Eduardo Dingler | Certified Sake Professional, Certified Sommelier

Born in Mexico, wine brought him to the Napa Valley in the United States where he spent a number of years in the hospitality industry and studying wine. He fell in love with sake about 15 years ago and started learning about it at a personal level. In 2010 he was hired as the Beverage Director for Morimoto Napa and later became the Global Corporate Beverage Director for the Morimoto Restaurant Group. During this time, he received his Court of Master Sommelier Certificate and Certified Sake Professional Diploma. 

He fell deeply in love with Japan and the culture traveling several times a year researching Sake, Shochu, Beer and Spirits. He is an International Sake, Wine and Spirits Judge taking part in The San Francisco World Spirits Competition, San Francisco International Wine Competition, Japan Wine and Sake Challenge and Las Vegas Global Spirits Competition on a yearly basis. 

Eduardo is also an Independent Journalist contributing to a number of publications covering Food and Beverage like The Napa Valley Register, Decanter Magazine, WANDS, Tasting Panel, Somm Journal and Sake Tips Blog.

He is currently Vice President of Wine for Wine Access Company and a sake educator and Ambassador.

Laura Koffer | Certified Sake Professional, Advanced Sommelier

Laura was born north of New York City. She graduated from Muellenberg University with a degree in American Studies. Destiny took her to Hawaii where she got her first job in the hospitality industry which sparked her interest in the world of wine.

Fueled by her passion she enrolled at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America) to follow her path. Guided by Master Sommeliers like Bob Bath and Tim Greiser she completed the Certified Wine Professional Course. She then worked with Karen McNeil in the Wine Bible second edition while working for Iron Chef Morimoto at the Napa location.

Laura continued her path to work with Chef Sean O’Toole and Torc Napa followed by a five year stint as the Corporate Beverage Director for the Chiarello Group based in Yountville, California.

Laura achieved the hard-earned title of Advanced Sommelier and Certified Sake Professional. She is currently testing for her Master Sommelier Degree.