Author Archives: Stuart Ake

About Stuart Ake

Prior to joining Crushpad, Stu spent 15 years dedicating himself to educational reform and enjoyed being a leader in the field. However, there was always a put-it-off-til-next-year plan to trade in textbooks for fermentation tanks. Crushpad became the catalyst for a career change.
Stu received degrees in Philosophy and Education from the New School for Social Research. He completed graduate studies in Educational Psychology from the University of California at Berkeley. He likes mustard and the Chicago Cubs.

150 Winemakers Descend on Sonoma for Mashup 2012

Posted on March 15, 2012 by Stuart Ake

More than 150 guests from 31 states and 16 countries got to taste their wines from the 2012 vintage in a weekend full of excitement, elegance, and education. Continue reading →

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Crushpad at San Francisco Vintners Market

Posted on April 24, 2011 by Stuart Ake

The San Francisco Vintners Market returned to the Fort Mason Center April 9-10 for its second year. This unique event allows the visitors to taste and buy wines on the spot from the 80+ boutique wineries. There were over 7000 … Continue reading →

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Crushpad attends New Zealand Winegrowers tasting

Posted on April 15, 2011 by Stuart Ake

Tuesday March 22, new members of the Crushpad team, Steve Ryan and Daphne Feng, were at Fort Mason in San Francisco to taste the new releases from over 27 different producers showcasing about 90 wines. The New Zealand Winegrowers Association … Continue reading →

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Crushpad Pours with Photos

Posted on April 4, 2011 by Stuart Ake

Photographer Hal Brandes currently has an incredible series of photographs of San Francisco and New York on display at 505 Sansome in San Francisco. Crushpad was asked to pour at the opening and pour we did! Steve Ryan brought a … Continue reading →

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Mashup- Napa Style

Posted on March 31, 2011 by Stuart Ake

Crushpad’s annual Mashup was Saturday, March 12th at the Silverado Resort in Napa. Despite gloomy forecasts, we woke to beautiful sunshine as clients descended upon the Napa Valley from locales near and far; including the Bay Area, New Jersey & … Continue reading →

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Stinky Washed Rinds and Burrata

Posted on April 9, 2009 by Stuart Ake

On the eve of the California Artisan Cheese Festival, we gathered for a night of wine and unique domestic cheeses. Adam Sanchez, Executive Chef with Ladies Who Lunch, teamed with Stuart Ake to pair the cheeses with barrel samples and … Continue reading →

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Bud Break and BBQ in Dry Creek

Posted on April 6, 2009 by Stuart Ake

Spring is both an exciting and nerve wracking time for growers. As buds burst from the winter slumber, sleepless nights ensue as vineyard managers fret over rainfall totals, pests, bouts of frost, a catalog of molds & mildews and a … Continue reading →

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Hi-Ho Silver Chateau Grillet!

Posted on February 27, 2009 by Stuart Ake

What does the future hold for Rhone varietals in California? Despite a cooling period after a decade + of stratospheric growth, it’s clear the Rhone Rangers are still riding high. On Wednesday, we examined Marsanne, Roussanne and Viognier, the primary … Continue reading →

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Viva La Rosé-lución!

Posted on January 30, 2009 by Stuart Ake

Dreary wintry months may not immediately conjure the simple delights of a backyard toast with rosé. But, January in the Bay Area has been lamb-like with temps hovering in the 60s for most of the month. This Spring-like weather pattern … Continue reading →

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Pinot on the River Festival

Posted on October 29, 2008 by Stuart Ake

The 4th annual Pinot on the River Festival was held along the western edge of the Russian River AVA in Forestville last weekend. Autumn is in the vineyard, evidenced by senescence; the aging of vine canopies where leaves change from … Continue reading →

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