Born in Massachusetts, Michael grew up in the hospitality industry working in the family business. After moving to Washington, DC for college pursuing East Asian studies, he developed an appreciation for wine and sake while working in fine dining. He moved to Japan where he spent over 8 years working in various sectors. Spending a week at a sake brewery in Nagano was one of the many highlights of the Japan chapter. He has lived in Los Angeles for the last 10 years and he was very fortunate to be on the opening team for Wally’s Beverly Hills in 2014. His relationship with Vine Connections began when he took over the sake buying and curated the sake by the glass program for Wally’s, complementing the retail offerings. He covers Southern California, Southern Nevada, and New Mexico for Vine Connections.