about us

Danae McLaughlin, CEC

Danae is a decorated chef, with awards that include the gold medal at the American Culinary Federation cooking competition and best in show at the West Coast Fancy Food Show. She is a Certified Executive Chef and member of the American Culinary Federation (ACF) and when she's not smoking away the culinary competition she finds time to volunteer at Job Train teaching and coaching culinary arts students.

Amorena Simpson, CWAS

Amorena is a California Wine Appellation Specialist and Certified by the Court of Master Sommeliers. After wine school (best kind of school ever!), she spent time as a wine educator and managing a Relais & Châteaux property with a Michelin three-star restaurant in Napa Valley, then moved on to manage restaurants and consult in New Zealand, Spain and San Francisco. 

What is Grape Matter?

It's our version of  "grey matter", the part of your brain that is responsible for sensory perception. This is your brain on wine.

Whether it's for business or for fun, Grape Matter has all your food and wine needs covered. Planning a tasting party? Need a caterer who knows wine? Want to create a menu or wine list? Grape Matter works within your budget to provide everything needed for your food or wine event, restaurant or dinner party, leaving you free to join your guests or focus on the rest of your business. 

If it's education you're after, we have many different experiences that accommodate both beginners and experts. The whole package is prepared and customizable so that you can choose what is best for you – everything from basic skill training and focused sensory experiences, up to wine program and menu design and ongoing Chef and Sommelier services.