We have an amazing team of people here at Steve's Wine Bar. Take a moment to learn more about them.
Dean Underdahl - General Manager - CSW, WSET II
My journey with wine started in the late 90’s as a server for Pappas Bros Steakhouse. At first, I studied their vast wine list as a way to boost my check average and rub elbows with the wine stewards so they would let me taste with them from time to time, but soon after, I realized that the right bottle of wine can be the difference between a good experience and a great one.
A few years later I joined Su Vino Winery as a cellar rat, and with a college education in biology and chemistry, and weekend enology classes at Grayson College, I quickly moved up to Operations Mgr and assumed the wine making duties as well. From there, I went on to Central Market-HEB where I headed up the wine and beer department in Plano and got to travel to many wine regions in Europe and South America. I then moved on to work at Republic Distributing as a rep for restaurants such as Nick & Sam's, Stephen Pyles, Eddie V’s, Del Frisco's, Cafe Pacific, Cru Wine Bar and more. While at Republic, I earned my CSW and WSET II, and had the opportunity to visit many wineries on the west coast. After several years, I joined the craft beer revolution with Alaskan Brewing Co as a rep for the state of Texas, then spent five years in the craft coffee industry before coming onboard at Steve's Wine Bar.
Skol!
Cheryl Hunt - Wine and Beverage Director - CSW, WSET II
My passion for wine has been decades long, and my desire to accelerate my wine education brought me to Steve’s Wine Bar. Wine is an enigmatic challenge, and the more I know about wine, the less I surely know. I love a rustic red like Cab Franc or Tempranillo any day, but I am also embracing my softer side with Provencal rosés and white Burgundies. When I am not at Steve’s (although I may be drinking wine), I am probably playing games, hanging with my friends and family, or binging Netflix. Wine truly is at the cornerstone of how I define myself. I currently hold my Certified Specialist of Wine and WSET Level 2.
Kyndra Emerson
I love wine, and working at Steve’s was a great opportunity to experience a lot of different wines. Since I’ve started working at Steve’s, I’ve made a lot of friends and connections with customers.. My favorite style is a buttery Chardonnay, but I love all the different varieties of wine available. When people see me behind the bar, they assume I am calm and quiet, but I have a fun and playful side also.
Matt Anzak
Much of my wine experience comes from my travels in Europe, so wine gives me nostalgic feelings. I've also always felt that drinking wine while painting provides a more sensual creative process. I love trying new beers everywhere I travel, especially at small breweries. I prefer big bold red wines, but I'm open to try everything, and I enjoy wine and food pairing as well. I'm a creative and adventurous old soul, who likes to be spontaneous and humorous. I love to explore new places and spend time in nature with my amazing wife. Finally, guests should feel free to ask me questions about any of the art at Steve's, which for the most part was either done by me or by artists I represent.
Emilé McCasland
The opportunity to join the Steve’s Wine Bar family was a no-brainer! Even before I was of legal age to drink I had a fascination with wine. The movies made it look so classy and decadent, I always imagined adult me indulging in it. Never would I have seen myself having the knowledge I do now to serve it to our lovely community. Outside of Steve’s I enjoy photography and painting, as well as reading fantasy books like the Carry On series by Rainbow Rowell (seriously ask about it, she is my favorite author). Realistically though I am always relaxing with my cat children and have plenty of photos to share, so please feel free to ask about them and share photos of your furry friends with me as well!
Jennifer Pickle
I love working with wine, which is why I chose to work at Steve’s Wine Bar. Also, the wine and ambience is beautiful, and the staff and guests are pretty rad. What I love most about wine is that the flavor profiles of each wine, even if the same variety, are different. It’s one of the only times where you’ll find both science and art mesh together beautifully. It’s hard for me to pick my favorite style of wine, but Old Vine Zinfandel and Sangiovese are two of my top choices. You may not know that I am pretty even-keeled, a genuinely happy person most all the time. I am laid-back, a Mother Nature lover, and my best times are with my family and friends. I don’t require much to make or keep me happy (except wine!).
Courtney Bellamey
I began working at Steve’s because I love wine, and I couldn’t escape the awesome vibes that emanated from within the bar. Wine interests me because it seems overwhelming initially, but once you just put yourself out there to start trying and tasting different wines, it starts to all make sense. My favorite wine is Viognier! Because my childhood was mostly in Georgia, I remember eating wild honeysuckle, and Viogniers remind me of that taste. I love learning about new things, and you may not know that I’ve been dancing all my life (ask me about hip hop and jazz!). Next time you are in the bar, tell me your astrology sign so I can talk your ear off for a half hour!
I love wine so much that I knew I needed to work at Steve’s Wine Bar! I am open to any variety or style of wine, and I don’t really have a favorite. It depends on my mood and the season. I am bilingual, and in my free time I love adventuring outdoors and traveling to Spanish-speaking countries.
Hailey Thompson
While I have bartended downtown for years, Steve's offers a unique opportunity to work around music and enjoy a more personal style of service. I have also learned so much about wine from Cheryl, Steve, and our team. I love working with my awesome co-workers, and my current favorite variety right now is Malbec. When I’m not at Steve’s, I study ecology, spend time with friends and hang out with my dog. I also love camping!
Sarah Harvey
Being a classically trained musician myself, I find Steve's a beautiful place to not only share my love for music but also my budding love for wine. I am able to explore all new avenues, both in the amazing musicians that come through the doors and wines around the world. I have found that wine is a peek into another's perspective of their world and a chance to taste not only the deliciousness of life, but what the earth provides in various environments. My favorite wine is a big and bold red, the juicier the better! I am a fun-loving, goofy person who loves to make people smile.You may not know that I can do great imitations, so come on by the bar, and test my skills!