MONARCH COLLECTIVE & CO

Step behind the velvet curtain and meet the creatives fueling Monarch's diverse ventures

CHRISTINA RODEHAU

Founder & CEO Monarch Collective

Editor in Chief Monarch Wine

CCO VARIETAL VIBES

Born in CA, and raised in NYC, Christina is an award-winning B2B Executive with demonstrated success driving strategic growth and profitability across dynamic markets. She is recognized for excellence in partnering with the C-suite of F500 companies in Tech, Financial Services, CPG, and Telecommunications worldwide, resulting in over $100M gross revenue. Monarch was born from Christina’s passion for the arts, influenced by her parents’ love for music and dedicated in large part to her late Salvadoran aunt, who sparked her appreciation for wine.

Reflecting her deep passion for Art in all its forms, Christina’s vision for Monarch is an integration of Wine, Music, Film, and Design.

She is inspired by those who create with a dedication to craftsmanship. Intent. Technique. Scope. Aspiration in their hearts. Today she serves as CEO of Monarch Collective and concurrently oversees editorial for Monarch Wine, creative direction for Varietal Vibes, and produces premium events in Creative Entertainment.

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Athan Slotkin

Strategic Advisor

Serial entrepreneur and business plan strategist gracing the pages and screens of Forbes, CBS, FOX, ABC, SiriusXM. Serving as Monarch’s foundational advisor since the company’s inception, Athan is a proven customer loyalty and marketing leader driving success from American Express’s top-tier products including the Centurion Card and Membership Rewards Program. He has also helped launch and redevelop multiple loyalty programs globally. Throughout his career, Athan has had over 20 businesses and has helped advise over 100 businesses; his clients have raised over $1B and have seen three exits. With a solid academic foundation from Yale and Cornell, Athan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his ventures. Additionally, Athan’s diverse background includes experience as a former professional poker player and extensive travel to 120 countries, further enriching his perspective and insights.

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KEVIN CHESLEY

head writer

For Kevin, being a writer has always required a great deal of wine. He never dreamed he’d be able to combine his love for the two. His screenwriting includes works for Paramount, MTV, Warner Brothers, 20th Century Fox, Bad Robot, and his role as Executive Story Editor on “Blood & Treasure,” an action adventure show on CBS and Amazon. Before that, his thirst for sketch comedy led to pieces for The Onion and National Lampoon – as well as the stages of UCB, HBO Workspace, Comedy Central Stage and festivals in San Francisco, NYC, Vancouver and beyond. He’s a write-at-home dad always ready for a winery road trip… especially a dog-friendly one.

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Strategic Advisory Board

Monarch Collective & Co, LLC is proud to announce the formation of a powerhouse Strategic Advisory Board to spearhead the launch of Varietal Vibes, the company’s groundbreaking symphonic concert series. The esteemed group of advisors includes leading figures across media, technology, music, film, and business, reflecting Monarch’s commitment to innovation and global impact.

Lori-Ann Speed

Lori-Ann Speed is a neoclassical composer and pianist whose music transcends traditional boundaries, blending classical elegance with cinematic depth. As one of the few female composers in the neoclassical genre, Speed has released eight albums, with In Search of Wings and In the Wake of a Whisper receiving national airplay and a nomination for Best Instrumental Release at the West Coast Music Awards, respectively. Six albums are streaming worldwide. Inspired by Chopin, Debussy, Philip Glass and Rachmaninoff, her emotive compositions guide listeners inward on a journey of self-reflection, evoking themes of hope, resilience, and the beauty of the human spirit.

Bradford Auerbach

Bradford C. Auerbach is a senior legal counsel with extensive and unique expertise in Intellectual Property law and licensing, business development, marketing, and content acquisition for new technologies, on a global level. Brad has had success in structuring many groundbreaking deals with a diverse range of rights holders, including NFL, NBA, NHL, HBO, MTV, Live Nation, Marvel Entertainment, International Olympic Committee, English Premier League, Screen Actors Guild, every Hollywood studio, each of the major record labels, ESPN, Sesame Workshop, Getty Images, among numerous others.

Theo Dumont

Theo Dumont is the co-founder and Partner at management, production and marketing firm Alta Global Media. Dumont is also the co-founder of the Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, the HollyShorts Comedy Festival, HollyShorts London and the Mammoth Film Festival. At Alta Global Media (EP), he is an EP along with Steven Adams on the forthcoming film RISE starring Jimmy Jean-Louis and Jimmy Akingbola.

