PHOTOS BY ANDRE NIESING PHOTOGRAPHY
Canopy Wine Lounge, an elegant oasis in the heart of Palm Springs, celebrates its official Grand Opening! Conceived by Owner Noah Mamet, former U.S. Ambassador to Argentina and Palm Springs resident, along with Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Estate Wines, this new venture managed by Director of Operations Ellis Delahousay, Winemaker Joshua Kelly, and Managers Phil Barrood and Liz Swartz, promises a unique and sophisticated experience for wine enthusiasts.
Nestled near the vibrant Palm Canyon strip, Canopy Wine Lounge showcases the meticulous design work of California Modern and Midcentury Modern maestro Christopher Kennedy. The venue offers a breathtaking view of the San Jacinto Mountains, providing an idyllic setting for a vinous journey around the globe.
Canopy Wine Lounge boasts an impressive selection of exceptional wines curated from some of the world’s most renowned winemakers, including Michel Rolland, Philippe Melka, Matt Sands, Alberto Antonini, and Juan Pablo Murgia. The lounge also features Ambassador Mamet’s personal wine portfolio from Mendoza, Argentina under the label, ‘Gran Diplomat,’ showcasing Malbec, Cabernet Franc Blend, and Red Blend and Rosé. Soon guests will be able to indulge in the exclusive experience of tasting the first and only wine made in Palm Springs, Desert Wren, which is finishing its ageing process on premise in their terracotta-hued wine amphora.
Complementing the diverse wine selection is a culinary symphony, featuring a delectable array of bites curated to perfection. Patrons can savor Mediterranean Olives, sustainably sourced California Caviar, Argentinean Empanadas, Charcuterie and Cheese, Artisanal Sandwiches, Epi-Baguette with Canopy Seasonal Butter, and more within the stylish confines of this indoor/outdoor upscale Palm Springs establishment.
Noah Mamet, the visionary behind Canopy Wine Lounge, served as U.S. Ambassador to Argentina from 2014-2017. His extensive efforts to strengthen bilateral relations were recognized with the Medal of San Martin at the rank of Great Cross by the government of Argentina. In addition to his diplomatic achievements, Mamet is the founder of NMA Partners, a business consulting firm, and produces wine from his vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina under the label ‘Gran Diplomat.’
Kimberling Photography
Christopher Kennedy, the accomplished Palm Springs-based interior designer, played a pivotal role in bringing Mamet’s vision to life as he masterfully curated a captivating indoor/outdoor design for Canopy Wine Lounge that seamlessly blends sophistication with the allure of the desert landscape. At the heart of this transformative space is a mesmerizing wall-sized mural, vividly portraying a desert garden, setting the tone for the entire atmosphere. Suspended over the bar are white plaster chandeliers shaped like cacti, providing an ethereal ambiance. The custom banquette seating, inspired by midcentury style icons, beckons guests to indulge in both comfort and aesthetic pleasure. A central seating area is crowned with a canvas palm tree, blossoming into existence, reinforcing the ‘oasis’ motif and creating a literal canopy. The terracotta-hued wine amphora commands attention as a striking focal point, infusing the space with warmth and a touch of rustic elegance.
The flooring, adorned with porcelain tiles featuring a terrazzo pattern, pays homage to the midcentury modernism synonymous with Palm Springs. Rich walnut paneling envelops two walls, adding a layer of opulence and warmth to the overall design. As guests venture outdoors to the lounge’s enchanting patio, they are greeted with banquette seating, contemporary wooden rocking chairs and three firepits, creating an inviting space to savor the outdoor experience. Vintage wine-themed artwork is thoughtfully scattered, evoking a sense of nostalgia and refinement. In a harmonious blend of personal and curated touches, Christopher Kennedy also integrates pieces from his own art collection for Wendover Art Group, contributing a unique and personal flair to Canopy Wine Lounge’s overall design. The space not only encapsulates the spirit of Palm Springs but elevates the experience to a level of unparalleled sophistication and style.
Canopy Wine Lounge is set to be the first high-end wine lounge in the Coachella Valley, catering to locals, domestic, and international tourists. With nearly 150 wines from around the world, amongst greats Lithology (St. Helena, CA), Waypoint (Napa, CA), Otronia (Patagonia, Argentina), and Alkina (Barossa Valley, South Australia), it promises an unforgettable experience where the world’s finest wines meet gourmet culinary delights!
Canopy Wine Lounge is open every Monday through Thursday from 3:00 pm to 10:00 pm, every Friday and Saturday from 3:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and every Sunday from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm. Guests can enjoy almost 150 wines at Canopy Wine Lounge as well as purchase any bottle for retail. For more information about Canopy Wine Lounge or to make reservations, please call 760.656.0054 or visit www.CanopyWineLounge.com or OpenTable.com.
ABOUT AMBASSADOR NOAH MAMET:
Noah B. Mamet served as U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Argentina from 2014-2017 during President Obama’s second term. Ambassador Mamet was awarded the Medal of San Martin at the rank of Great Cross by the government of Argentina, only the third American in over 200 years to receive such a distinction.
