Peter Velleno was born and raised in San Francisco where he and his two older brothers were the fifth generation of their family to be born in the city. He attended the University of California at Davis. He took one class in the University’s renowned Food Science department and quickly changed his major from Chemical Engineering to Fermentation Science. After intensive study in winemaking, brewing science, microbiology and food engineering, he earned a BS in Fermentation Science; the only student in the 2003 UC Davis graduation ceremony to receive such a degree.
After graduation, he went to work for William Hill Winery in their laboratory. He quickly worked his way up to the Assistant Winemaker position where he specialized in Chardonnay production. He then worked for the ultra-premium small winery Hartwell Vineyards, where he worked hands-on to help craft some of the most highly regarded Cabernets in the Valley.
Peter’s career path took a sharp turn in 2008 when he joined Dario Sattui’s Castello di Amorosa as the Associate Winemaker. He was promoted to Winemaker in 2014, managing the production of Castello’s wines. He would tell you that making wine in a Castle is even more fun than it sounds.
Peter and his wife Lauren have lived in Napa since 2003. They enjoy playing tennis, biking, cooking, and spending time outdoors with their dog Nora. Peter and Lauren were blessed with their first child in mid-2009. Her name is Claire, and she is cute as can be! Their son, Tyler was born in 2012.
My name is Nadine Hays Pisani, the author of the best-selling series Happier Than A Billionaire. I used to be a chiropractor but decided that working ten hours in an office was not a whole lot of fun.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
"Two plane tickets, no plan, one dream," is often what I tell people. My husband and I really took a risk and sold everything (rather quickly) and moved to Costa Rica in 2007 with just a few suitcases and two pets. When I look back on that, I realize that doing it that way was probably the smartest thing we did. If we thought too much about it, we would probably have talked ourselves out of it!
The reasons we moved were simple: we wanted a happier life. Our life consisted of work, and more work, and sometimes even more work positioned on top of that. As a healthcare provider, I treated people in pain all day and it was very apparent to me that you can't bank time. Time is a thief and it will rob you of your healthy back and good knees. I didn't want to make this move when I was too old to enjoy it, so we bolted at thirty-seven years of age. My parents really let me have it. It was brutal.
My name is Nadine Hays Pisani, the author of the best-selling series Happier Than A Billionaire. I used to be a chiropractor but decided that working ten hours in an office was not a whole lot of fun.
Where, when and why did you move abroad?
"Two plane tickets, no plan, one dream," is often what I tell people. My husband and I really took a risk and sold everything (rather quickly) and moved to Costa Rica in 2007 with just a few suitcases and two pets. When I look back on that, I realize that doing it that way was probably the smartest thing we did. If we thought too much about it, we would probably have talked ourselves out of it!
The reasons we moved were simple: we wanted a happier life. Our life consisted of work, and more work, and sometimes even more work positioned on top of that. As a healthcare provider, I treated people in pain all day and it was very apparent to me that you can't bank time. Time is a thief and it will rob you of your healthy back and good knees. I didn't want to make this move when I was too old to enjoy it, so we bolted at thirty-seven years of age. My parents really let me have it. It was brutal.
Mitch and Tracey took over the daily operations of the ranch in 1999 and began to plan the vineyard. The vines were planted in 2001 and the first release, the 2004, was met with an International Gold Medal. It was important to the family that they maintain the original feel of the property. Lake County is still Cowboy country and Hawk and Horse Vineyards takes advantage of a local work force of young men and women – true cowboys and girls - who understand the value of a good day’s work.
The rustic elegance of El Roble Grande has been maintained in the development of Hawk and Horse Vineyards. The tasting room is in a part of the former horse trainer’s residence and is kept as a tack room with antique saddles, tack and memorabilia from the property’s storied past. The horse pastures now house a handful of American Saddlebred and American Quarter Horses which the family uses to ride the fence line and for play at amateur rodeo events. Some of the pasture land is also home to Scottish Highlander Cattle which provide the necessary elements of the biodynamic farming used in the growing of Hawk and Horse Vineyards wine.
The majority of vineyard preparations are made on site – compost and manure are vital ingredients. The vineyard is also home to a large number of Red-Tail Hawks who help keep rodent populations in check. A visit to Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a step back to the gracious ranching life and family-based hospitality of a bygone era.
Mitch and Tracey took over the daily operations of the ranch in 1999 and began to plan the vineyard. The vines were planted in 2001 and the first release, the 2004, was met with an International Gold Medal. It was important to the family that they maintain the original feel of the property. Lake County is still Cowboy country and Hawk and Horse Vineyards takes advantage of a local work force of young men and women – true cowboys and girls - who understand the value of a good day’s work.
The rustic elegance of El Roble Grande has been maintained in the development of Hawk and Horse Vineyards. The tasting room is in a part of the former horse trainer’s residence and is kept as a tack room with antique saddles, tack and memorabilia from the property’s storied past. The horse pastures now house a handful of American Saddlebred and American Quarter Horses which the family uses to ride the fence line and for play at amateur rodeo events. Some of the pasture land is also home to Scottish Highlander Cattle which provide the necessary elements of the biodynamic farming used in the growing of Hawk and Horse Vineyards wine.
