David Hunt: Musician, Businessman, Visionary, Winemaker
April 17, 2024
MONARCH wine
TEAM
CHRISTINA RODEHAU
CEO OF MONARCH WINE
A proud hybrid of California and New York City, Christina embodies all of the energy and sophistication of Manhattan with a vibrant appreciation for flavor and beauty that is the spirit of Napa.
Reflecting her deep passion for Art in all its forms, Christina’s vision for Monarch is an integration of wine, music, film and design. Monarch aims to elevate the senses of any wine lover that shares her same insatiable thirst.
Though her background is in management consulting, her love affair with wine began far earlier. Christina is truly captivated by wine that carries with it a deep sense of artistry.
The allure of fine wine has always intrigued Christina, but it has never been just about award-winning bottles. She is inspired by those who create with a dedication to craftsmanship. Intent. Technique. Scope. Aspiration in their hearts. Monarch is Christina’s celebration of that… and of wine, life, and Art itself.
DISCOVER OUR
WRITING TEAM
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, Andy Favre, is 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It was while attending The Culinary Institute of America that Lucia first fell in love with wine and wine pairings. To Lucia, food and wine are completely synonymous and the fact that wine can make food taste even better, is pure magic! Some of her favorite pairings include Montrachet with lobster and grower champagne with fries. You can find her pairing her recipes with her favorites wines on her successful Instagram @lucilovesfood.
As an Oregon native, living with fine wine in her backyard, Tali began to explore the world of wine and its endless possibilities. With a background in social work, she found an intersection between her greatest loves: storytelling, wine (Pinot Noir specifically) and relationships. Tali is WEST LVL 1 certified and her passion lies in bridging a gap in the world of wine. Deepening connection between the soil, vines, masterminds behind these wines and enthusiasts is her goal. She believes the greatest luxury in life is living with all of our senses and living them out.
Jeff Osborne is a wine and spirits business professional with a strong hospitality background which has seen him in roles across four countries and both coasts of Canada. Jeff is currently working with the wine and craft spirits team at Breakthru Beverage Canada, is the founder of JPO Endeavour, a premium beverage services and promotion agency and can occasionally be found working on the floor as a Sommelier at Relais and Chateau property; Langdon Hall Country House Hotel and Spa. Jeff is a certified Sommelier, WSET certified with distinction and a certified specialist of wine
Jeff has written wine content for Menu magazine, CB Reserve magazine and has collaborated with Vitis Wine Culture magazine.
Master Sommelier John Szabo was the first Canadian to add the “MS” after his name in 2004, and he holds the WSET Diploma with honours. He is a partner and principal critic for WineAlign.com, and buyer for the WineAlign Exchange wine club, as well as columnist and consultant at CellArt.com, and feature writer for Modalina and MarQuee magazines. John is co-host of the podcast Wine Thieves, host of the IGTV series 5 to 7 Winedown, and freelances widely for international publications. His latest book, Volcanic Wines: Salt, Grit and Power, earned critical acclaim including the André Simon award for best drinks book. On the consulting side, John builds wine programs across Canada, and is currently sourcing wines for Accor/Fairmont/Sofitel Hotels in Québec.
NOËL BURGESS
Noël aka “mrnoelburgess” is a DEI advocate and writer with a focus on how the two intersect. What started as a hobby has now become a passion project for me. In my personal and professional life, I have always been interested in and committed to representation and inclusion in all areas – workplaces, schools, and social spaces. As my experience with wine increased, I began to see the connection and parallels to human diversity that naturally exist. Wines are as diverse as people; spectacular in their perfect imperfections, shaped by their distinct environments, and always evolving. Originally from New England and now calling Northern California my home, I am fortunate to live near Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.