ERIKA VIGEN

Uvae

Erika's journey into the Wine industry has been an interesting one. After receiving a Master of Science degree in Biology at Loyola University Chicago, she decided against medical school and went into IT, where she worked as a Project Manager at various Fortune 50 companies for just over 10 years. 

After this decade, a pandemic, and a trip to Sonoma wine country for her 30th birthday, she confirmed that she was, in fact, very done with the corporate world. She applied at Uvae in February 2022 and started a month later just as a Host. After taking advantage of all the education opportunities Uvae had to offer - staff meetings, wine tasting classes, and going through the first level of the Wine Professional Program at Kendall College, she became a Server at Uvae. In September 2023, she officially left her IT job to work in the restaurant industry full time. 

Erika continued her education at Kendall, earning her Level III Sommelier Certification in December 2024; a title she is most proud of thus far! During this time, she also took on more responsibilities at Uvae and became a regular Class Instructor and the Fromagerie Manager. She joined the Hospitality Management team in July 2025. 

When Erika isn't at Uvae, you can find her buried in a book or crafting, usually with her Chihuahua, Lars, very close by.