Zaira & Richard Kelley

Members Since 2007

Richard Kelley is Southeast Public Affairs Manager at Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., overseeing communications and public affairs issues in Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina and South Carolina.

Zaira Chacin-Kelley is President of Efiza Business Solutions, Inc., a multi-business group based in Miami and Venezuela that provides high-tech equipment to the oil and construction industries.

What are some of your favorite travel destinations when you want to “get away?”

Richard: If it’s just for a few days, we head to the Keys or the Gulf Coast…Zaira is truly a beach girl. When we have more time, we visit family in Venezuela or France. We love Provence and plan to spend as many days there as our longevity allows. Then there is Chiang Mai, Thailand…pure magic and as far away from pressure as you can get. And I’m sure Zaira has penciled Tahiti and the Greek Islands into her planner for the near future.

As wine collectors, do you have a preference for any particular varietal or region?

Richard: Our tastes are remarkably similar. We both share a passion for California Pinot Noirs comprising about 20% of our cellar, which holds 200 bottles. I am also a fan of Bordeaux and Cabernet Sauvignon while Zaira covets Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

Zaira: Our cellar isn’t all red…our Chardonnays include Paul Hobbs, DuMol, Chateau Montelena and Dutton-Goldfield. Since we try to spend evenings cooking for each other as much as we can, we’ll usually pair and share a Côtes du Rhône, Shiraz blend or a Sauvignon Blanc with our meals.

Are you involved with any charitable organizations?

Zaira & Richard: We are involved with two wonderful organizations founded by the Jim Moran family: Deliver the Dream (www.deliverthedream.org) and the Youth Automotive Training Center (www.yatc.com). Both organizations are committed to rescuing lives and families.

How has your Premier membership at the Cellar Club enhanced your personal and professional life?

Zaira: We treat the Biltmore as our second home. We were married in Coral Gables Congregational Church and held our wedding reception on the Biltmore Hotel’s back lawn.

Richard: Zaira loves the Fitness Center and the instructors. She regularly attends classes each week while I have my golf dates on the Donald Ross course. We often entertain our friends at Fontana or Palme d’Or, and look forward to The Cellar Club’s Interactive Luncheons and Valentine’s Day Gala. For business entertaining, The Cellar Club is perfect for hosting our automotive media dinners and receptions… and when our Toyota Formula One driver, Jarno Trulli, is in town, we’ll catch breakfast or lunch at Fontana. The meals, the atmosphere and the staff are superb.