Our Story

Bottles Nation is all about celebrating things in a bottle.

We believe that being surrounded by good family and friends while sipping a beer, a glass of wine or a cocktail is a good way to slow down, understand one another and enjoy life’s simple pleasures. Bottles Nation began around the idea of celebrating these activities in person. As of March of 2020, we ceased our in-person events and shifted exclusively to online events and activities. We plan on bringing our in-person events back online when it is deemed safe for our staff and clients.

Bottles Nation is a Midwest company headquartered in the heart of downtown Detroit.

Leading the Nation

Michael Bottigliero

Co-Founder, President and Lead Sommelier

Michael Bottigliero, grew up in a traditional, Italian-American household on the Southside of Chicago. His earliest memories of wine involve a bottle of Chianti on the family table. After a stint in the U.S. Navy, Michael returned to Chicago and began a 20 year career in the hospitality industry. His love of wine, beer, spirits, and food led Michael to flourish in the restaurant business, where he decided to pursue a career as a sommelier.

For the last decade, Michael has been at the helm of Windy City Wine Guy, a consultancy focused on private wine events for individuals and corporations. During this time Michael also served as the Chicago Brand Ambassador for Franciacorta, a sparkling wine region in Italy.

From teaching Steve Harvey the art of wine tasting, to itemizing the wine cellar of some of Chicago’s most notable executives, Michael has become a clear leader in the beverage industry. It was from this wealth of experience, along with continuous requests for food and beverage recommendations, that Bottles Nation was born.

Blagica Bottigliero

Co-Founder, Head of Marketing & Partnerships

Blagica (blah-gee-tsa) Bottigliero is a ‘Digital OG’, proud to be among the women who helped build the web. A child of parents who immigrated to Detroit in the sixties, Blagica’s naturally inquisitive and passionate, two traits which served her well as she explored and became an expert in the digital space.

Blagica has been an innovator in the digital space for more than 20 years, working for Leo Burnett's web arm, Giant Step, and then joining Orbitz' first eMarketing team where she helped build the company’s digital practice from scratch. Post Orbitz, Blagica self-funded a few of her own startups, learning invaluable lessons in digital marketing with each new endeavor. During this same period, she was part of NBC Chicago’s Street Team, which led to her Emmy for her team’s work in New Media.

Throughout the years, Blagica’s held positions on the brand side( Motorola and Target) along with the agency side (Edelman Digital and The Escape Pod). She’s also provided strategic counsel to civic and private organizations such Chris Kennedy for Governor, Choose Chicago, and The Chicago French Pastry School.

Meet our experts

Experts

Dan J - Cicerone

Dan fanatic home brewer, turned certified Craft beer professional. As one of only 140 Advanced Cicerones worldwide, Dan loves to share the craft beer tasting experience with any who is interested. He is also a Certified beer judge and has spent dozens of hours judging competitions in his free time.

Greg S - Sommelier

Greg is an Advanced Sommelier through The Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. He is seeking the MS certification and is highly active in the sommelier community in Chicago. Greg’s devoted the last 12 years of his life trying to recreate that feeling for others about wine through education and hospitality. He currently is a Wine Specialist at Vin Chicago and sits on the board of the Second City Sommeliers, a group dedicated to mentorship of wine professionals in tasting, service, and beverage knowledge.

Sylvia B - Sommelier

Sylvia’s current position at a wine importer and distributor allows for her to work directly with wineries around the world. In 2020 she took an opportunity to spend time working wine harvest in California and assisting in the winemaking process.

Nate W - Mixologist

Nate is a mixologist and beverage professional who has been crafting libations for more than 20 years. His work experience includes high-volume, craft cocktail programs, directing beverage programs at a high-end steakhouse, and serving as brand ambassador specialist with William Grant & Sons.

Sarah B - Sommelier

Sarah achieved her Certified Sommelier certification in July 2014. After a life spent in Alaska, Sarah relocated to Chicago to hone her skills as a sommelier. There she worked in fine wine sales, catering mainly to Michelin Star restaurants.

Rebekah M - Sommelier

Rebekah earned her certifications with the Court of Master Sommeliers, where she received the highest score in her class and Level Three with the Wine Spirit and Education Trust. She has been in the wine industry for close to a decade and is currently immersed in the studies of wine production.

Mandy S - Sommelier

Mandy is a Certified Sommelier and Advanced Candidate through the Court of Master Sommeliers of America and also holds her WSET 3. As Wine Director of Del Frisco’s Double Eagle in Los Angeles, she has won the Best of Award of Excellence in both 2019 and 2020.

Wanda C - Sommelier

Wanda’s wine education includes an Advanced Sommelier Certification from The Court of Master Sommeliers. She’s been fortunate to have worked for many of Chicago’s world-class establishments and institutions including ¡Salpicón!, Mercat a la Planxa, NaHa, and BR Guest Restaurants.

Ryan B - Sommelier

In 2010, Ryan moved to Paris with his wife and adopted the same love for wine and food that permeates the local French culture. Notable positions include the Beverage Director of The Girl and the Goat, and the lead sommelier for Margeaux Brasserie, Waldorf Astoria Chicago.

Beau F - Cicerone

Beau is an Advanced Cicerone (Cicerone Certification Program) and Certified Bourbon Steward (Stave & Thief) along with being a Certified Cider Professional (USACM). Beau has judged dozens of competitions as a certified beer judge and is a panel member at the Beverage Testing Institute in Chicago with a focus on craft beer.

Scott H - Sommelier

Scott has completed four levels of training with the International Sommelier Guild and brings a wealth of experience to his tastings. Scott has a passion for curating impressive wine lists and his restaurant experience includes the Charles Cohen Hotel Group as well as consulting on all aspects of the two Michelin-Starred Acadia Restaurant in Chicago.

Matt S - Mixologist

Matt is a classically trained beverage educator, cocktail writer, and restaurant consultant who is dedicated to creating unique cocktails and colorful food pairings. With more than a decade of experience behind the bar, he has extensive knowledge of spirits and mixology. His daring palate has led him to try nearly everything out there.

Ryan R - Sommelier

Ryan brings more than two decades of experience in the food and beverage industry, and the honor of being named an Advanced Sommelier, with the Court of Master Sommeliers. Ryan was awarded ‘Fan Favorite’ in the 2016 Somms Under Fire and brings his wealth of knowledge and deep love for wine to his tastings with Bottles Nation.

Olivia N - Sommelier

Olivia has been enthralled with the hospitality industry since her first experience with fine dining in High School. She’s spent time at well-loved establishments like Le Bernardin (New York City), Sepia, and Sofitel (Chicago).