About Us
The Name | The Owners | Thief & the MPM
We're a boutique fine wine shop and bar, featuring eclectic and distinctive wines from all over the world. (Don't worry - we have craft beers and spirits to meet all your needs as well). Thief Wine is owned by Phil Bilodeau and Aimee Murphy (soon to be Bilodeau); combined, we've got more than 25 years experience in the wine and hospitality industry. We don't just own the business, though, we are the business - we'll be there every day behind the counter and behind the bar, turning people on to great wine and giving every customer the best possible experience. We look forward to seeing you!
The Name
Why Thief? "Thief" refers to a barrel thief, which is a long glass tube used to extract maturing wine from barrels for sampling at a winery. We chose the name to reflect that special insider experience, giving you access to wines you might not otherwise discover. Plus, the name's fun and interesting, hopefully evocative and memorable, not stuffy or boring - exactly what wine should be.
The Owners
Phil Bilodeau: Phil has extensive experience and knowledge in wine sales and education, strategic planning, marketing, and industry consulting. He is a certified sommelier and a current candidate (one of only 16 accepted in 2004 from North America) for the Masters of Wine designation, the industry's most highly sought-after and difficult-to-achieve certification. He's spent the last five years out in Napa and Sonoma, where he worked for Grgich Hills Estate, Trefethen Vineyards, and most recently as Director of Communications at Sonoma County Vintners, a trade organization representing the region's wines & wineries. Originally from Boston, Phil spent five years in Minneapolis as a wine distributor (and in a pre-wine career, online producer for Minnesota Public Radio.)
Favorite wine: I'm a sucker for good Barolo, Burgundy (red or white), Priorat, or Alsatian Riesling
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Aimee Murphy: Aimee's got a rare mix of wine, restaurant, and hospitality experience. Most recently Director of Hospitality at Hanna Winery in Sonoma County (they've got a killer Sauvignon Blanc, by the way), Aimee has also worked in production at Testarossa Vineyards, a renowned Pinot and Chardonnay producer. Previously Aimee owned her own catering company, Bonne Bouche, for six years (guess who's running the food program at Thief?!), managed front-of house at Restaurant LuLu in San Francisco, and been a hotel Director of Food & Beverage. Additional wine experience includes passing the Level 1 course of the Court of Master Sommeliers and often besting Phil during blind tastings. Born and raised in California, Aimee has wholeheartedly embraced fish fries, the Brewers, and the genuine niceness of the people here. (She is withholding judgment on the winter.)
Favorite wine: I'll never refuse Champagne
Favorite wine implement: Champagne saber - who knew cutting the top off a bottle with a huge knife could be so much fun? |
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Thief & the MPM
We are proud and excited to be a part of the Milwaukee Public Market - it's a natural fit for everything that we believe in and are trying to do. Wine doesn't exist in a vacuum - it's a part of everyday life, consumed with food and with friends, it's alive and vibrant, just like the Public Market. The Market is a collection of artisans - cheese, fish, meat purveyors, and more - and we're small, hands-on, and independent as well, with a passion for what we do, just like the wines that we carry. The market combines the best of focused, dedicated shops with the convenience to you of everything all in one place. And after you've picked up what you'll be having for dinner, stop by and ask us for a recommendation on what to pair with it - we love those questions!
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