Established in 1998, the Wine Advisory Board is a forum for South Bay men and women to join together in support of MBEF and the seven public schools in Manhattan Beach over their interest in fine wine.
Members of the board hold regularly scheduled dinners themed around particular varietals of wine at local restaurants and member homes. All attendees are encouraged to bring bottles of wine to share together, as well as donations to the auction.
Nearly all of the wine donations to the Manhattan Wine Auction come from members of the Wine Advisory Board. Individually, members donate from $500 to over $15,000 in wine – most from their private collections and cellars. The Wine Advisory Board also plays an important role in creating the silent and live auction wine lots.
The Wine Advisory Board provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy great food and wine among friends while supporting our children, schools and community. If you are interested in learning more about the Wine Advisory Board, please contact our Wine Advisory Board Chair, Rich Janson.
2021 Wine Advisory Board Donors
| Grand Sommelier Level ($10,000 – $20,000) | Burgundy Level ($1,000 – $2,000) |
| Tanja and Ralph Canada | Jennifer DaSilva |
| Jeanne and John Oshiro | Richard Gronbach |
| Justine and Andrew Hunter | |
| Grand Cru Level ($5,000 – $10,000) | Anicia Mendez and Adam Krikorian |
| Chris and Geoff Bremer | Ryan McElrath |
| Wanda and Chuck Kaminski | Shannon and Christopher Ryan |
| Ashley McCarthy and Bret Barker | Debbi Tippett and Tom Mahr |
| Valerie and Paul Mellinger | Marin and Taylor Turney |
| Virginia Sogomonian and Rich Weiss | |
| April and Roger Spencer | Rhone Level (Up to $1,000) |
| Courtney and Michael Black | |
| Premier Cru Level ($3,000 – $5,000) | Lorelei and Jason Chao |
| Cathy and Quinn Barrow | Bonnie and Michael Darrow |
| Gretchen and Rich Janson | Carly Feingold and Marc Hustvedt |
| Cindy and Michael Kaplan | Jim Harris |
| Kelly and Edward Moyzes | Karyn Filek Horasz and Edward Horasz |
| Carol Slocum | Elizabeth Lippincott |
| Ruta and Brent Sprenkle | Rita Moorman and Adam Goldston |
| Julie and Richard Schweitzer | |
| Bordeaux Level ($2,000-$3,000) | Ryan Tuverson |
| Rachel and Christopher Alexander | |
| Kim and Jon Friedman | |
| Frankie Gelbwachs | |
| Sheryl Rooker and Jeff Thaler | |
| Michelle and Greg Rosen | |
List current through June 5, 2021
