Madeline Puckette was one of millions who lost her job during the 2009 Great Recession-a setback that unexpectedly launched her into the world of wine. What began as a detour, washing glasses in a Reno wine bar, quickly spiraled into a full-blown passion. A designer with a thirst for knowledge, Madeline dove
headfirst into wine, earning her sommelier certification and discovering a calling that would reshape how people learn about wine.
 

In 2011, she launched Wine Folly, blending creative flair with a mission to make wine education delightful, visual, and accessible for all. Her signature infographics and engaging storytelling turned Wine Folly into an internet phenomenon, earning millions of fans and making wine less intimidating, one post at a time.
 

Since 2019, Madeline has led Wine Folly through a transformative merger with Canadian tech firm Global Wine Database - a company dedicated to building the world’s most accurate, high-tech wine information platform. The team has expanded to offer a robust suite of online courses, memberships, and digital tools, empowering a global community to learn, connect, and explore wine like never before.