The majority of vineyard preparations are made on site – compost and manure are vital ingredients. The vineyard is also home to a large number of Red-Tail Hawks who help keep rodent populations in check. A visit to Hawk and Horse Vineyards is a step back to the gracious ranching life and family-based hospitality of a bygone era.
Chicago Steve Barkley has been making audiences laugh in comedy clubs, on cruise ships and for corporate clients for more than 40 years. With a high energy delivery punctuated with sound effects and an animated delivery style, Chicago Steve never fails to deliver big laughs while keeping his show corporate clean. Just read the reviews!
Talents
TV and Film Credits
HBO, A&E’s “Good Time Cafe”, “Comedy Express”, has appeared 5 times on the Showtime Comedy Club Network and was a featured performer in Michael Nesmith’s Grammy Award Winning video, “Elephant Parts”. Chicago Steve is also a $10,000 winner on ABC’s “America’s Funniest People”.
Chicago Steve has either opened for or toured with: Ray Charles, The Doobie Brothers, Michael Bolton, Gladys Knight, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, Neil Young, Herbie Hancock, The Righteous Brothers, Vince Gill, George Jones, Gregg Allman, David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Smokey Robinson, Keb Mo and many Mo!
He has appeared with: Jerry Seinfeld, Milton Berle, Gallagher, Dana Carvey, Sid Ceasar, Danny Thomas, Whoopie Goldberg, Jon Lovitz, Robin Williams, Timothy Leary, Gary Shandling, Bruce “Baby Man” Baum, Father Guido Sarducci, Pat Paulson, Will Durst, Bobby Slayton, Jay Leno, Kevin Pollack, and Paul Rodriguez.
Clubs Casinos & Cruise Ships
Clubs: The Punchline Sacramento, San Francisco and Concord CA, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, Columbia SC & Charlotte NC. The Funny Bone Omaha NE, St Louis MO, Columbus OH & Des Moines IA. Harvey’s Comedy Club Portland OR, The Comedy Underground Seattle WA, Stanford’s Comedy House Kansas City MO, The Comedy Corner West alm Beach FL, Rooster T Feathers Sunnyvale CA, Cobb’s Pub San Francisco CA, The Comedy Gallery Minneapolis MN, Broad Ripple Comedy Club Indianapolis IN, Honolulu Comedy Club and Outer Island Tour, Honolulu HI, Guam Comedy Tour, Guam
Casinos: Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Reno & Laughlin NV. & North Kansas MO. Casino Magic Biloxi MS, Red Lion Casino Elko NV, The Sands Reno NV, Claridge House Casino Atlantic City NJ
Cruise Ships: Royal Caribbean & Holland America
Chicago Steve Barkley has been making audiences laugh in comedy clubs, on cruise ships and for corporate clients for more than 40 years. With a high energy delivery punctuated with sound effects and an animated delivery style, Chicago Steve never fails to deliver big laughs while keeping his show corporate clean. Just read the reviews!
Talents
TV and Film Credits
HBO, A&E’s “Good Time Cafe”, “Comedy Express”, has appeared 5 times on the Showtime Comedy Club Network and was a featured performer in Michael Nesmith’s Grammy Award Winning video, “Elephant Parts”. Chicago Steve is also a $10,000 winner on ABC’s “America’s Funniest People”.
Chicago Steve has either opened for or toured with: Ray Charles, The Doobie Brothers, Michael Bolton, Gladys Knight, Chicago, Kenny Loggins, Neil Young, Herbie Hancock, The Righteous Brothers, Vince Gill, George Jones, Gregg Allman, David Crosby, Michael McDonald, Smokey Robinson, Keb Mo and many Mo!
He has appeared with: Jerry Seinfeld, Milton Berle, Gallagher, Dana Carvey, Sid Ceasar, Danny Thomas, Whoopie Goldberg, Jon Lovitz, Robin Williams, Timothy Leary, Gary Shandling, Bruce “Baby Man” Baum, Father Guido Sarducci, Pat Paulson, Will Durst, Bobby Slayton, Jay Leno, Kevin Pollack, and Paul Rodriguez.
Clubs Casinos & Cruise Ships
Clubs: The Punchline Sacramento, San Francisco and Concord CA, Atlanta GA, Houston TX, Columbia SC & Charlotte NC. The Funny Bone Omaha NE, St Louis MO, Columbus OH & Des Moines IA. Harvey’s Comedy Club Portland OR, The Comedy Underground Seattle WA, Stanford’s Comedy House Kansas City MO, The Comedy Corner West alm Beach FL, Rooster T Feathers Sunnyvale CA, Cobb’s Pub San Francisco CA, The Comedy Gallery Minneapolis MN, Broad Ripple Comedy Club Indianapolis IN, Honolulu Comedy Club and Outer Island Tour, Honolulu HI, Guam Comedy Tour, Guam
Casinos: Harvey’s Lake Tahoe, Harrah’s Lake Tahoe, Reno & Laughlin NV. & North Kansas MO. Casino Magic Biloxi MS, Red Lion Casino Elko NV, The Sands Reno NV, Claridge House Casino Atlantic City NJ
Cruise Ships: Royal Caribbean & Holland America
Michael's expertise in the world of food and drink are unrivaled. He is a highly sought-after personality at corporate events and on national television, with numerous appearances on MSNBC, CNN, The Today Show, and The Food Network.
