about us
At Wine Country Party & Events we understand the challenges of organizing and executing successful events, from weddings and private parties to fund-raising galas and corporate banquets.
To us, “simply excellent” is more than a tagline; it’s how we do business. We value fairness, teamwork, integrity, and efficiency. We do what we say we will, we do it on time, we do it on budget, and we do it with style.
Over the years, we have developed a complete set of methods and resources designed to help you from start to finish, from behind the scenes to center stage. Locally owned and operated since 1976, our company has grown to include a showroom and warehouse in Sonoma and Mendocino, nearly 100 employees, and a fleet of delivery vehicles. We also work regularly with the finest caterers, resorts, venues, and event professionals in the North Bay.
Most important, our staff is not only knowledgeable and creative, but also completely dedicated to making sure you look your best, and that your guests have a great experience. Training, attention to detail, and an understanding of what you need from a rental company tell us when to lead, when to follow, and when to get out of the way.
Meet Our Team
You’ll like the people you meet at Wine Country Party & Events. We believe in teamwork, with one another and with our clients. While we come from a variety of business backgrounds, we all understand excellence and the value of a proven process. We each have a history of exceeding expectations and are committed to exceeding yours, too.
Sonoma Team
Mendocino Team
Marshall Bauer, President
Before moving to the Wine Country to lead a local business, Marshall Bauer spent 20 years managing sales and field sales operations for telecommunications companies, including ROLM, MFS Realcom, and GE Capital Rescom. As an entrepreneur, he has raised millions of dollars in venture capital and helped successfully turn around two companies and launch a third. He is now drawing upon his recruiting, training, and team-building experience to develop the highest level of service in the rental industry. He earned a bachelor's degree in marketing from Babson College and a master's degree in business from Southern Methodist University. He lives in Santa Rosa with his wife and son, enjoying skiing, golf, and motorcycling. He currently serves on the board of directors of the Sonoma County Tourism Bureau.
707.478.5424
mbauer@winecountryparty.com
Leslie Bauer, Development
Originally headed for I. Magnin’s executive training program in San Francisco following her graduation from Stanford University, Leslie Bauer put her plans on hold to move with a girlfriend to Denver, Colorado to be closer to her love – skiing. Rather than landing in fashion, Leslie landed in tech and began her career in sales and sales management with Xerox Corporation, IBM, and MFS RealCom. The Bauer’s purchase of Wine Country Party & Events, and the move to Wine Country, has given Leslie the perfect opportunity to renew her passion for fashion and design – this time on the tabletop instead of the rack!
707.326.4272
lbauer@winecountryparty.com
Libby Graves, Director of Sales
Libby Graves brings a strong background in customer service to Wine Country Party & Events, spending 13 years with Santa Rosa gift manufacturer and wholesaler Lasercraft, where she sold to clients such as Hallmark, Hewlett-Packard, Neiman Marcus, and other leading companies. Most recently, she worked in quality assurance at FedEx Home Delivery and FedEx Ground. She is a graduate of Empire College and lives in Rohnert Park with her husband and two daughters. Her pastimes include boating and gardening.
707.940.6034
lgraves@winecountryparty.com
Paul Conway, Director of Strategic Accounts
An event planning and logistics expert, Paul Conway has more than 22 years experience in the industry, including the last 18 at Wine Country Party & Events. He has helped to build the company's reputation for excellence through planning auctions, festivals, weddings, fundraisers, and other events for corporate and individual clients. After receiving degrees in French and Spanish, he lived and worked in France, Spain, and Italy, and then returned to San Francisco, where he began his event career in the catering business. Today he lives in Sonoma Valley with his wife and three children, all avid Green Bay Packers fans.
707.940.6017
pconway@winecountryparty.com
Andrea Borchers, Business Development Manager
Within minutes of arriving in Napa Valley, Andrea knew where she was supposed to live….and work! She secured a job and moved from a farming region of Ohio to ‘The World Famous Napa Valley’ to further her career in the wine industry after graduating from Wittenberg University.
Her first stomping grounds were at the tasting rooms at Robert Mondavi, but she moved into management role at Franciscan Estates after just one season in the valley. Her passion for events and customer satisfaction soon took her to accept the role of Events Specialist for Constellation Brands, where she oversaw the events for five wineries in Napa and Sonoma Valleys.
After more than four years with Constellation Brands, Andrea decided to venture into the luxurious hotel market, where she managed the corporate meetings and events for a four diamond hotel in St. Helena. Her current position at Wine Country Party & Events combines all her experience from wineries, hotels, and event planning to ensure that your events continuously exceed your expectations!
707.236-0888
aborchers@winecountryparty.com
Ellen Finley, Accountant
Ellen Finley has worked in the Accounting Department of Wine Country Party & Events for four years. She previously managed accounting functions for a computer firm. A Sonoma resident, she enjoys reading, gardening, and traveling with her husband in their motor home.
707.940.6015
efinley@winecountryparty.com
Allison Johnson, Event Consultant
A Napa native with the desire to obtain a career in the event planning industry ventured to San Diego to pursue a degree in Hospitality and Tourism Management at San Diego State University. After graduating I held multiple positions at a San Diego Resort specializing in customer service and catering sales. When relocating back to Napa, I joined the WCPE team for the opportunity to further my passion in the wine country event industry
707.940.6056
ajohnson@winecountryparty.com
Tiffany Gage, Event Consultant
Tiffany Gage spent 12 well rounded years in the food service industry before entering the world of special events. Working for a small, high-end Catering and Event Production company in Los Angeles for several years, she collaborated with some of the most well known and respected figures in the industry. There she coordinated and managed occasions ranging from small private parties to high profile events such as Macy’s Passport. These experiences made for a smooth transition into the Party Rental industry, when she joined Wine Country Party & Events in 2003. She enjoys working with clients, and has also lent a hand in assisting with inventory purchases. Tiffany and her husband enjoy spending time together with their two young children..
