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Nicolaus (“Nicky”) Hahn
Nicolaus Hahn's commitment to Monterey's wines and his vision of their potential began 30 years ago when his adventuresome spirit brought him to the area in search of world-class vineyard properties. His original investment and continued support was climaxed by a three-year revitalization program through 2004, which has brought the winery and its Hahn Estates and Smith & Hook brands to international acclaim. Nicky, a Swiss citizen, grew up in both the U.S. and in Europe. He studied economics, starting his professional career as a arbitrageur in Paris. He also worked as a credit analyst in New York, and for years was based in London as the chairman for a leading international computer software company. Nicky and his wife Gaby now divide their time between their homes in Monterey and Zurich and their 45,000 acre wildlife preserve in Africa where Nicky works on saving wildlife and strengthening the economy. They have two children, Caroline and Philip. |
William Leigon, President
As president of Hahn Estates, Bill Leigon brings a generation of wine industry experience to the revitalization of Hahn's growing wine programs. His experience in Monterey and strength in wine marketing has led Hahn Estates to increased recognition internationally. Leigon's most recent success is the introduction of Rex Goliath, an every-day wine sourced from California's Central Coast. Since graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas, Bill has been active in the wine industry. His experience includes co-founder of The Wine Trust, Co-Founder of Ariel vineyards, and Vice President of Sales & Marketing for Associated Vintage Group. In 2000 Bill founded the Wimbledon Wine Company – the national sales and marketing company that represents the Hahn Estates, Smith & Hook and HRM Rex Goliath wine brands. Bill divides his time between Monterey and his home in the Napa Valley where he and his wife Denae are raising three children. Bill is a community activist and artist and is a founding director of the Napa Valley Repertory Theatre. |
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Adam LaZarre, Winemaker
With the Hahn Estates' revitalization program in high gear, winemaker Adam LaZarre was perfectly positioned to take advantage of the best of Monterey when he joined the winery in 2001. Adam was introduced to California wines while in the U.S. Navy, stationed at the Naval base in Alameda, California. Repeated trips to Napa reinforced his passion for wine and launched a dream that would shape his future. After completion of six years of service in the Navy, he decided to pursue his dream of becoming a winemaker and enrolled and graduated from California State University, Fresno. During his studies, Adam discovered and fell in love with the wines of the Central Coast. Since graduating from Fresno, Adam has mostly concentrated his efforts on winemaking in this bountiful region, working at Elliston Vineyards, Jekel and Riverland vineyards before joining the team at Hahn Estates / Smith & Hook. |
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