Michael Polenske

Michael Polenske

Born	Bermuda
Nationality	United States
Occupation	Entrepreneur
Known for	Founder of Bespoke Collection, Blackbird Vineyards

Michael Polenske is an American entrepreneur, gallery owner, and vintner. He is the founder of the Bespoke Collection and Blackbird Vineyards. He serves as creative director, chairman and founder of the Bespoke Collection. Polenske has been profiled in Forbes, the San Francisco Chronicle, Food & Wine, the Robb Report, Town & Country and Departures.

Michael Polenske was born in Bermuda. Polenske's father was a pilot for the United States Air Force, serving in the squadron that supported Air Force One and Two during Richard Nixon's presidency. His father was also a hurricane hunter. As a child, his family lived in Washington, D.C. The family frequently visited the National Mall, which inspired Polenske's interest in fine art. Polenske was a Boy Scout. The family also lived at Travis Air Force Base and in Vacaville, California. While living in both of these areas, Polenske was exposed to wine country, instilling an early interest in the wine industry. Polenske received his finance degree, in 1983, from California State University, Chico. While in college, he took wine classes, with interest in providing financial services to vintners.