By Michael McCarthy By Michael McCarthy | February 3, 2025 | People, Feature,
Master sommelier Desmond Echavarrie is one of the minds behind the relaunch of Band of Vintners.
Desmond Echavarrie in one of his favorite places to enjoy wine country.
Desmond “Des” Echavarrie has a big year ahead. He’s poised to reintroduce Band of Vintners (bandofvintners.com), a Napa Valley cabernet project initially created by seven acclaimed winemakers who eventually achieved significant success.
When the label seemed destined to fade as its founders pursued other ventures, Echavarrie stepped in, acquired the brand and reimagined it with a fresh perspective. Under his leadership, the label now mirrors the diversity of its customers. What began as the collaboration of seven men is now driven by Echavarrie alongside two rising female stars (Evyn Cameron and Britt Richards) in the winemaking world.
Echavarrie is also a master sommelier with a star-studded clientele and deep roots in the industry, including a tenure at the legendary French Laundry (thomaskeller.com). With a passion for classic sneakers—especially Air Jordans—and a discerning palate, Echavarrie shares his favorite items and experiences worth collecting in the Bay Area.
Regiis Ova Caviar
“This Napa-based caviar company was co-founded in 2017 by chef Thomas Keller. It’s a great Champagne pairing, and the brand supports sustainable farming from the finest sturgeon farms in the world. Date nights at Regiis Ova Caviar & Champagne Lounge in Yountville are the best.” regiisova.com
Gabriel-Glas
“This gorgeous wine glass, now distributed in North America by Napa Valley veteran and my longtime friend Jonah Beer, has become the standard bearer in top wine bars, restaurants and home cellars. Its hand-blown crystal, laser-cut rim and decanter-inspired bowl design make it the only glass you’ll need.” Gabriel-Glas Gold Edition stem wine glass, mygabrielglas.com
Paul Lanois Champagne
“This bottle is from the ultimate grower of Champagne, so I rarely leave home without one. You can find it on the list at some of Napa Valley’s best restaurants like Press (pressnapavalley.com) and La Toque (latoque.com).” Champagne Paul Launois Composition #3 Blanc de Blancs Grand Cru Extra Brut, champagne-paul-launois.fr
Code38
“The Code38’s aerospace-grade precision and hefty price tag might raise eyebrows, but this masterpiece has become elite sommeliers’ go-to tool for a reason. I never go anywhere without it.” Gabriel-Glas Code38 P-Type Pro Somm, mygabrielglas.com
Land Rover
“Finding a vintage Land Rover can sometimes take patience—there are local Rover communities that can assist—but these British classics are perfect for Napa Valley wine work. They’re great for visiting client wineries and navigating rugged vineyard paths.” landrover.com
Charlie’s Restaurant
“Though it only opened last year, Charlie’s in St. Helena is already my favorite Napa Valley restaurant—maybe even the Bay Area. Started by friends I made working at The French Laundry, the restaurant offers Michelin-level food, wines and service in a fun, energetic setting.” charliesnv.com
Nike Air Jordan
“Leave it to a wine lover like me to fall for this with its rich, burgundy-colored leather. In SF’s Outer Sunset neighborhood, Grails is great for sourcing hard-to-find Nikes and other collectibles for sneakerheads.” Nike Air Jordan 1 High A Ma Maniére, nike.com, grailssf.com
Band of Vintners
“Band of Vintners proves that Napa Valley can still make great, affordable, ethically made cabernet sauvignon, so I had to get involved in this project. We’re uniquely positioned to take these wines to the next level.” Band of Vintners cabernet sauvignon, bandofvintners.com
Vintage Omega watches
“A vintage Omega speaks to an era when watchmaking was about enduring craftsmanship. There’s an intriguing mystery to these timepieces, each having quietly marked decades of moments.” omegawatches.com
Photography by: JACK WONDERLY; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; COURTESY OF BRAND; ADAHLIA COLE; COREY SERRAVITE; EMMA K. MORRIS; COURTESY OF BRAND; SUZANNE BECKER BRONK; COURTESY OF BRAND