You will often find that members of the Yelp Elite Squad tend to be experts in one thing or another. Sometimes it’s craft beer, sometimes it’s burgers. ForMichelle C, it’s obviously wine. Affectionately dubbed the “Wine Goddess,” she’s the go-to person when seeking out a nice wine bar or perfect bottle of wine for a gift. Michelle has been Elite for nine years now, and one of the first members of the Yelp Elite Squad in South Florida.
Because of all her contributions through the years, she won the Yelptime Achievement Award at the 2014 Yelpies. This special award is given to one Elite every year for their long term commitment to our Yelp community. Since then, she’s continued to share her intense passion for Yelp, the community, and wine, with anyone that will listen.
Get to know everyone’s favorite wine lover in this edition of Meet the Elite.
Why did you start yelping?
I started yelping nine years ago to let others know about my experiences. When I searched “writing a review for a business,” Yelp came up. I had no idea what it would become!
What does it mean to be Yelp Elite to you?
作为一个精英成员非常humbling for me. I feel when you become an Elite member, you represent the community in the best possible way you can by being a great ambassador. I love being an Elite member of this fabulous community.
How would you describe the Yelp Community?
Our community is a tight-knit bunch of likeminded individuals. Some of the nicest people who truly care about each other.
What keeps you writing reviews?
I find it easy to write reviews because I enjoy sharing my experiences.I could have never imagined I would have continued after all these years, but having such a strong passion for Yelp and our community makes it easy to continue to write. Having complete strangers send you compliments on your reviews gives you a warm feeling knowing people do read them and you are helping others.
The Top 3 wine bars in Broward-Palm Beach you recommend.
Vinos On Las Olas: It’s quaint, with a great selection of wines at very reasonable prices. You can always relax inside, where it’s dark and cozy or sit outside under lights on couches in a hallway that makes you feel like you are in a Tuscan village.
Falafel Bistro & Wine Bar:This is one of my favorite places to go for great wine and food. Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine in a casual setting. Half price glasses and bottles daily from 4-7 pm. Perfect place for exceptional food and wine at reasonable prices. Excellent service.
Naked Grape Wine & Tapas: Excellent service from the owners themselves. Nice selections of wines from many regions at reasonable prices. Excellent tapas on their menu. Creative and sultry cheeses!
What’s your favorite Elite Event that you’ve attended?
My favorite Elite Event would have to be theYelp Games!Regardless of the fact that Broward hasn’t won the last three years, this has become such a fun, invigorating event. Most events are focused on food and drinks, but this is what makes this annual event so different. The amount of competition from both teams is crazy fun. Playing games with members of the community in such incredible places is awesome. The amount of energy and spirit you see is like no other event.
About the Yelp Elite Squad: The Yelp Elite Squad is our way of recognizing people who are active in the Yelp community – people who are role models both on and off the site. Elite-worthiness is based on a number of things, including well-written reviews, high quality tips, a detailed personal profile, an active voting and complimenting record, and a history of playing well with others. Elites must use their real name on their account, have a real (and clear!) profile photo, and be of legal drinking age in their country. You can read more, and even nominate yourself atyelp.com/elite
