WHO WE ARE

The Mission of the Detroit Wine Organization (DWO) is to promote the education and enjoyment of wine while benefiting other local charities. 

Since the DWO became a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 2004, we have raised more than 1.6 million dollars for Metro Detroit charities. The DWO hosts events that are both educational and fun, including the monthly “Wine Down Wednesdays” and annual events such as “Detroit Uncorked.”

Our ever-growing membership base – currently 4,000 strong – is comprised of people of all ages and from all walks of life, whose wine experience ranges from casual appreciation to vast knowledge. What our members have in common is a desire to explore the joys of wine while giving back to their community!

What We Believe

We admit it — wine tasting can be intimidating. So much to learn, so many wine-snobs to avoid. We also admit “Detroit” may not be the city that pops to mind when you think of great wine and great wine events. That’s why we started the Detroit Wine Organization — to make wine understandable and enjoyable for all — and to offer world-class wine events and educational resources in the city better known for cars than Cabernet. Our mission is to promote the education and enjoyment of wine, as well as the great wines and wine experts in our local market, while benefiting local charities.

Get Connected

If you are looking for a wine club you have found us. Us being the Detroit Wine Organization, also known as the DWO, the largest wine enthusiast club in the Midwest.  We provide world-class wine events in Metro Detroit area’s that promote the enjoyment and education of wine with winemakers and award winning chefs. And the best part, the proceeds from the events are donated to DWO charity partners!

FUN

EDUCATION

CONTRIBUTION

Our Board Members

Renee PascoPresident
Renee has been in the wine industry for 28 years, currently with Republic National Distributing Co. as a Marketing Manager. She is a First Level Court of Master Sommelier, Certified Wine Specialist, WSET II and Cicerone Beer Specialist. Being involved with DWO helps her extend knowledge in the wine industry while helping those in need throughout our community.
Judi WyattVice President
Judi was introduced to DWO through an invitation to attend a fundraising event in 2012 becoming further involved volunteering as a wine pourer and ultimately joining the board in 2017. Judi’s goal is to bring her previous board experience and expertise from her work at nonprofit youth serving organizations to exceed DWO’s fundraising goals.
William MoranTreasurer
Bill is a wine enthusiast, joined DWO in 2013. His goal is to grow DWO membership and attendance at charity events by telling the story about the people whom the organization assists. He is also President of William E Moran Investment Consulting and a member of the Financial Services Institute and Heritage Foundation.
Kaitlyn CoxSecretary
Kaitlyn began involvement with DWO after attending Uncorked in 2018 while volunteering at the event. Kaitlyn’s goal is to grow interest in wine for more Michiganders one sip at a time.
Krista LangExecutive Director
Krista comes to us from American Diabetes Association as their Youth and Families program manager. She has 2 young children. She loves to travel with friends and family. One of her biggest passions is helping kids.

Michael Schafer, Board Member
Michael Schafer Esq. aka the Wine Counselor, is the charismatic wine educator and sommelier who entertains while teaching. His humorous and fun approach to wine is reflected in his trademark phrase “I taste bad wine so you don’t have to.” Michael has been featured on CNN, ABC and in the Detroit News. He is a published author. Michael judges in international competitions.  Michael has studied wine around the world for over 25 years.

Jevon Kennell, Board Member
Jevon is a full time engineer at General Motors Milford Proving Grounds.  He and his wife Julia have been volunteering to help with DWO events for several years.  They have also provided services such as print media, graphic design and web design.

Mike Peterson, Board Member
Mike started his wine career at Decanter Imports in 1995. Moved  to On- Premise Management with Viviano Wine Importers in 2005. He is now with Great Lakes Wine & Spirits where he is in charge of Training and Fine Wine Sales for the Chain Accounts. Prior to moving to Michigan He  was in Colorado and a Regional V.P. for the Stuart Anderson’s Restaurant chain, on the board of the National Kidney Foundation and Chairman of the John Elway Golf Classic.

John Merle, Board Member
Passionate to give back to the community, and foundations that support families in need. John has been in the adult beverage industry for 30 years, and truly loves it! He is with Republic National Distributing Company of Michigan.

Mike Macdonald, Board Member
Mike works at Imperial Beverage

John Marasco, Board Member

John is one of the four founding members of the DWO in 1999. He has held many positions over the years on the board including past President. John has been in the wine industry for over 50 years, starting out as a salesperson for a local distributor in the Metro Detroit area. He then moved on to a wine supplier position as a regional manager. Later he became the V.P. Sales at Vintage Wine Company for over 20 years. For the last two years he has had his own wine brokerage company.

Bob Greig, Board Member

Bob joined the board of DWO after volunteering at their events for several years. He is the chef and owner of Róbear Culinary, a small boutique catering and private dining business. He is also a volunteer chef with Gleaners Food Bank in the Cooking Matters program.

Brenda Torri, Board Member

Brian Perkins, Board Member

Antonio Gagnon, Board Member

Why Join the DWO?

Periodic Wine Down Wednesdays at Metro Detroit area’s hottest restaurants
Wine dinners with winemakers and award winning chefs
Detroit Uncorked with over 300 wines for the tasting
Charitable events featuring local celebrities and athletes
Plus much, much more!