He is the creator and host of the web series The Wine Hero and serves at as the food, drink and travel consultant to Departures Magazine.
Let Michael harness the power of wine to build unforgettable experiences for your business with carefully curated food and wine experiences, wine country tours, and private concierge services.
Looking to bring something different to a short evening with coworkers, an extended corporate retreat, a high-level meeting, or an employee incentive program? Michael’s extensive knowledge will ignite your audience! His close relationships with wineries, restaurants, and world-renowned chefs will provide you with all of the resources you need to create an event that will resonate for years to come.
When working with Michael, you will not only receive his services as a food and drink expert; you will receive a detail-oriented and research-based strategy for your entire event. Michael and his team will craft resonating experiences, exciting wine pairings, detailed travel plans, sensible event strategies, and carefully chosen entertainment programs that will flow seamlessly and effortlessly. They work to ensure that the only thing you have to focus on is enjoying yourself.
With a winning combination of wine, experiential marketing, and theater, Michael creates a perfect experience that will always leave you, your colleagues, and clients wanting more.
Carmel Mooney, Traveling Corespondent for "The Good Life" Show, talks to Mike about her recent visit to Sorensen's Resort in Hope Valley California... near Lake Tahoe. http://www.sorensensresort.com/
Jeff Cohn Cellars is a premier urban based winery
located in historic Jack London Square in Oakland, California.
they specialize in, and produce small lot single vineyard wines
as well as Rhone inspired red and white blends.
Interview with Ted Bravos, CEO International Tour Management Institute in San Francisco, California
Adam Nelson, successful Tech entreprenuer says, "we make wine in Oakland California, with grapes from Sonoma, Napa, and the Central Coast. We have deep relationships with our growers (some of the best in California). They grow grapes in the same way we make wine – with their hands. People ask "where are your vineyards?" Simple answer – we don't own any vineyards, which enables us to keep our eye on the wine. When we find a vineyard with exceptional fruit - we pounce on it. We're good at making wine, which makes its way to our Oakland winery an hour after we manage the pick. We're urban, but not in a "we're urban" way".
Two Mile Wines is named after the two-mile area around UC Berkeley where the sale of alcohol was prohibited in the late 1800’s after a delegation of state legislators visited and witnessed some unruly undergraduates returning from a drinking ‘bout…
new head winemaker, Zoe Schmitz, who most recently worked at Mondavi. Two Mile is committed to low-intervention winemaking that produces what both Schmitz and Nelson emphatically describe as “clean” wines where the flavors and beauty of the grapes are able to come through. This means using as few additives as possible and focusing on finding and sourcing the best grapes grown with the least intervention
I’m very pleased to introduce my next guest… he’s a remarkable man with a great success story. the founder and CEO of a successful company... that was ultimately acquired in 2001 … but he was far from finished…
he founded Fritz Institute, a group dedicated to assisting humanitarian organizations with the complicated logistics of global disaster relief.
he had purchased Quail Hill Ranch back in 1980 as a hang out to decompress from all of his business travel…
the original vines on the property, now over 40 years old,
Mike speaks with Marc in Brussels about Oktoberfest
Rick Zullo is one of those guys that took the plunge, gave up everything he had in the USA and left for a new life in Rome. Well, besides that, he also happened to meet his wife on the second night in the Eternal City during a sabbatical. Rick's blog, Rick's Rome, isn't seeking to be an 'Eat, Pray, Love' copycat, but rather give a real insight on living as an expat in the capital of Italy. For work, he teaches English to locals and continues to be a success with his popular blog. We love reading Rick's posts for his sense of humor and eternal optimism; he also has a number of handy guides, like this free restaurant guide, which he wrote with help from some famous food bloggers. Rick won our coveted 2013 Best Living in Italy Blog Award, which makes his blog one to watch!
My mission is to decode Italian culture for the English-speaking world. Italy is such a wonderful destination, but there is always more than initially meets the eye. A deeper knowledge of the people and the culture translates to a richer travel experience. I love discussing all things Italian and I welcome all comments and questions. Ciao!
James Cluer of Fine Vintages speaks with Mike Wreyford, host of "The Good Life" Show about wine and getting more wine knowledge thru wine certification.
A chat with Founder and CEO Deland Jessop of "Counting Sheep Coffee".
Jordan Kivelstadt, Founder of Free Flow Wines talks with Mike Wreyford about Wines on Tap.
Mike Wreyford sits down with Linden Schafer, Founder of Pravassa Travel about the journey from New York city's Fasion District to Paradise.