Meet Our Staff
Elliott Fishbein
President and Malt Buyer
Elliott is the second generation owner of Town Wine and Spirits. It was under his leadership and guidance that our fine wine and spirits program were built and reached the level they are at today. His vision calls for finding small producers, providing very high levels of education and service, and always striving to provide the best of the best at competitive prices. Elliott loves to ‘work the floor’ so he can introduce his favorite producers. In many circles, Elliott is known as Professor Malt and it certainly fits. With over 35 years of selling, tasting, and studying single malts, his knowledge base is unsurpassed outside of Scotland! He is exceptionally passionate about Single Malt Scotch!
Taylor Cram
General Manager and Wine Buyer
Taylor started working at Town Wine in September of 2000 in the wine department under the tutelage of the former long term wine director. After working in several different segments of the wine business, he returned in 2004 fulltime. He has continued to implement the vision that Elliott Fishbein maintains for the business, namely small producers and the best of the best. He is constantly working to find the next big thing (or the next important small thing). Personally, his interests are particularly focused on California and France.
Michael Allienello
Wine Consultant
Michael has been in the retail wine business for over 20 years. In the late 90’s, after working in San Francisco for the first half of his career, he returned to his roots in RI. He has been with Town Wine since 2007. Michael is very passionate about the traditional side of wine, wine making, and old world wine regions. He is quite often seduced by racy Loire whites. His knowledge is very well rounded and his palate has a very keen sense of balance.
Rick Erickson
Wine Consultant
Rich has worked in the wine industry for over 30 years. He has worked in many facets of the business including wholesale, import, and restaurant management, after starting in retail at Town Wine. He returned to his retail roots joining Town Wine in 2009. He works part time focusing his attention on Italy. He has dedicated his adult life to the understanding and appreciation of the fine wines of Italy. All his years of service have allowed him to gain a deep level of knowledge and experience.
