We sat down with Founder and Executive Director Colby Smith of CANVAS (Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma) at Fortunati Vineyards’ new tasting room in the Oak Knoll district of Napa Valley.

Having served the hospitality industry now for more than a decade, the Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma, CANVAS, is a dynamic organization comprised of outstanding leaders in the hospitality community. CANVAS Members continually provide guests to Napa and Sonoma with the best possible experiences. Colby is proud to have such dedicated and loyal individuals participating in the programs facilitated by CANVAS that benefit the local Community.

We learned of the natural tie in to the Napa/Sonoma wine community as these Professional Recommenders are also the voice of CANVAS – The Experience Magazine (Canvassing Wine Country). The magazine presents a fresh and unprecedented approach to discovering and telling stories about personalities, innovators, creators, wineries, destinations and businesses that woven together create the fabric of wine country. With this innovative and inquisitive editorial mission the voice, style and access of the magazine is unlike any prior wine country publication. (And conveniently and unsurprisingly, it is overseen by our very own Lisa Adams Walter, as editor of the magazine.)

Colby herself has been quite the fixture in Napa Valley for more than a decade. She moved to Napa Valley in 2005, where she immediately embraced the hospitality community by becoming a Concierge at Villagio Inn & Spa. (Now Hotel Villagio.) It was the perfect environment for her to share her enthusiasm for Wine Country with visitors. After almost four years at the desk, wanting to do more, she and Monica Stevens (who was with the organization for the first year) spawned the idea of creating a support organization for the hospitality community, and the Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley was formed.

After a year and a half, Colby reached out to incorporate Sonoma, promoting a broader region and pride in the uniqueness of each county. With that the name evolved to CANVAS, Concierge Alliance of Napa Valley and Sonoma. She has grown the organization to over 900 members and developed a great number of programs that align, connect and educate the important people who serve our visiting guests.

In the past year, Colby extended outward to consumers from the voice and expertise of the region’s hospitality insiders who influence Wine Country experiential decisions. Now reaching Wine Country enthusiasts, this original approach, as a magazine, provides visual messaging and content to consumers through the voice of a concierge. Learn more at: https://conciergealliance.com/magazine/

Tune in to hear more about Colby’s plans for the future of CANVAS and her appreciation for the efforts of so many to contribute to the CANVAS community.

Podcast (ww): Play in new window | Download (Duration: 52:20 — 48.6MB)

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