Executive Producer

As the Executive Producer of French Oak, Ray had no idea what he was getting into when he decided to start a little TV show on a small cable access channel. In fact, he has no idea what the show would even be about... A quick survey of his favorite pastimes - watching English soccer, listening to jazz, following the Red Sox, eating sushi - led to a few possible themes. None seemed to be right, but there did seem to be a common thread with each...the appreciation of a fine beverage, but little knowledge about exactly what he was drinking. So he began French Oak as a way to taste more, learn more, and love more (OK - so, that was a shameless plug for the tagline!) From the first show in February 2009, Ray has been at every shoot and gained a much greater level of understanding and education on everything from Zinfandel (his favorite red wine varietal) to Scotch whiskey to brewing beer. Sharing that knowledge in an interesting and entertaining way is the goal of the show, and Ray hopes to continue doing so for a long time.

Producer/Host

Summer is a host and producer of French Oak. Born and raised in Massachusetts, she attended Boston University and graduated with a degree in Communications. Despite being in the area for most of her life, Summer was still surprised at how rich a state Massachusetts was for wine, beer, and spirits. "During my time with French Oak, I've certainly learned a lot, but what has been most interesting most is finding out how many local high-quality wineries, breweries and distilleries can be found here." For Summer, just as exciting as finding a new drink to enjoy is figuring out what to serve it with. "For me, pairings are really interesting. There's nothing better than a really good bottle of wine or beer served with a meal that perfectly complements it. Of course, the most important thing is drinking what you like, but if you pair it with the right dish - everything just tastes better." Summer is a big fan of Albarino, Prosecco, and Pinot Noir and has been know to enjoy a dry martini from time to time. "Gin, stirred not shaken, please."

Host

Kelsey grew up in Bellingham, Washington. She became interested in cooking during high school and went on to attend culinary school at Johnson & Wales University in Providence. She participated in international programs in Paris as well as a wine school in Koblenz, Germany. Upon graduation, Kelsey received the most prestigious scholarship offered at Johnson & Wales through the Kobrand Wine Company's KOPF Foundation. This award allowed her to travel throughout California, Italy and France through the 2007 grape harvest, working in wineries and gaining hands-on understanding of the wine-making process. Kelsey has worked on Ming Tsai's PBS cooking show "Simply Ming" for six seasons. She has bartended in clubs and bars in Providence, Seattle, and Boston for over 6 years and is currently a producer for how2heroes. Outside of her love of food and wine, Kelsey enjoys running, traveling and spending time with her slightly overweight Bichon Frise, Gingersnap.

Editor/Producer

Anthony is one of the newest additions to the French Oak team, contributing his skills as an editor and drinker. In addition to his varied video and film work, he's also the drummer for local band The Callous Stars, an actor, and a painter, all hobbies which involve alcoholic beverages somewhere along the way, whether it's downing pints of Hefeweizen after a gig or sipping a glass of Pinot Noir as he mixes paints in preparation for his next masterpiece. Anthony can be spotted at some of Boston's dingier pubs shunning the spotlight, but can be very charming if you buy him a drink, so don't be shy. He may regale you with a bawdy story or two and is always a welcome addition to any social event. Find out more about his work at www.anthonymedel.com.

Editor

Originally hailing from the great state of Maine, Jen is a freelance documentary filmmaker and editor based in Brighton. She earned her undergraduate degree in film and television from Boston University and recently finished a Masters in nonfiction video production at Emerson College. Her work has taken her to such exotic places as Somerville's Union Square, the MSPCA in Jamaica Plain and Jenin, Palestine. In her spare time, Jen enjoys her wine (a prerequisite for French Oak!), traveling the world and working full-time in live theatre management. You can check out more of her work www.jenniferannkelley.com.

Web Designer

While a huge supporter of local craft beer and the local establishments that proudly pour them, Tim is never one to turn down a good whisky. A self-proclaimed technology geek, he has been designing websites for more than a decade. You can check out his portfolio site at WhoIsEgon.com

Contributor

Rachel first became fascinated with wine at early age learning from her father who was a wine list consultant at several restaurants in Fresno, California. Two years ago she moved to Boston to turn this passion into a livelihood by studying wine academically under Masters of Wine, Bill Nesto and Sandy Block in Master’s of Gastronomy program at Boston University. She is also currently studying for the second test in the Court of Master Sommelier Program. Rachel has also traveled throughout Europe, Australia and New Zealand tasting wine; she also makes frequent trips to the wine region in California. During her down time from food and wine, Rachel loves music, running, yoga, spending time with her friends, and constantly boosting the ego of her adorable Shih-Tzu, Shai-Shen.