Jeff Cleveland is the General Manager and Sommelier of Birch in Milwaukee. The Flint, Michigan native has spent over 20 years working in the hospitality industry.  Before relocating to Wisconsin in 2020, Jeff worked as a Bar Manager at James Beard Foundation award-winning Workshop Kitchen + Bar and as a lead bartender for the Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel.

Upon returning to the Midwest, Jeff held management roles with both Hotel Metro Autograph Collection and Movida at Hotel Madrid. In 2022, he joined the team at Birch where he focuses on upholding the restaurant’s commitment to a team-first culture and further developing the restaurant’s thoughtful wine and beverage programs. The same year, the restaurant landed a coveted spot on The New York Times’ list of the best restaurants in America, “The Restaurant List.” 

Jeff holds a Level 1 Sommelier Certification from the Court of Master Sommeliers and has completed the Pernod Ricard USA’s BarSmarts program. When he is not behind the bar or on the floor, Jeff likes to travel with his wife Kat. The two travel annually to France, making it a point to meaningfully visit different wine regions on each trip. To date, they have visited Champagne, Cognac, Bandol and, his personal favorite, Cassis.