Michael Bottigliero grew up in a traditional Italian-American family on the south side of Chicago,  Bridgeport to be exact.  His notions of wine first started with a fiasco (typically a straw covered bottle of Chianti) on the table with Sunday pasta dinner.  After three years of traveling with the US NAVY, Michael returned to Chicago and started a career in the bar/restaurant industry while simultaneously earning his degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago.  His love of beer, spirits, food and wine kept Michael in the restaurant business, where he decided to pursue a career as a Sommelier.

Under the tutelage of many great Sommeliers, Michael obtained five wine and beverage certifications from the International Sommelier Guild, Court of Master Sommeliers and the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. He is a firm believer that a good bottle of wine doesn't need to cost $100 - and that any person can learn about wine in a relaxed way. 

Founded in 2009, Windy City Wine Guy Consulting experienced significant expansion, conducting events across the U.S.  Michael and his team of trusty Sommeliers are ready to help you host your next corporate wine event or private celebration.  You'll join a growing list of clients including McDonald's, TD Ameritrade, Google, Context Media, Finance Executives International, AOL and more bachelorette and birthday parties than he can count! 

Contact Michael via email, Instagram or phone (312.380.WINE).

In the meantime, check out his appearance on the Steve Harvey Show!