Both John and his wife, Gail, manage Merchant's Fine Wine with a great respect and appreciation to help everyone discover good taste. Gail is in charge of ordering and overseeing the specialty food department. John has been active in the business professionally since 1968 and is well versed in all aspects of the beverage industry, specializes in wines and super-premium spirits (Cognac, Single Malt Scotch, specialty Bourbon, and Grappa).

“Through the years I’ve tasted thousands of beverages, with alcohol and without, and have learned several basic truths of consumption. Wine always tastes better with food, beer is always best on a hot summer day, and always drink water before you go to bed. Also, no matter what I say or do, the Chianti I sell you will not taste as good here as when you drank it with that special someone on the veranda overlooking the Tuscan countryside." -- John Lossia

Contact: [email protected]

Hello! My name is Annette and I love beer. I've been working in the specialty beer business for 14 years, both in Michigan and in Chicago. I'm a Certified Cicerone™, (pronounced sis-uh-rohn ) which means I have proven expertise in selecting, acquiring, storing and serving today's wide range of beers as well as recommending beers to serve with all kinds of foods. I was the first woman in the USA to attain this certification.

Some fun facts :

• There are over 80 different beer styles. I've had them all and can tell you something unique about every one!
• The first Oktoberfest celebration included a horse race.
• The Sumerian beer deity is a woman and her name is Ninkasi.
• My husband and I met at a beer conference. We have a 4-tap draft system in our house.

For more information and advice about beer, please come and visit me at Merchant's Fine Wine. I've done a lot of work with beer and food pairings and can recommend a wonderful beer match for every course. I've even made sorbet with beer!

Contact: [email protected]

Since starting at Merchant's Fine Wine in 1995, I have gained experience in every area of the store. My specialties are managing beverage planning for weddings or special events, spirits purchasing and gift baskets. If you are looking for the perfect gift or are stressing about your next big event, let me help you find the perfect solution: easy and worry-free.