QUAD CITIZEN TO KNOW
Marlisa Wiley Certified Sommelier Swirl Wine Bar
Wine tasting is much more than popping a bottle open and savoring what’s inside. For Certified Sommelier and Augustana alumna Marlisa Wiley, wine is all about connection, curiosity, and exploration. Marlisa moved to the Quad Cities to attend Augustana College, where she studied business management. During her junior and senior years, she worked in local restaurants, eventually taking on a full-time role and choosing to stay in the area after graduation. In 2020, while working in restaurant management during the pandemic, Marlisa chose to pursue professional wine certifications through the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) and the Court of Master Sommeliers. Over the course of two years, Marlisa completed four exams, studying wine history, vineyard and grape growing, as well as wine
Marlisa Wiley
WINE Whether you’re a connoisseur or the drink-from-the- bottle type, the Quad Cities has plenty of wine to taste your way through. Sip and learn about the best pairings at Swirl Wine Bar , where you can find classes and guided tastings that blend education with enjoyment. For a classic winery experience, Old Oaks Winery brings a bit of Napa to the Quad Cities. Take in the rolling hills and relax with a glass of wine while you enjoy music or one of their seasonal events. At Wide River Winery in Clinton, take a tour of their 14-acre vineyard while you sip your way through signature blends. When you’re looking for something a bit more laid back, Grape Life Wine Lounge and Cellar offers good wine, relaxed vibes, and live music to keep the evening going. Bootleg Hill Honey Meads rounds out the experience with mead crafted from locally sourced raw honey, perfect for those looking for a different kind of pour. Each stop brings its own approach to flavor. From bold and vibrant to balanced and refined, all are rooted in the creativity of the people behind the pour. It all comes together to create a memorable experience that sets the Quad Cities apart.
service. Just before completing her Certified Sommelier exam, Marlisa was connected to two business owners, Troy Gutknecht and Marc VanSeveren, who were planning to open a wine bar in Bettendorf and looking for a partner. That collaboration led to the opening of the Swirl Wine Bar in January 2023. Marlisa has since continued to build strong partnerships with fellow local businesses, creating experiences that feel both welcoming and elevated for visitors. “The Quad Cities has such a great small business heart, and we love being a part of that community,” said Marlisa. Beyond Swirl Wine Bar, Marlisa remains involved with her alma mater by serving on the Augustana Alumni Board from 2019-2025 and hosting wine events at the wine bar or on campus. Swirl Wine Bar also frequently partners with the Jaycees for Wine and Chocolate tasting events, helping raise funds that support community grants and outreach programs. Looking ahead, Marlisa is excited for the continued growth of The Plex and what the coming years will bring.
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