Ep 31: Wine Collecting for Multi-Billionaires, Advising Three Star Michelin Restaurants on Wine Lists, and Developing a Second Career in Wine with Michael Kelly

Today, let me introduce you to Michael Kelly.  

Michael Kelly was born and raised in California. He started out his higher education in Forestry in Northern Calif, switched to Psychology and Philosophy, then went off to Switzerland for college. Upon returning, he spent three years in Chicago focused on philosophy and theology. Michael returned to California and ended up in high-tech management. He has worked in various semiconductor companies focused on memory chips, microprocessors, and ASICs.  He has also worked at three startups and was a member of the Executive Management team and designated SEC officer. Michael has always been interested in wine, tennis, and golf as pastime activities while traveling the globe as worldwide VP of Sales and Marketing.

Let’s dive into his wine story!

[00:01 - 05:03] Opening Segment 

• I introduce our guest for this episode, Michael Kelly
• Traveling the world and falling in love with wine after retirement

[05:04 - 15:28] Developing a Second Career in Wine

• Judging Wines by Wine Tasting
• • The Dump Bucket is Your Friend
  • It’s all cognitive! 
• Reasons to Buy and Collect Wine
• • A Cabernet Franc showcase

[15:29 - 25:51] Wine Collecting for Multi-Billionaires

• Michael recalls his experience collecting wines for a billionaire
• A Trip to Japan and Advising Three-Star Michelin Restaurants on Wine Lists
• How to Keep Yourself from Buying Wine Like Crazy
• A piece of advice for aspiring wine writers

[25:52 - 29:39] The Tasting Round

• Favorite Wine
• • Something red and bold
• Favorite Go-to Pairing
• • Steak
• Wine and Vineyard Resources
• • Winemakers

Connect with Michael by emailing him by visiting California Wines and Wineries.

Let’s continue the Everyday Wine Conversations and connect with me through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, or feel free to shoot me an email at [email protected]. You can also check out my website at ​www.​klevywineco.com.

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Tweetable Quotes:

“When you're sipping on wine and you're swirling it around your mouth, it's all cognitive.” - Michael Kelly

“Don’t buy wine like crazy!” - Michael Kelly

“Wine is like life.  You never have the answers.” - Michael Kelly