Roy Hersh has worked in the food and wine industry for over 25 years. In his free time, he travels extensively throughout the wine-growing regions of North America, Europe and Africa. Roy has been involved in consulting projects for restaurants, country clubs, casinos and various wine-related ventures. Since 1999, he has worked as a professional wine judge at prestigious competitions in CA, OR and WA.

Considered one of the leading Port wine and Madeira authorities and journalists in the United States, in June 2003, Roy was one of just two Americans selected by the Confraria do Vinho do Porto (Port Wine Brotherhood), which was attended by Portuguese President Sampaio. To honor his oath to the Confraria, Roy began writing a monthly newsletter, For The Love Of Port, in February 2004 and launched www.ftlop.com in mid-2005. His Port loving newsletter recipients hail from 70 countries.

Roy is a passionate student of wines from around the world. He has taught classes and written over one hundred articles on wine, most of which are specifically related to Port and Madeira. He maintains an unassuming collection of Port & Madeira and an extensive library which is dedicated exclusively to tomes on both areas. Each year, Roy (and Mario Ferreira) guide several small groups on exclusive once-in-a-lifetime “insider’s tours” to discover the food and wine from the Douro region and island of Madeira.

Hersh also hosts renowned Port and Madeira “Road Show” tasting seminars around the USA and Canada and provides training seminars and tastings for hotels, Sommelier groups, restaurants, wine/culinary schools, distributors and retail shops.

When not involved in vinous escapades, Roy relaxes at home with his wife Dorene and young daughter, Taylor. Port-related e-mails can be directed to: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Stewart Todd

Stewart Todd, who serves as Vice President of Technology, works for a Seattle telecommunications company, but enjoys his passion of managing the technology behind For The Love of Port and bringing new an innovative functionality to the site. He travels regularly to Portugal to taste wine, and enjoys sharing his passion for Port with others. You can contact Stewart at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mario Ferreira

Mario Ferreira will serve as Travel Partner and Advisor at FTLOP. Mario worked for Sandeman while in Portugal, and then moved to the United States to work for Seagram's™ Chateau & Estate Wines Company. Mario then had a brief stint with a California based wine importer and distributor, before returning to Portugal to embrace an outstanding opportunity to work for the Port Wine Institute (IVP). He spent the past five years as the Port and Douro Wine Institute's (IVDP) Port "Ambassador" to North America. Mario will join forces with Roy Hersh and together they will run a progressive wine and dine travel company, that will lead explorations of the Port and Madeira wine regions.

Andy Velebil

Andy Velebil has worked in Law Enforcement for over 15 years in the Southern California area. In his spare time, Andy is an avid cyclist, racing frequently in season and is a very serious Douro-phile. Andy was introduced to Port over 10 years ago and has visited Gaia/Oporto & the Douro numerous times. He is equally fond of the white and red wines of the Douro and his passion for the wines and culture of the region are boundless. Andy has also authored several Guest Articles for the FTLOP Newsletter. Andy is very excited about being involved with FTLOP and taking his love of Port to the next level. Andy can be contacted by email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

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David Spriggs

David Spriggs is our Director of Technology. David will assist Stewart on programming projects so we can vastly improve the functionality of our user’s experience. David’s qualifications are impressive, and he currently works for Yahoo! as the front-end architect for Yahoo! Mail. He has been a long time lover and collector of Port who cut his teeth on the 1955-1977 vintages. Half of David’s entire wine collection is Port and his all time favorite Port bottling is 1970 Taylor, which he says: “is a sentimental favorite.” A little known fact is David was the first person to ever sign up for and attend the Port Harvest Tour, back in 2005 and he joined us again in 2006. David lives in the redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains along with his wife and two teen age boys. When he is not drinking Port or involved with his computer, David likes to hike, backpack, and ski with his family. This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .