About Us

About Ryan...

My name is Ryan W Kennedy, and I'm the owner and operator of Vin Ami. Vin Ami is a personal passion project of mine to bring high quality and otherwise unknown wine to SWLA. I started my journey into wine at the age of 18 (don't tell my mom...), and I've quickly expanded my knowledge since. I'm now a level one sommelier, and I'm also WSET II certified. My focus in on small production, family owned wineries that overdeliver in their dedication to quality wine. Anyone can pick out expensive wine, but finding those inexpensive wines that pack a punch is where I excel.

As sommelier at Bodega Restaurant & Wine Bar for the pat 5 years, our wine program has won multiple awards, including the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence, Star Wine List White Star Venue Award, and several local awards including Best Wine Selection, Best Martini, Best Girl's Night Out, and more!

What Vin Ami means to me...

Vin Ami—which means “Wine Friend” in French—is more than a name. It’s a philosophy. My mission is to make wine fun, approachable, and tailored to your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, my shop is your trusted companion for discovering new favorites without the pressure.

Even more heartfelt is the shop’s name, which doubles as a tribute to my grandmother, lovingly called Ami, who sparked my love for wine and always encouraged me to venture outside my comfort zone. Her legacy lives on in every detail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions? We got answers!

Is Vin Ami related to Bodega Restaurant & Wine Bar?

Yes! Vin Ami is a retail outlet for a lot of what Bodega has to offer, but our ownership is different.

Can I bring wine from Vin Ami into Bodega?

Yes and no. Bodega offers a wide range of wines, and anything already offered by Bodega is not available for corkage there. Vin Ami will offer some exclusive wines that will be available for a reduced corkage, though!

Can you special order wine for me?

Got a favorite wine you're having a hard time finding? Well' let me do the hard work. I'll do my best to find your wine at an acceptable price from one of our many wholesale partners! Click the 'Special Orders' tab to submit a search request.

Do you host tastings?

We do! The best way to know when our next tasting is is to follow us on Facebook and Instagram!

Places I've Been

From Napa Valley, Willamette Valley, and more, the romance of winemaking is alive and well. If you're interested in visiting any of the places I've been, I'd be happy to share my itineraries and insights!