707.940.6050
tgage@winecountryparty.com
Becca Christian, Event Consultatant
Before coming to WCPE, Rebecca spent several years in the retail and food service industries specializing in sales and management. She enjoys working with people and strives on always providing exceptional customer service. Rebecca attended Santa Rosa Junior College as well as Moorpark College in Southern California. She is currently enrolled in classes to complete her degree in Business. Rebecca returned to her Sonoma County roots where she met and fell in love with her husband, Paul. A recent newlywed, Rebecca feels right at home helping clients plan events after planning her own 2008 wedding. Rebecca and Paul are the parents of three active daughters who spend their time attending volleyball games, ballet recitals and enjoying Friday family movie night.
707.940.6060
rchristian@winecountryparty.com
Julie Wojciechowski, Event Consultant
For over 8 years Julie has assisted the general public and event professionals alike with Wine Country Party and Events planning everything from large hotel weddings and gala events to intimate home parties. In previous positions, she has worked in hotel event planning and catering in Marin, Napa, and Sonoma Counties. Married 30 years and the mother of four children, she has lived in Sonoma for the past 26 years. Her other profession is teaching children throughout Sonoma schools and at the Parkpoint club as a dance instructor.
707.940.6005
jwojo@winecountryparty.com
Becky Connelly, Event Consultant
I grew up in the east bay and moved up to Sonoma County over ten years ago to attend SSU. I fell in love with the area and haven’t left since.
I am new to the world of party rentals and enjoy being able to work with people to make their dream event a reality. I am a soon to be newlywed and look forward to an August wedding at a local winery. My hobbies include wine tasting, visiting the ocean, hiking Spring Lake, and spending time with my family.
707.940.6054
bconnelly@winecountryparty.com
Gama Sanchez, Field Operations Manager
Gama has over 15 years of event experience. He has worked with various rental companies in the bay area and he has honed his skills in tenting, lighting, and project management. He has developed staff and currently oversees the field management of Wine Country Party and Events. He has project managed several events such as Copia Grand Opening, Napa Valley Mustard Festival, Aspen Jazz Festival, and Sonoma Jazz Festival. He has 2 wonderful daughters and he currently resides in Napa Valley.
707.940.6010
gsanchez@winecountryparty.com
Victor Angulo, Warehouse Manager
Victor has over 5 years of event experience. He has climbed through the ranks at Wine Country Party and Events. Victor was a lead driver and dispatcher before being promoted to Warehouse Manager. He has a keen eye for quality and is constantly checking the efficiencies and effectiveness of the warehouse staff to assure that proper turns on product and the quality is consistent. He is an excellent motivator and the staff loves him. He has a son that was born in the fall of 2011
707.940.6081
vangulo@winecountryparty.com
Joanne Riella, Asset Manager
Joanne has over 16 years of event experience. She has worked with various rental companies in the bay area and she has honed her skills in inventory management. She worked previously with a catering company for 5 years. It was working in rental and catering that she has developed her love for hospitality and rentals.
Joanne manages all aspects of Inventory from sub rentals, purchasing, shipping, and overall production levels. Among her other duties she manages the Carpentry and Sewing shop. Joanne has 2 grown children and 5 grand children. She has lived in Napa for many years and enjoys long walks with her dogs.
707.940.6012
jriella@winecountryparty.com
Mike Hromalik, Inventory Assistant
Michael brings a strong focus in customer relations, communication, project management, and organization to Wine Country Party and Events from his diverse background in the financial services industry in shareholder relations, as well as an extensive background in writing, coaching, and teaching. Michael has a BA in Communications from Fresno State University and a Teaching Credential from Dominican University of California. Most recently at Wine Country Party and Events he has launched a customer outreach program to help reduce client event costs related to missing and damaged rental items. Michael loves living in the heart of wine country with his wife and two sons, where he’s an avid sports enthusiast, photographer, and pursuer of The Grape!
707.940.6052
mhromalik@winecountryparty.com
Mendocino Team
Sonya Houston, Event Consultant
Born and raised on the beautiful Mendocino Coast, Sonya is no stranger to this area. Her skills as a networker enable her to provide an abundance of resources for all her clients. Raised in an environment of hospitality, she has an attention to detail and a dedication to offering great customer service. As a very active member of the community, her firsthand knowledge of the area gives her the expertise to assist you in all your event needs.
In her free time, Sonya loves hiking, gardening, traveling with her family, and indulging in all the amazing food Mendocino has to offer.
707.940.6070
shouston@winecountryparty.com
Carol Sanders, Event Consultant
Carol has been working with Mendocino Weddings since the beginning of 2007. As a resident of Mendocino and Fort Bragg for nearly 30 years, her knowledge of the area in combination with her logistical skills have proven a perfect fit for the event industry. Carol enjoys staying fit, gardening, and, of course, taking care of her baby goats.
707.940.6070
csanders@winecountryparty.com
Alicia Matsumoto, Event Consultant
Armed with a major in Communication from the University of Southern California and a strong background in design, Alicia began her career in the event industry working for one of the top event planners in Southern California. Her passion and fresh eye for detail have aided her in producing weddings, social mixers, themed parties, and philanthropy events throughout Los Angeles. Alicia absolutely jumped at the opportunity to move back to the hometown where she was born and raised. She looks forward to providing her background and expertise to bring your event dreams to life.
When she isn’t dreaming up new events, Alicia loves painting, a good book, and cheering on her Trojan football team.
707.940.6070
amatsumoto@winecountryparty.com
