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.”
emily
Emily is from Sun Prairie & currently attends Edgewood as
a nursing student, we'll keep you updated on
"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.
Aly
Aly is a former barista & now part of our amazing Cork Crew at R&W. With a friendly smile & warm welcome, she will help you
pour your glass of wine in no time.
She was raised in Madison & went to undergraduate school in Milwaukee. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading & caring
for Groot, Mantis & Tian Tian - her cats. Aly also has a green thumb & has some carefully loved plants.
In the future, Aly wants to be a storyteller through her
work in the theatre & dance.
mackenzie
MacKenzie was born & raised in Cross Plains. She works in the Oral Surgery field FT & comes to hang out with us in her spare time.
She enjoys spending time with family, including her
2 cats Yelich & Vader.
She has spent a few hours on the soccer field & basketball court in the past; & although those shoes are safely put away, she loves attending sporting events, especially Brewers Games.
She has a very outgoing personality & takes pride in having the opportunity to meet people all of the time. She is anxious to learn more about wine & grow her knowledge about the varietals.
Give her your suggestion, she's always willing to try new wines!
james
Juggling his time between working in the Physical Therapy field, pursuing his bachelors degree in Kinesiology as a FT student, he is finding time to be a part of Red & White.
Movement is a common theme - he enjoys all things outdoors & spends a fair amount of time at the gym. Free times finds him studying geopolitics, from the disparity of South Sudan to French elections.
Just beginning in the world of wines, he claims to be competitive with his favorite drink being whatever has the highest ABV.
brittney
Life is ever changing & she is the epitome of living it to the fullest.
Brittney loves to travel, kayak, hike & really anything outdoors, sign her up...especially if there’s live music & wine involved.
She loves all wine, no discrimination here, but if she had to, she'd choose a good Pinot Noir or Sauvignon Blanc. We're slowly teaching Brittney about the bourbon world, to enjoy dabbling here & there.
emily
Emily calls Sun Prairie, WI her home & is currently attending
UW Stevens Point with a major in Psychology & minor
in substance abuse/addiction.
She's very busy but always finds time for family & friends.
Many hours on the volleyball court & softball field in the past set her up to continue a healthy lifestyle with running & weightlifting.
Emily loves to travel, hike & read. Anything that can get her outdoors, she's a game player! Being out in nature one of her favorite things, especially in the mountains.
She has melded right in as a part of Red & White; learning about new wines...so she knows what she's doing for Wednesday wine nights
with the college roommates.
carla
Carla & Kari met way back in 5th grade. They have several stories that they'll never share about HS...but who knew a few years (cough cough) after HS they'd be working together - AGAIN! (more stories)
Carla has raised 3 beautiful children, all adults & pursuing their dreams. She values her time with them, family & good friends. She enjoys a tasty craft beer & a fine Syrah, but not at the same time, ha!
Her passions include experiencing nature through long walks, hiking, biking, boating. Live music too (gosh, more stories).
In her rare spare time, she's exploring small towns in WI, shopping local & in search for the best burger & the most comfortable patio.
michael
Michael Joseph has had a colorful career in service spanning 17 years. He studied & received his level 1 sommelier in 2008 & his certification in 2009. He’s had the privilege to visit 39 countries & is now looking to put roots down in Waunakee.
grace
Grace is currently a marketing student at Madison College. She loves being around people & learning new things. Her friends & family mean a lot to her. She comes to us from Sun Prairie, which is the only place she has resided.