Madison Michael

Beverage Director

Madison Michael is a seasoned hospitality professional with a passion for wine and an extensive background in the industry. With over 15 years of experience, Madison has lent her expertise to a diverse range of restaurant ventures, from Michelin-starred establishments in San Francisco, such as Osito where she met Birch & Rye General Manager Lucia Camarda, to a tiki bar on Kaua’i. She has led more than a dozen concept openings for bars, restaurants, and hotels. Madison has also served as a mentor for Bâtonnage Forum, guiding women through Levels One and Two in the Hospitality Industry Area of Focus.

In 2018, Madison took the leap and launched her own restaurant, Merchant Roots, in San Francisco's Fillmore District. Although she sold the restaurant in 2020 to pursue other endeavors, the pandemic stymied her plans. Instead, she has redirected her efforts toward supporting other leaders in the industry through operations and beverage consulting. She is thrilled to be joining Birch & Rye to develop a wine program that thoughtfully highlights the Russian cuisine envisioned by Chef Anya El-Wattar and tells a story about the wines of Georgia and Eastern Europe.