About Us
Thief Wine is your go-to fine wine destination in Milwaukee, whether it be for a fantastic bottle (or case!) from our extensive retail selection or a delicious glass (or 3) from our carefully curated and constantly changing wine bar list.
Thief began in 2008, when Phil Bilodeau and Aimee Murphy moved here from California Wine Country to start a fantastic boutique fine wine shop and bar featuring eclectic and distinctive wines from all over the world. Now solely owned by Phil, we always feature both classic and emerging regions and varietals at a wide range of prices, striving to provide the best value possible. (Don't worry - we have craft beers and spirits to meet all your needs as well!) We've got a great staff and we all love what we do, turning people on to wonderful wines and values, and giving every customer the best possible experience. We look forward to seeing you!
The Name
Why Thief? "Thief" refers to a barrel thief, which is a long glass tube used to extract maturing wine from barrels for sampling at a winery. We chose the name to reflect that special insider experience, giving you access to wines you might not otherwise discover. Plus, the name's fun and interesting, hopefully evocative and memorable, not stuffy or boring - exactly what wine should be.
Phil Bilodeau, Proprietor & Cofounder
Phil has spent most of his professional life talking, writing, teaching, and thinking about wine, and still is as passionate as ever about it. Originally from Boston, Phil's pre-wine career began in publishing as an editor and writer for Horticulture magazine; he subsequently moved to the Midwest to work for Minnesota Public Radio as an online producer and writer. Wine had been a hobby for a while, and in 2002 Phil moved into it full-time, working for a specialty importer and distributor in Minneapolis. After honing his chops there (and also becoming a certified sommelier through the International Sommelier Guild), Phil spent five years out in Napa and Sonoma, where he worked for Grgich Hills Estate, Trefethen Vineyards, and as Director of Communications at Sonoma County Vintners, a trade organization representing the region's wines & wineries.
Along the way, he built expertise in wine sales, education, marketing, strategic planning, and consulting, He also began studying for his Master of Wine certification, the wine world's most challenging and respected credential. He’s passed both the theory and blind tasting portions of the exam, the only person in Wisconsin to do so, leaving only his research paper between him and the finish line. (One of these days he'll get around to writing it.)
At Thief, Phil's favorite part of the job isn't collecting certifications or talking about wine scores; it's sourcing and creating the best possible selection and helping people find wines they'll genuinely enjoy. Whether that's a cellar-worthy bottle from a famous producer or an under-the-radar gem from a region you've never heard of, he believes wine should be approachable, interesting, and most of all, delicious.
Jordan didn't grow up planning a career in wine. Like many people, he stumbled into it, and then fell all the way down the rabbit hole. A Charlotte, North Carolina native, Jordan was working at a brewery and restaurant when he became fascinated by the wine side of the business. What started as asking questions and learning from the restaurant's wine buyer quickly turned into a full-fledged passion. He moved into wine distribution, before joining one of Charlotte's top wine bars, where he continued expanding his knowledge and discovering just how much there is to learn about wine.
In 2022, Jordan moved to Milwaukee with his fiancée (now wife), a Milwaukee native. Not long after, he found Thief Wine (or we found each other!), and his wine curiosity and knowledge has been a fantastic fit. He’s now completed his WSET Levels 1, 2, and 3, along with earning both the French Wine Scholar and Spanish Wine Scholar certifications through the Wine Scholar Guild. But if you ask him, wine education isn't about collecting letters after your name, it's about understanding the stories, people, and places behind every bottle.
Whether he's behind the bar, helping customers navigate the retail shelves, or introducing someone to a grape they've never heard of, Jordan will give you the recommendation you're looking for!
Jordan Phillips, Manager
Our team is here to help you find a great bottle, discover something new, and enjoy your time at Thief. Whether you’re looking for a recommendation, settling in for a glass of wine or beer, or planning something special, they’re happy to help. They bring plenty of wine knowledge, curiosity, and personality to the bar and shop—and, most importantly, they know how to have a good time. Stop in, ask a question, try something new, and let our team help make your visit a memorable one.