Our Staff
Michael Bryan, Founder
Michael Bryan was the visionary of the wine emporium concept, Vino Venue. Opened in 2012, Vino Venue expanded on his existing wine enterprise, Atlanta Wine School, which opened in 2004. Today, this multiple choice wine-centric
business allows guests to taste, learn or buy–all under one roof.
Michael spoke on wine-related subject matter to consumer and trade groups routinely, and held wine qualifications from the following expert credentialing organizations: The Society of Wine Educators, The Court of Master Sommeliers,
The Wine & Spirit Education Trust of London, The Spanish Wine Academy, and the L’Ecole du Vin Bordeaux. As wine country travel and tours has been a vital part of the Atlanta Wine School offering since 2009, Michael toured all
but three of the major wine regions globally. Michael believed that wine is meant to be shared, and Vino Venue/Atlanta Wine School embodies that idea by providing an environment with a solid “vibe” and excellent wine, beer and cuisine
options.
Credentials: Certified Specialist of Wine Certified Sommelier Advanced Certificate (with Merit) from The Wine & Spirit Education Trust Spanish Wine Educator International Bordeaux Wine Educator
Lelia Bryan, Managing Partner & Event Sales
Lelia manages the more than 300 private events that Vino Venue produces annually. Prior to opening Vino Venue with her husband, Lelia was the Administrator for Atlanta Wine School. Previous to that she worked in advertising
and marketing for large brands such as United Healthcare and the Weather Channel.
She worked for such brands as The Ritz-Carlton, The Travel Channel, The Weather Channel and United Healthcare. She is a member of Les Dames d’Escoffier and holds a Level 2 certification from the Wine & Spirit Education
Trust of London. She is a graduate of Vanderbilt University.
Rob Van Leer, Beverage Director & Partner
Rob joined Vino Venue with over 20 years of restaurant experience including 17 years with Towne Lake Hills Golf Club. His role as Beverage Director and Partner of Vino Venue includes retail wine sales, wine club, virtual wine
tastings and restaurant beverage program. Rob is a member of the Guild of Sommeliers and has visited many wine regions; both USA and international.
Rob and his wife Carol reside in Buckhead.
Credentials:
Certified Sommelier Certified Specialist of Wine Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III, With Distinction BarSmarts Advanced Certificate
Lizette Leanza, Director of Education, Events & Marketing
Lizette Leanza is the Director of Education at Vino Venue/Atlanta Wine School. Born and raised in New Orleans by Argentine/Italian and Cuban/Spanish parents, Lizette’s passion for wine and food is a direct result of her multi-cultural
upbringing. Traveling internationally at an early age with her family and later exploring wine regions around the globe, throughout Europe and as far as Australia, further cultivated her interests.
Following a successful career as a certified public accountant and campus recruiter, Lizette assumed the role of full time wife and mother of two young girls. During this time, Lizette continued to refine her skills through volunteer work at a local cooking school and enrollment in the Society of Wine Educator’s Certified Specialist of Wine program. She later launched a food and wine blog, Gourmet Uncorked, which eventually led her to Vino Venue. She first joined our team as Social Media Manager and blogger and later assumed a full time role as Director of the school. Lizette brings her business skills, background and enthusiasm for wine and the culinary arts to the unique program at Atlanta Wine school.
Credentials
Certified Specialist of Wine Certified Specialist of Spirits Wine and Spirits Educational Trust Level III (With Distinction)
Wine and Spirits Educational Trust Level II (With Distinction)
Patric Good, Executive Chef
Chef Patric Good has worked all levels of foodservice in his career, from fast food to Jewish delis to fine dining. He graduated with Highest Honors from The Art Institute Of Atlanta’s School Of Culinary Arts in 2002, and
secured his first chef position five months later. He has spent the last twelve years helping to establish the reputations of several of Atlanta’s most popular restaurants.
Some of these included the West Egg Café and The Barrelhouse. Chef Patric was also named “Best Local Chef” by GA Voice readers in 2015.
Chef Patric lives in Brookhaven with his husband, Darin, and their two dogs.