Marie Cheslik is a Wisconsin-born registered nurse and certified sommelier. In 2010, Marie moved to Chicago to get her Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and during school, she also worked as a part-time hostess in a restaurant. She loved the culture, energy, and easy access to tasty snacks. She balanced two careers, working as a nurse and at award-winning restaurants, becoming more passionate about wine.

Marie passed the Certified Exam from the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2018, worked as Wine Director at one Michelin-star restaurant, Elske, and received nominations including Jean Banchet's 'Best Sommelier' in 2019 and Eater’s 'Young Guns’ in 2020. In August 2020, she created Slik Wines to make fun and approachable wine education for everyone. In 2023 she was named one of Wine Enthusiast’s Future 40 Tastemakers and has worked with notable brands such as Wines of Germany, Vini d’Abruzzo, Rick Bayless, VinItaly, and Kermit Lynch Wine Merchant. In May of 2024, she launched a wine education platform called Slik Skool which has helped 96% of her 300+ students become more confident in wine. In 2025 she released her first book, How To Read A Wine Label, with Peridot Publishing.

Growing up drinking Pabst Blue Ribbon in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, she understands that wine can be a daunting subject. Having the right person who can guide the way can make the big world of wine a friendly and exciting adventure.