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| Gaby Hahn After earning law degrees in both Germany and France, Gaby followed her passion for the arts to the Tate Gallery in London. There she started as a docent, then became a lecturer on both British and International contemporary art. After coming to California with her husband, Nicolas. L. A. Hahn, she continued her commitment to the arts, lecturing on topics such as British art, Californian art, modern art and Impressionism, as well as sculpture. She served as a trustee of the Monterey Museum of Art, the Monterey Symphony, and the Monterey Institute of International Studies. She also founded an art appreciation unit at the Washington Union School District to introduce art to the youth of Salinas. Soon she began taking art classes at the Monterey Peninsula College. And attended four semesters of life drawing with Tobin Keller. She also took workshops at the Pacific Grove Art Center with Betty Rees Heredia, at the Carmel Adult School with Susan Long and plein air painting with Gerard Martin. This intensive course of instruction shaped her artistic style, which includes drawing in charcoal as well as painting in pastel, oil, and acrylic. In 1997 the Hahn family acquired a 50,000 acre farm in Laikipia, Kenya where they created a wild animal conservancy, focusing on protected black rhinos. Inspired by the profound beauty of the people, animals and landscape, Gaby’s time on the farm became the primary topic for her art. Working with a companion artist, Susannah Mortensen, she travels around the ranch painting the native population as they go about their daily tasks, capturing landscapes or rendering tribal people in their festive outfits. |
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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 adventurous 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 an 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 50,000 acre wildlife preserve in Africa where Nicky works on saving wildlife and strengthening the economy. |
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| William Leigon, President As a partner and President of Huntington, William Leigon brings with him over two decades of far-ranging wine industry experience. Bill has successfully worked in all facets of the industry, from warehousing to sales—from startup to multi-company management. Since graduating Magna Cum Laude from the University of Texas, Bill has been a leader 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—a national sales and marketing company representing several wine brands. In 2008 Wimbledon Wine Company became Hahn Family Wines, focusing on Cycles Gladiator, Hahn Estates, Smith & Hook, Lucienne, and Huntington. |
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| Kerry Damskey, Winemaker Kerry Damskey is an internationally known and highly acclaimed winemaker and wine business executive with over 25 years of industry expertise. Kerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Fermentation Sciences from the University of California, Davis; is a graduate of the Intensive Program for Small Business at the Stanford University School of Business; and is a candidate of the Institute of the Masters of Wine. Kerry is the founding winemaker of Huntington, having been personally involved with the brand since its launch in 1989. A close relationship between Kerry and President Bill Leigon has been fostered by their common values about wine. In addition to his duties with Huntington, Kerry is also the proprietor of ‘Terroirs’ an international wine consulting firm whose current clients include Flora Springs Winery, Maple Creek from Mendocino County, and Stuhlmuller Vineyards. Kerry’s deep passion and interest in wine has made him one of California’s top winemakers. Sales of Huntington wines benefit the Mugie Ranch Scholarship Fund. |
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| Barry Gnekow, Winemaker Barry Gnekow, another UC Davis graduate, has over 30 years experience in the wine industry, most notably with J. Lohr where he created the J. Lohr Estate wines and co-founded Ariel brand non-alcoholic wines. It was with J. Lohr and then Ariel where Barry first collaborated with Huntington President Bill Leigon. In addition to Huntington, Bill and Barry have been working successfully together on several wine brands including those of Hahn Estates, Smith & Hook, Cycles Gladiator and Red Flyer. With the numerous accolades and medals garnered by his wines through the years, Barry is considered to be one of California’s most decorated winemakers. |
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