Christopher Bates
Executive Chef/General Manager - Hotel Fauchere
Top Chefs & Top Wines Dinner, Friday March 15, 2013
VIP Grand Tasting, Saturday March 16, 2013

As Executive Chef & General manager of the Hotel Fauchere, Relais & Chateaux, Christopher is familiar with all aspects of the hospitality industry. Prior to joining the Hotel Fauchere in 2009 he was the General Manager and Sommelier of The Inn at Dos Brisas, Relais & Chateaux, owned and operated a small restaurant in Italy, and cooked and worked his way coast to coast as a Sommelier. He has also worked in wineries from Italy and Germany to Oregon and Washington. In addition to his work at the Hotel Fauchere, Christopher is working to pass his Master Sommelier exam and competes heavily in Sommelier competitions as well as writing about wine for publications such as Sommelier Journal, Appellation America and Winophilia (Steven Tanzer). In 2012 Christopher won the title of Best Young Sommelier in the World, and in 2011 and 2012 placed 3rd place in the Best Sommelier in America and TopSomm respectively. Christopher also owns and operates Element Winery in the Finger Lakes, NY. In his spare time he enjoys brewing beer, making cheese and charcuterie and studying about food and beverage.