Special Guest: Christophe Tassan
Born and Raised in Avignon, Christophe’s first job as sommelier was at his family’s local restaurant, l’Auberge de France, steps from the Pope’s Palace. Since then Christophe’s roles within the wine world have included superstar sommelier, wine consultant and educator. He has been chef Alain Ducasse’s go-to wine guy functioning as sommelier and wine director for Mandalay Bay Casino in Las Vegas, and wine director for George Perrier at Philadelphia’s finest French restaurant, Le Bec Fin. Currently, Christophe is the wine director for The Battery and the Birch Family’s Estate in Sonoma.Christophe has a vast network of personal relationships with the best winemakers in the Rhône Valley, grown from his many years living in the region. Christophe completed his sommelier diploma from the Universite du Vin, the Rhône Valley’s professional wine university. He won the title of 2nd Best Young French Sommelier in 1988, Best Sommelier “South of France” in 1992 and became in 2000 Master Sommelier UDSF. In 2004 he was rewarded with the title of Meilleur Ouvrier de France - Sommelier, France’s highest sommelier distinction.
Also in Bios
Special Guest: Eugenio Jardim
A native of Brazil, Eugenio Jardim has been a part San Francisco's wine scene since 1988. He's created and run wine programs for some of the city's hottest clubs and restaurants, been featured guest speaker and judge at countless events and competitions and became the first US Ambassador for Wines of Portugal.
Special Guest: Dean Hewitson, Owner & Winemaker, Hewitson Winery, Barossa Valley
Dean Hewitson has been making wine since he graduated from Australia’s world-famous Roseworthy Agricultural College in 1986. He established highly acclaimed Hewitson winery in the Barossa Valley in 1998. San Francisco Wine School Proudly welcomes him as a special guest panelist for Wine Australia's Old Vine Treasures.
Special Guest: Ira Noroff, CWE, CSE
Ira Noroff has been working in the wine industry since 1976. He is a Certified Wine Educator and holds many other wine & spirits credentials. He was a Director of Education with Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits for 15 years until his retirement in 2020.