Roberto ViernesRoberto Viernes achieved the coveted title of Master Sommelier in 2005. He travels extensively to classic wine growing regions around the world to gain an even better understanding of wine and is also active in teaching courses and testing with the Court of Master Sommeliers. He has a special love for Champagne and Burgundy. He has also been a judge at the prestigious U.S. National Sake Evaluation five separate times. Having worked in restaurants, retail, supplier and distributor settings for 26 years Roberto has always dreamed of putting together a portfolio of family producers to represent in Hawaii and started the relaunch of Lotus Wine and Spirits as Managing Partner in 2024 to achieve that dream. Roberto is an author and wrote Vino Sense, a weekly column in MidWeek Magazine for a decade. He is now a contributing writer for HI Luxury Magazine. Roberto launched his first wine FIL Pinot Noir with the stellar 2015 vintage, a project grown in the Willamette Valley, Oregon. Roberto is also a founding board member of Aloha Wine Foundation, an organization dedicated to the local sommelier community.
Follow him on Instagram @filwines. |
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Benny MadsenBenny Madsen, a Danish national and accomplished wireless system design innovator, holds a Ph.D. from the University of Aalborg. With 19 design patents, he is recognized as a leading engineer and visionary in the wireless industry. Benny contributed significantly to the development of the first GSM mobile phone at Dancall Radio A/S and served as Technical Director at National Semiconductor. As the CEO and Chairman of LitePoint, he played a key role in establishing the company as a top test solutions provider for leading wireless device manufacturers. Additionally, Benny is a Partner at LiteCap, a private equity firm supporting next-generation companies. He sits on the boards of two Danish startups and serves on the Board of Advisors to Innovation Center Denmark Silicon Valley. Beyond the tech world, Benny owns Los Altos Vineyards, encompassing Byington Vineyard & Winery and Tin Cross Vineyards, and is the owner of Oceans Royale, an Oahu-based company providing luxury villa hotel services.
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Ian BishopIan is a highly accomplished professional with a strong foundation in the Hawaii beverage and hospitality industry with over 25 years of experience in the business. As the Portfolio Manager at Flavors of Italy, he demonstrated his expertise in beverage management, fine wine curation and cultivating strong connections within the industry as well as producers. In his previous roles as Restaurant Manager/Sommelier at Town Restaurant and Prima Kailua, Ian excelled in overseeing operations and curating exceptional beverage programs for their patrons. But his career trajectory was significantly influenced by his extensive travels to Italy and France, where interactions with the local wine makers and farmers deepened his passion for the industry, ultimately guiding him towards further professional growth.
With a solid foundation in beverage and hospitality management, combined with a passion for excellence and innovation, Ian will continue to make significant contributions to the industry in Hawaii in his new role with Lotus Wine and Spirits. His commitment to delivering exceptional experiences, service and his continuous pursuit of excellence has made him a respected professional in the beverage and hospitality sector. |
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Johnny HolleyAs an experienced sommelier with over 15 years in the hospitality industry, I am passionate about sharing my love for wine and helping guests discover new bottles to fall in love with. I'm on a mission to shine a spotlight on small, family-owned producers who pour their heart and soul into every bottle. I take pride in my ability to guide guests through carefully curated selections, understanding their unique preferences and introducing them to hidden gems they may never have tried before. Whether a seasoned oenophile or a wine curious newcomer, I am committed to making the world of wine accessible and enjoyable for all. I have honed my skills in food and wine pairings, hosting engaging tasting events, and providing exceptional customer service. I am passionate about sharing my knowledge while maintaining a warm, approachable demeanor that puts guests at ease. My goal is to foster a love for wine that extends beyond any tasting room, empowering customers to explore and experiment on their own.
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LOTUS WINE & SPIRITS
521 Ala Moana Blvd, Suite M-426 Honolulu, HI 96813 [email protected] C: 1 808 348 0609 |