My Story

Ralph Kridner -

Your Chef

Drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life's most civilized pleasures.

I began my journey to finding my career passion as a tool and die engineer in South Bend, Indiana. After my wife earned her master’s degree there at the University of Notre Dame, we moved to East Lansing, Michigan so she could earn her PhD at Michigan State University. Since she was pursuing her passion, I decided that it was time for me to find and pursue mine. 

When I saw a new restaurant was opening, I took the leap and applied for a job there. After working for one year, I was promoted to General Manager in charge of my own restaurant. This led me to realize that wine and food are my passions. In my quest for further knowledge, I spent the next few years at various establishments so that I could expand my experience and learning. The more I learned, the more I wanted to know about wine, including wine history and the art and science of wine making.

Eventually we moved to Traverse City, the mecca of wine making in Michigan, and here I could immerse myself into the wine industry. Since arriving here, I have worked at four wineries in order to expand my knowledge and skill as a wine educator and connoisseur. After years of study, I earned the designation of Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW) through the Society of Wine Educators. 

My years of tasting good wines, great wines and mediocre wines allow me the opportunity to enthusiastically share my knowledge and passion with you.

Now I have come full circle. I have always loved cooking for others and now I can make your Private Chef event even better by adding perfectly paired wine to your meal.