Congratulations are in order for the newest addition to the Sequoia Grove Winery family, Executive Chef Spencer Conaty! With a passion for farm-to-table cuisine and an impressive culinary background, Chef Conaty brings a fresh perspective to the esteemed winery, enhancing the wine and food pairing experiences.
Chef Spencer Conaty is renowned for his innovative approach to cuisine, focusing on seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. A Graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary School in Sacramento, Chef Spencer’s love for cooking started at a young age. Growing up in Placerville, CA, Chef Spencer was raised by his father who shared with him a love for food. After completing culinary school, Spencer was offered the opportunity to work under the chef he always idolized as a kid watching Iron Chef on TV, Chef Morimoto. After 4 years at Morimoto, Chef Spencer continued to refine and enhance his skills at the Michelin-starred Atelier Crenn in San Francisco, where he honed his skills under the tutelage of Chef Dominique Crenn. His time at Atelier Crenn instilled in him a deep appreciation for the artistry of food and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of culinary expression. Continuing to refine his craft, Chef Spencer joined the team at the three Michelin-starred Saison, where he further solidified his reputation for culinary innovation. At Saison, he embraced a philosophy of using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients to create refined and soulful dishes.
After gaining invaluable experience in the Bay Area, Chef Spencer felt a strong pull back to the Napa Valley. He spent the last several years honing his wine and food expertise as Chef for Silver Oak and Brian Arden wineries. When Chef Spencer is not busy crafting enticing and artful dishes in the kitchen, Spencer enjoys tending his culinary garden and cherishing moments with his family, including his wife and young son, 3 dogs, and 6 goats.
Chef Spencer’s diverse experience with Michelin-starred cuisine, curated wine and food pairings, and event catering has shaped his unique approach to culinary innovation. His aim is to continue elevating the wine experiences at Sequoia Grove Winery, using his expertise to create pairings that are not only delicious but also enhance the unique terroir of the Napa Valley.
Source: https://sequoiagrove.com/welcome-chef-spencer-conaty/