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 1.2 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
Kathy@detroitwine.org
Bill Moran, Vice President
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.
Mark High, Secretary
Mark High serves as DWO’s General Counsel. Mark has practiced law for more than 30 years in the areas of corporate, corporate finance, and international transactions in the Detroit office of Dickinson Wright PLLC. In addition to his service with DWO, Mark is President of the Canada-U.S. Business Association, is a former chair of the State Bar Business Law Section, and is on the Institute of Continuing Legal Education’s Business Law Advisory Board. In contrast to all the wine industry professionals on the DWO Board, Mark calls himself “an interested amateur”.
Renee Peck, Treasurer
Renee is a healthcare fundraiser with St. John Providence Foundations. She has worked and volunteered for non-profit organizations for more than 20 years. A wine enthusiast, she joined the DWO in 2005 after attending Detroit Uncorked at Ford Field. A Board member since 2007, she served as Vice President of the DWO Board in 2010 & 2011 and after taking a few years off, rejoined the DWO Board of Directors in 2015.
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.
Karen Bloomer, Board Member
Karen is the Division Wine Steward for the Kroger Company of Michigan.
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
John has been in the adult beverage industry for 26 years, and truly loves it! Over the years He has have worked for House of Midulla (Gallo Distributor), Southern Wine & Spirits in Florida, Premier Beverage, and Bronco Wine Company before settling in just recently to RNDC of Michigan.
Mike Macdonald, Board Member
Mike works at Imperial Beverage
Mark Swope, Board Member
Mark works for Telnet Worldwide
John Jonna, Board Member
Paul Becker, Board Member
Kim Hoffman-Bloink, Board Member
Renee Pasco, Board Member