PLUM MARKET’S FIRST LADY OF WINE

Madeline Triffon knows wine. As Plum Market’s in-house Master Sommelier, Madeline uses her expertise to direct wine tastings, hand select wines for retail, and serve as a corporate wine educator.

After completing her studies at the University of Michigan, Madeline’s career path turned to focus on service at iconic Detroit restaurants like The London Chop House and The Rattlesnake Club, and later as Wine Director for premier restaurant groups in the Detroit area. Her incredible ability to curate wine lists earned her several prestigious awards from Wine Spectator. Madeline left the restaurant industry in 2011 to join Plum Market, where she inspires team members and guests with her breadth of knowledge, unabashed positivity, and dedication to service.

Madeline earned her Master Sommelier title in 1987, passing the exam on her first try. At that time, she was one of only nine Americans, the first American woman, and the second woman in the world to pass. Today, only 147 professionals have earned the title Master Sommelier in North America, with a total of 230 worldwide. Madeline proudly serves as Chairman Emeritus of the American Chapter of the Court of Master Sommeliers and has previously served as Scholarship Chair.

— LIST OF AWARDS —

  • Wine & Spirits Professional of the Year, Santé Magazine, 1999
  • Vanguard Award of Industry Leadership and Vision, Restaurant Hospitality, 2002
  • Golden Goblet Award for Women Who Inspire, Women Chefs & Restaurateurs, 2008
  • Award for Beverage Excellence, Cheers Magazine, 2011
  • Lifetime Achievement Award for Exceptional Achievement in Wine Service, Education, and Hospitality, Champagne Krug, 2012

— PRESS —

  • “A Master Sommelier Breaks Through the Wine-Glass Ceiling,” The Atlantic, 2016
  • “Why Master Sommelier Madeline Triffon Left Detroit Restaurant Icons for Plum Market,” Easter Detroit, 2014
  • “Best Sommeliers in Detroit,” CBS Detroit, 2012

“Our wine events are organized to be a ‘love letter’ to the consumer, featuring wines that are the best in their class, always fairly priced and presented in a way that serves both practiced collectors and those new to the pleasure of wine. Our wine tastings are joyful!”
 – Madeline Triffon, MS