Creator
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Founder
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Alexander Bari Di Rocco is a visionary entrepreneur who changed the restaurant industry in the 1980s with the opening of I LOVE SUSHI in Malibu, California. With this haven for A-List celebrities, he is credited with creating the standard for chic restaurant experiences of loud eclectic-infused music, earning his venue the nickname ‘Rock N Roll Sushi.’
Mr. Di Rocco was instrumental in developing an aesthetic that re-defined the standard for restaurants globally.
For his next act, he went on to develop the SoCal chain of Swanky Franky, based upon the California Beach lifestyle, “Swanky Franky” was a cartoon character surfer. This regional chain was a quick serve concept with quality high-end ingredients and a chill SoCal vibe, with the slogan
‘The Best Dressed Cruisine’ because patrons could enjoy a high quality culinary experience with near fast food speed.
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Having since been involved with various Napa Valley vineyards, Mr. Di Rocco, has built AWINECO from a vision to a reality. With his leadership he has built a team from a wide range of strategically significant connections with executives across relevant industries: Restaurants, Banking, Corporate Development, Visual Arts, Film and Media, Philanthropies, Marketing, Branding, and Communications.
Alexander's Malibu mainstay was colloquially named Rock N Roll Sushi by regulars like Rod.
Alexander’s forte is forming alliances with highly talented people and bringing them together into organizations which generate global success. Alexander is in a unique position to change the wine industry as creatively as he altered the restaurant industry. It all starts with his vision for Pairing Wine With Charities.
PRESIDENT
Mark Mawrence, President of AWINECO, has worked extensively as an executive corporate consultant throughout the United States, Europe and Asia. Having been immersed in wine culture since spending years of his childhood among the vineyards of Italy, Mark is connected both figuratively and literally to the viticultural craft.
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Professionally, Mark brings expertise in the arenas of corporate strategy, branding, marketing and communications. He has established successful sales and marketing organizations in a wide range of businesses, innovated new models for corporate practices, advised corporations and governments, raised funds for various charitable causes, and founded numerous non-profit organizations. Mark has initiated groundbreaking work in social responsibility, environmental policy and education throughout the world.
Mr. Mawrence has successfully worked with CEO’s of Fortune 500 companies, international and domestic government leaders, political candidates and industry leaders in science, banking, marketing, strategy and branding. As an executive with DMG Global, Mr. Mawrence has played a prominent role in the development of a strategic model proven to build winning campaigns. His model has helped bring products to market in an environment of change to both develop and position brand and formulate focused competitive strategies.
Mark vividly recalls the moment his passion for wine was born:
"I was 7 years old, having just moved to Italy and we resided in a villa surrounded on three sides by Vineyards. One day I saw an old wooden cart with a huge barrel in it, pulled by one horse, and inside were two Italian women stomping on the grapes being thrown into the barrel by workers in the field. I asked to come over, and they smiled and said "Si, Venire! " (Yes, Come!) I rolled up my pant cuffs, kicked off my shoes and joined them stomping the grapes. For the next two weeks my mother endured my purple legs and feet, but it began a lifelong love, admiration and interest in every aspect of winemaking...I was in love with it."
Photo: 8mm footage of Mark at harvest in Taranto Italy
