Background & Vision

Our story

The Villa Chanticleer is a truly special place, and the organization assisting you in evaluating whether it’s the right fit for your event is equally exceptional.

We have built our business with the client as our top priority. Clients will
discover that we offer options, value, and service that surpass traditional
venue search, selection, and event production methods.

Several years ago, when the City of Healdsburg sought a group to help
market and manage this historic resource, we were thrilled to be selected.

Together, we have renovated and updated the venue while providing
resources for clients looking for a unique location to impress their guests at events.

Milestone began operations in March 2014. Since then, our team has guided clients in finding not just any venue, but the right venue that fits their budget, resulting in a less stressful planning experience and an excellent outcome for them and their guests.

Over the past 14 years, we have supported more than 1,000 groups and are ready to assist you today! 

Our Focus. Our Experience. Your Venue Partner.

Our mission is to provide clients with convenient choices and to enhance and simplify their experience. We guide clients through the selection process, ensuring the venue we recommend aligns with their desired location, style, and budget.

Once booked, our team of event experts supports you throughout the planning process and event production. We ensure a seamless transition from start to finish, dedicated to exceeding your
expectations. We understand your time is valuable, so with just one call, you can schedule a personal consultation to the Villa transparently and efficiently.

From venue site tours to on-site meetings with suppliers, our team is here for you. We manage the details of your rental order, help design the ideal layout of various spaces, and provide a day-of timeline for your event—this is the Milestone difference.

We are at your service to manage every step of the process and support youin all critical decisions.

Wine Country Expertise You Can Trust - From Anywhere

Clarity for Out-of-Town Planning

Clear contracts, defined responsibilities, and consistent communication mean you always know what to expect, even when planning from miles away.

Unmatched Venue & Regional Expertise

Villa Chanticleer is not just a venue we manage—it is a property we know intimately. From layouts and flow to timing, access, and regulations, our expertise removes guesswork and prevents surprises.


Trusted Vendor Relationships

We work closely with leading Wine Country vendors who understand Villa Chanticleer’s nuances, standards, and expectations—resulting in smoother planning and flawless event days.

 

A Confident, Elevated Experience

Our role is to provide structure, guidance, and trusted oversight so you can move forward with confidence—knowing the venue side is handled by experts who prioritize excellence.

 

our team

Marshall Bauer

President

Marshall Bauer

President
About

Leslie Bauer

Creative Coordinator, Venue Design

Leslie Bauer

Creative Coordinator, Venue Design
About

Chris Henretta

CFO

Chris Henretta

CFO
About

Caitlin Paine

Director of Sales & Client Relations

Caitlin Paine

Director of Sales & Client Relations
About

Jaimie Pineda

Director of Operations & Administration

Jaimie Pineda

Director of Operations & Administration
About
Milestone_Headshots_by_JBJ_Pictures_78

Marshall Bauer

President

About

Marshall Bauer brings to his role as President of Milestone Events Group a highly successful, 30-year career in sales and marketing. With a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing from Babson College and an Executive MBA from Southern Methodist University, Marshall has a track record of successes at companies including General Dynamics Corporation, ROLM Corporation, MFS RealCom, and GE Capital Rescom. 

After years of traveling as many as 40 weeks a year, Marshall and his wife Leslie decided to explore a lifestyle change that would enable him to be home more regularly. The goal was to bring his management skills, technology expertise and marketing sophistication to a new arena that ultimately was in in Northern California’s wine country.

Marshall purchased Wine Country Party & Events, established in 1976, in July of 2003. During the next decade Marshall helped build the business into the largest event rental business in the North Bay and in July of 2013, ten years to the day after it was purchased, the company was bought by a private equity group.

The concept for Milestone Events Group came out of the knowledge gleaned over the years from working within and for wineries as a member of their event services support network. Marshall believed there was an opportunity to help the wineries better support the events portion of their business and to provide a better level of service to clients wishing to host their events at a winery. Milestone Events Group was incorporated and by March 2014 our team began operation with its first winery client. Marshall lives in Healdsburg with his wife, Leslie and a large golden retriever. Their son lives in southern CA while attending UCLA. They enjoy skiing, shooting, golfing and hiking.

Leslie Bauer

Creative Coordinator, Venue Design

About

Following graduation from Stanford University, Leslie spent her early career in technology sales and sales management before embarking, with her husband Marshall, on a career in the hospitality services industry in 2003. For over a decade Leslie enjoyed her role as co-owner and Design Director for the largest rental company in the North Bay. Her team was responsible for introducing a catalog of unique “Wine Country” specific looks and products that became the benchmark for excellence in this area. 

Leslie’s role at Milestone utilizes her creative talents, as she draws on the knowledge she gained in her previous role designing company and client spaces and showrooms. 

When a new venue becomes a part of the Milestone collection, a fresh set of design-focused eyes can make all of the difference to enhance the property both for wine club events as well as Milestone events. Leslie’s experience ensures the Milestone clients’ experience exceeds their expectations.

Chris Henretta

CFO

About

Chris is a career entrepreneur with experience owning and participating in a variety of businesses. These companies have all focused on the delivery of high quality services in one form or another. Satisfied clients, positive reviews, new client referrals and seeing career growth in team members all bring him a sense of accomplishment. Chris has both a Bachelors and Masters degree in Engineering from the University of Florida.
He and his wife live in Florida, with their faithful dog companions, and spend their time golfing, boating and traveling.

Caitlin Paine

Event coordinator

About

Caitlin grew up along the Russian River in West Sonoma County and is now based in the beautiful Dry Creek Valley. She received her associate’s degree in social and behavioral Sciences from Santa Rosa Junior College and currently attends Sonoma State University, pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology with a minor in communications. 

While in school, Caitlin has developed a strong background in the
hospitality industry working in food and event service, sales, and office
management. She has a passion for learning, working with people and enjoys helping those around her thrive. She is eager to use her experience coupled with her problem-solving skills to ensure that each event she’s on is an unforgettable and seamless day. 

 

When she’s not at work or studying, Caitlin enjoys spending time
with her husband and their Australian Shepherd, Hazel. The trio can be found out hiking, trying a dog-friendly restaurant, or tackling a home renovation project.

jaimie pineda

administrative Manager

About

Meet Jaimie, a seasoned professional with 23 years in restaurant management. Feeling the winds of change, she recently decided to shake things up. Milestone gave her the chance to continue doing all the things she loves about the restaurant plus a chance to grow while learning a whole new industry.

Three years ago, Jaimie traded the hustle of Los Angeles for the laid-back charm of Sonoma County. Family is everything to her, and she’s got a loving husband and two beautiful daughters to prove it. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find her unwinding in the kitchen. Baking is her therapy, and the sweet aroma of fresh treats is her happy place. Life’s all about finding that perfect recipe, whether it’s in the kitchen or in the balance between work and family. Cheers to new beginnings and savoring life’s sweet moments!