Michael Fine
Proprietor,Fine’s Cellar
Scottsdale Arizona
Michael Fine’s knowledge and experience as a wine merchant and in the culinary arts has earned him recognition as one of the top wine, spirits and food experts in the state of Arizona. Destined by lineage for a career influenced by the fruit of the vine, Fine is the third generation in his family to work in the wine and spirits industry. Today, with over three decades in the wine and food business, including 20 years as a wine retailer and restaurateur, Fine is the proprietor and visionary behind Fine’s Cellar, the Old Town Scottsdale-based wine, and dine destination.
Growing up in Northern California, Fine began his professional education in high school as a tour guide in Saratoga for the Paul Masson Mountain Winery. Remaining at Paul Masson nearly four years, Fine continued to expand his knowledge, moving from tour guide to tasting bar host, then to party and tasting host, and eventually to facility tour guide and retail shop manager at Paul Masson Chateau and Old Winery.
After high school Fine studied history, political science and business at multiple California state universities including UCLA before he was selected for the Seagram’s Sales Management Development Program. Completing his training, Fine spent 2 years in the field as a troubleshooter for Seagram’s in multiple markets across the U.S. After gaining experience in the field, Fine joined his family’s business as a national sales manager for Elliott Fine & Co. Wine Importer and Marketer. Wanting to combine his knowledge of wines with cuisine, Fine moved to Los Angeles, accepting a position as manager for The Melting Pot Restaurant, which served 250 to 300 covers daily.
In 1986, Fine left California for Arizona, settling in Phoenix where he managed and developed Sportsman’s Fine Wines & Spirits with his father Elliott Fine. Heading daily operations, Fine transformed Sportsman’s from a small corner liquor store into the highest grossing independent wine, spirits and gourmet food business in the history of Arizona. As president and general manager for 18 years, Fine was recognized by Arizona Business Magazine’s “Best of Arizona” for six years running and The New Times’ “Best of Phoenix” for 18 years.
After selling the business in 2006, Fine turned his sights to a new venture, Fine’s Cellar, a wine and dine destination he began developing in 2001. Fine has pulled together a winning team of wine and culinary experts. The end result: a friendly neighborhood wine shop, wine bar & bistro where Valley residents discover a wine-enriched and wine-inspired experience that will not only feed the soul, but the mind as well.
Fine continues to dedicate his time and support to a variety of Valley charities. Supporting the arts and children’s philanthropies, Fine has served as director of beverages for the Phoenix Zoo’s annual fundraiser, “Zoofari,” and sponsored Hospice of The Valley’s annual wine auction and the Phoenix Museum’s Men’s Arts Council three-day wine event. In addition, he is an ongoing supporter of both Phoenix’s and Scottsdale’s Boys & Girls Clubs, Crisis Nursery and the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. In 2005, Fine was instrumental in launching Phoenix Cooks, which benefits Phoenix Children’s Hospital.
When he’s not at home relaxing with his wife, three children and four dogs, Fine, an avid cyclist, can often be found riding his bike through the streets of Phoenix training for an upcoming race.