Giovanna Clayton

Giovanna is a familiar face in the Hollywood music scene, having performed live and recorded with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder, and more. Giovanna earned a number of accolades as a young cellist, making her orchestral solo debut at the age of 14, and holds tenured positions with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Erica Duff

With a career that began on some of the world’s most iconic stages, Erica’s talent and dedication as a dancer earned her the privilege of performing alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Beyonce, Janelle Monáe, Will Smith, Jay Z, Celine Dion, T-Pain and Mariah Carey to name a few. Her years as a sought-after dancer—known for her artistry, versatility, and energy—shaped her creative vision and cultivated her passion for expression in every form.

Steven Adams

Steven Adams, an award-winning Manager/Producer and Founding Partner at Alta Global Media, represents top international media companies and talent. He produced the Netflix Original RODNEY KING and the Peabody Award-winning A HUEY P NEWTON STORY for Starz, both directed by Spike Lee, along with involvement in marketing Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and BLACKKKLANSMAN.

Paige Post Bindel

Chosen as one of only four U.S. Sommeliers to represent the United States on the USAWineTastingTeam.com at the prestigious 2024 & 2025 WorldTastingChampionship.com in France, Paige Bindel is currently ranked in the Top 20 Blind Wine Tasters in the world. Paige is also a Sommelier at The Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, California, where she has built a reputation for her exceptional expertise in wine.

Jessica Badawi

Jessica Badawi is an Emmy Award-winning Creative Producer and Brand Executive renowned for her innovative contributions across live sports television, digital production, and strategic partnerships with top broadcasters, global brands, and elite athletes. She launched her career in the sports industry at Fox Sports in the music department.

Sylvia Hernandez

Dynamic and visionary, Sylvia is a professional who excels in the intersection of technology, media, and talent management. With a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, Sylvia specializes in crafting lucrative TV and film deals, ensuring artists’ growth and success.

Jen Folse

Jen is a seasoned product and design leader with over 11 years of experience crafting consumer platforms, applications, and services. She is driven by a passion for solving user needs through innovative design and collaborative teamwork. With extensive expertise in technology, media, and media services,

music

ANDY FAVRE

Andy Favre is a French composer and multi-instrumentalist based in Los Angeles. He has created music for some of the biggest brands in today’s entertainment industry, such as Red-Bull, Nike, Universal, Warner and Shiseido just to name a few. A storyteller at heart, Favre performs and releases his music under the name Alpine Universe, creating a unique sound with orchestral and electronic instruments.

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Colin Wolfe

With over 30 years in the music industry, Colin Wolfe has a resume that proves his versatility and dedication to sonic excellence. His iconic melodic hooks composed with Dr. Dre and NWA, unforgettable bass performances with Michael Jackson and Madonna, and producer credits with the likes of George Clinton and Monica. Dedicated to his craft and the future of music, Wolfe can add trailblazer to his long list of accomplishments. Producer, musician, composer, and mentor, Colin Wolfe has helped to create some of the most celebrated music in recent history and what’s to come from this veteran is just as exciting.

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DJ Beatific

Award-winning DJ, Beatific’s unparalleled sound and remarkable musical style have earned him a well-deserved reputation as a highly sought-after entertainer, captivating audiences across the globe performing for prominent figures such as Vice-President Kamala Harris, comedian Dave Chappelle, and artist Takashi Murakami. His seamless fusion of soulful melodies, infectious rhythms, and innovative beats ignites dance floors and leaves audiences yearning for more.

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Writing Team

Monarch Wine

To truly represent the diverse voices and interests of wine lovers, it’s vital for Monarch’s contributors to reflect them as well.

Our mission is ambitious, so among us we have chefs and screenwriters, Sommeliers, lifestyle writers, newscasters, DJs and actors. Our resident composer and producer, Andy Favre, and Colin Wolfe, are celebrating wine like never before… through music

The makeup of our content team makes the Monarch brand as far-reaching as wine culture itself… with a mission to stretch that reach further.

Innovation in Art is as much a part of the Monarch way as wine itself. Come join us on a bold journey that all of us know will be the most delicious of our lives.

