Lelia Bryan Announces Sale of Vino Venue & Atlanta Wine School

**Lelia Bryan Announces the Sale of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School to Emily Mendyka and Opening of HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours.**
 
[Dunwoody, GA] – [1/6/2025] – Lelia Bryan, long time resident of Dunwoody and the owner of Vino Venue and Atlanta Wine School, has announced the sale of her beloved establishment and school to wine enthusiast and entrepreneur Emily Mendyka. This transition marks an exciting new chapter for the award-winning wine and dining destination, while ensuring that its legacy continues to thrive under new ownership.
 
Vino Venue was originally conceived by Lelia’s late husband, Michael Bryan, whose vision was to create a wine emporium that celebrated the joy of sharing wine. Michael spoke passionately on wine-related topics to both consumer and trade groups, earning prestigious qualifications from the most recognized credentialing bodies in the wine industry. He firmly believed that wine is meant to be shared, and his legacy lives on through Vino Venue and the Atlanta Wine School. The establishment embodies his philosophy by providing an environment with a solid “vibe” and excellent wine, beer, and cuisine options.
 
Under Lelia Bryan’s leadership, Vino Venue grew to be a stand-out culinary and wine scene, offering an unparalleled blend of fine wines, cuisine, and educational experiences. It has earned accolades for its curated wine selection, exceptional service, and innovative wine education programs.
 
“Building Vino Venue has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life,” said Lelia Bryan. “I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished and deeply grateful to our loyal customers and dedicated team. As I step back, I am confident that Emily Mendyka’s passion and vision will take Vino Venue to even greater heights.”
 
Lelia Bryan will continue her journey in the travel and tours arena. She will develop and run trips for Vino Venue while also launching her own company, HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours. The 2025 destinations include Provence, France; Piedmont, Italy; Sicily; Willamette Valley, Oregon; and Paso Robles, California.
 
Emily Mendyka brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her new role as owner of Vino Venue. Her industry journey began at the age of 15, when her mother encouraged her to work in restaurants to develop valuable skills and patience in the hospitality industry. Emily managed several high-profile concepts, including Public House in Manhattan, NYC, and Café at Grace Hotel in Sydney, Australia. After returning to her home state of Connecticut, she joined Barcelona Wine Bar as General Manager of its Fairfield location. There, she honed her operational and management skills and gained a deep appreciation for genuine hospitality.
 
Discovering her passion for wine, Emily pursued certifications including the WSET Diploma in Wines, WSET Certified Educator, and WSET Level 3 Sake & Spirits. After eight years managing restaurants, including two years at Mellow Mushroom corporate as an Operations Business Coach, she joined Republic National Distributing Company as a fine wine sales representative. Her eight-year tenure in wholesale sales included five positions, culminating in managing the company’s national airline business.
 
Originally from Connecticut and a graduate of the University of Connecticut, Emily now calls Southwest Atlanta home. She enjoys Beltline strolls, spending time with friends and family, and savoring a chilled bottle of Chablis.
 
“Vino Venue has always been a place of community, discovery, and celebration,” said Emily Mendyka. “I am thrilled to carry forward the incredible vision of Michael and Lelia Bryan and to build on the strong foundation they’ve created. I look forward to bringing new opportunities for our guests to explore the world of wine and cuisine.”
 
Mendyka plans to introduce exciting new events and initiatives, fostering a vibrant and inclusive environment for wine enthusiasts of all levels.
 
For more information, please contact:
Lelia Bryan
Owner, HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours
657-760-2767, lelia@hungryfortraveltours.com
 
Emily Mendyka
Owner, Vino Venue & The Atlanta Wine School
770-668-0435, emily@vinovenue.com
 
 
**About HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours** 
HUNGRY FOR TRAVEL: Culinary Tours is a new venture by Lelia Bryan that combines her passion for travel, cuisine, and wine. Offering carefully curated trips to some of the world’s most celebrated wine regions, the 2025 itinerary includes Provence, France; Piedmont, Italy; Sicily; Willamette Valley, Oregon; and Paso Robles, California. These immersive experiences are designed to delight food and wine enthusiasts with exceptional dining, tastings, and cultural exploration. For more information, visit http://HungryForTravelTours.com.
 
 
**About Vino Venue** 
Vino Venue is a premier wine and dining destination offering a unique blend of exceptional wines, gourmet cuisine, and immersive wine education experiences. Located in Dunwoody, Ga, Vino Venue is dedicated to fostering a welcoming atmosphere where guests can savor, learn, and connect.
http://vinovenue.com/