FOOD & WINE CRITICS
FOOD JUDGES
Colin Wrenn
303 Magazine
KYLIE BEARSE
KDVR
Born and raised in Colorado, Colin has spent many years navigating the excellent Denver dining scene. Food, books and beverage occupy most of the man's time.
Creator/Founder, Approachable Outdoors
https://approachableoutdoors.com/
https://twitter.com/KylieBearseWX/
https://www.instagram.com/kyliebearse/
Jeffrey J. Richards, Esq
HONORARY CONSUL OF FRANCE FOR COLORADO
THE RICHARDS LAW FIRM
WINE JUDGES
AMANDINE CHATELIER
SOMMELIER
CHATELIER & CO
MAIA PARISH
SOMMELIER
THE WINE SUITE
ROGER LAMONTAGNE
SOMMELIER
MOUNTAIN WINE ADVENTURES
Amandine Chatelier's journey through the world of wine began amidst the picturesque landscapes of Cognac and Bordeaux. At the tender age of 4, she took her first steps into the vineyards, a playground between her father and grandfather, sparking a passion that would shape her future. Growing up, rugby became a focal point of her life, leading her from Bordeaux to Perpignan in Languedoc Roussillon, regions where wine is not just a beverage but a revered art form.
In the heart of these renowned wine regions, Amandine immersed herself in the intricacies of winemaking, learning about various techniques, grape varieties, and the significance of terroir. Her journey culminated in obtaining the prestigious Master Sommelier certification, a testament to her dedication to mastering the craft.
The influence of her family extended beyond vineyards, reaching into the world of Cognac. Amandine gleaned insights from her father, who distilled, and from luminaries like Christian Bellaire, Maitre de Chais at Hennessy, located just 12 miles from her home.
Rugby eventually brought Amandine to the United States, where she encountered a whole new perspective on wine, along with surprising revelations about Cognac and cocktails. Eager to share her passion and knowledge, she founded Chatelier&Co, seamlessly blending her French expertise with American techniques and preferences. Amandine's journey is a testament to the fusion of tradition and innovation, resulting in the creation of Chatelier&Co, a unique expression of her love for wine and spirits.
Denver-based sommelier, wine writer, wine educator, wine judge, and award-winning events producer.
She owns and operates The Wine Suite LLC and produces wine-educated inspired events.
She is a member of Les Dames d'Escoffier Colorado Chapter. Her work has been featured in Ebony Magazine, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, Wall Street Journal, Food and Wine Magazine, The Somm Journal, The Zoe Report, Denver Luxury Magazine, 5280 Magazine, Dining Out Magazine, Cherry Creek Magazine, the Wine Business Journal.
She is a recurring writer for 5280 Magazine and Vine Pair, the world’s largest online drinks platform. Her wine writing includes stories on wine and food pairings, educational hacks, wine luxury travel destinations, and winemakers, emphasizing diversity and inclusion within BIPOC/LGBTQ cultures.
Recently, she was selected for Daniel Boulud's 21/22 & 22/23 Sommelier Team for La Fête Du Champagne, La Tablee, and the La Paulee.
Ms. Parish has spoken at the Wine Media Conference, Assemblage Symposium, and Battonage Forum. She is a recurring wine judge for the Denver International Wine Competition, Drink Pink Vino, and the Canned Wine Competition.
You can find Ms. Parish on all social media at @thewinemistress, and her website bio.site/TheWineSuite. This is her 4th year with the RMFACC.
A native of Montreal, Canada, Roger brings over 25 years of experience as a customer care advocate, project manager and business leader to the world of wine. An avid wine enthusiast, he has pursued his own journey with deep passion for all things oenological, exploring vineyards and cellars around the world, as well as hosting in-home wine tasting & food pairing seminars with his wife Anita as they have shared their passion for wine and deliciously crafted foods.
In 2017 he completed the Court of Master Sommeliers Introductory Course, followed in 2019 by the Wine & Spirits Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wines. In August of 2023 Roger graduated from the rigorous WSET Diploma (Level 4) program. Roger lives and works in the Denver area, teaching WSET classes in-person and online, while also offering custom learning experiences for corporate and private wine events.