BRIANNE COHEN​

PAIGE BINDEL​

DON SONDERLING​

Tali Reed​

Jon Alain Guzik​

RENÉE SFERRAZZA​

LUCY SPAIN​

Sicily Cronin

EVAN COTTEN​

NADINE BROWN​

ALLISON LEVINE​

VICKI DENIG​

film

Caroline Stucky

Caroline Mariko Stucky (she/they) is an award-winning Swiss-Japanese filmmaker specializing in music videos, narrative fiction and documentary. As a cinematographer, she is known best for her music videos for artists including Dave Keuning, Chris Gabo, and 2 Story Cabin. Her second feature film, Solomon, which was a product of the Sundance Detroit Screenwriters Intensive Lab and the Sundance Detroit Private Master Class, was heavily awarded in the festival circuit. Her third feature, Stag, will premiere in 2022. They have shot content for clients including The Guggenheim Museum, TED Conferences, The NYTimes, Facebook, Facebook at The Essence Festival, Ferrero, The Alvin Ailey Dance Theater, Cartier, Time’s Up, and The Basketball Hall of Fame.

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Entertainment

Calvin Roy

Calvin Roy is a veteran in the entertainment industry, from Toluca Lake, CA. He’s been recording and mixing sound for Films, TV shows, commercials and music since 1981. His work can be heard on documentaries and films such as, 100-Films, Kingdom Come, Brad Warner’s Hardcore Zen, and Zombie Bounty Hunter M.D.

Calvin wrote and recorded The Twitter Facebook Song, and has also worked on Emmy-Award winning soundtracks such as Music From The Tour de France, by John Tesh. He’s also worked with artists Smokey Robinson, Ice-T, Luther Vandross, Michael McDonald, Nona Hendryx, The Knack and Yanni, to name a few.

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REBEKKA JOHNSON

Rebekka Johnson is most known for her role as Dawn Rivecca on Netflix’s critically acclaimed, award-winning series “GLOW.” She wrote and starred in “Consent, a Short Comedy About a Serious Subject,” a short film that was an official selection at 15 festivals and won 4 awards including 1st place at Just For Laughs in Montreal. Her love of cocktails, wine and comedy came together on the critically acclaimed digital series, “Speakeasy with Paul F. Tompkins” where she served as creator, producer and director.

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Lori-Ann Speed

board member

Lori-Ann Speed is a neoclassical composer and pianist whose music transcends traditional boundaries, blending classical elegance with cinematic depth. Her latest album, Somewhere in Time, recorded by invitation at the private, state-of-the-art Creekside Studio with renowned engineer and co-producer Chris Potter (Bryan Adams, Sarah McLachlan), delivers an exceptional sonic experience reflecting her journey of struggle, triumph, and self-discovery. Raised in a remote, rural area of British Columbia, Speed pursued her passion for music, earning a Bachelor of Music from the University of British Columbia and furthering her studies at the University of Grenoble, France, along with film scoring and sound design.


As one of the few female composers in the neoclassical genre, Speed has released eight albums, with In Search of Wings and In the Wake of a Whisper receiving national airplay and a nomination for Best Instrumental Release at the West Coast Music Awards, respectively. Six albums are streaming worldwide. Inspired by Chopin, Debussy, Philip Glass and Rachmaninoff, her emotive compositions guide listeners inward on a journey of self-reflection, evoking themes of hope, resilience, and the beauty of the human spirit. She creates a rich tapestry of sound, both accessible and sophisticated, leading audiences on a journey of self-discovery through music that is at once timeless and deeply moving. Audiences are invited to explore life’s most profound themes, leaving them inspired, moved, and connected to the vast experience of being human.

 

Bradford Auerbach

board member

Bradford C. Auerbach is a senior legal counsel with extensive and unique expertise in Intellectual Property law and licensing, business development, marketing, and content acquisition for new technologies, on a global level. Brad has had success in structuring many groundbreaking deals with a diverse range of rights holders, including NFL, NBA, NHL, HBO, MTV, Live Nation, Marvel Entertainment,  InternationalOlympic Committee, English Premier League, Screen Actors Guild, every Hollywood studio, each of the major record labels, ESPN, Sesame Workshop, Getty Images,among numerous others. He has deep familiarity with each aspect of the media business,having sat  on all sides of the deal-making table, on behalf of mobile, cable, satellite, Internet, hardware, software, distribution and production companies.

