APRIL 2015 "A Hospitality Networking Organization" WWW.SILICONVALLEYCONCIERGE.COM

WELCOME (Charles WELCOME McNeal, OUR OURHoward NEWESTNEWEST Wiley, Mike SVCAOlmos, SVCA PeppeDIAMOND DIAMOND Merolla, MattSPONSORS Clark, SPONSORS & Aaron OF ermain) 2015 CITTI FLORIST AND BUSINESS JOURNAL

CONGRATS TO OUR 2015 NOMINEES Best Restaurant – Upscale Grill on the Alley San Jose Save the Date

FOR THE SVCA HOSPITALITY AWARDS Alexander’s Cupertino Voting to begin shortly…….look for ballot! Le Papillion San Jose Thursday

May 14, 2015 Best Annual Event Best Museum San Jose Jazz Summer Fest The Tech Museum of Innovation

Santana Row Stroll SVCA Hiller Aviation Museum Celebration Cinequest Film Festival History of San Jose 13th Annual

Best Attraction Best Transportation SVCA Lone Star Limousine Hospitality Monopoly in the Park Royal Coach Tours Happy Hollow Park and Zoo Southwest Airlines Awards

Best Bar/Lounge Best Sports Facility Hosted by Jack Rose Libation House Saratoga SAP Center San Jose TEAM San Jose SP2 Communal Bar & Restaurant San Jose Giants Stadium Hedley Club Lounge Ayaya Stadium San Jose

Best Hotel Best Golf The Dream Inn Santa Cruz Cinnabar Hills Golf Club

Rosewood Cordevalle San Martin Rancho de Pueblo Golf Course The Fairmont Hotel San Jose Coyote Creek Golf Club At the Best Performing Art Best Concierge Broadway San Jose Robert Ragazza - Sainte Claire Hotel Theatre San Jose Opera San Jose Lam Hoang - 360 Residences San Jose Silicon Valley Tavis Lampman - Fairmont Hotel San Jose Tedra Dilorenzo-Nikolai - Hyatt Regency RSVP

Best Restaurant – Casual Hotel/Regency Club To follow…..! Dry Creek Grill Willow Glen

Poor House Bistro San Jose Left Bank Restaurant San Jose

• Advice on how to share devices without jeopardizing the INSIDER’S TRACK privacy and security of the user.

What value might a concierge add to a traveler’s itinerary and stay at a hotel “Share the Device, Share the Risk” in the February issue of or corporate housing destination? Business Travel Executive magazine focuses on the hazards of not addressing these matters. Following is an excerpt from the Technology, especially Internet access adds many incentives to travelers, article: “In today’s workplace, the owner of a computer, phone or especially laptops and other handheld devices. The need to require a tablet is often not the only person who uses that device to access concierge who has intimate knowledge of local attractions, events, and the Internet. However, the more people who use a device, the general where-with-all’s not easily accessible by research on Google, greater the likelihood that one of them will expose the data on that Yahoo or other search engines, may come into sharp focus. This is device – and its associated network - to a security breach.” It goes especially true if the travelers is new to the destination and may or may not on to state: “Just one third make backup copies of important data be familiar with the language spoken there or may not have the time needed before giving a device to somebody else, 32 percent password- to do a search. protect their data and 22 percent say they try not to store any Another reason to avail oneself of a concierge’s services may be that the important information on such devices they give someone.” traveler may be accompanied by family members who want to share the experience the destination has to offer while the key member may attend to As you can see, a concierge’s guidance for a host of activities is business matters. Today’s technology offers a myriad of sources to “do-it- endless and points out – again – that those who prefer to do yourselfers”, yet, the personal touch of an experienced concierge should not without such guidance may do themselves a disservice. The value be dismissed lightly. added to the traveler’s stay by a concierge should not be underestimated and is worth the extra time spent. Your comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

Your comments and suggestions are always welcome

Gus Holweger, Contributing Editor Valley Access Magazine [email protected],

Let’s look at some reasons why such experience may come in handy:

• Interpreters’ service: The world has shrunk and, while English is becoming more and more the common way to communicate, new markets are opening in countries where this is not yet common practice (China, Russia, France to name but a few).

