Michael Ploetz
EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Court of Master Sommeliers . Level 2 Certified Sommelier
University of Wisconsin - Stout. Menomonie, WI. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management - Bachelor's Degree
University of Wisconsin - Stout. Menomonie, WI. Hotel, Restaurant & Tourism Management - Bachelor's Degree
EXPERIENCE
Arrow & Branch Winery. Napa, CA. Director of Sales & Hospitality
Tamber Bey Vineyards. Calistoga, CA. Estate Director
Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate. St. Helena, CA. General Manager
Las Alcobas. St. Helena, CA. Director of Food and Beverage
The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills, CA. Director of Food and Beverage
ink. by Michael Voltaggio. Los Angeles, CA
Solage Calistoga. Calistoga, CA
é by José Andrés. Las Vegas, NV. General Manager
Jaleo by José Andrés. Las Vegas, NV. General Manager
The Bazaar by José Andrés. Beverly Hills, CA. Assistant General Manager
Tres by José Andrés. Beverly Hills, CA. General Manager
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole. Teton Village, WY
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Chicago, IL
Tamber Bey Vineyards. Calistoga, CA. Estate Director
Alejandro Bulgheroni Estate. St. Helena, CA. General Manager
Las Alcobas. St. Helena, CA. Director of Food and Beverage
The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Beverly Hills, CA. Director of Food and Beverage
ink. by Michael Voltaggio. Los Angeles, CA
Solage Calistoga. Calistoga, CA
é by José Andrés. Las Vegas, NV. General Manager
Jaleo by José Andrés. Las Vegas, NV. General Manager
The Bazaar by José Andrés. Beverly Hills, CA. Assistant General Manager
Tres by José Andrés. Beverly Hills, CA. General Manager
Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole. Teton Village, WY
Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. Chicago, IL
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Inventory Management
Regional Expertise: California
Regional Expertise: Spain
Wine and Food Pairing
Wine Educator
Wine Judge
Regional Expertise: California
Regional Expertise: Spain
Wine and Food Pairing
Wine Educator
Wine Judge
Wine List Creation
Wine Service- Bar or Wine Bar
Wine Service- Management
Wine Service- Restaurant
Wine Sourcing and Purchasing
Wine Service- Bar or Wine Bar
Wine Service- Management
Wine Service- Restaurant
Wine Sourcing and Purchasing
MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS
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Michael Ploetz's love of food and wine started early in life, working in restaurant kitchens throughout the midwest. Obtaining a degree in Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management from the University of Wisconsin led him to the Four Seasons Hotel Chicago & Jackson Hole, receiving mentorship into the world of luxury-high touch hospitality. Five years later, he partnered with Chef José Andrés opening his first ventures outside of Washington DC in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. Following a rare perfect three-star review from the LA Times and the James Beard Foundation award for Best New Restaurant, Michael struck out on his own, consulting with Chef Michael Voltaggio and Auberge Resorts. This led him to accept a leadership position at the iconic Peninsula Beverly Hills, ushering a $30 million rebrand of the signature restaurant, the Belvedere, and overseeing all of food and beverage at the property. More recently, with a move to Napa Valley, Michael is focused on the world of wine and guiding estate properties to more significant acclaim while continuing to cultivate his restaurant and hotelier roots.