Brad started his entertainment media career at Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment, where he handled business affairs for the industry’s leading home video company, including Disney’s first copy protection deal and Disney’s first Pay Per Transaction deal. He has published dozens of entertainment articles worldwide (including his Law Review article Biotechnology Patent Law in Britain and the United States), and he has presented his views at numerous industry conferences across the globe.

He is Partner in the law firm Outside GC. Before that Brad directed all business development for Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the media and entertainment industry. He also was the prime architect for Hewlett Packard in structuring the entertainment industry’s first DVD manufacture-on-demand agreement with a major Hollywood studio. Previously he co-founded and was Executive Vice President at EpicRights, handling merchandising and branding for top tier artists like KISS, John Lennon, AC/DC, Aerosmith, Woodstock, among many others. He was also Managing Director of Rock Paper Photo, the pre-eminent online gallery of rock and roll photography, founded by Guy Oseary (manager of Madonna and U2).

As the Senior Legal Counsel at Qualcomm he licensed the industry’s first syndicated television licenses for mobile devices. He has held the positions of General Counsel for Philips Media (a division of Royal Philips Electronics, Netherlands) and Head Counsel, Business Affairs for Astro/MEASAT (Malaysia), the premier direct broadcast satellite operator in South East Asia. As the lead attorney of Business Affairs for Programming at Starz/Encore he structured the pay television industry’s largest Hollywood studio output deal, and the first to include SVOD (Subscription Video On Demand) rights.

A former Federal Court litigator, Brad has been an expert witness in several matters. He holds a patent with Qualcomm relating to mobile phone media technology. Brad is an adjunct professor at UCSD for three senior seminar classes in the School of Global Policy and Strategy relating to media, technology and the law. He also teaches graduate level business classes at Berklee College of Music.

Theo Dumont

board member

Theo Dumont is the co-founder and Partner at management, production and marketing firm Alta Global Media. Dumont is also the co-founder of the Oscar-Qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, the HollyShorts Comedy Festival, HollyShorts London and the Mammoth Film Festival. At Alta Global Media (EP), he is an EP along with Steven Adams on the forthcoming film RISE starring Jimmy Jean-Louis and Jimmy Akingbola. Dumont is also an EP on Eric Nazarian’s forthcoming feature Die Like a Man. Dumont was also an EP on Jaclyn Bethany’s indie drama feature Indigo Valley starring Rosie Day, Brandon Sklenar and Greta Bellamacina. Dumont and AGM are EP’s on Bethany’s upcoming feature film All Five Eyes starring Honor Swinton Byrne and Greta Bellamacina. The film is currently shooting in the UK. Dumont is also co-founder of the Production Company 88th Street Productions, an affiliate of HollyShorts where he helps mine the access to 40,000 short films and filmmakers in all genres for feature film and series development. Dumont and 88th are currently in development on Stefan Dezil’s THIRST, a feature film adaptation of his popular horror short film along with 20th Digital Studio (Disney) which was a runaway success on Hulu as part of their Bite Size Horror anthology. Dumont is a longtime advisor to Oscar-winning Director Spike Lee and his company 40 Acres and A Mule Filmworks and series creator Adi Hasak. Dumont previously founded Dumont Marketing Group (DMG), a company that he led for six years, working with production companies, filmmakers, independent films, comic book publishers, authors and digital entertainment companies. Dumont also previously worked at MGM Studios in Corporate Comms. He studied Communications and received his BA from Florida International University in Miami, FL. He is a BAFTA Member and member of the Television Academy.

Giovanna Clayton

board member

Born in Toluca, Mexico and raised in Southern California, Giovanna earned a number of accolades as a young cellist. Making her orchestral solo debut at the age of 14, Giovanna has continued to solo with orchestras in the U.S. and as Central America as well as holding tenured positions with the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra and the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra.

Giovanna is a familiar face in the Hollywood music scene, having performed live and recorded with artists such as Andrea Bocelli, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, James Brown, Alicia Keys, Justin Timberlake, Mary J. Blige, Stevie Wonder and more. Keeping a busy recording schedule, Giovanna has played on dozens of jingles, movie trailers and blockbusters, such as X-Men (2000), Spider-man (2002), Mr. & Mrs. Smith (2005), The Pursuit of Happyness (2006), Rocky Balboa (2006), Horton Hears a Who! (2008), The Tale of Despereaux (2008), Mall Cop (2009) and many more. Her television credits include American Idol; Felicity; The Tonight Show; the AMA, Billboard, Grammy, Soul Train, Lady of Soul and Academy awards; a GMC truck commercial and a voice over for Lifetime’s Television for Women. A versatile artist, Giovanna has scored a short film, is finishing up her first instrumental album and is in production on her debut artist project.

