We have had the privilege of working with a variety groups, both large and small, and we are proud to have received some of their testimonials about our classes, tastings, and events…
The Perfect Blend of Education and Entertainment
“We invited Michael to Kentucky to do a presentation on Beef & Bourbon pairing at the Kentucky Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Conference. We heard from many conference attendees that Michael was their favorite speaker of the entire conference! Michael’s presentation is the perfect blend of education and entertainment, keeping a captive and engaged audience from start to finish. Beyond his stellar speaking and presentation, Michael and his wife are wonderful people and we were honored to host them here in Kentucky and would gladly welcome them back any time.”
Kiah Twisselman
Director of Consumer Affairs at Kentucky Beef Council
Very Engaging!
“We host an annual wine event and decided this year to include a Sommelier. What a great decision! Our guests enjoyed the interactive tasting experience and we received so much positive feedback. Michael’s style is very engaging and he matched his energy level to the level of our event flawlessly. We look forward to having him back again next year!”
Allison Bartlett
Business Development Lead at Methode Electronics
Michael Makes Learning About Wine Fun!
“Michael delivered an excellent “Wine Fluency” presentation at the Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council’s annual conference. He was knowledgeable and unpretentious in his delivery of the information. When surveyed, an overwhelming majority of presentation attendees describe Michael as engaging and that the information presented was useful. Above all, Michael makes learning about wine fun!”
Jenelle Jagmin
Promotion Specialist at Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council
Entertaining and Informative
“Michael did a personal wine tasting / teaching lesson at our home in Lakeshore Ontario. We had a phenomenal time together that was both entertaining and informative. The wines selected and the “run through” of the wines was outstanding. I would definitely recommend Michael to anyone looking to expand their knowledge of wines and at the same time looking to have a really fun experience!”
David Wiskel
President and CEO at The Plasman Group
Laugh and Learn
“Laugh and learn are what my members do when Michael conducts his classes. His classes are informative, entertaining and fun. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Michael for six years during which I retained him to teach wine and spirits for our club members. Above all, I’m impressed with his ability to entertain while educating. His engaging style and sense of humor de-mystify the world of wine, beer and spirits. He instantly “reads” his audience and quickly connects with each of them. From “Bordeaux v. Meritage” to the “Best of the Boot” to “Bourbon’s Back”, his classes are fun and chock full of content. Michael’s knowledge and communication skills are a rare combination. I’m looking forward to continue to working with him. We always have a great time and continue to learn about pairing food with wine, beer and spirits.”
Daniel Vallone
Executive Chef at Oakland Hills Country Club
President Val-One Culinary Placement Services & 2013 ACF Michigan Chef of the Year
A Great Way to Learn!
“I have had the pleasure of listening to several presentations that Michael has given about wine. He is an educator first and then an entertainer, two different skills that he mixes well. The result? A great way to learn! Michael really knows wines and seeks out every opportunity to learn more, all the better to bring the best information to his clients. He has a great palate and a passion for wine and food that shows through in his work.”
Charles Edson
Owner & Winemaker, Bel Lago Vineyards and Winery
Knowledgeable and Entertaining
“We hosted a special private scotch tasting at the Grosse Pointe Public Library. Michael was a pleasure to work with during the planning stages of the event, and the gentlemen who attended found him knowledgeable and entertaining.”
Jennifer Bingaman
Executive Director, Grosse Pointe Library Foundation
Entertaining Presenter
“I have worked with Michael for many years in my leadership role with the Michigan Grape and Wine Industry Council. He is very knowledgeable about wine in general and certainly knows his stuff when if comes to Michigan wine. Michael is an entertaining presenter for a wide range of audiences.”
Linda Jones
Former Executive Director, Michigan Grape & Wine Industry Council
Educational and Genuinely Enjoyable
“My sales team often entertains clients, may of whom like wine. Michael provided an educational and genuinely enjoyable experience for my sales team. He demystified wine and embraced the joy in experience of selecting, tasting, and pairing. I’d highly recommend Michael to others and will be likely to have him provide a refresher training in the future.”
Scott Johnsen
Vice President of Customer Strategy, RouteOne
An All Around Bon Vivant!
“Michael has probably forgotten more about wine than most people will ever learn in their lifetime. Besides being an excellent writer on the subject, he is an entertaining and engaging presenter, and all around bon vivant. He should write a book.”
Ed Peabody
General Manager, Hour Custom Publishing and Momentum Books
A Passion and Love for Sharing
“I have had the pleasure of working with Michael while he taught classes for our programs at the Culinary Institute of Michigan. Michael Schafer is a true professional with a passion and love of sharing his expertise and knowledge with everyone. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of wine that is truly impressive and he has a rare ability to articulate that knowledge in a meaningful and effective way whether he is delivering a lecture, a seminar or workshop. His love of what he does shines through and engages his students. Michael also makes learning fun be it wine, spirits or beer. He can craft a lesson that keeps his students engaged and attentive. He is also simply a great person and we really enjoy having him on our team.”
Thomas Recinella, CEC, AAC, HGT
Dean of Culinary Arts, The Culinary Institute of Michigan
Impress Your Clients
“If you want to impress your clients and give them a memory that will be remembered each time you connect, I recommend that you take them to one of Michael’s events or hold a private party. Additionally on several occasions I have retained Michael to select wines at restaurants where I take clients. It is up to you whether you share with your client the effort you made for an enjoyable evening or let them think you are the wine expert. Enjoy.”
Karl Hannum
Hannum Law Firm
More Comments from Class Attendees:
“Amazing presenter with a great sense of humor.”
“He was very very funny and extremely educational”
” Such a fun presenter. Great slides. Real respect for everyone no matter their expertise or taste preference.”
“Funny, knowledgeable and enthusiastic.”
“I would happily attend another session just like this one.”