Why Does Slik Wines Exist?
To make wine approachable to everyone.
The major players in wine education focus on the wine professional, meaning that their scope is too specific and can be downright boring for the general public. At Slik Wines, we focus on the average, everyday drinker who wants to use wine as a way to connect with people, hear new perspectives, and enrich their lives.
Slik’s Values
Transparency
From the inside out, we are committed to being open, honest, and straightforward with Slik’s business practices.
Community
The global wine community has nurtured our wine career from bud break to harvest. We will do our best to listen, engage, as well as donate our time and money.
Equity & Inclusion
”It is in collectivities that we find reservoirs of hope and optimism.” - Angela Davis
High-Quality Products
Endorsing eco-friendly, labor-conscious, and delicious wines ensures that we can promote products you and the planet will love.
About Marie Cheslik
Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse and certified sommelier. In 2010, Marie moved to Chicago to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and during school, she also worked as a part-time hostess in a restaurant. She loved the culture, energy, and easy access to tasty snacks. She balanced two careers, working as a nurse and at award-winning restaurants, becoming more passionate about wine.
Marie passed the Certified Exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018, worked as Wine Director at a one Michelin-star restaurant, and received nominations including Jean Banchet's 'Best Sommelier' in 2019 and Eater’s 'Young Guns in 2020. In August 2020, she created Slik Wines to make approachable wine education for everyone. In 2023 she was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers and has worked with notable brands such as Wines of Germany, Vini d’Abruzzo, Rick Bayless, VinItaly, and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. In May of 2024, she launched a wine education platform called Slik Skool which has helped 98% of her 250+ students become more confident in wine. In 2025 she will release her book, How To Read A Wine Label, with The Quarto Group as her publisher.
Growing up drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she understands that wine can be a daunting subject. Having the right person who can guide the way can make the big world of wine a friendly and exciting adventure.