PROFILE: KATIE HAMILTON SHAFFER Like me, you probably assumed that we’d come to the part where she says that she’s happy with her brand and all she’s done and is taking a break to enjoy the success... Guess again. Last year she partnered with Veia Productions to pursue her TV show concept, “Feast it Forward,” (www.feastitforward.com) simply because she “felt people needed to see a different side of the wine busi- Shaffer is a modern day nomad. Although her home is in ness.” Now, in its pilot phase, it’s best Napa Valley, her career and past times range from Nashville described as “philanthropic living for foodies and winos.” Wine & recording artist to professional soccer player, chef, wine food enthusiast viewers will learn about causes around the country, maker, philanthropist, soon-to-be TV Host, and occasional golf and the chefs and winemakers who are inspired by them. This course hustler. With a sweet but mischievous smile, she swirled behind-the-scenes show gives viewers the opportunity to go on a her wine and commented, “I wanted to go to culinary school, but journey “beyond the bottle,” and also provides the opportunity for they didn’t have a soccer team. So I accepted a soccer scholarship. them to give to the causes through online sales of products. I still think that a culinary squad would be a hilarious SNL skit.” This show brings you into real places with real people, and allows To get y’all up to speed: Katie accepted a D-1 soccer scholarship you to make a real difference as a viewer; but Katie clearly doesn’t and in her senior year, while home for the holidays, she entered a consider it reality TV. “We’re currently in discussions with a few National singing competition – just for fun. To her surprise (and networks. I want people to really see what a community this is, her soccer coach’s shock) she was approached by a few record and how much wineries and restaurants in the valley give back. labels, and hung up her cleats to record a demo in Nashville. And honestly, I think the networks should see it too. Enough with Columbia Records was interested in signing, but Katie chose to this reality crap.” follow her lifelong dream of playing pro soccer, which she did. Last year Katie started planning a national program she calls “Case Fast forward: Singing, done. Soccer, done. Culinary dreams? Time for a Cause,” presented by Feast it Forward, that bears the bold tag to make those come true. line “12 VINTNERS. 12 BOTTLES. 12 MONTHS. 24 CHARI- Katie headed to Napa to become a chef. While managing events TIES. ONE CASE, ONE MISSION: raise a glass and raise funds.” at a local winery, her mentor’s daughter was diagnosed with a rare Katie partnered with some of her closest vintner friends to “show” disorder called Rett Syndrome. “Although I’d just moved to Napa, the networks what she’s all about and is hosting a “FEASTival” I saw this as my opportunity to give back while bringing together event August 18th at Sullivan Vineyards. “Our 12 month program everything I was inspired by.” In 2004, Katie co-founded the is kicking off July 1st in association with INVINO, MBN and Mo- Erika Van Giesen Foundation, alongside an annual food & wine bicodo (www.invino.com , www.mbn.tv and www.mobicodo.com) gala, “Erika’s Dream,” to support it. In 2006, she helped establish but in order for consumers to learn about our program, it seemed “Katie’s Clinic” at Children’s Hospital Oakland, which serves fitting to host a big event…and frankly, raise more money.” At the girls and their families afflicted with Rett in the western United event you’ll get to meet the “12 Vintners,” sip the “12 Bottles” States. In 2009 Elaine Honig, Founder of Wine, Women & Shoes, featured in “Case for a Cause,” learn about the “24 Charities,” and approached Katie to partner and launch the national program, a purchase their case with a special on-site offer. And ticket pro- food- and wine-based event that they took on full steam and that ceeds are donated to the charities. continues to be a successful fund-raising platform. Later that year, “I can honestly say I’ve pursued everything I’ve ever wanted to, Katie launched her first wine label, Toolbox Wine Co. (www.tool- or had an idea for. The only thing that’s missing is being a mother, boxwineco.com), with friend Nancy Otton. “Our mission was, and and I can’t wait to take that on. I just fear that I’ll take over my still is, to craft affordable, yet quality-driven wines that give back kids’ craft projects!” I asked to charitable organizations.” Toolbox Wine Co.’s motto is “Serious Katie if she wanted to add Wines. Playful Marketing,” and if you don’t know Katie (which is any last comments and she rare in this community) you can tell that nonchalant brand is a di- said, “ Do what you love rect extension of her personality. “I don’t sugar coat things, which and what you’re passionate gets me in trouble sometimes. But, I guess, at least you know I’m about.” Help Katie “Feast it being me. I think that’s why I wanted to run my own business. It Forward” by raising a glass allows me to be creative, and do what I’m passionate about and and funds for the causes. what I believe in.” Don’t be fooled by Katie’s lighthearted attitude Learn more at or playful branding; she’s focused and all about quality – just like www.feastitforward.com. her wines. 6 w w w . n A P A V A L L E Y L I F E m A G A z I n E . c o m By Ian White30
NVLife_JulyAug_2012
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