We have an amazing team of people here at Steve's Wine Bar. Take a moment to learn more about them.
Cheryl Hunt - Wine and Beverage Director - WSET 3, CSW
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. In my former life, I spent 29 years in education, having been an English teacher for 14 of those years. I was also an instructional coach, assistant principal, educational consultant, and curriculum coordinator. I love learning, and I am proud to say that I have my Doctorate in Educational Leadership.But wine truly is at the cornerstone of how I define myself. I currently hold my Certified Specialist of Wine and WSET Level 3.Read about my journey towards attaining the WSET 3 here. And if you have any questions about ordering wine or anything else, feel free to reach out via email here.
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!
Karina Maria Cabreja
I love the amazing energy at the bar, and it immediately felt like home. I was drawn to the unique wine offerings and international selections, and it was the first time I’d seen a wine bar so connected to the arts, with live music, artwork displayed on the walls, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for everyone. I also love to learn about wine. I love that they all taste so different. I was certain I knew exactly what type of wine I liked, but the more I get to taste, the more my palate keeps evolving. I also love the stories behind some of the wineries and vineyards we source from. It never gets boring. A Jack and Coke will always be a Jack and Coke—but wine is constantly surprising. Every bottle has its own personality. My current favorite is Tuscan, but ask me again next week – ha ha! Before working in wine, I spent years in media and marketing, hosting radio shows, producing content, and even working in the music industry. I’ve interviewed artists, told powerful stories, and helped brands connect with their audiences. That background has shaped the way I connect with people now—whether I’m behind a mic or behind the bar. Fun fact: I'm left handed and learned to ride a bike when I was 30.
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 Tomlin
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!