J.R. our Spirit Director, has been our longstanding anchor behind the Meritage bar, joining the team in 2012. The man is a deep well of knowledge and we’ve been lucky to have him invest his career with us.

He has shaped the bar in his very understated way, just ask him for a Whiskey Drink and you’ll understand what we mean.
A staple now at the Meritage bar, we’re bringing it with us to France to offer a little American perspective.

We’ll be putting all of that skill to use while on this upcoming tour, as we host Pas Perdu. Our American Bar in France program, our version of cultural outreach, featuring the Whiskey Drink.

French & fabulous, Nadia worked at a little gem called Au Bon Jaja, preparing - autonomously - a 3-course prix fixe daily, as well as advisement and service to a dedicated clientele of regulars and travelers alike. When Desta lived in Bordeaux, the place became her canteen, and Nadia her close friend.

For the years following, she has proven to be an excellent advisor, who has a professional history in hospitality & travel. Nadia is a true resource with encyclopedic knowledge, discerning taste, an excellent palate, and perfect English - which makes everyone’s life easier and her company and conversation an absolute pleasure.

Wine Director & Proprietor of Meritage the national award winning restaurant in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Desta has spent the last decade developing relationships in France and learning about the culture and the French lifestyle.

She has attended numerous wine conferences throughout France, making a personal investment in her own professional development a decade after founding Meritage. Elle apprend le française avec Alliance Française Twin Cities, et ses amis en France et ici, aussi !

A civic-minded entrepreneur, she has also developed opportunities making use of resources otherwise discarded.
Be-A-Pearl.com is one of her projects close-to-the heart.

Lee has traveled with the tours since they began. He knows the route, handles the details, and supports the team in the US and on the ground in France too.

Lee has a background in auditing as a CPA, and acts as Controller for Meritage. A true renaissance-man, he has been supporting the Be-A-Pearl program, as well as service in the restaurant from time to time.

A gourmand himself, and talented in the kitchen, he also assists in the all things food.

Our Pastry Chef has been around the world, but it is time for her to return to France. Nina has been on team with us since 2013.

Justin has been one of our charismatic bartenders for nearly 5 years now.

Jason has been Chef Klein’s right hand for more than a decade now. He has already been to France with us once, but this time he returns to stage and learn directly in the kitchens of France.

Alex has been a Manager, a Bartender, an Oyster Shucker, and more; with us since 2015.