• “Hotels-as-museums” is a new trend in the hospitality industry. The Wall Street Journal had an article about it in its March 7, 2015 issue under the title: “A Room With a Koons” by Deborah Dunn. In this article, Ms. Dunn cites the 21cMuseum Hotel in Louisville, Ky; Le Meridian Chambers in Minneapolis; Le Royal Monceau Raffles in Paris; the Dolder Grand in

Zurich, and the Waldorf Astoria Cavalieri in Rome. ( “Koons” in the title refers to Jeff Koon’s “Balloon Venus” sculpture at Paris’s Le Royal Symphony Silicon Valley Monceau). Present Premiere of Complete Lord of the Rings Film Trilogy with Live Orchestra • “Day Trips on the Fast Track” by Elaine Glusac in the Spring 2015 issue of AAA’s “Traveler” magazine suggests in its subheading: “ Many WHO: Symphony Silicon Valley and conductor Shih- major European cities are only a quick rail ride away from world-renowned Hung Young with Symphony Silicon Valley Chorale, attractions”. In it Ms. Glusac cites Paris, Rome, London and Vienna. Surely Cantabile Youth Singers, and Ragazzi Boys Chorus. there are many more that come to mind. Featured Soloist Clara Sanabras.

• Leisure time activity opportunities: Again, a concierge ought to WHAT: Lord of the Rings: In Concert. have an intimate knowledge of them: Sports (Golf, Tennis, 24-Hr Fitness); WHEN: April 16 – 19, 2015 Events (Sports, Music, well-known speaker presentations); Museums, WHERE: San Jose Center for the Performing Arts Horticultural and architectural attractions. 255 S. Almaden Blvd, San Jose

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/2

. "Photos by Kymberli Weed Brady [email protected] Feel free to share this link as attendees, should they wish, can order

prints here through a 3rd party

professional photo lab. This is a

"forever" gallery so it will stay up...

forever. Dear SVCA Members:

Great news! Your digital files for Silicon The Silicon Valley Concierge Association is pleased to announce our celebration at our next Annual Hospitality Awards Event to Valley Concierge Association March be held on Thursday, May 14, 2015 at The California Theatre in 25. 2015 are ready and waiting. Click . on this link to get your zip file: http://www.smugmug.com/downloads/0 The awards event offers a special opportunity for your company 8c54b471ae2b197a824/3058066 to sponsor the event or donate goods for door prizes. Sponsors (222.57 MB) and Donors will receive recognition at the Hospitality Awards Event and will be acknowledged in the event program as well as Download your zip file any time in the the Silicon Valley Concierge Association’s “Valley Access next two weeks, but after 04:02 PM Electronic Magazine”. PDT on Apr 9th, 2015 you'll need to generate a new request. Gift Certificate Prize Donations may be mailed to: Silicon Valley Concierge Association P.O. Box 2545 San Jose, CA 95129

You may contact us via e-mail at [email protected] to arrange for items to be picked up. To ensure timely acknowledgement in our events program and magazine we respectfully request that all sponsorships and donations are received by April 30, 2015.

Since 1995 the Silicon Valley Concierge Association has been recognized as the leading professional non-profit organization dedicated to the education and advancement of its members. The SVCA assists members in enhancing their professional skills through networking and familiarization events, meetings, and electronic newsletter/social media.

We believe that “A Hospitality Networking Organization” is beneficial to all of us. The art of creating and maintaining positive relationships is a significant factor in the success of the SVCA and its hospitality partners.

We thank you in advance for your consideration in supporting the Silicon Valley Concierge Association and look forward to seeing you at the awards event. National Tourism Week Luncheon Mori Mandis Learn About Santa Clara’s Plans for Super Bowl 50! SVCA president Friday, May 8, 2015 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Santa Clara Convention Center VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/3 You can register online at http://goo.gl/CDgxsz

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CALIFORNIA ACADEMY OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

elevations Meet Nori & Bert, the Academy's Newly Named Penguin Chicks Construction Management, Inc.

