What began as a casual joke between a wine-loving couple has become a full-bodied venture for Mike and Kari Heller. Since their courtship, they’d joked about someday opening a wine bar. Today, they’re celebrating five years in business at Red & White Winebar.
“We love drinking and experiencing wine. And we thought 'Let's own a business together.' Not a lot of couples could say that and be able to survive, but for us, it’s been good” says Kari.
When opening Red & White, the Hellers worked to create an inviting and unpretentious space that, while it had a great wine selection, focused on bringing people in.
“We're not a pretentious wine bar. As the owners, we don't know that much about wine, and certainly not when we started,” says Mike
“We have wine tastings, and we let our expert cru team take care of those. Otherwise, it's just a fun, quaint, comfortable place to meet for a glass of wine or two"
And don’t let the name wine bar fool you. Their selection includes over 40 bourbons, 20 non-alcoholic options, flatbreads, Bavarian pretzels, along with their impeccable wine selections. Their business has also grown beyond a wine retail place into a community gathering hub. Kari hosts a Book Club that started with four friends and now boasts over 50 members. Mike uses his sports radio background to bring in coaches and athletes for BS and Bourbon Nights, and the building has served as an event space for bridal showers, anniversary parties, and more. They've also started organizing group travel events for those who want to enjoy great wine outside of Waunakee. Recent trips include Napa Valley and Traverse City, and they've set their sights on international locations soon.
“I think our core group of friends have been people that we've met since we opened the wine bar. Which is not a reason that you open a business, but it's kind of turned into that” says Mike.
Building that community has kept the Hellers going, even amid personal crises.
“In January of 2022, we had the heart attack. It was mine in my body, but we had it,” said Mike.
“Mike had his heart attack on a Monday. He got home Wednesday night, and as we were processing through the last few days and talking about the great care that he received, that’s how “Heart Night” was born. We put together something super quick and small, and we were able to raise $11,000 for the UW Foundation for Cardiac Research.” Said Kari.
Since 2022, the Hellers have given back over $75,000 to that same foundation. And, like Red White and Wine Bar itself, Heart Night has grown and changed with each iteration. This year, there’s a whole week of celebratory events starting December 1st with a Sunday Saber, which uses a saber to open a bottle of champagne. Throughout the week, they’ll have trivia, a silent auction, a presence at the Waunakee Santa Parade, and live music. They'll finish the week on Sunday, December 8th with a 5k walk. All to celebrate 5 years in a business and to raise money for the UW Foundation for Cardiac Research.
Being part of the community and giving back have kept the Heller’s business thriving for 5 years and counting.
“We didn't think, Hey, let's be a charitable wine bar, but it's been very rewarding and fulfilling. I think people like to see that when they're supporting our business, they’re supporting a cause” says Kari.
“The book club nights, the BS and Bourbon Nights, and certainly the Heart Nights - these things make us look at each other and go, ‘this is why we did this’.”
"I think people like to see that when they're supporting our business, they’re supporting a cause."