How do you run a successful business? Hire the best people, treat them respectfully, and the rest will fall into place! Matt and Tara Meineke, owners of M Cellars Winery in Geneva, OH have spent years putting together the perfect team at the winery and it certainly has paid off, with a most recent Legacy Award from Les Dames D ’Escoffier International to prove it! Here is a look into all the wonderful people that work at M Cellars!
Say hello to Paige! Her smiling face has been a staple behind the bar for many years now! She has been with M Cellars for more than five and a half years and loves it every day. Between explaining the wines to running the book club alongside Corinne, Paige is a master at everything she does. Paige worked as a bartender previously but always knew she wanted to be in the wine industry. M Cellars was her favorite local place, so she took the plunge and sent Matt and Tara an email with her resume. The rest, well its history! Some of her favorite things about working at the winery are the people, both staff and customers and learning more about winemaking and wine history. Paige is currently in the process of completing her level 3 WSET classes to become a sommelier in the future. The Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) is an awarding body devoted to the development and delivery of qualifications and courses in wines and spirits. Paige now runs private tasting events for our club members to feature new wines that are added to the portfolio at M Cellars. Outside of her job, Paige spends her time reading, kickboxing, and hiking with her husband and two dogs, Nova and Micky! Her favorite wines are Brut Rosé and Cabernet Franc!
Next up is Courtney! A friendly and familiar member of the team behind the bar, she is always ready to greet you! As an avid wine appreciator, Courtney has worked at the winery for six years, and can’t seem to stay away. She initially started in the kitchen, but after some time, made the jump to becoming a tasting room associate behind the bar and has never left! The team is certainly better for it because Courtney is a powerhouse, able to handle any challenge thrown her way. Her favorite part of being at M Cellars is being able to hang out with people who like the same thing as her: wine! Outside of work, Courtney spends her time taking care of her two kids and watching reality tv with a glass of wine in hand. She also makes a great cocktail! Her favorite wines are Brut Rosé and Meritage Reserve!
Introducing Gina! A kind-hearted soul and extremely hard worker, she has taken food preparation and presentation to the next level, creating the fanciest food plate you’ve ever seen at M Cellars! Gina has been working behind the scenes in the kitchen for a year and a half, crafting beautiful-looking charcuterie boards. You’ve maybe seen some of the fabulous meat roses she makes on our meat and cheese board! She’s a newer member of our team, but just as vital and important as the rest! Gina found the winery through a Facebook post made by Tara, looking for extra hands. She fell in love with the scenery and atmosphere and hasn’t left since! Her favorite thing about the winery is spending time with all her team members. Outside of work, Gina takes care of her mom and bakes award-winning chocolate chip cookies. Her favorite wine is Dry Rosé!
Meet Annie (on the right)! A sweet and energetic presence that we’re glad to have as a part of the team! A newer part of the crew behind the tasting bar, Annie initially started working in the kitchen two and a half years ago. Eventually, after watching the activity behind the bar for a while, she got the courage to step up into a wine-tender position. Tara originally contacted Annie for some extra summertime help between semesters in school and found she fit right in! Her favorite thing about working at M Cellars is making and building relationships with all different kinds of people who walk through the door. Outside of the winery, Annie teaches young kids with special needs and takes her dog Rigby on walks! Her favorite wines are Cuvée and Traminette!
Wave hello to Chris! If you’ve been to M Cellars, you’ve definitely seen this familiar face! An essential presence behind the bar and a constant wealth of knowledge, Chris is always ready to teach you something new. He’s been working as a wine tender for seven years here at M Cellars but helped in the vineyard and at events for a few years beforehand. Chris, a retired teacher, was looking for a place close to home. A patron of the winery first, Chris eventually asked Matt and Tara if there was anything he could help with, and now we can never get rid of him! He loves to share his extensive wine knowledge, even leading our cellar tours weekly. His favorite part about working at the winery is describing all the wines and having the opportunity to continue educating people. Outside of work, Chris works very hard at being retired, walking his dog Annie, and spending time with his grandchildren. His favorite wine is Brut Rosé of course!
Give a warm welcome to Robert! A hard-working and friendly gentleman, he’s a vital part of the M Cellars team! He is creative and multi-talented; you’ve probably seen his woodworking or hand-blown glass art featured throughout the winery. Robert has been with the team for two and a half years. Applying for an open position, he was hired by Matt and Tara on the spot and started training that very day! He was looking for a job supporting local agriculture, with a well-made product, and after finding M Cellars, he knew he was in the right place! His favorite things about work are gaining new knowledge and skills, working in a positive environment with great people, and drinking all the great wine! Outside of work, Robert takes care of his family of four and the farm they all live on with all their animals. His favorite wines are Cabernet Sauvignon and Brut Rosé!
Each team member has individual strengths and qualities that make them who they are; to Matt and Tara they are more than just a team at M Cellars, they are family. All work together with one goal in mind; to provide a memorable experience at M Cellars that leaves guests with the desire to return over and over again.
