Staff - International Pinot Noir Celebration

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Amy Wesselman, IPNC Executive Director

After learning to make wine as an apprentice to some of the most skilled winemakers in Oregon and in Burgundy, Amy Wesselman co-founded Westrey Wine Company in 1993 with her partner, David Autrey. In 1997 she joined the IPNC Board of Directors and in 2009 she became the Executive Director. Amy also served as Winery Chair of the board of directors of ¡Salud!, Oregon’s premier wine auction, which raises funds to provide healthcare for otherwise uninsurable seasonal vineyard workers. She also currently serves as a board member on the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. She takes pride in both the IPNC’s and Westrey’s emphasis of the enjoyment of good wine, good food and good company without pretense. With help from her ten year-old identical twin sons, Amy juggles her busy schedule at Westrey and the IPNC with her love of cooking, backpacking, and growing Pinot noir at Oracle Vineyard, Westrey’s estate property in the Dundee Hills.

Brian Richardson, IPNC Assistant Director

As the Assistant Director of the International Pinot Noir Celebration, Brian handles guest relations, featured winery management, the IPNC website, organizational finances and much of the organization’s social networking presence. Brian came to Oregon from Gig Harbor, Washington, to study at Linfield College, where he graduated with degrees in economics and business management. The beauty of the Willamette Valley and a love of the local wines convinced him to pursue an internship at the IPNC followed by work at nearby Anne Amie Vineyards. He returned to the IPNC in 2011 as Assistant Director. His interest in and capability with website development and direct marketing campaigns helped the IPNC gain an edge in marketing the event to a younger, more internet-acquainted audience. Brian can be reached directly at brian@ipnc.org.

Anne Nisbet, IPNC Culinary Director

Anne has spent much of her life in the kitchen. While she’s never cooked professionally, her work and personal life have centered around wine and food. Her role at IPNC is to recruit and manage the 50+ guest chefs who join IPNC each year and oversee all the operational details surrounding food service for the three-day event. Formerly the director of catering at Seattle’s iconic seafood restaurant, Ray’s Boathouse, she has produced a number of the Northwest’s most prominent wine and food events including Taste Washington, the Auction of Northwest Wines, Seattle Wine and Food Experience and Washington Wine Highway. Recent transplants to McMinnville from Seattle, Anne and her husband are excited to enjoy the beauty of Oregon’s Willamette Valley (even if it is Oregon Duck country). Anne is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier, Seattle chapter, the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) and an alumna of the University of Washington.

Wilson, IPNC Mascot

Wilson brings a smile to all he meets. He’s our comic relief during the event and a welcome presence at board meetings or just visiting in the neighborhood. Wilson is a 150-pound Newfoundland and a classic “gentle giant”. Sweet tempered and easy going, Wilson likes humans of all ages and is particularly fond of other canines. In his spare time, he enjoys a good nap, a long, cool drink of water and chasing squirrels.