Brian McGonigle

Founder, SF Wine Center & Indie Wine & Beer Bar

Brian McGonigle is the founder of San Francisco Wine Center, Indie Wine & Beer Bar, and Wine School at SF Wine Center. With more than 30 years of experience in the wine industry, he brings a background spanning hospitality, wine education, and wine collecting. As a wine and food content creator, he also shares his enthusiasm for discovering wines and the experiences surrounding them.

Through San Francisco Wine Center, Brian has created a community where wine enthusiasts can store their collections, deepen their knowledge, and connect with fellow collectors. His wine school welcomes both beginners and experienced enthusiasts, while Indie Wine & Beer Bar offers opportunities to explore distinctive wines, including hard-to-find and aged bottles.

As a USA Wine Ratings judge, Brian brings a perspective shaped by decades of working with wine and engaging with consumers. His experience in hospitality and education informs his understanding of how quality, value, and presentation influence a wine’s appeal.

Judges

Meet our 2027 Judges

Susan Lin MW

Master of Wine & Head of Wine Expertise, Belmont Wine Exchange