TTG #17 ‘John Ernst’

06/24/19 • 91 min

Through The Grapevine | Culture + Hospitality

John Ernst is the “In house guy” at Altamont Beer Works handling digital media, design and working with Steve on the company’s marketing goals. John tells us how he cracked the industry, ultimately teamed up with Steve Sartori at Altamont and created the visual framework for the company to take off. What started as side work quickly became a passion, and it wasn’t long before the ABW crew brought him on full time. John is as sharp as they come, extremely talented and naturally understands the type of work ethic it takes to be successful. We really enjoyed his perspective and we definitely will get him back out here next season to check in on the Altamont Takeover!

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TTG #16 ‘Chuck McKahn’

We couldn’t be more excited than to sit down with Chuck McKahn, partner and winemaker at a McKahn Family Cellars here in the Livermore Valley. Chuck’s career as a winemaker is in the Napa Valley. His career began with an epic opportunity to work harvest at Chappellet on Pritchard Hill under the mentorship of the one and only Philip Titus. It was here that Chuck got hands on experience crafting some of the most sought after wines in the world. Chuck used this opportunity and climbed the ladder after being offered a full time job after his first harvest. It wasn’t long before Chuck had earned the assistant winemaker position which opened the doors to a head winemaker opportunity at William Harrison in the heart of Rutherford. Chuck has helped the winery Garner a better reputation and reach a total output that has put the winery in a stronger financial position. In addition, he has helped re-shape the winery’s production program to achieve new heights in quality. Chuck is as talented as they come, dedicated to his craft, and is on a lifelong mission to continue to better himself in all things wine. Follow Chuck and his projects on IG: chuck.mckahn.wine mckahnfamilycellars williamharrisonvineyardswinery

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TTG #18 ‘Sarah Niles’

Sarah Niles is a partner and the active Sommelier/Service manager at Range Life, one of Livermore Valley’s most interesting and promising restaurants. Her Husband Bill is Chef, and their partners Wayne (the drinks Guru) and Lauren Longwell (the savvy social media mama) opened the doors a few years ago and have taken the Valley by storm. The restaurant is set up like a neighborhood restaurant like you’d see in a larger city. Big open spaces, simple elegant decor. Bill is a hyper local/seasonal ingredient focused chef, meaning daily menu changes based on what is available. Sarah is tasked with putting together a wine list that will pair well with a broad range of cuisine and showcase wines that will enhance a meal. She does so much more, and is truly passionate about her industry. Beyond making and serving great food, Sarah is looking to solve industry problems that will create a more sustainable work life for the folks in the kitchen working hard that typically take on a less glamorous role. Come learn more about “who is Sarah Niles”. For one, she is an extremely talented Somm, but as we learn, she is so much more and her passion and drive is infectious. Thank you for joining us, Sarah!