Kerrin Laz
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Kerrin Laz grew up on the east end of Long Island, New York, where her parents instilled in her a love for cooking and baking with fresh, local ingredients. It was during her childhood that she first encountered the world of wine and viticulture, witnessing the transformation of nearby sod fields and potato farms into vineyards. Kerrin’s journey led her to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where she expanded her palate and industry knowledge while working at renowned establishments, Crook’s Corner and Anotherthyme. It was through her experiences in the restaurant industry that Kerrin discovered her true passion for the intersection of great wine and food.Â
During her 12 years tasting, sourcing, and bringing to market the best wines for DEAN & DELUCA, Kerrin has established personal relationships with nearly every California winemaker worth knowing, and has garnered a reputation as a leading authority on wines in the region. Kerrin has developed a loyal following of discerning wine connoisseurs and has built collections for some of the country’s top CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and other influencers.Â
After the sale of DEAN DELUCA in 2015, Kerrin built K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION, a beautifully appointed Tasting Room and Retail Shop located in Yountville, CA. As one of Napa Valley’s most beloved wine personalities and trusted consultants, Kerrin has made her collection of more than 500 wine labels – including some of the most coveted and hard-to-come-by bottles and her favorite undiscovered gems – available to the public for tastings and for purchase at her tasting room. Since opening, K. LAZ WINE COLLECTION is now one of Napa Valley’s top wine destinations.
In 2016, Kerrin Laz became a vintner in her own right, with the inaugural vintage of her highly acclaimed label LAZ Wine, made by Celia Welch. And in 2022, Ms. Laz partnered with Four Seasons 706 Mission Private Residences in San Francisco to launch an exclusive wine tasting and club program, solely for their residents. In 2024, she launched K. LAZ Wine Tasting Series for the NBA Miami Heat team in Miami, FL with the plan to broaden the tasting program with more NBA teams in 2025.
She is also the founder of the non-profit, Inspire Napa Valley, which raises funds and awareness of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the wine community and for guests throughout the country with a 3-day weekend in Spring and one-day event in December. In five years, Inspire Napa Valley has raised over $7 million to support the cause.