mike & Kari
Mike: “Living my best life.”
The classic story of, boy meets girl, falls in love, opens a wine bar. That’s the condensed version, but it’s true.
Mike living his best life is a
combination of his love for Kari & family, sports, golf & Red & White.
He is & always has been passionate about sports. Mike hosts a daily sports-talk radio show in Madison & statewide in Wisconsin. He’s also been a regular over the years on the Dan Patrick Show.
A former TV sports anchor & PGA member, Mike’s passion bucket is filled nearly every day with Kari, sports, golf & R&W.
Mike loves a good bourbon, Four Roses Small Batch
or a smooth Pinot Noir.
Kari: “I love the name Red & White, let’s open a wine bar.”
That conversation from Kari to Mike has been happening for years.
In 2019, we found the best patio space in Waunakee & brought
the dream to life.
Kari has been working her entire life, & loves the challenges that come with social media, marketing, scheduling, staffing.
Kari & Mike lead a melded family featuring 7-kids (6 girls, & 1 boy). We also have 1-son in law & 2-grandchildren.
She loves to hang out~kick back~drink up!
Kari’s favorite wine is a pinot noir...but refuses to let
bourbon touch her lips.
Shannon
Originally from Michigan, & a fan of Michigan State. Somehow, this mother of three works at a wine bar with a Wisconsin Badgers theme.
Change is good.
Shannon has taken on a lead role in establishing our “Carpe Vinum” monthly wine club, putting her love of tasting
into the practice of choosing club wines.
We originally got to know Shannon through our Run Club (well before the idea of Red & White became a reality).
A talented & committed runner, Shannon has run the Boston Marathon. Very impressive.
Shannon’s love for wine grew from a tasting in Traverse City, Michigan, & expanded through tastings in California & Oregon.
Her favorite wines are Pinot Noir & Rosé.
Amy
From a really good customer, to a highly valued wine server!
She has energy & passion.
She says, ”laughter is my favorite sound”, & if you’ve been around her, you know that to be true.
Amy is in charge of events happening at R&W. If there is an idea to share you'd like to schedule an event, contact Amy!
Family & friends drive Amy’s world, with her husband-Derek, they have a son who at WHS, & a daughter attending college in South Carolina. Married for over 22-years & living in Waunakee for the past 13-years,
Amy feels right at home at Red & White.
She loves all wine, “but if I have to choose, Pinot Noir & Sauvignon Blanc are my favorites.”
nicole
Nicole grew up in a tiny Wisconsin town called Arkansaw (yep, google it!). Born & raised on a dairy farm.
She went to UW-Stout receiving both bachelors & masters degrees, which ultimately led her to the Madison area
& one year right here in Waunakee.
She is a newlywed, recently married in October 2021 in the beautiful mountains of Colorado.
Fun fact: her & Grant's very first date was
at R&W! Their favorite wine is the One Hope Cabernet.
Nicole is actually slightly allergic to red wine but, psh, that’s never stopped her from casually enjoying all her favorite dry reds!
Elise
Elise grew up & graduated in Waunakee. She is attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Elise loves being outdoors & will try any kind of outdoor activity.
Her favorite thing to do is be on the lake at her cabin & wake surf in the summer, but also snow ski in the winter.
She's taking a leave of absence from Red & White
to be a part of a once in a lifetime experience opportunity -
we'll welcome her back Fall 2023.
She has a smile to light up the room & a contagious spark for life.
Elise's favorite wine is Riesling.
Dani
Dani is a Waunakean & just like about all of the “cork crew,” there was an across the bar recruitment in early 2020 when
she came in with her mom.
Not long after, Dani was working her 1st shift during one of our biggest fundraising events this year. Dani never blinked.
With an athletic background, Dani quickly became a great teammate. She is easy to talk to, quick to laugh, smart & talented.
Dani recommends a Sauvignon Blanc!
Sydney
We got to know Sydney as a performer, our youngest artist was a regular in 2020 at Red & White.
In the spring of 2021, along with others, Sydney coordinated a large fundraiser at R&W for a farming family in need after a tragic accident. Through that event & conversations after, we found another valuable member of our “cork crew.”
Sydney comes from a family with tremendous work ethic & community values. A graduate of Deforest High School, Sydney is attending Madison College.
She has the best singing voice on our staff.
stacy
A friend of a friend is how we met Stacy! First a wine club member, then a book club member then the best kind of member - Cork Crew! Stacy is mom to her son Henry & 2 pups Coco & Ella. She lives in Waunakee after moving to the Madison area for college over 30 years ago. She loves to spend time in the kitchen, outdoor adventures & reading. When she is not practicing Sober October or Dry January,
she loves a nice Pinot Noir.
lorrie
Stay tuned to learn more about Lorrie
lauryn
Lauryn is a sophomore nursing student at Edgewood. As a nursing student, we will monitor her class schedule for the "nursing a hangover" course & let you all know when she can share that expertise. She grew up in Waunakee, is the oldest of 3 sisters & a daughter of fun loving parents. She is a great addition to the Cork Crew & will be another welcoming smile when you walk in our door.
emily
Emily is from Sun Prairie & currently attends Edgewood as a nursing student - again, we'll keep you updated on that "nursing a hangover" & let you know how we can help. Emily loves spending time with family & especially her dog Bella. She grew up playing soccer, so a team player she is! Emily enjoys watching & attending sporting events so she fits right in with this crew lead by Mike. Her favorite things are traveling, shopping & being outside.