BAZÁN CELLARS - Key Persons

Job Titles:

• BUSINESS & CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Gloria Bazán is the pillar of Mario Bazán Cellars' business activities and consumer relations. Gloria was born in Michoacán, Mexico and is a graduate of Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolás de Hidalgo. In 1992 she obtained a specialty degree in Pediatric Dentistry from the Mexican Army University and practiced at her private clinic in Morelia, Michoacán until April 2005. Gloria values aesthetics in all she does and excels in the creation of beautiful works of glass art through the unique technique of lampworking where each piece is carefully melted and fused together. Embracing her artistic and aesthetic passion, Gloria worked closely with noted wine label designer Chanda Williams in the creation of the Mario Bazán Cellars logo and label. Building on her own inspirations, Gloria and Mario have fused together a firmly rooted legacy for their children. Looking back 2005 was a defining year for Gloria, marrying Mario in February, moving to Napa in May and beginning her new career in the wine business in October just as harvest began for the inaugural 2005 vintage of Mario Bazán Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon. All these years later, she loves to share the generous beauty of the family estate where a traditional meal from her and Mario's native Mexico can be enjoyed overlooking the vineyard. In addition to taking care of all business matters for Mario Bazán Cellars, Gloria is also pursuing a degree in Viticulture at Napa Valley College and is intimately involved in all facets of the winemaking.-house lab, working closely with their production manager and cellar master to produce a Bordeaux-style red wine.

Kian got his start in winemaking, following his graduation from UC Davis in 1992 with a degree in genetics and a minor in viticulture. His first job landed him at Opus One Winery where he was the enologist responsible for managing their in-house lab, working closely with their production manager and cellar master to produce a Bordeaux-style red wine. In 1996, he joined Clos Du Val, a winery with old world roots, to assist with the winemaking duties, eventually taking the helm as their Cabernet Winemaker in 2001. During his tenure at Clos Du Val, Kian honed his craft in the art of blending, working closely with founding winemaker Bernard Portet. In 2004 he moved towards his current career path, working as consulting winemaker for a number of small, boutique wine brands. With Kian's experience in producing many different varieties and styles of wines, his new collaboration with Mario Bazán Cellars is a natural fit. "I am extremely excited, and humbled to be working closely with Gloria and Mario Bazán to help them guide the wonderful fruit that Mario grows towards focused, structured, and just plain delicious wines."