“My wine education has been totally enhanced by working at Ryan's ... there is nothing like ‘hands on’ experience to round out book learning.” - Max Hillring

Max started with us back in October 2005, as our first hired Wine Consultant.  Max sets the bar for wine knowledge at the store, and we have all come to appreciate his guidance.  Despite this, Max humbly insists he still has a lot to learn.

Max, a native of Sweden, is currently in retirement, though he also works as a Pharmacist at the VA hospital in Canandaigua.  Max says “working in an outpatient Pharmacy setting for many years ... dealing with people and counseling them on the use of medications” has given him an ability to assist customers at Ryan’s.  

Max works at the store during the busiest times, chiefly the weekends and the holidays.  You can find him on the floor, almost exclusively assisting customers.  His knowledge of Italian and Spanish wines is unmatched by anyone else within our organization, and he is well versed in several other worldly wine regions.  Max has a distinctive laugh, a jovial charm, and a quick wit.

Max is certified by two international wine organizations.  He has obtained his Degree of Honor from the Les Amis du Vin International Wine Society from a correspondence course and Wine & Spirits Education Trust Level III certification in June 2009.  Max has traveled the world in pursuit of wine knowledge, namely Italy, Spain and recently France.  He’s also made trips to Napa and Sonoma, California’s premiere wine regions.  Max has taught several wine classes at Ryan’s, including two on Italian wine and one on Sauvignon Blancs from around the world.