Erica Duff

board member

With a career that began on some of the world’s most iconic stages, Erica’s talent and dedication as a dancer earned her the privilege of performing alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry such as Beyonce, Janelle Monáe, Will Smith, Jay Z, Celine Dion, T-Pain and Mariah Carey to name a few. Her years as a sought-after dancer—known for her artistry, versatility, and energy—shaped her creative vision and cultivated her passion for expression in every form.

As her career evolved, Erica discovered a new calling in the world of food and wine. Her journey into the culinary and wine industries has been driven by an insatiable curiosity and a deep desire to integrate her various artistic passions. Today, Erica is a serial entrepreneur with ventures spanning across both her creative and culinary/wine interests, blending the two worlds into projects that celebrate craftsmanship, culture, and creativity. Her multifaceted career reflects a deep belief in the power of creative expression and the importance of following one’s passion to build a legacy.

Steven Adams

board member

Steven Adams, an award-winning Manager/Producer and Founding Partner at Alta Global Media, represents top international media companies and talent. He produced the Netflix Original RODNEY KING and the Peabody Award-winning A HUEY P NEWTON STORY for Starz, both directed by Spike Lee, along with involvement in marketing Lee’s SHE’S GOTTA HAVE IT and BLACKKKLANSMAN.

Adams has extensive VFX experience, serving as Executive Producer with BUF, where his credits included AVATAR, LIFE OF PI, THOR, and more. His work with Digital District encompassed THE ARTIST and THE INTOUCHABLES. At Luna Ray Media, Adams produced notable indie projects, including GOD’S WAITING LIST and the Sundance indie pilot IT’S NOT ABOUT JIMMY KEENE. He has also been a consultant for The Culture Clash Show and led film finance initiatives through FilmPro Finance.

A respected industry moderator and speaker, Adams has hosted panels at Cannes, Sundance, and more. He launched the web series Show Me The F$#!ing Money, interviewing top film finance experts. He is a member of the Producers Guild of America, the Television Academy, and serves as an ambassador for the Blackhouse Foundation.

Paige Post Bindel

board member

Paige Bindel is a Certified Sommelier at The Pebble Beach Resorts in Pebble Beach, California, where she has built a reputation for her exceptional expertise in wine. Chosen as one of only four U.S. Sommeliers to represent the United States on the USAWineTastingTeam.com at the prestigious 2024 and 2025 WorldTastingChampionship.com in France, Paige is currently ranked in the Top 20 Blind Wine Tasters in the world.

With a passion for Sherry wines, she holds the Sherry Wine Specialist Certification from the Consejo Jerez. Paige is also a founding board member of the American Wine Society Monterey Chapter, a testament to her leadership and influence in the wine community. Her knowledge extends beyond the tasting room; she is a published wine writer for Monarch Wine, a Design Evaluator for Riedel Glassware, a Wine Consultant and Reviewer for SOMMCRU.com Bay Area, and
DABBLEINN.com.

In addition to her professional pursuits, Paige is the co-founder and partner of SommLovesChef, a personalized food and wine experience events company, which she runs alongside her chef husband. Together, they curate unforgettable culinary experiences for clients, combining Paige’s expertise in wine with her husband’s
culinary talent.

Jessica Badawi

board member

Jessica Badawi is an Emmy Award-winning Creative Producer and Brand Executive renowned for her innovative contributions across live sports television, digital production, and strategic partnerships with top broadcasters, global brands, and elite athletes. She launched her career in the sports industry at Fox Sports in the music department, where she refined her expertise in creating immersive viewer experiences, which ultimately propelled her transition into producing and directing for live sports television. With an exceptional track record, Jessica has played key roles in producing and promoting some of the world’s most iconic sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup. Her visionary approach led to the creation of the Sports Category at the Oscar-qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival, establishing an unprecedented platform that unites the realms of sports and entertainment, allowing athletes and filmmakers alike to showcase their talents. Jessica’s career is marked by her ability to seamlessly merge creativity with strategy, pioneering new ways to elevate sports and entertainment on a global stage.

