ABOUT

By

Appointment

Networking

Group

The By-Appointment Networking Group (BANG) was established in April 2014 by Mallory McEligot with the vision of creating a dedicated network for professionals working exclusively at by-appointment wineries. Over time, the network has grown to include local drivers, concierges, and caterers who share a passion for participating in highly curated and targeted networking events.

BANG organizes private events at esteemed wineries, hotels, and restaurants, inviting select businesses to showcase their offerings to an exclusive group of industry professionals. This proven model fosters meaningful inter-winery relationships and establishes lasting connections with key trade partners. Through our extensive network, members collaborate to generate new business opportunities and drive revenue by referring highly qualified clientele.

BANG Wine Country (By Appointment Networking Group of Napa and Sonoma) is a distinguished networking organization that connects over 250 businesses spanning wineries, transportation providers, culinary experts, marketing firms, private concierge services, and luxury accommodations. Founded in 2014, BANG has cultivated a reputation for fostering meaningful relationships within the wine industry. In 2021, we proudly expanded our reach to Sonoma County, further enhancing our impact on the region.

BANG specializes in curating exclusive networking events designed to bring together industry leaders and key influencers. By offering members the opportunity to serve as event hosts and pouring partners, we provide a platform to showcase their products and services. Our mission is to create enduring referral partnerships that drive growth and success for all participants, strengthening the fabric of Napa and Sonoma’s wine and hospitality industries.

At BANG, we believe collaboration is the cornerstone of success. Inspired by the principle that “a rising tide lifts all boats,” we are committed to empowering our members to thrive collectively. Recognizing that visitors to our region seek diverse experiences and rely on local expertise, we focus on fostering a cooperative network that enriches every aspect of wine country. Together, we aim to elevate the reputation and prosperity of our community.

MEET OUR FOUNDER,
MALLORY MCELIGOT

Mallory Uran McEligot was born and raised in Napa California, a 5th generation Napan with strong familial ties to the Carneros Region and the subsequent wine industry there. In 2014 she founded the By Appointment Networking Group, to connect like-minded career driven individuals from by appointment wineries, touring companies, culinary mavens and the most elite lodging partners to network and create a referral based group for businesses to lean on for support and community.

Mallory graduated from Sonoma State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies, and her career started in the hospitality industry in 2004 working for the PlumpJack Group. She ended her tenure with the PlumpJack group working at CADE, PlumpJack and Odette Estate Wineries from 2012-2015. For the last seven years she has worked as Director of Memberships and Events for Silver Trident Winery, owned by the founder of Oceania Cruise Lines, Bob Binder. While working at Silver Trident Winery, Mallory started a blog and popular social media account VineLiving which focuses on the wine country lifestyle, where to visit, where to stay, where to eat and what to drink! In 2018 Mallory was awarded Wine Marketer of the Year from the SF Luxury Marketing Council, and most recently she was accepted as part of Class 36 for Leadership Napa Valley, the most prominent leadership building course for Napa Valley’s future and current leaders!

Currently Mallory runs BANG Wine Country full time while operating a successful social media marketing consultancy to support a select few clients. While not working she enjoys spending time with her husband Matt who is the Director of Operations for Reverie II Winery, her 4 yr old son Macklin and other close extended family members, in addition to her pups Carmelita and Zula.

Mallory McEligot
  • Created for local youth in collaboration with The Napa Valley Education Foundation, The Future Rising Star Hospitality Professionals Scholarship,” to honor my late Father and Mother In Law, and support the future of Napa Valley’s hospitality industry with a scholarship awarded annually to an exceptional Student from Napa County.

  • Graduated in 2024 from Leadership Napa Valley, a prominent leadership development course for the future leaders of Napa Valley.

  • Awarded Wine Marketer of the Year by The Luxury Marketing Council of San Francisco in 2018

  • Over twenty two years of combined Hospitality Experience in Wine and Restaurants, working in both Napa Valley, Sonoma and San Francisco.

  • A 5th Generation Napa native, born and raised!

CONNECT. LEARN. GROW

Meet leading industry professionals from Napa and Sonoma Counties. Work collaboratively to bring awareness to your brand and increase your business to business referrals.

Bringing Wineries, Lodging partners and Tour Guides together, in an intimate space, has been a proven model to grow your winery client referral base and help sell more wine. Members are given the opportunity to present their wines, properties, and services during our in person and online events.

“With the By Appointment Networking Group continuously growing, our goal is to create and foster a more intentional and impactful peer-based networking group in Sonoma County. We will continue to host an array of intimate and exclusive networking events specific to Sonoma County, while giving both Sonoma and Napa BANG Chapters access to each other’s events. This will allow for a unified base across both valleys, of leading hospitality professionals in the Wine Industry. We will also look to add to the many different revenue-building referral programs within our existing membership base and continue to grow and foster those relationships to provide direct sales opportunities to our members. It is proven that all clients prefer a personal recommendation above all other referral sources, and thus, growing the BANG Sonoma County Chapter will allow us to expand our offerings and resources for all current and future clients of both BANG Sonoma and Napa Chapters.”

Membership

Events