Elevations Construction Management, Inc. is a proud sponsor to the Silicon Valley Concierge Association. Parallel in values to the SVCA, Elevations stands firm in guest service and experience. Elevations provides premium project management to the Bay area hospitality industry, ranging from capital improvements to complete development and build out. Founder, Jennifer Freeberg, was recruited from Southern California to the Bay area in 2001 specifically for the development. Elevations manages a diverse project portfolio. All clients receive five star attention to service, professionalism, and going the extra mile.

Earlier this month, we asked you to help us choose names for two "2015 promises to be an exciting and progressive year with all the of our newest animal arrivals. Nearly 2,000 votes were cast for the new construction underway. Specifically, February 2016 Super Bowl will bring a great influx of business to Silicon Valley and the complete names submitted by our museum neighbors, including Asian Art Bay area. As a local firm, Elevations is dedicated to helping facilities Museum, Exploratorium, de Young, Oakland Museum of California, refurbish their properties to maximize revenue and guest experience Walt Disney Family Museum, and Yerba Buena Center for the Arts. for this exciting event," Freeberg said. We’ve tallied the votes, and it’s official—Nori and Bert are the winning names! Levi's stadium, holds over 68,000 seats - that is a lot of opportunity Nori (submitted by Asian Art Museum) is the Japanese name for for the entire Bay area hospitality industry to lodge, entertain, and edible seaweed species of the red algae genus Pyropia. In many feed those visitors. We have a great opportunity to make an Asian countries it is used to wrap the rice and fish (a penguin outstanding impression and give these visitors a reason to return favorite!) and is a main ingredient of sushi. Bert (submitted by Walt after the Super Bowl, she said. Disney Family Museum) is the name of the character played by When asked why potential hospitality clients should chose actor Dick Van Dyke, who famously danced with animated Elevations, Freeberg said, "We understand facilities and operations penguins the Walt Disney film Mary Poppins. as much as revenue. Our project managers work directly with the client's in house operations to strategically streamline construction Can’t wait to see them? Get a live view of our African penguin projects in operating environments. We just try harder on both the exhibit anywhere, anytime with our free Pocket Penguins mobile delivery as well as the quality control. We want to return to these app. businesses as guests and be proud of the work completed."

100 Things to Do in San Jose Aside from Elevations, Freeberg is an integral member of the Silicon Before You Die by Susannah Valley steering board committee for the United States Green Building Council as community outreach. She is active in various charities Greenwood guides you through the weird, wild, including; Help One Child, Larkin House and The Guardsmen. Learn more about Elevations Construction Management at wonderful sights of Silicon Valley's capitol. With a helpful www.elevationscm.net. and humorous voice (grown

organically out of the dot com dynasty) this book will allow you to not only find, but fully embrace your inner geek as you pioneer your own Josean form of Manifest Destiny. SAVE THE DATES….

Provided within are secret hacks to the culinary legacy represented by the diverse population of the region (as well as all the trendy, new go-to, foodie finds), tips on the tremendous art and cultural offerings around every corner, and scores of ways to get you off the grid and take unique advantage of the more than 300 days of sunshine a year. Whether a first time visitor, a regular traveler to the area or a local, new quests await you in the pages of this Manual-of-Awesome. Let 100 Things to Do in San Jose Before You Die help you find the way to the San Jose you never knew existed.

Order a copy at: http://tinyurl.com/o99r8oh

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SANTANA ROW

Cars & Croissants Come to Jazz at Filoli and celebrate our 25th season Saturday, April 25 and every fourth Saturday of the as we bring six outstanding headliners to Filoli. month 9 a.m. to noon Santana Row partners with 100 OCT to present Cars & We invite you to mark your calendar and plan to join us for one or all six Croissants on The Row, a monthly gathering for exotic of our summer Sunday afternoon concerts. Check back in April 2015 to car owners and car enthusiasts. On the fourth see specific details on each performance. Saturday of the month through December, exotic car Concert Dates owners are invited to park on Santana Row Boulevard from Alyssum Lane to Tatum Boulevard, display their June 21 cars and mingle with other enthusiasts. The morning July 12 meet-up for coffee, croissants and cars drew 400 July 26 people and 60 cars during the first event and August 9 continues to grow in popularity. This event is free and open to the public. August 23 September 13

