The world of wine can be intimidating. The vernacular is filled with tongue-twisting terms. You need a great memory to keep track of regions, varietals and vintages (what are those things anyhow?). And all of those factors can make an education in wine feel like a truly uphill battle.
But, it doesn't need to be that way. Just as Rob Levin, a seasoned restaurant veteran and co-owner of 2A Wine Merchants, a wine shop that knits together the elements of passion, curiosity and hospitality, all with a liberal dose of levity. We're chatting with him this week about his ongoing journey in wine, the way he turns curstomers on to new finds and the joy you can get from wine, even if you're an absolute newbie. And yes, you'll come away with some great recommendations for wines you can try now.
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As a passionate champion of the local dining scene, Lori has reimagined the restaurant critic's role into that of a trusted dining concierge, guiding food lovers to delightful culinary discoveries and memorable experiences.
Lori is an avid cook whose accrual of condiments and spices is rivaled only by her cookbook collection. Her passion for the culinary industry was birthed while balancing A&W root beer mugs as a teenage carhop, fed by insatiable curiosity and fueled by the people whose stories entwine with every dish. Lori is the author of two books: the "Wisconsin Field to Fork" cookbook and "Milwaukee Food". Her work has garnered journalism awards from entities including the Milwaukee Press Club. In 2024, Lori was honored with a "Top 20 Women in Hospitality to Watch" award by the Wisconsin Restaurant Association.
When she’s not eating, photographing food, writing or planning for TV and radio spots, you’ll find Lori seeking out adventures with her husband Paul, traveling, cooking, reading, learning, snuggling with her cats and looking for ways to make a difference.
