At Vintner’s Cellar we are very proud of our wine and winemaking processes. Our wines are hand crafted in small batches from grapes grown around the world. There is no other winery in the area where you can actually taste and make wine from grapes grown in France, Italy, Germany, Australia, and California. We select the best crops from top vineyards each harvest, and import the juice to our winery for winemaking.

Meet the Vintners

Irene Kokkinos is a chemical engineer turned winemaker. After graduating from the University of Michigan, she worked for Procter and Gamble in manufacturing. In 2005 she returned to her hometown of Kalamazoo to pursue her passion for wine, and opened Vintner’s Cellar Winery.

Alex Mantakounis uncorked his first wine bottle at the age of 3 years old.  At 5 years old, he squished a bunch of grapes (stolen from his father's vines) and put them in a jar in his first attempt to make wine.  A graduate of Western and a life long wine enthusiast, Alex is also an active beer brewer and history buff.  He is the experimental influence of the winery. When you see him ask what his latest recipe is that he is fermenting.

Nancy Shapardanis is the charm and grace of Vintner’s Cellar. You may find her pouring behind the tasting bar, or throughout the winery tending to the wines. Rumor has it she once dated Robert Parker!

Teara Guinn grew up making wine with her grandfather in northern Michigan.  A graduate of Western, she manages the tasting bar and is an expert at washing carboys and tanks (and is frequently sopping wet).