(Photo by: Matt May Photography ©) Paws for Purple Hearts Wine Stroll Tickets go on sale to Filoli members at 9:00 am on Tuesday, May 12 and to non–members beginning Tuesday, May 26. Please reserve Thursday, April 23, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. tickets early as concerts do sell out. Filoli is open for general admission during the Jazz concerts. Filoli’s tennis court is off–limits to visitors Sip wine for a good cause: a wine stroll to benefit Paws for Purple Hearts, an organization that works without a Jazz ticket. with veterans in training service dogs for other veterans who are physically or psychologically Afternoon Tea at Filoli scarred from combat-related injuries. Some of the vets and the dogs will be at The Row during the stroll. Beginning Monday, Your $30 ticket Includes: April 27, 2015 at • Wine tastings and light bites • Exclusive discounts from Santana Row shops and 9:00am, reservations restaurants open for the May 27, • Signature Santana Row wine glass June 10, June 24, and Paws for Purple Hearts (PPH) is the first program of its July 22 teas. kind to offer therapeutic intervention for veterans and active-duty military personnel by teaching those with Beginning Monday, July Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) to train 27, 2015 at 9:00am, service dogs for their comrades with combat-related reservations open for injuries. PPH is built upon the trusted and time- the August 26, This popular Filoli tradition is perfect honored tradition of veterans helping veterans. For September 23, and more information on this event, please contact the for meeting friends or small group Santana Row concierge, 408.551.4611. October 21 teas. events. Afternoon Tea takes place the fourth Wednesday of each month, Reservations February through September and San Jose Dancin’ Downtown Festival All tea guests receive a October 21. Seating is limited. confirmation postcard Reservations are required. Park Valencia by mail. Tea Sunday, April 26, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. reservations are non– Afternoon Tea menu changes Santana Row and sjDANCEco has partnered again this refundable and non– monthly and is a fixed menu that year to bring together local and regional dance artists exchangeable Price: includes assorted tea sandwiches, to celebrate National Dance Week. The free outdoor $50 members; $60 mini-pastries and other seasonal festival will feature the diversity of the area’s dance non–members and delectables. Unfortunately, we are community. includes general Enjoy performances by sjDANCEco (Maria Basile, unable to accommodate any special Gabriel Mata), Diablo Ballet, Pointe of Departure, Erin admission to the House dietary requests. Filoli monthly teas East, Visual Rhythm and Zohar Dance Company. and Garden. are appropriate for children eight *Special October 21 years and older. Tea is $65 members; $75 non–members. http://www.filoli.org/afternoon-tea/ Champagne is served.

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WHO: ShakesBEERience San Jose presents

a FREE staged reading.

WHAT: Richard III WHEN: Monday, April 20th from 6:30pm to 8:30pm WHERE: Café Stritch, 374 South First Street, downtown San Jose WHY: This staged reading is free and open to theater lovers, pub lovers, pint lovers and those who are just curious.

The Club at SJC, the airport lounge open to all travelers and conveniently located between Terminals A and B, is pleased to share an exclusive offer with AAA members. Travelers presenting a valid AAA membership card at the reception desk will receive $5 off the day pass rate of $35. SJC’s award-winning lounge allows you to unwind in a relaxing environment while enjoying complimentary snacks and beverages. A PUB, A PINT, AND A PLAY

Adding to The Club’s blissful ambiance, new artwork ShakesBEERience San Jose presents Richard III at Café Stritch on by three Bay Area artists was recently installed Monday, April 20th from 6:30-8:30pm through a partnership with the San Jose Institute of “Bloody though art, bloody will be thy end” Contemporary Art (ICA). Cascade is a not-to-be missed video artwork, by Charlotta Maria Hauksdottir, Director/producer John McCluggage presents the next installment that will take your breath away. Learn more about of ShakesBEERience San Jose – one of Shakespeare’s best Cascade and six other works – all of which are for sale known historical tragedies. Professional actors will unpack the – at ICA’s “On the Road” web page. language in a playful, unique and accessible way in an easy-going, and entertaining environment while you drink, eat and generally For more information, The Club at 408-441-4550. have a good time! Whether you come for the whole reading, or can just stay for one scene - the ShakesBEERience you have is up to you. This is the second presentation in the 2015 season.

