Intriguing Wine Aficionado

When Kerrin Laz joined Dean & DeLuca in 2003 as wine buyer for the Washington DC store, she had little experience in the field of wine. Today, Laz oversees two eponymous Napa Valley tasting rooms – in Yountville and at CIA Copia in Downtown Napa – and is one of the most trusted consultants in the wine business. Considered a California wine authority, Laz is courted by every new winery hoping to make an impact in the industry, and her clients include many of the country’s top CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and other influencers who place their trust in her. Each of her tasting rooms offers customized, by-appointment-only, private wine tastings for the most discriminating palates and enthusiastic wine lovers who look to Laz and her team for invaluable insider perspectives on the people, places, and trends within California’s wine industry. “We ask guests on which winery mailing lists they are active, and what wineries they’ll be visiting to give us insight into their style preferences,” said Laz. “We’ve hosted more than 500 tastings and haven’t offered the same tasting twice.” In 2016, Laz added ‘vintner’ to her title when she released the inaugural vintage of her private wine label, LAZ Wine, produced in partnership with famed winemaker Celia Welch and served at some of Napa’s most revered restaurants.

But despite her varied wine industry successes, Laz is most proud of her work with the Alzheimer’s Association. In honor of her mother, she founded ‘Inspire Napa Valley,’ utilizing her vast network to raise more than $2 million to date.

Article By: Fran Miller