About Us

Meet the Chef

Executive Chef Bo Palker offers a unique variety of culinary experiences and a life-long passion for the art of gastronomy to the kitchen at Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro. He incorporates a multitude of flavors with global influences to Vinifera's innovative American cuisine.

Chef Bo is a graduate of the highly esteemed Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York. He has held a variety of chef positions, working in kitchens all across the country from New Mexico to Florida. It was in New England where he gained the true inspiration and extensive experience to bring to Vinifera's kitchen.

Chef Bo has also had the honor of cooking for many previous presidents, including George Bush Sr., George Bush Jr., and Bill Clinton. In addition, Chef Bo has planted his own herb garden located on Vinifera's seasonal outdoor patio, which includes oregano, basil, rosemary, thyme, heirloom tomatoes and more—all incorporated into his gourmet dishes at Vinifera.

Meeting the General Manager / Sommelier

Jason Meringolo's passion for food and wine is vastly apparent through his years in the food and beverage industry.

As General Manager and Sommelier of Vinifera, Jason is in charge of the day-to-day operations as well as pairing the extensive wine offerings with Chef Bo's unique cuisine. He is a graduate of the University of Miami and went through four levels of certification to become a certified sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Prior to joining Vinifera, Jason held a variety of positions within the Walt Disney World Company in Orlando, Florida, where he worked in the Catering and Conference Services department and as part of the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival team for several years.

The Westin Reston Heights

Vinifera Wine Bar & Bistro is conveniently located adjacent to The Westin Reston Heights, surrounded by great shopping, area museums and galleries. The hotel is moments from Dulles International Airport and a short cab ride from our nation’s capital.