Richard III will be directed by McCluggage and star Kevin Condardo, Managing Director of 7 Stages Shakespeare, who has appeared with that company as King John and Richard III, among others. The reading will feature Jeff Kramer, Derek McCaw, Maryssa Wanlass, James Reber, Charlie McCollum, Karen Piemme, Lee Kopp and other local favorites.

McCluggage’s approach to the production will focus on the richness of Richard as a character. “Richard is a villain but he is a 3-dimensional one and a committed one. He says it best when he

says: ‘And therefore since I cannot prove a lover …. I am determined to prove a villain and hate the idle pleasures of these days.’” We Want to Hear from You! ShakesBEERience San Jose is a series of staged readings which Tell us what you think of SJC AirTime, Silicon are free and open to theater lovers, pub lovers, pint lovers and Valley Airport's environmentally friendly e- those who are just curious. No reservations necessary, admission newsletter. is free, seating first come first served! Previous events have played It's our way of sharing the latest updates about to standing room only. The 2015 ShakesBEERience San Jose SJC. season includes four staged readings and will include a special E-mail us at [email protected] with your comments and fundraising evening in the fall. suggestions.

VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE/ 7 THANK YOU TO OUR DIAMOND SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS www.DineShopPlay.com

MARVELOUS MACHINES… A massive celebration of mechanical ingenuity, power and style, Half Moon Bay’s famed Pacific Coast Dream Machines Show (Apr 26) features more than 2,000 antique, vintage, classic, custom and exotic displays from throughout the 20th and 21st centuries. Nearly every kind of motorized marvel under the sun—from Model-T fire engines, vintage buses, custom motorcycles, tricked-out trucks, sleek streamliners, antique tractors and historic military aircraft—are among the mesmerizing displays on view at the

Half Moon Bay Airport. Jaw-dropping flyovers, food and drink, stellar live music and kids’ amusements are also part of the festivities. Make sure to zoom on by! 10am-4pm. (Half Moon Bay: Half Moon Bay Airport, Hwy.1; 650/726-2328. www.dreammachines.miramarevents.com)

A PASSPORT TO WINE-TASTER’S PARADISE… Drink in the local, award-winning fruits of the vine at the Santa Cruz

Mountains Winery Passport Day (Apr 18). Four times a year the winegrowing community of the Santa Cruz Mountains comes together to celebrate the farmers, vintners and families that are the roots of this region. Guests are welcomed into 30+ wineries, most not open to the public, each offering a unique pairing of artisan handcrafted wines, gourmet food and entertainment. Meet the winemakers, sample exclusive SILICON VALLEY BUSINESS JOURNAL vintages, and delight in discovering each winery’s unique Passport “theme.” Cheers! Visit website for a complete list of CITTI FLORIST participating wineries and schedule. (Various locations; call 831/685-8463 or visit www.scmwa.com)

MOZART’S FANTASTICAL OPERA… Opera San Jose’s production of The Magic Flute (Apr 18-May 3), Mozart’s whimsical and comical operatic tale, draws you into a world of magic, complete with a giant serpent, ferocious dragons, magical instruments, a secret brotherhood and a lovesick bird catcher. Packed with exquisite singing and stage wizardry, this delightful blend of high comedy and serious drama enchants young and old alike. Sung in German with English supertitles. Thurs-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 3pm. (San Jose: California Theatre, 345 S. 1st St.; 408/437-4450. www.operasj.org)

A CLASSIC AMERICAN STAGE DRAMA: A scathing critique of capitalism and the failure of the American Dream to bring true happiness, San Jose Stage’s production of Henry Miller’s Death of a Salesman (Apr 1-26) is the Tony and Pulitzer Prize- winning play that follows aging salesman Willy Loman as he and his family confront their dreams and failures, hopes and fears. Hailed as a watershed American drama, Willy’s humiliating struggles are definitive of the Every Man: What it April 10 - May 3 means to be relevant, successful and to live a life that matters. Wed-Thurs, 7:30pm; Fri-Sat, 8pm; Sun, 2pm. (San Jose: 490 The Tabard Theatre Company presents the 2014 Tony Nominee for S. 1st St.; 408/283-7142. www.thestage.org/) Best Musical Revival. VIOLET is a powerful, well-crafted story about self-perception... filled with an energetic score that taps into Gospel, Karen Gastaldo Rock, Country, and R & B. Directed by Jay Manley. Calendar Editor Discover Silicon Valley Magazine Full schedule of performances and Tickets available at

TabardTheatre.org, or by calling 408-679-2330.

