The Team
About Our Team
Drink The Bottles started the same way most great stories do—out of curiosity, a little obsession, and a desire to share something worth talking about.
Jeff caught the wine bug over a decade ago and hasn’t really put the bottle down since. In his early years, wine was just “whatever was poured”—house reds, house whites, nothing memorable. But one day, that changed. Drawn to the idea that wine could be something more—something layered, social, even a little romantic—he dove in headfirst. Books, research, late-night tastings… and yes, even a random case of wine from eBay that turned out to be a Top 50 pick from Wine Enthusiast. That moment flipped the switch.
Since then, Jeff has been all in.
A former firefighter turned entrepreneur, Jeff brings a grounded, no-nonsense perspective to wine and whiskey. He’s the first to tell you he’s not a wine snob—and that’s exactly the point. Drink The Bottles was built on the idea that great wine and whiskey should feel approachable, not intimidating. His philosophy is simple: if it’s good, share it. No gatekeeping, no overthinking.
That mindset carried over when he began writing in 2011 with his original blog, Midwest Wine Guy. Frustrated by overly technical, outdated, or sales-driven wine sites, he created something different—real reviews for real people. That same spirit lives on here.
Over time, whiskey and bourbon became another passion. What started as curiosity turned into a serious interest around 2018—but “serious” only goes so far. Around here, we believe you should enjoy what you drink, not analyze it to death. Whether it’s a $25 everyday pour or something more rare, the goal is always the same: find what you like and share it.
Everything we feature has been personally tasted by us. If we don’t love it, you won’t see it here.
Melissa Lawson
Melissa’s journey into wine was a little more gradual—but just as meaningful. She started with sweeter whites and creamy Chardonnays before a trip to Napa Valley in 2009 completely changed her perspective. That experience opened the door to balanced, high-quality reds—and showed her that wine could be both enjoyable and feel good the next day.
Today, Melissa brings more than just a palate to Drink The Bottles—she helps shape the lifestyle behind the brand.
With a background in education and a role in the promotional apparel industry, she has a natural eye for presentation, branding, and how wine and whiskey fit into everyday life. For Melissa, it’s not just about what’s in the glass—it’s about the experience around it: the setting, the people, the mood, the memories.
That lifestyle perspective is a core part of Drink The Bottles. Whether it’s a beach trip, a backyard hang, or a weekend getaway, Melissa helps bring the idea that wine and whiskey aren’t just drinks—they’re part of how you live, connect, and unwind.
She and Jeff have been together for over twenty years, raising four incredible kids (plus one fur baby), balancing work, travel, and a shared passion for discovery. And yes—she absolutely runs the show.
Michael “Mutt” Lawson
In 2024, Jeff’s brother, Michael “Mutt” Lawson, joined the team to expand our whiskey coverage and bring another voice into the mix.
Mutt has been a longtime bourbon enthusiast and advocate, with a passion for sharing great pours and even better stories. With over 20 years of experience in marketing, he adds a sharp perspective to our content while keeping things authentic and relatable.
When he’s not tasting or writing, you’ll find him traveling across the western U.S. with his family or playing guitar.
What We're About
Drink The Bottles is for people who enjoy good wine, good whiskey, good spirits, good company, and the experience surrounding the drink—without all the noise.
We cover everything from $9 grocery store finds to high-end bottles worth celebrating. We keep things visual, approachable, and honest. And while we may ramble now and then, it’s always part of the experience.
Our community spans across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Europe, South Africa, Asia—and just about everywhere else people are opening bottles and sharing moments.
At the end of the day, this isn’t about collecting labels or chasing hype.
It’s about enjoying what’s in your glass, wherever you are, with whoever you’re with.
Thanks for being here.
Now go ahead—Drink The Bottles.
