John Aranza is an industry veteran with a passion for both wine & spirits. Developing this passion for food & wine he has grown within the industry as an educator, he has helped train and lead with a focus on innovation. When  part of the Fine Wine Division at Breakthru Beverage he represented classic brands while helping discover & grow immerging brands as well. 

Beginning his career at Spiaggia in the late 1990's, John was the  Sommelier under the mentorship of Heny Bishop III. Moving on he created a two time Jean Banchet Award nominated beverage program at Autre Monde Cafe & Spirits. Then expanding his career, assembled the largest Irish Whiskey list in Illinois at the famed Kitty O'Sheas & then finally expanding as the National Sales Director at  Specialty Wine~Spirits. 

John has a passion for wine & spirits of Croatia where his grandfather came from. His paternal family still resides there going back hundreds of years in Kastela.