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Erika Heinemann, Chef-Owner of Savvy Wine Food

Hello!

Thank you so very much for visiting Savvy Wine Food. This seems like a good starting point for you to learn a little bit more about me and Savvy Wine Food, so let's get started. 

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In 1999, I decided to leave the corporate world and follow my passion for hospitality, special events, and food and wine pairing. My husband and I packed up our belongings, grabbed Bailey, our orange tabby cat, and moved from Santa Barbara back to the Bay Area, where we met as broadcast journalism majors at San Jose State University.

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I jumpstarted my career in Napa Valley after graduating with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco in 2001. Following CCA, I was invited to train under renowned Chef Thomas Keller at The French Laundry, hailed by the New York Times as the "most exciting dining experience in the U.S.''

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After that incredible learning opportunity, I spent the next four years as the first Executive Chef for Duckhorn Wine Company, where I developed one of the first food and wine pairing programs in the Napa Valley.

A Savvy Story

In 2005, I left Duckhorn to branch out and start my own business, which was always my goal. On May 5, 2005 (yep, on Cinco de Mayo), I officially launched Savvy Wine Food, a marriage of food and wine, as the go-to source for food and wine pairing and exceptional customer service to private clients and wineries in Napa Valley.

 

In 2011, after becoming a Mom to my very own "wonder twins", we returned home to Santa Barbara to raise our family, bringing my passion and talent for exceptional food, wine, and customer service back to the place I love. 

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Over the course of my career, I have been honored to cook for celebrities, politicians, sports, entertainment, and world figures. I especially love being a part of family celebrations and bringing people together around the table.

 

If you want to learn more about Savvy Wine Food and follow my adventures, click on the Facebook and Instagram icons below so we can connect.

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Contact Information

Please don't hesitate to contact me. Below is my direct telephone number and email.

Tel: +1 707-334-5404

Email: erika@savvywinefood.com

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