Sommelier Concertmaster Series

The Country’s Greatest Concertmasters Paired with Top Wines

Lead Sponsor

Patricia & Christopher Weil

Fairbanks Ranch Country Club

“Taste What You Hear” in a Sensory Event Like No Other

Experience the emotion of classical music through taste as world-class sommelier and concertmaster duos have collaborated to pair the perfect glass of wine with the music being performed.

  • Dallas Symphony

    Saturday, January 11th @ 6PM
    Concert Sponsor: Helen Hodges

    Concertmaster Alexander Kerr, Co-Concertmaster Nathan Olson, and pianist Anton Nel. Wines curated by sommelier Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet.

    PROGRAM:

    Brahms: Violin Sonata No. 3 in D minor
    Mozart: Violin Sonata in B-flat major
    Moszkowski: Suite for Two Violins and Piano in G Minor

    Purchase Tickets

  • Los Angeles Philharmonic

    Saturday, February 8th @ 6PM
    Concert Sponsor: Joel & Susan Buxbaum

    Concertmaster Martin Chalifour and pianist Steven Vanhauwaert. Wines Curated by Marino Monferrato - Vice President of Hospitality Operations for DAOU Vineyards & Official Maître D'hôtel of "Hell’s Kitchen" hosted by Chef Gordon Ramsay.

    PROGRAM:

    Bach: Sonata in B flat major
    Dvorak: Romantic Pieces op. 75
    Lalo: Symphonie espagnole op. 21
    Ravel: Pavane pour une infante défunte (arr. Kochanski)
    Ravel: Tzigane
    Dvorak: Slavonic Dance in E minor No. 2
    Brahms: Hungarian Dance in D minor No. 2

    Purchase Tickets

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Most guests will choose to dress in Cocktail Attire. With that said, what is most important to us is that you feel welcome and comfortable. Wear whatever it is that will allow you to best enjoy this concert experience!

  • Yes! There is plentiful free parking available on-site.

  • We ask that you not use your phone during the performance portion of the evening.

Schedule

6:00PM: Welcome Reception and Silent Auction

6:30PM: Discussion with the sommelier led by Chef Claudia Sandoval

7:00PM: Concert. Wine will be poured between musical selections, and sommeliers and musicians will illustrate the connection of the wine to the pieces being performed.

Sommeliers

  • Rafael Peterson

    Paired with: Philadelphia Orchestra Concertmaster
    Saturday, November 16, 2024
    Rafael Peterson is a seasoned professional in the world of hospitality and fine wine, currently lending his expertise to H Mercer Wine and Spirits. With a rich background spanning roles such as Wine Director at Born and Raised, Beverage Director at Bracero Cocina de Raiz, and General Manager/Wine Director at Turquoise Cellars, Rafael has honed his skills in wine selection, staff training, and revenue generation. He holds certifications from the Court of Master Sommeliers and the International Sommelier Guild, reflecting his commitment to excellence in his field. Rafael's career highlights include curating award-winning wine lists, organizing educational events, and pioneering innovative projects like HospitaliTV and the HospitaliTV Wine Club.

  • Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet

    Paired with: Dallas Symphony Concertmasters
    Saturday, January 11, 2025
    Gabriela Gaeta-Ninet, born in Tijuana, Baja California, initially pursued a career in engineering but found her true passion in wine. After transitioning from the specialty coffee world, she discovered her love for oenology, earning prestigious certifications like WSET Level 3 and becoming the first Mexican to achieve the title of "French Wine Scholar with Highest Honors." Mentored by Paolo Paoloni at Montefiori Winery, Gabriela deepened her expertise in viticulture and winemaking. She is now a dedicated advocate for Mexican wines, promoting Baja California’s wine culture and fostering a new generation of wine enthusiasts.

  • Marino Monferrato

    Paired with: LA Philharmonic Concertmaster
    Saturday, February 8, 2025
    If you think you have seen Marino Monferrato before, you probably have—at least if you watch the hit culinary show Hell’s Kitchen with Chef Gordon Ramsey. Marino has served as the show’s maître d'hôtel for the past 10 seasons, making him a household face for many since 2013. Marino also serves as vice president of hospitality operations for DAOU Vineyards. Marino started his career in the hospitality industry at the age of 17 when he trained under famed chef Gualtiero Marchesi in his Michelin 3-Star restaurant in Italy. Marino served as assistant general manager at the 5-Diamond, Mobil 5-Star and Michelin 2-Star Alex restaurant at the Las Vegas Wynn Hotel, and as general manager at Wolfgang Puck’s CUT restaurant in Las Vegas. Starting in 2017, he was in charge of opening and directing Eataly’s first West Coast location in Los Angeles.