Executive Chef, Joseph Phelps Vineyards; Napa, CA

Tod Kawachi is executive chef of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. He joined the organization in 2022 infusing the winery's culinary program with his extensive expertise in wine and food pairing. Originally from Seattle, WA, Tod's career began after culinary school when he ventured to California to work at Domaine Chandon in Napa Valley, and the Hotel Bel-Air and Peninsula Beverly Hills hotel in Los Angeles. Tod's love of the Japanese and Chinese flavors he grew up on led him to the role of executive chef at Maui's Roy’s Kahana Bar & Grill, where he was featured in appearances on the PBS program, Great Chefs of Hawaii, and food festivals across Hawaii and Japan. Upon returning to Napa Valley as the original executive chef at BRIX Restaurant, he skillfully fused flavors from Hawaii, Asia, and Europe, garnering acclaim and an appearance at the James Beard House. He then evolved into an educator becoming an associate professor at The Culinary Institute of America at Greystone for eight years, presenting at both Healthy Kitchens Healthy Lives in Napa, and Worlds of Healthy Flavors in Singapore, before returning to his true love of creating perfect pairings of wine and food at Joseph Phelps Vineyards. @todkawachi