. Her current job is District Manager – On Premise - western slope, traveling around the most beautiful part of the state and working with 4 great sales people. When she is not working she has her dog Sadie and loves to get in the hills, travel to new places and hang with friends. She has a long passion for Bubbles so join Shelley on Saturday morning for fun, laughter and bubbles. Cheers!

You will find Shelley hosting the “Saké Seminar” & pouring at the “Walk-About” Durango on Friday; hosting the "Bubbles" seminar at ENO & pouring at the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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Steve Lewis, Giuliana Imports
Owner & Proprietor

Steve will be featured at the "Wine to Water" Benefit dinner Wednesday evening at the Henry Strater Theatre, pouring at the Walk-About Durango on Friday,  hosting the "Spanish Wine & Tapas" luncheon at the Palace Restaurant and pouring at the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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Stewart Vandenberg, Alexander Valley Vineyards
Western Regional Sales Manager and Zinfandel Grower

For 35 years, Alexander Valley Vineyards has been producing an array of estate wines that continually win accolades from critics, restaurateurs and wine lovers across the country. The family-owned and operated winery is located in the heart of Sonoma’s Alexander Valley, on the historic property originally settled in the 19^th century by Cyrus Alexander, the valley’s namesake.  We take seriously our responsibility to be stewards of the land that produces our grapes and practice sustainable techniques in the vineyard and use solar power to operate the winery.  

Stewart will be featured at the “Specialty Chocolate & Gourmet Wine Pairing”,  the “Walk-About” Durango on Friday and pouring at the Grand Tasting on Saturday.
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