Kae Whalen is a Los Angeles-based steward of wines made by small, thoughtful producers who work personally, sustainably, and without additives.
Kae’s experience in the world of natural wines began in 2013 as a server at Isa and Diner in New York, then as the beverage director at Kismet, Sara Kramer and Sarah Hymanson’s acclaimed restaurant in Los Angeles. They were named one of Forbes’ 30 Under 30 (Food & Beverage) in 2020, an Eater Young Gun in 2019, and featured in the Los Angeles Times, Eater, Pipette and Wine & Spirits, among others.
Along with their work in restaurants, Kae has sought out a more intimate understanding of wine through relationships with winemakers, at industry tastings and fairs, vineyard walks, cellar visits and around dinner tables in the U.S. and abroad.
They also are the co-founder of GAY WINE, a talk show and event series in partnership with Sam Zimman, and OPEN DOOR, an wine fair for producers in California.
