Meet the Cork Crew

“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 2-sons 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.

“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.

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.

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.”

Another customer to crew story.  

Brittney approached us over a 

couple of, maybe 3, glasses of wine 

on the patio in 2020.    

“When I first visited Red & White I 

just knew I had to work here. I love the environment, the wine, the people & the music. It feels like home!”

When she is not working, Brittney is 

working as a treatment court coordinator with Journey Mental Health. 

She loves being outside, running, 

kayaking & just being active. But usually you can find her with a glass of Pinot Noir 

in hand hanging out with her fur child Cooper & Fiancé, Chris.

Her & Chris (aka Chrispy), are planning 

a September 2021 wedding & 

honeymooning in Punta Cana.

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 grew up & graduated in Waunakee.   She is transitioning from Madison College to 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. 

Elise was ready to start working for us in 2020, but then, 2020 happened.  

She has a smile to light up the room & a contagious spark for life.  

Elise's favorite wine is Riesling.

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.  

We hope she stays for a while, but opportunities are calling - 

as in Spain, Cádiz!  

She'll be back behind the bar whenever 

she is back in town to tell about her adventures abroad.  

Dani recommends a Sauvignon Blanc! 

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.

Stay tuned to learn more about Stacy!