Managers
David LeClaire,Founder & General Manager
Email: davidl@wineworldspirits.com
Founder and General Manager David LeClaire is a certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers and founder of Wine Events & Promotions. He created the two largest wine clubs in the Northwest, Seattle Uncorked & Portland Uncorked, and was recently featured in the Seattle Metropolitan Magazine. He is also a member of The International Food Wine and Travel Writers Association.
Mr. LeClaire served as wine director at Seattle’s prestigious Alexis Hotel (& Painted Table Restaurant) for ten years. David is often booked for speaking engagements for wine clubs and special events, is an instructor at North Seattle Community College, and serves as judge for various wine competitions, including Ray’s Boathouse “Retrospective” and the annual Seattle Wine Awards. He is also a free-lance writer and articles can be found in the Washington Tasting Room Magazine.
Lenny Rede, Operations Manager
Email: lennyr@wineworldspirits.com
Classically-trained chef, wine buyer, event planner, creative display artist, even handyman - Lenny is all these and an important part of the lifeblood at Wine World. When David wanted an Operations Manager, Lenny’s face was the one that came to mind.
Lenny and David worked together at the Alexis Hotel and remained friends as both became an integral part of the Washington State Wine industry. Lenny was Owner/Chef for the award winning restaurant Sapphire. Lenny is the the Food and Wine Pairing instructor at the NW Wine Academy.
Sales Staff
Mike Wilson, Sales AssociateEmail: mikew@wineworldspirits.com
You might recognize Mike from working at various restaurants in Seattle, most currently at The Blue Glass restaurant in Ballard.
Mike takes road trips in his spare time with Thelma and Louise…his chihuahua-terrier mix rescue dogs. He does bring along his wife, Stephanie, and they can all be seen touring on his Ducati. Mike is also currently in the NW Wine Academy at South Seattle Community College. He and his wife both enjoy traveling, most recently through Greece and France.
Phil Massey, Sales AssociateEmail: philm@wineworldspirits.com
Phil, aka “Sammy,” is the most upbeat guy on the floor. He is full of boundless energy, and everyone knows when Phil walks in the door. This same energy bursts through when he shares his knowledge of wine. ”It feels like Christmas when I get to come to work at Wine World and talk to customers about wine.”
Phil got in the wine business in 2004, selling wine at Central Market in Shoreline and then Greenwood Market’s Wine and Beer department in 2008. After a short time at Pete’s in Bellevue Phil saw the light, and came to Wine World to work David.
Phil is committed to making David and Wine World a huge success – “David is the coolest boss I’ve ever had” – so it’s no wonder Phil thinks selling wine here is the best part of his day.
