Vigne Restaurant & Wine Bar

bios

Steve Stranges, M.D. Restaurateur/CEO

The cliche would have you believe that it takes a rocket scientist to
comprehend the world of wine. The good folks at Vigne would
disagree- it just takes a neurosurgeon.

Dr. Steve Stranges, an Asheville area neurosurgeon of 20 years, is
widely respected for his professional contributions at Mountain
Neurosurgical & Spine Associates. Off the clock and for close to
two decades, Stranges has been cultivating an impressive
knowledge and appreciation of viniculture, wine and wine's
invaluable contribution to the dinner table- now celebrated at Vigne.

Among his current favorites are the diverse and varied bottles from
France's Burgundy region and Pinot Noir from Oregon and
California.

Stranges works in creative partnership with Guadalupe Chavarria II
and executive chef Erik Sanstedt to complete the Vigne vision of
offering visitors unrivaled and lasting enrichment through food, drink
and service.

To the Vigne table he brings an invitation to discover the world's
most notable vineyards, to enjoy wine entirely and in perfect
harmony with food, and expects to make wine enthusiasts of us all.

Guadalupe Chavarria ll, President

Guadalupe Chavarria II can be defined in a simple sentence-
passion for the arts and living life to the fullest. His work as the
region's most in-demand hairstylist is partnered with his
enthusiastic support and enrichment of the arts. In addition to the
special exhibits in his studio, featuring the work of important local
and national painters and sculptors, he has amassed one of the
most impressive art collections in the city.

As a fundraiser for the Asheville Area Arts Council, Terpsicorps
Theatre of Dance, and regional medical causes, Guadalupe has
conceived and hosted several of the city's most memorable parties.
Guadalupe has recently been appointed a member of the UNCA
Foundation Board of Directors and the Downtown Commission
Board Director.

Guadalupe's heritage, extensive travel experience and international
networking with top design professionals in all creative fields have
contributed to his visions for designing and dining in Asheville.

His aim toward great design is hardly limited to his full-time
schedule of work related to the studio. Guadalupe knows how to
pull together a great design team and create space that honors all
things artistic, hence, this new show space, Vigne Wine Bar, where
Guadalupe's passion for the arts extends into the pleasures of the
table, where wine and the culinary arts raise the standard in
Asheville's competitive restaurant and bar scene.

Erik Sandstedt, Executive Chef

Two decades of experience via international career have landed in
the kitchen at Vigne. Chef Erik Sandstedt brings not just
professional training and an impressive resume, his life's story is
one that foments a real passion for excellence in food, an acumen
in many continental and regional cuisines, and a gifted sense of
how an eclectic mix of ingredients can work together.

He is uniquely qualified to entertain your senses in endless new
ways. Good food and service have always been at the center of
Erik's world. The family business included restaurant and catering
in his native Sweden. Further, Erik is a champion athlete, taking
the gold medal in the 1994 Swedish national downhill competition.

Today, his love for the finest and freshest ingredients and instinct
for excellence raise the standards in this region's highly
competitive culinary arena.