Marvin Zeidler recently was recognized at the 78th Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) International Wine Competition for his many accomplishments and contributions to the Fair and the wine industry.
Marvin began judging at the LACF in 1967 and has sniffed and swirled fine vintages in competitions for over 50 years. We first met 20 something years ago when we served together on the Fair’s wine steering committee. Recently we crossed paths courtesy of local vintner and fellow wine judge Don Galleano.
Marvin is a partner and the CFO of FOODCO in Santa Monica, and the general partner of Cora’s, Brentwood Restaurant, Cafe Brentwood, and Capo Ristorante. He was founder and general partner of Citrus Restaurant and was President and CEO of Zeidler & Zeidler Ltd., a chain of men’s clothing stores.
He is an active member and past chairman of the Wine & Food Society of Hollywood and serves on the Executive Advisory Council of the School of Hotel and Restaurant Management at Cal Poly Pomona, among other organizations. He is also the sponsor and adviser to Zeidler Cafe at the Skirbal Cultural Center.
What about Marvin should be harnessed for the wine industry?
“Absolutely his passion,” Galleano said. “He is a patient, genuine, giving person who unselfishly shares his experience, influencing all of us positively.”
“I enjoy the opportunity to taste and evaluate the various wines that have been produced from the many wine regions, and treasure the lasting friendships and exchange of information with wine makers, and wine enthusiasts who have been judges at the fair,” said Marvin.
“Although changes in the wine styles often depends on taste trends, the advance of technology at both the winery and the vineyards has resulted in a much better quality of wine. Even the progress in the cork industry has shown a dramatic decrease in corked and oxidized wines.”
Those who know Marvin cherish him greatly and appreciate his vast knowledge. “He was one of my many mentors and has been a dear friend, not only to me but to the entire wine community,” said Galleano.
Gino L. Filippi is wine writer for Foothills Reader. He can be reached at ginoffvine@aol.com.
