Our people are the best. Very knowledgeable without a trace of snobbery. Many Vin Chicago people have advanced certifications, including two who are Master Sommelier candidates. That's a very big deal, because there are only 200 Master Sommeliers in all of North America. But again, we're experts, not snobs. We're just a bunch of wine lovers—we're not just selling it. We're living it. Peter Schwarzbach, Owner
Mike B, Advanced Sommelier - Director of Wine An Advanced Sommelier in the Court of Master Sommeliers, Mike is our lead buyer and is a key instigator of our weekly email offerings. A true wine lover, he works at a frenetic pace, always has a big smile on his face and can help you find the perfect wine to go with just about any meal. He is an active parent of three kids. As for his spare time – well, he doesn't really have any!
Jennifer B, Certified Sommelier, Director of Operations and Manager, Chicago (Elston)
Lyle Jorgensen, Manager, Highland Park Lyle came to us as a wine fanatic customer eager to work part-time back in 2012 — we simply never let him leave! The seeds of beverage appreciation were planted early, and working in wine is a life's dream. Today he manages our Highland Park store, writes and edits copious amounts of write-ups and feels like he was born to buy and sell wine. If you ever get him to stop "speaking wine", he would love to chat about cycling, budget audiophilia, motorcycles and *uh-oh* the Green Bay Packers. Most of all though, he'd like to listen to you.
Suzanne B, Controller Suzanne has been with Vin Chicago for six years and brings us finance and operations experience from The Walt Disney Company, OMD Buying Group and public accounting. She is a CPA but has a knack for handling just about anything the Vin Chicago team needs her to do, even tasting wine!
After spending 6 years in the specialty coffee industry, Christian decided to change gears and focus on his other favorite beverage, wine. Although this is Christian’s first step into the wine world, he uses his food science background to shape his understanding of wine. When not working at Highland Park you can find him drinking coffee, talking about food, and showing everyone pictures of his two cats.
Mick H, CMSII, WSET III Mick's upbeat vibe is as huge as the wines he loves- big, bold reds that knock your socks off. His passion for wine has been a natural evolution with residenciesin the food and wine scene in Atlanta, Arizona, and Chicago, as well as extensive time internationally. He's spent weeks at a time on vineyards in Bordeaux, Portugal, and Tuscany, all with his partner Ellyn( also a CMS II), and has been hooked ever since!
![]() Aimee's love affair with wine began while working in the restaurant industry, and after 15 years in that biz, she decided she had to make the relationship an official, full-time thing! She's been at Vin for 2 years and is always on the hunt for the next juicy, round white or chillable red to obsess over. Aside from wine, Aimee digs reading, sushi, spending time in her native Michigan, her cat Oslo, and her husband, Alex.
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