Napa: Wine veteran Bath to teach program at Culinary Institute

The Accelerated Wine and Beverage Certificate Program at the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone has brought on wine industry veteran Robert Bath to teach classes.

Mr. Bath has been a Master Sommelier since 1993 and is only one of 105 in the country.

The accredited 30-week AWBP at Greystone launches in September.

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It will impart knowledge and skills in sensory evaluation, flavor dynamics, cellar management and mixology. Food and beverage pairing, service and hospitality are major components of the curriculum. Classes will be held at the Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Mr. Bath has managed wine-oriented restaurants, worked with many California wineries and taught thousands around the world about wine.

"The Accelerated Wine and Beverage Certificate Program signals a significant new step in front-of-the-house education by the CIA, and Bob's credentials and extensive experience in the industry will play a key role in the launch of this program and its credibility in the marketplace," said Paul Dray, associate director of the CIA's Rudd Center for Professional Wine Studies.

Mr. Bath's career includes managing Wine Spectator Grand Award restaurants The Sardine Factory in Monterey and Starker's Restaurant in Kansas City, Mo. He has worked with a number of California wineries, including Shafer Vineyards, Duckhorn Vineyards, Dalla Valle Vineyards, Viader Winery, Hartwell Vineyards, Iron Horse Vineyards, Trefethen Winery, Morgan Winery and Charles Krug Winery.

In 2000, Mr. Bath established the RLB Wine Group and has developed wine education programs for high-profile companies like Marriott Hotels, Crystal Cruise Lines, Taj Hotels and Jackson Family Wines.

In 2004, Mr. Bath and his wife, Julie, established Robert Bath Imports to bring a select portfolio of artisan New Zealand wines into the United States.

He writes for Sante magazine and the Sommelier Journal and is a frequent speaker at wine festivals around the world.

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Last year, Food Network celebrity chef and Mill Valley resident Tyler Florence signed a lease for an eatery in the Napa Riverfront project. It is now set to open this summer.

Iron Chef America and Japan Masaharu Morimoto also leased a space last year in Napa, which is set to open this summer as well.

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Oxbow Public Market received recognition from local, state and the United States governments for outstanding green business practices through its recycling efforts.

On April 27, city of Napa Mayor Jill Techel presented Oxbow Public Market with the 2009 Recycling Award from the city of Napa and Napa Recycling and Waste Services for its leadership in outstanding recycling efforts at the market.

Several other Napa city businesses and organizations were also honored at the special ceremony, including Merryvale Starmont, California Wine Tours, Inn on First, Browns Valley Market, ZuZu, Napa Valley Language Academy, Blue Oak Schools, New Tech High, Napa Valley Club HOA and Napa Park Homes.

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Napa County Mental Health is joining a national "May is Mental Health Month" public awareness campaign to promote awareness of mental health.

According to the county of Napa website, “The ‘May is National Mental Health Month' campaign gives us an opportunity to promote health and wellness while informing residents of mental health services in our community and giving hope to those struggling with mental illness.”

There will be events all month in Napa County. Visit www.countyofnapa.org for more information.

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Submit items for this column to Jenna V. Loceff at jloceff@busjrnl.com, 707-521-4259 or fax 707-521-5292.

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