Dr. Jeffrey Coleman is an Associate Professor of Spanish at Northwestern University. He is currently writing Liquid Identities: Bottling the Nation, which explores Spanish national identity through the wines the country produces. He is the knowledge anchor of our organization and holds the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines, Spanish Wine Scholar, Cava Educator, and Certified Sherry Wine Specialist certifications. He is currently studying for the WSET Level 3 Award in Wines.

Jeffrey’s Glass:
2000 Urbina Gran Reserva (DOCa Rioja)

With his extensive experience in fintech, nonprofit work, and international business, Tim brings a unique perspective to the table. Beyond his professional endeavors, Tim is a true renaissance man. He's a passionate world traveler, exploring different cultures and regions, which enriches his understanding of diverse audiences. Tim has an extensive love and knowledge of the world of wine and is a charismatic host — helping provide a consistent first class experience for our events.

Tim’s Glass:
2020 Bodegas Alto Moncayo (D.O. Campo de Borja)

Dani began her wine journey in the restaurant world working for the Bartolotta Restaurant Group before spending a few years running wine programs. She passed the Certified Sommelier exam in 2019 and the WSET Level 3 with Merit in 2022. Currently, she is studying to earn her Italian Wine Scholar certification while working in beverage distribution around downtown Milwaukee. She recently resurrected a Blind Tasting group from pre-Covid days with around 25 other industry professionals.

Dani's Glass:
Borgogno Timarosso Derthona Colli Tortonesi (Colli Tortonesi Timorasso DOC)

Dr. Travis Reed is a veterinarian and board-certified specialist in small animal surgery. His taste for wine started over 15 years ago. He developed a deeper appreciation and interest in the complexities of wine after moving to Milwaukee in 2015 and attending wine tastings at Thief Wine Shop & Bar in the Milwaukee Public Market. He holds the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines (with distinction) and the French Wine Scholar certification. 

Travis's Glass:
2022 Hugel & Fils Gentil (Alsace AOC)

Alex has been in the wine industry for over 25 years. She spent most of her career in the mountains of Colorado, drinking and talking wine at the tops of Vail and Aspen Mountains. She’s been privileged to travel to many beautiful wine regions, and hopes to visit many more in this lifetime. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine, holds the WSET Level 3 certification, and is currently a WSET Diploma candidate. She loves introducing and demystifying wine for beginners, as well as learning from those who know more. 

Alex’s Glass:
2018 ZD Reserve Chardonnay (Carneros)

Toni Johnson has been in the wine industry for over 25 years. She has been active in communities from Portland, OR (where it all began), Seattle, Napa and here in Milwaukee. She was the first to hold the Advanced Certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers in WI. Also WSET level 3, Certified Wine Educator and the French Wine Scholar. What she finds most rewarding is enjoying a glass with friends and passing on what she has learned.

Toni’s Glass:
Trimbach Clos Ste. Hune Riesling (Alsace AOC)

Nate Norfolk is a Certified Sommelier with over 25 years of experience selling wine through retail, wholesale, and import channels. He has been the organizer and lead presenter of several hundred wine and spirits events.

Nate’s Glass:
2019 J.J. Prum Graacher Himmelreich Kabinett Riesling (Mosel)

Stephanie is a recent transplant to Milwaukee by way of Arizona. She was introduced to the world of wine during her pharmacy training more than 20 years ago, and she's been eager to help others learn to appreciate wine ever since. She has traveled to many foreign and domestic wine making regions and has hosted numerous wine tasting events at her home. She is thrilled to be a part of Milwaukee Wine Academy and hopes to continue to share her passion for wine with others especially those who might initially perceive wine to be intimidating or elitist. 

Stephanie's Glass:

2015 Tenuta dell’Ornelia Bolgheri Superiore (Bolgheri Superiore DOC)