Roy Hersh

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 authorities and journalists in the United States, in June 2003, Roy was one of just two Americans selected by the Port and Douro Wine Institute (IVDP) to be knighted into their "Confraria" (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 65 countries.

Roy is a passionate student of wines from around the world. He has taught classes and written dozens of 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 island of Madeira and the Douro region.

Hersh also hosts renowned Port and Madeira “Road Show” tasting seminars around the USA and Canada and provides training seminars and tastings for hotels, restaurants, wine/culinary schools 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 email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Stewart Todd

Stewart Todd, who serves as Vice President of Technology, works for a Seattle learning consulting firm, but spends much of his free time consulting with small companies on using cost-effective technologies to build their businesses. He specializes on helping small businesses get on the web, and as a budding Port aficionado, is thrilled to have the opportunity to work with For The Love Of Port. You can contact Stewart at This email address is being protected from spam bots, 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

David Spriggs