Thanks for stopping by, let’s be wine friends!
My passion for wine, spirits, cocktails, events, and hospitality began in 2002 when I was a bartender at a full-service, upscale hotel in South Central Pennsylvania. After running my own wine, cocktail, event, and hospitality company for a little over ten years, my love for wine, service, and hospitality lead me to beautiful Finger Lake Wine Country in May of 2019.
From 2019 – 2024, I worked as a wine educator, tasting room manager, wine club director, marketing and public relation director for numerous wineries. For the latter part of my time in the Finger Lakes, I was the GM and ran the enormous wine and cocktail program at Portico Restaurant, an upscale, Italian steakhouse in Del Lago Resort & Casino. After my time there, I rebranded my business to The Michael Pour where I focused on providing consultation services, private wine tasting events, virtual and in-person wine classes, networking, and storytelling through writing and blogging about wine.
In August of 2024, my life and career took me to Syracuse, NY with the intent of continuing my business and expanding my operations to working with private venues, bars, restaurants, hotels, resorts, and organizations on wine lists, wine tasting events, wine dinners, marketing and promotions, and consultation. My hope is to bring the excitement of Finger Lakes and New York State wine to Central NY.
I have completed my wine education through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust School based in London, England. I earned my Level 3 Advanced Certification in Wine. I continued my wine education by earning my wine specialist certificate in French wine. My knowledge and experience with Finger Lakes and NYS wines is very strong.
I possess a strong knowledge of worldly wine, and I strive to learn all things wine, including a focus on the brilliance of food and wine pairings. Would you like to experience great wine for your formal or casual dinner party? Are you looking to plan a special event with your friends or colleagues and want it to be epic? Are you an establishment who wants to elevate your wine program? Whether you are an experienced wine drinker, host parties or events, a business, or someone just getting started in the industry, you’ve come to the right place.
Let’s get acquainted so we can go on this fun journey together…..Cheers, Michael