During Ambassador Mamet’s time in Argentina, bi-lateral relations between the U.S. and Argentina improved dramatically by initially focusing on science, technology, renewable energy, and educational exchanges and later adding security cooperation, counter-narcotics, and climate change programs. His efforts resulted in a special “Corporate Citizenship Award” from the American Chamber of Commerce and the “Bridges of the Americas” award.
In 2016, Ambassador Mamet hosted President Obama and the First Family’s historic trip to Buenos Aires, the first bi-lateral presidential visit to Argentina in nearly 20 years. Ambassador Mamet also led the first of its kind Argentine delegation of both public and private sector leaders to California to further build economic and cultural ties through technology, innovation, and clean energy.
Under his leadership, the U.S. Embassy was the first embassy in Argentina to install renewable energy through the use of solar panels and became the first embassy in the world to install a wind turbine.
Ambassador Mamet is the founder of a business consulting firm, NMA Partners. The firm has represented numerous business clients including Tesla, SpaceX, the Wasserman Media Group, the Clinton Foundation, and many others.
He is on the advisory boards DirecTV LatAm and is a board member of The Wilson Center’s Latin American Program (based in Washington DC), he continues to focus on public policy in the U.S. and Latin America.
Outside the world of business, politics and international affairs, Ambassador Mamet has worked on numerous philanthropic causes and produces wine from his vineyard in Mendoza, Argentina under the label ‘Gran Diplomat.’ The name honors the many inspiring diplomats he worked with at the State Department and the Argentine Foreign Ministry.
He recently partnered with the award-winning Alejandro Bulgheroni Family Estates to fulfill his vision to open a high-end wine lounge in downtown Palm Springs, CA where he’s had a house for nearly 20 years and visited regularly while growing up in Southern California.
Canopy Wine Lounge will be the first high-end wine lounge in Coachella Valley catering to locals as well as domestic and international tourists. The elegant indoor/outdoor lounge is located in the heart of Palm Springs with stunning mountain views and offers nearly 150 wines from around the world, including his flagship Malbec Reserve. Other Gran Diplomat varietals include the Rosé, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Red Blend Reserva.
ABOUT CHRISTOPHER KENNEDY – DESIGNER:
Christopher Kennedy is a Palm Springs-based interior designer, product developer, author,
and philanthropist. Combining jet set nostalgia with California modernism, Christopher’s widely published work has earned him the reputation as one of the most influential designers in the U.S., having become synonymous with the Palm Springs lifestyle. Born in San Francisco and raised on California’s Central Coast, Christopher brings a synthesis
of big-city style and relaxed resort living to his work. His philanthropic contributions to Palm Springs are best known for The Christopher Kennedy Compound, a designer showhouse that has cumulatively raised over $600,000 for local charities. For more information, please visit ChristopherKennedy.com.
ABOUT JOSHUA KELLY – WINEMAKER:
Meet Josh Kelly, a wine enthusiast and industry expert with a passion for all things vineyard related. With an impressive background in the wine industry, Josh has left his mark in both Canadian and California vineyards, bringing his expertise and love for the craft to every project he touches.
Hailing from the picturesque landscapes of Canada, Josh’s journey into the world of wine began in hospitality, completing his Sommelier Certification at the bright age of 21. This led to a need to understand how the wine made it from the vineyard into the bottle. In Niagara Josh was able to train at Niagara College to graduate as a Viticulture and Winemaking Technician in the sprawling vineyards of the Great White North. Immersed in the vibrant wine culture of Stratus Winery in the Niagara Peninsula, he developed a deep appreciation for the unique flavors and nuances that Canadian wines have to offer. Josh’s time spent in Canadian vineyards ignited his curiosity even further and set him on a path of exploration.
Eager to expand his knowledge and explore new terroirs, Josh couldn’t resist the allure of the sun-kissed vineyards of California. It was here, amidst the rolling hills and breathtaking landscapes, that he honed his skills and garnered invaluable experience. Immersed in the rich history and diverse winemaking techniques of world-renowned vineyards of Napa Valley, Josh embraced the opportunity to work alongside some of the industry’s brightest minds, earning the coveted Wine & Spirits Education Trust Diploma.
Considering his latest project, Josh was given the opportunity to work alongside Canopy Wine Lounge to fabricate their first ever in-house rosé made with Zinfandel. Josh was able to hand-harvest from the Bell Road Vineyard in the heart of Amador County. This wine can be found ageing in amphora within the Canopy Wine Lounge in Palm Springs.
Combining his vast knowledge, love for the vine, and his warm and approachable demeanor, Josh is not only a respected figure in the wine industry but also a trusted guide for both connoisseurs and newcomers alike. With his wealth of experience, he is dedicated to sharing his expertise, helping others discover the joy and beauty that lies within each bottle.
Josh’s journey through Canadian and California vineyards has shaped him into the passionate advocate he is today. Whether you are a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning to explore, Josh’s infectious enthusiasm and dedication to his craft will undoubtedly leave you thirsting for more.
