Marian Jansen op de Haar, Principal

Marian offers extensive experience in the wine and restaurant industry, both retail and wholesale, and as a sommelier and restaurant manager.  Most recently she served as the national Wine Director for Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, a position that she held for over 10 years.  In her role she developed a nationally-acclaimed wine program that included the creation of educational materials for all levels of management and wait staff.  Renowned for its 100 wines by-the-glass list known as the Fleming’s 100 (after 12 years, it has as yet to be duplicated by any high-end chain restaurant), the company has a boutique bottle list as well. In addition to developing curriculum, Marian conducted wine training for wait staff at each restaurant’s opening (the chain grew from one to 64 in 12 years) and organized annual wine country educational trips for customers, management, and Fleming’s partners.

Under Marian’s direction, the Fleming’s wine lists have been recognized annually with Wine Spectator magazine’s Awards of Excellence and Wine Enthusiast’s Awards of Distinction. The wine program was awarded “Best 2011 Wine List for Chain Restaurants” by VIBE.

Most recently in her role as director, Marian was responsible for managing the spirits and cocktail program.  She developed contemporary, creative cocktail lists and specialty cocktails including a series of popular skinny-tinis (less than 100 calories).  Both wine and spirit programs have been highly profitable and the liquor mix has been one of the highest in the restaurant industry.

Marian has extensive experience in organizing  successful special events and wine dinners with trade organizations and wineries, including the first “virtual” national wine dinner with Caymus winery. Marian wrote content for many of the restaurants’ newsletters as well as wine articles for numerous publications across the country , including the New York Times.  She has been a judge at wine festivals  and events across the country.  She appeared  on PBS’s television program, The Winemakers,  as well as on local television and radio shows in key markets. Marian has participated as a speaker, moderator or panel member at high profile wine and restaurant industry events including the annual Aspen Food & Wine event, the NRA restaurant show panel moderated by Wine Spectator’s Harvey Steiman and at trade events such as VIBE, Cheers and The Flavor Experience.

Marian holds a B.A. & M.A in Psychology from Arizona State University
Court of Master Sommeliers: Certified Sommelier
Wine & Spirits Education Trust: Levels 1 & 2
Wine Judging: Los Angeles International Wine Competition, Sydney International Wine Competition