About Us

Michael’s Wine Cellar and MichaelsFineWines.com specialize in estate-bottled wines from all the major wine regions including: France, Italy, South America, South Africa, Spain, and of course, all over the U.S. Our first retail store was established in 1994, and our goal is to serve the needs of wine enthusiasts and collectors worldwide.

We have a beautiful selection of great-valued wines including a large selection of wines under $20, as well as the luxury classics and Bordeaux futures. If you have questions or need some suggestions for finding your new favorite wine, our staff is happy to help, feel free to give us a call during business hours at 941-955-CORK (2675). We are located in Sarasota, Florida.

Our Staff

For more than 30 years, co-owner Michael Klauber has been developing his palate and relationships with winemakers all around the world. After attending Cornell University, Michael began his career in the food and wine industry working in New Orleans with famed restaurateur, Archie Casbarian, at the Royal Sonesta Hotel and later at Arnaud’s Restaurant. Archie challenged to Michael create one of the best wine lists in the city for Arnaud's and Michael was "off to the races"!

In 1980 Michael came home to Sarasota to run the food and beverage operations at the Colony Beach and Tennis Resort on Longboat Key. While at the Colony, Michael created an innovative wine program that earned the highly coveted Wine Spectator Grand Award in 1982. He became a sought-after wine taster and was active as a professional wine judge and prestigious wine events around the US.

Wanting to make his own mark on the Sarasota hospitality scene, in 1987 he opened his own restaurant, Michael’s On East. Now in its 25th year, Michael’s On East is one of Florida's premier fine-dining restaurants.

Michael Klauber leads our talented wine cellar staff. He continues to travel the international wine world each year in search of great values, as well as finding up-and-coming wines from emerging contemporary winemakers, to the classics from masters. Our staff members are knowledgeable professionals who share the same passion for discovering great wines, and sharing that knowledge with our clients. If you’re in the Sarasota-Manatee area, we encourage you to stop by and chat with Michael and our staff, and see what new discoveries they have made.

Michael’s On East

Michael’s On East Restaurant, Catering and Wine Cellar are owned by partners Michael Klauber and Phil Mancini. Their company is one of Florida's most successful restaurant, catering and retail wine and spirits businesses. For 21 consecutive years, Michael’s On East has earned AAA’s Four-Diamond awards, one of only two restaurants in Florida, and one of only 17 restaurants nation-wide.

In 2009, Michael’s On East was inducted into the Restaurant News Fine Dining Hall of Fame, one of only ten restaurants in the U.S. Michael and Phil have a keen perception of what their guests’ desire; inspiring cuisine, an impressive wine program, and exceptional service. Our dining options range from outstanding steaks, regional specialties, local seafood, specialty organic produce and three-course themed prix-fixe dinners to healthy and delicious lunchtime dining opportunities. If you’re in Southwest Florida, we invite you to dine with us for either lunch, cocktails or dinner. Visit our website at bestfood.com