Sylvia Hernandez

board member

Dynamic and visionary, Sylvia is a professional who excels in the intersection of technology, media, and talent management. With a knack for identifying and nurturing talent, Sylvia specializes in crafting lucrative TV and film deals, ensuring artists’ growth and success. Her expertise extends to leveraging cutting-edge AI to revolutionize digital interactions, bridging the gap between virtual and real-world personas. In the realm of production, she brings projects from concept to reality, coordinating every stage with a meticulous eye for detail. Sylvia’s career is a testament to her ability to harmonize the art of entertainment with the science of technology, creating impactful experiences across various platforms.

Jen Folse

board member

Jen is a seasoned product and design leader with over 11 years of experience crafting consumer platforms, applications, and services. She is driven by a passion for solving user needs through innovative design and collaborative teamwork. With extensive expertise in technology, media, and media services, Jen spent 8 years at Apple, where she contributed to the successful launch of major Apple TV and media services products. She also played a key role in public product introductions, leading Apple TV hardware and software updates at three Apple keynotes in partnership with Apple’s executive leadership.

BRIANNE COHEN

Brianne Cohen is an LA based event producer, certified sommelier, wine educator, and wine writer. During the pandemic, Brianne entertained over 7,000 people through her “Virtual Vino” online wine classes, regularly highlighting diverse (i.e. Black, BIPOC, female, and LGBT) owned wineries. She now offers both in-person (and virtual) wine tasting experiences for her corporate clients. Brianne regularly judges at international wine competitions, including the International Wine Challenge (IWC) in London and holds the WSET Diploma certificate. She writes on her own blog and for outlets such as Decanter, Vintner Project, and Kiplinger. She also holds an MBA from Loyola Marymount University. Brianne Cohen Wine & Events is a certified woman-owned business with WBENC.

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PAIGE BINDEL

Paige is a Certified Sommelier with The Court Of Master Sommeliers and resides her talents with The Pebble Beach Resorts at Peppoli Restaurant, she also holds her degree as a Certified Sherry Specialist with the Regulatory Council of Jerez Spain. Paige has aided as an honorary designer for Georg Riedel of Riedel Austrian Crystal in the design of the updated Zinfandel Crystal glass series.  

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DON SONDERLING

Don Sonderling is a freelance writer covering California’s Wine Country lifestyle, and culture. He and his wife are constantly sipping their way from Santa Barbara to Napa, focusing on Paso Robles and the Central Coast, where they have explored for about 25 years. Don has earned his WSET2 (Wine and Spirits Education Trust) certification, has completed the Bourgogne Masterclass through the Napa Valley Wine Academy, and is a member of the LA. Wine Writers. 

Focusing on the people and unique experiences to be had, Don’s goal is to have people read about California’s amazing wine country adventures, seeing it through his eyes, and say: “I want to go there, try that, meet them,” and enrich the lives of others as his has been, by exploring California’s wine roads. 

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Tali Reed

Tali is a sensory-driven Wine Consultant and Director of Special Events who transforms events into immersive journeys. Tali has mastered the art of crafting experiences that range from intimate gatherings to large-scale festivals in the Willamette Valley and on the international stage. She is the founder of Connecting Her Dots, a consulting company specializing in immersive experiences, brand storytelling, and strategic event curation for food, wine, and lifestyle brands. Through this work, Tali creates multi-sensory moments that invite guests to slow down, savor deeply, and connect meaningfully with wine, with others, and with themselves.

Her vibrant storytelling and intentional design turn every event into something unforgettable. Tali has collaborated with celebrated brands, including Stoller Wine Group, Argyle Winery, McBride Sisters, Bushmills Whiskey, Monarch Wine, and many more. Whether she’s pouring at a tasting or producing an elevated affair, Tali brings elegance, warmth, and a curated vibe that lingers long after the last sip, creating moments of connection that awaken the senses and leave a lasting impression.

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Jon Alain Guzik​

Jon Alain Guzik is a seasoned journalist, serial entrepreneur, and lifestyle columnist for Monarch Wine. With extensive expertise in luxury, lifestyle, automotive, and timepiece markets, his writing has been featured in publications such as The Hollywood Reporter, The Los Angeles Times, TheDrive, Automobile Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and LeoEdit. He lives in Laurel Canyon with his wife, two kids, and a rambunctious goldendoodle named Rosie. Although he adores White Burgundy, his family, oddly, doesn’t share the same enthusiasm.

