ABOUT US
The Wine Collective is a wine shop located in beautiful Uptown Shelby offering sommelier-curated selections in a cozy and community environment. We believe the best wine is the one you love and we will help you find the perfect bottle. Something for every budget and preference.
OUR STORY
At the Wine Collective, we are not only certified sommeliers and wine educators but also wine lovers that want to share the joy with our guests. We curate carefully our wine program to offer you diversity and something fun every time you visit us.
From wine club services, to wine shop, wine bar and consultation to bars and retaurants we are your one spot for all things wines. Scroll down to learn more about the team!
ABOUT MARY
Sommelier & Wine Programs
Meet Mary Montalvo, the wine expert who turned her passion into a successful wine career. She is the visionary behind Wine Collective and the founder of The Wine Academy. Mary has a wealth of wine education and experience under her belt, including being a certified WSET Educator and holding numerous wine and spirits certifications. Mary also holds a Juris Doctor from the Univerity of Puerto Rico along with a Masters Degree in Public Relations and Journalism from Florida International University. She has worked in the marketing and public relations teams of companies such as Bacardi Corporation and Mountain Brook Vineyards. At Mountian Brook Vineyards she also served as their wine club director and in charge of more than 700 members.
Mary is also a travel enthusiast, offering guided tours of the regions she loves, and she's passionate about making wine easy, fun, and educational for everyone.
Mary holds the following accreditations:
WSET Level 2 in Spirits
Spanish Wine Scholar Certified
Certified Rioja Wine Educator
IWSPrep
CMS
Certified Beer Server
At Wine Collective, Mary is in charge of the wine club, wine bar, wine program, marketing, branding and social media aspects of your company along with the wine education and consulting.
MEET WITH MARY!
30 min
ABOUT CHRIS PERRY
Culinary Experiences & Private Chef
Christopher Perry is a local to the Shelby area where he has lived with his family for most of his adult life. He is a seasoned private chef with over a decade of experience in the culinary industry. Known for his remarkable expertise and dedication, his journey as a chef is a delectable exploration of world cuisines and flavors, deeply rooted in a love for creative and innovative cooking.
He embarked on a culinary exploration that led him to the vibrant streets of Europe. It was there along with his experience in Mediterranean reataurants kitchens, that he delved into the art of international flavors, discovering the rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and techniques that these cuisines have to offer.
His wanderlust spirit recently led him abroad, allowing him to immerse himself in the diverse culinary traditions of different countries. These journeys ignited his passion for creating dishes that harmonize the essence of global cuisines, infusing them with his unique touch.
As a private chef, he is dedicated to sharing his culinary artistry with a select group of clients who seek unforgettable dining experiences. Whether you're yearning for an authentic Italian dinner filled with the aroma of fresh herbs and rich sauces, a lively Spanish tapas night, or a globally inspired culinary adventure, Christopher is your culinary partner. He effortlessly combines international influences with his innovative approach, creating dishes that are as visually stunning as they are delicious.
We are thrilled to be collaborating with Chef Chris in upcoming wine pairings and events and we can't wait for you to meet him as well.
For more information make sure to visit www.perryculinaryservices.com or follow him on social media Perry Culinary Services.
ABOUT ALEX LOPEZ, FWS
Wine Educator
Friday is here! As we get closer to opening, we keep on introducing you to our team members and the people that will make the Wine Collective a full immersive wine experience.
Meet Alex Lopez, FWS!
We are thrilled to introduce you to one of our Educators, Alex Lopez. He will be teaching our French Wine Scholar, Introduction to French Wines, Intro to Sherr,y and Intro to Burgundy customer programs.
Alexander fell in love with the study of wine long before he could partake in a bottle, reading wine atlases with an eye to the history of vineyards and terroir. Earning a Bachelor's in History from Gettysburg College, created a solid foundation for a broad spectrum approach to the study of wine. With a career background in the ski town hospitality industry of both Jackson Hole and Park City, Alexander moved to the South Carolina Upstate to expand his life in wine.
A Certified Specialist of Wine in addition to a French Wine Scholar with Highest Honors, Alexander is looking forward to sharing his love of history and wine with everyone at The Wine Academy and Wine Collective.
Alex spent the last year attending the Burgundy School of Business and completing his MBA in the famous wine region. He is a wealth of knowledge in all things French Wine along with Spirits and Sherry!
Make sure to follow his wine journey at @drinkswithalexlopez! He always updates fun videos and wine education content.
ABOUT JUDILYZ DIAZ
ARTIST + CRAFT FOR YOUR WINE SPACE
Judyliz, an artist based out of Norfolk, Virginia, blends her passion for fine arts, cultivated through studies in Puerto Rico, with her dedication to teaching world languages. While taking a hiatus from painting to educate, she found inspiration in the lush vineyards dotting the North Carolina Blue Ridge Mountains, infusing her work with their natural beauty.
ABOUT TIMBER & TORCH WORKS
Woodwork + Welding Art
Hailing from the heart of Charlotte, NC, the Perry Brothers, Chris and Trevor, have long been synonymous with craftsmanship that marries tradition with innovation. Growing up amidst the rhythmic sounds of hammering and the aromatic scent of freshly hewn wood, their early years were marked by a profound appreciation for the art of creation.
Drawing inspiration from their surroundings, it was the allure of wine that truly captivated their imaginations. The elegant curves of a wine bottle, the rustic charm of a barrel, and the intricate design of a wine rack all became the muses for their woodworking and welding ventures. Every piece crafted by the duo reflects their passion for wine, capturing its essence and translating it into tangible art.
Trevor, with his meticulous eye for detail, specializes in woodworking. His creations, be it a mahogany wine cabinet or an oakwood tasting table, resonate with the warmth and richness of the wines they're designed around. Chris, on the other hand, is a maestro with metal. His welding works, from intricate wine racks to bespoke bottle holders, are not just functional but are sculptures in their own right.
Their works are more than just pieces of wood and metal; they are narratives of their love for wine, their dedication to craftsmanship, and their commitment to excellence.
For those seeking a blend of artistry and functionality, the creations of the Perry Brothers are more than just objects; they are experiences waiting to be cherished.