ShuttleCork hospitality at its finest!

CHEF: Jos van Hengel, The River Club
Chef Jos van Hengel, originally from the Netherlands, refined his culinary prowess in some of the world’s top kitchens, including Michelin-starred Parkheuvel in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and Alinea in Chicago. Since taking the helm at The River Club, Chef van Hengel has introduced his distinctive and modern approach to fine dining inspired by his world travels. 

WINERY 1: KNIGHTS BRIDGE WINERY

Located just north of Calistoga lies one of California winemaking’s best kept secrets. In 2006, several close-knit family members discovered 50 acres of hillside vineyards in Knights Valley, the perfect spot to produce exceptional Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon. It was here that they decided to create Knights Bridge Winery with the singular goal of producing world-class wines.

WINERY 2: SALVESTRIN WINERY 

Planted in 1850 by Dr. George Belden Crane, the namesake “Dr. Crane Vineyard” is one of Napa Valley’s most famous plots. Since migrating to Northern California in the 1930s, the Salvestrin family, now Rich, Shannon and their three daughters, have maintained stewardship over this fine property. 

CHEF: Linda Duerr, The Restaurant at 1900
Linda’s experience throughout the years at Lidia’s, Frondizi’s, J.J.’s and most recently, the River Club, has culminated in widespread acclaim. In the Restaurant at 1900, she serves modern, American cuisine in a beautiful and contemporary setting. 

WINERY 1: IMPENSATA 

Impensata is a family-inspired project with two estate vineyards: the historic Engelhard Vineyard in the western hills of Calistoga and the Ciminelli Vineyard maturing at the summit of Howell Mountain. Winemaker Nigel Kinsman, Consulting Winemaker Michel Rolland and vineyard manager David Abreu make a formidable team, and have quickly put this relatively new winery on the map.

WINERY 2: PURLIEU WINES 

While it takes a rockstar team to make a rockstar wine, very few wineries in the valley have the credentials of Purlieu Wines. Headed by famed winemaker Julien Fayard (formerly of Chateau Lafite Rothschild) and vineyard manager Steve Matthiasson (Spottswoode, Dalla Valle and many more), Purlieu is crafting wines from many of Napa Valley’s most premier vineyards, including George lll, To Kalon, and Missouri Hopper. 

CHEF: Andrew Longres, Acre
Born and raised in Liberty, Missouri, Andrew has worldly experience in fine dining from working in Europe, West Palm Beach, Chicago, and New York City. Andrew returned home as Executive Chef at bluestem before becoming Executive Chef at the iconic American Restaurant. He recently opened his own restaurant in Parkville, not far from his hometown, serving seasonally focused cuisine. 

WINERY 1: MELKA ESTATES 

Located in St. Helena, CA, and led by Philippe and Cherie Melka since 1996, the vineyard seeks to create wines that express the voice of the soil. Four distinctly different labels have developed from this passion over the past 28 years. 

WINERY 2: CORNELL VINEYARDS 

More than two decades ago, Henry and Vanessa Cornell purchased an untamed property just west of Spring Mountain, along the Mayacamas range. Today the couple, alongside winemakers Francoise Peschon and Elizabeth Tangney, farm 20 acres of vines, producing some of the most exciting Cabernet Sauvignon found in the valley today.  

CHEF: Michael Corvino, Corvino Supper Club and Tasting Room
Raised in Walla Walla, Washington, Chef Michael Corvino was immersed in the seasonal living of the beautiful Northwest. His first delve into the culinary world was when he was a teenager; first at a pizza place, then onto the Marcus Whitman Hotel. In Chicago, he was the chef de cuisine of The Peninsula Hotel and also served as the executive chef and general manager of The American Restaurant in Kansas City.

WINERY 1: LANDO WINES

Located in Sebastopol, CA, oenophiles may know Sam Lando from his time at Kosta Browne, and are delighted that he opened his own Pinot-focused winery, crafting elegantly balanced wines. 

WINERY 2: FUTO ESTATE

The Futo Estate was founded in 2002 by Wichita native and Kansas University grad Tom Futo and his wife Kyle. Under the direction of two of Napa’s brightest stars, vineyard manager David Abreu and winemaker Marc Aubert, the Futos would expand their property across Oakville and Stags’ Leap, producing some of the most sought-after Cabernets anywhere in the valley.

CHEF: Kelly Conwell, 715 Restaurant
Since graduating from Johnson County Community College, Kelly Conwell has put together a resumé with stints at such top-tier Kansas City restaurants as The Raphael Hotel, bluestem, Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar, Stock Hill, and YaYa Euro Bistro. Kelly joined the 715 team in 2021 and, though she oversees everything savory and sweet at the restaurant, her desserts have garnered national acclaim.

WINERY 1: MTGA WINES 

MTGA Wines was created in 2010 buy winemaker Michael Anderson, but his story doesn’t start there. Mike is a third generation of the Anderson family who previously founded the likes of Anderson’s Conn Valley, Trespass Vineyards, Ghost Horse Vineyards, and Eagles Trace. 

WINERY 2: PEAY VINEYARDS 

Peay Vineyards is a first-generation Sonoma estate started in 1996 by Nick Peay, his wife Vanessa Wong (formerly of Peter Michael), and brother Andy Peay. Located along the “true” Sonoma Coast overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the 54 acres of estate vines create the ultimate expression of cool climate Rhone and Burgundian varietals.

CHEFS: Johnny & Helen Jo Leach, The Town Company
Johnny and Helen Jo worked at some of New York City and Portland, Oregon’s finest restaurants before finding their way to Kansas City, where the two have created an experience that celebrates local culinary traditions while utilizing elevated modern technique.

WINERY 1: DAKOTA SHY WINERY

Tom Garrett and Todd Newman’s friendship led them to craft wines that would rival the best of what Napa Valley had to offer – and to build their own world-class estate. The Cabernet Sauvignon-based wines are produced in very small quantitative and artfully crafted to reflect a sense of place, making them highly sought after as a result.

WINERY 2: GAMBLE FAMILY VINEYARDS 

Founded by third-generation farmer Tom Gamble in 2005, Gamble Family Vineyards farms approximately 175 acres of prime estate vineyards from several of Napa Valley’s most respected AVAs – Oakville, Yountville, Mt. Veeder, and Rutherford. Set in an isolated nook off Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley’s Oakville District, their winery has a quiet presence. Tom Gamble’s mission is to carry on the heritage of quality farming that his ancestors sowed when they came to Napa as farmers and ranchers in 1916. 

Winemaker Dinners will take place on Thursday, May 2 at 6:30 p.m. and the Grand Tasting & Live Auction will take place on Friday, May 3 at 5:30 p.m. After Dark will begin at 9:30 p.m. on Friday, May 3 following the Live Auction.

Your Winemaker Dinner with other guests, a celebrated local chef, and two West Coast winemakers will be determined based on how you rank your preferences. The ShuttleCork committee will reach out one week in advance to confirm your dinner location.

The last day to purchase tickets is April 29.

If you would like to send a check instead of purchasing tickets online, please include guest information and make contributions payable to The Nelson Gallery Foundation, and mail to:

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ShuttleCork 2024
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

If you are unable to attend but want to support the museum, please make contributions payable to The Nelson Gallery Foundation, and mail to:

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
ShuttleCork 2024
4525 Oak Street
Kansas City, MO 64111

Further questions can be directed to 816.751.1278, (option 8) or 1ART@nelson-atkins.org.