About Us
Bridget and Mike Roddy have been in the restaurant business, most notably Paesano Restaurant & Wine Bar in Ann Arbor, for over 40 years. Their passion for Italy goes far beyond just cuisine, it is equally divided to include wine and the beautiful country of Italia itself. With a long heritage rooted in Sicily (Bridget’s family), the Roddy’s have harnessed all that they know, all that they love and everything that’s good about Italy, and are now creating unique experiences for you to enjoy.
Our Story
2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
Mike Roddy is fast becoming one of Michigan foremost Italian Wine Influencers. His wine list has won WINE SPECTATOR Award of Excellence List for the past 15 consecutive years. Mike seeks out niche, small producers in Italy that many others pass by and has developed strong relationships with numerous importers throughout the US and many long standing, family owned wineries in various regions of Italy.
The popular “it WINE” program is a monthly featured wine special that Mike started in 2021, providing an opportunity to present a special wine that is not found in most stores or restaurants. He has been a featured speaker at local charity events as an Italian wine specialist and has hosted wine dinners and tastings throughout S.E. Michigan and Northern Ohio.
Bridget Roddy has decades of experience running restaurants and has planned, and organized food and wine events of all sizes. Her strong operations background provides essential organization for events and activities. Bridget also is the story teller for the Roddy’s, reflecting on her family traditions during many of the food and wine events, and sharing special family dishes, and her times in the kitchen with her nonna making them. Bridget is also responsible for the popular, casual Wine & Women tastings, held as various locations around the area.
In addition to their food and wine experiences, the Roddy’s have also hosted private, guided tours of Italy. Starting in 2000, each fall the Roddy’s have taken a small groups to a select region of Italy, experiencing the culture, cuisine, attractions and wines of that region. The trips include 4-start hotel accommodation, private tour guides, winery tours, historic attraction tours and dining at some of Italy’s most desired restaurants. Planning is underway for next year’s trip and reservations tend to fill up fast.
Please let us know what kind of Italian experience you wish to be a part of. You may follow us on social media, or you can subscribe to our mailing list by clicking below. And watch for the Roddy’s podcast coming soon. See live videos from events, from Italy and presentations of cool new Italian wines from Mike’s Wine Cellar. Thanks for following. Ciao!