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VALLEY ACCESS ELECTRONIC MAGAZINE - CONTRIBUTORS

EDITOR/PUBLISHER

Executive Board Members Mori Mandis [email protected] Mori Mandis, President [email protected] CONTRIBUTORS TO VALLEY ACCESS E-MAGAZINE Christopher Citti, V.P. Communication/Events Chair [email protected] Gus Holweger – INSIDER’S TRACK [email protected] Shawna Dedrick, Director of Administration [email protected] Karen Gastaldo, Calendar Editor Discover Silicon Valley Magazine Marianna Khienkina, Director of Finance [email protected] [email protected]

Michael McLain, Director of Membership/Sponsorship Stacee Novelli, Santana Row Concierge [email protected] [email protected]

Members of the Board Kymberli Weed Brady –SVCA photographer [email protected] Nathan Emmett, Attractions Chair [email protected] SVCA Web-site www.SiliconValleyConcierge.com

Victor Escoto, Social Media Valley Access E-Magazine (VAM) [email protected] [email protected]

DEADLINE TO SUMBIT ARTICLES FOR E-MAGAZINE, IS THE LAST FRIDAY OF Michael Mulhern, Liaison Team San Jose THE MONTH NOTE: ARTICLES AND SPECIAL DATES APPEARING IN THE VAM [email protected] ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.

Lillian Scoyen, Educational/Seminar Chair [email protected] SVCA Membership Victor Solanoy, Technology Chair SVCA Student [email protected] $25.00 SVCA Member Karen Hennessy, Welcome Chair [email protected] $50.00 Non-Profit Groups

Kereli Sengstack, SV Creates $100.00 [email protected] Sponsors $150.00 Kymberli Weed Brady, SVCA Photographer Platinum [email protected] $500.00 Diamond

Advisors to the Board $1,000.00

John Blem Info & Membership: Anna Morris Armando Garza Shozo Kagoshima SVCA - Membership June Suzuki P.O. Box 2545 Kereli Sengstack Saratoga, CA 95070-0545 Randy Zechman Email: svca_membership.com

Film and Photography Membership includes One complementary The organizers may film and photograph the event. beverage and raffle PAY PAL NOW AVAILABLE These materials will be used online and offline to coupon for each member for SVCA promote Silicon Valley Concierge Association and to and one guest upon MEMBERSHIP advertise future events. check-in at applicable www.siliconvalleyconcierge.com By attending the event you agree to appear in such events. films and photographs.

THANK YOU TO OUR PLATINUM SPONSOR

SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

MORTON’S THE STEAKHOUSE – SAN JOSE CINNABAR HILLS GOLF CLUB SILICON VALLEY CAPITAL CLUB TEAM SAN JOSE WINCHESTER MYSTERY HOUSE

(For sponsorship opportunities please contact: Chris Citti at [email protected])

THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS – SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

elevations Construction Management, Inc.

AAA Corporate Transportation * Amici's East Coast Pizzeria * B-Robin Networking * Capital Club Silicon Valley

Cinnabar Hills Golf Club * Citti’s Florist * ComedySportz *California Great America * Discover San Jose

Discover Silicon Valley Magazine * elevations Construction Management Inc.* Event Yoda

Gray Line Tours * Lone Star Limousine * The * Monopoly in the Park * Parcel 104 *

Portola Hotel & Spa * Royal Coach Tours * Santa Clara Convention & Visitors Bureau * Santa Cruz Mountains Winegrowers Assn.

*San Jose Downtown Association *San Jose Earthquakes Soccer * Team San Jose * Vyne Bistro San Jose * wine@ 52 degrees

(For sponsorship opportunities please contact: Chris Citti at [email protected])