Our team
Chris Hoel - Founder
From establishing the St. Louis Wine Clinic in 2004 to his years as a sommelier at The French Laundry, Chris Hoel has built a legacy of trust and experience in servicing his premium clientele.
Bringing a discerning taste from 20+ years in the wine and hospitality sector, Chris Hoel founded Harper's Club in 2016 and has developed some of the world’s most incredible wine collections along the way.
In addition, he sits on the board of advisors for SommCon and is resident Sommelier for the Martha Stewart Wine Company.
Christina Pate - Executive Director
With 20+ years of experience in fine and rare wine, Christina has built a track record of professionalism and integrity and built relationships with partners who do business the same way.
She works with our close and trusted partners in the wine trade both in the US and in Europe, and directly with selected producers in California. Christina also oversees the safe and controlled transit of our stock to our warehouse.
A transplant from her New Zealand home, she loves all wine that is made honestly and tells the story of its place and time.
Michael Smith - Senior Wine Advisor
Michael Smith is a Certified Sommelier and is currently studying for the Advanced Sommelier exam.
Originally from the Central Coast of California, he started his wine career at the young age of eighteen, working a harvest in Paso Robles. After putting a few other harvests under his belt, Michael shifted gears and started his Sommelier path at a wine shop and bar in Templeton Ca. He then found himself in Los Angeles working at one Michelin-starred Osteria Mozza as a sommelier.
Before joining the Harper's Club team, he most recently relocated to San Francisco, where he went on to work at both three Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn and Quince.
Tom Dorman - Wine Advisor
Working from coast to coast and everywhere in between, Tom has 30 years of experience in hospitality. From his time at Beanos Cabin in Beaver Creek to the Wine Director at Oenotri in Napa - he's had the opportunity to meet and share wine with some of the greatest winemakers and sommeliers in the world.
Tom also holds a business management and accounting degree from SUNY Tech and is an advanced sommelier with the Court of Master Sommeliers US.
When he's not busy with his daily responsibilities, you can find him exploring Northern California's outdoors and indulging in culinary and wine experiences.
Dave Antuzzi - Operations & Logistics Manager
Born in San Jose, California, Dave's formative years were filled with skateboarding, guitar, and a strong bent towards education. His college courses started at 15 and he earned acceptance to several Universities, but ultimately decided to start out with community college. After taking one music theory class, he was instantly hooked, avidly taking on roles in any musical capacity he could.
He then pursued his master’s degree in education and a teaching credential to become a math teacher.
A friend from college was working with the Thomas Keller Restaurant Group which landed him a job at Ad Hoc in Yountville. He has been with Harper's Club since 2021.