Established in 1998, the Wine Advisory Board is a forum where men and women from throughout the South Bay meet regularly throughout the year to share their interest in wine, while supporting the annual Manhattan Wine Auction, which raises funds for MBEF and the seven public schools in Manhattan Beach.
Nearly all of the wine donations for 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 Live and Silent Auction wine lots.
The dinners have a selected wine theme and are held at local restaurants and members’ homes. All attendees are encouraged to bring bottles of wine to share together, as well as to donate for the Auction.
The Wine Advisory Board provides an excellent opportunity to enjoy great food and wine, meet good people, and support our children, schools and community. If you are interested in joining the Wine Advisory Board or for more information, please contact our Wine Advisory Board Chair, Rich Janson.
2020 Wine Advisory Board Donors
| Grand Sommelier Level ($10,000 – $20,000) | Burgundy Level ($1,000 – $2,000) |
| Tanja and Ralph Canada | Rachel and Christopher Alexander |
| Justine and Andrew Hunter | |
| Grand Cru Level ($5,000 – $10,000) | Virginia Sogomonian and Rich Weiss |
| Chris and Geoff Bremer | |
| Kim and Jon Friedman | Rhone Level (Up to $1,000) |
| Wanda and Chuck Kaminski | Dawn and Ken Bush |
| Ashley McCarthy and Bret Barker | Bonnie and Michael Darrow |
| Jeanne and John Oshiro | Richard Gronbach |
| Michelle and Greg Rosen | Joy Higa and Chris Tuffli |
| Matthew and Stacey Kravitz | |
| Premier Cru Level ($3,000 – $5,000) | Pamela and Matthew Luce |
| Gretchen and Rich Janson | Charlotte and Shawn Mills |
| Valerie and Paul Mellinger | Linda Rasheed and Neil Hammad |
| April and Roger Spencer | Shannon and Christopher Ryan |
| Bordeaux Level ($2,000-$3,000) | |
| Lily Chang and Jeff Konsmo | |
| Rita and Adam Goldston | |
| Robin Sue Kaminsky and Stewart Bogen | |
| Anicia Mendez and Adam Krikorian | |
| Ruta and Brent Sprenkle | |
List current through May 26, 2020