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RENÉE SFERRAZZA

Renée has dedicated her life to grapes. As a Court of the Master Sommeliers Certified Sommelier, she has made wine her life’s work, and her entrepreneurial spirit has driven her to be a curator of wine experiences. In her work as a Wine Communicator, Curator of Virtual Experiences, Brand Consultant, Educator and Wine Writer Renée brings to life her love of wine in a way that is contagious. She has a flair for making wine fun and understandable, sharing her passion for the vine.

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LUCY SPAIN​

Lucy Spain is an International Wine Professional currently based in London, with certifications from the American Sommelier Association, and a WSET Level 3 Award in Wines. Her experience acting and writing as a proud member of the Screen Actors Guild, as well as 10 years in Media Technology, make her uniquely qualified to present wine in a fresh way. She focuses on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in the industry, and uses her background in tech to look at the ancient art of winemaking through a modern lens.

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Sicily Cronin​

Sicily Cronin is a writer and publicist with a passion for wine that stems from being that curious child at the dinner table. With over 15 years of experience in global marketing, communications and event planning, Sicily has a long-term interest in the unique role that wine plays in society around the world and the intersection of wine and culture. She has traveled to more than 50 countries and is thankful to have tasted through many of the world’s greatest and emerging wine regions along the way. 

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EVAN COTTEN

A former newspaper reporter gone corporate, Evan’s passion for premium content and wine found a perfect home with Monarch. Making his home in Denver, Colorado, Evan spends his time outside of work camping, hiking and skiing, pairing these outdoor adventures with fine wines from all over the world.

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NADINE BROWN

Born and raised in Jamaica and Puerto Rico, Nadine is a twenty year veteran of the Washington Area restaurant industry. She spent over 14 years at Charlie Palmer Steak as their Wine Director and Sommelier. Nadine holds certifications from both the Court of Master Sommelier, WSET, is a wine judge and writer. Her company At Your Service, offers a range of services from wine events, cellar management and wine promotions. Nadine is a mentor to many young professionals in the business where she strives to encourage more women to join and stay in the industry. She hopes to educate operators of the benefits of having more women on their team and how to be creative about work life balance for moms and dads.

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ALLISON LEVINE

Allison Levine is owner of Please The Palate, a boutique agency specializing in marketing and event planning for the wine and spirits industry. With over 15 years of experience in communications, marketing, and event planning, Allison is passionate about the world around her and the diverse people in it. Allison is a freelance writer and contributes to numerous publications. She is the host of the podcast WineSoundtrack USA where she interviews winemakers and winery owners who share their stories, insights, and some humorous anecdotes. She also co-hosts a wine video series on YouTube called Crush On This. Allison holds a master’s degree in International Communications with a focus on cross-cultural training from the American University School of International Service. She also holds a WSET Level 3 Certificate from the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) and is a member of the Circle of Wine Writers.

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VICKI DENIG

Vicki completed her Bachelor’s degree at CUNY Hunter College with a double major in French Language and Italian Language, along with a minor in English and additional studies in Spanish and Polish. Her wine industry career began at Sud de France Développement in Manhattan, followed by a Wine Consultant/Buyer position at Quality House Wines. She went on to work full-time as a staff writer for VinePair.com from September 2016 – July 2017. She now freelances full-time; her work regularly appears in Food & Wine, Wine-Searcher, Beverage Media, Matador Network, Wine Enthusiast, and more.

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Athan Slotkin

board member

Serial entrepreneur and business plan strategist gracing the pages and screens of Forbes, CBS, FOX, ABC, SiriusXM. Serving as Monarch’s foundational advisor since the company’s inception, Athan is a proven customer loyalty and marketing leader driving success from American Express’s top-tier products including the Centurion Card and Membership Rewards Program. He has also helped launch and redevelop multiple loyalty programs globally. Throughout his career, Athan has had over 20 businesses and has helped advise over 100 businesses; his clients have raised over $1B and have seen three exits. With a solid academic foundation from Yale and Cornell, Athan brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to his ventures. Additionally, Athan’s diverse background includes experience as a former professional poker player and extensive travel to 120 countries, further enriching his perspective and insights.