Monterey Chapter
American Wine Society Monterey Chapter
Expanding our knowledge and elevating our palates as we explore local wines and beyond
Janet
Torelli
Board Member, Chapter Vice Chair
Certified Sommelier
Events Co-Lead
Damon
Musha
Board Member, Wine Education
Entrepreneur
Alan
Williams
Board Member, Membership
Oenophile
Scott
Steinhauer
Board Member, Treasurer
Collect wine and classic cars
Vacant
Board Member, Secretary
Sue
Levins
Website Manager
World Traveler
Jacqueline
Van Nes
Chair Emerita
History of the Monterey Chapter:
The American Wine Society (AWS) Monterey Chapter was founded by like-minded devotees of wine education in a social setting in January of 2020. Before we could hold our first event, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything. As result, we kicked off our chapter with virtual tastings over Zoom. As restrictions loosened up, we held our first in-person event on Carmel Beach, followed by initial winery and vineyard visits. Fortunate to be in Monterey County, we are surrounded by many wineries, vineyards and tasting rooms, our territory for local wine exploration.
Our chapter board qualifications include a wine industry entrepreneur, a sommelier, a wine critic, and other wine aficionados, who work to bring creative experiences for our chapter members. We meet monthly at local wineries, as well as host BBQs and parties, participate in the AWS National Tasting Project and other educational events, design exquisite wine dinners, and host out-of-area wineries who bring their wines to us!
Join us by joining the National AWS and choosing Monterey as your chapter! We can’t wait to meet you!