Today we’d like to introduce you to Chloe Mansoor Ryli Lay.
Hi Chloe Mansoor, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
After attending FICOFI, Chloe felt a gap in Las Vegas and Southern California for truly curated, high-end wine experiences. She decided to join forces with Ryli, a career sommelier with a background in building wine programs. Chloe’s eye for artistry and interior design, combined with Ryli’s technical expertise and hospitality experience, became the foundation of WineCats, an invite-only pop-up dinner series centered around social dining, memorable experiences and aesthetically appealing environments.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We’ve experienced some operational challenges along the way. We quickly learned what it takes to recreate a restaurant-level experience outside of a traditional restaurant. Many of the supplies, systems, and amenities have to be created from scratch, and coordinating the timing of each course, wine service, and storytelling requires precision. That said, every event teaches us something new, and each one sharpens the experience.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Ryli : I’ve worked in restaurants since I was 18 and was always drawn to the beverage side of hospitality. While in school, I worked as an apprentice sommelier and cellar assistant, gaining hands-on experience behind the scenes. I later earned a degree in Economics and Hotel Management, but wine ultimately became my focus. I began formal wine studies and, six years into my career, passed my first certification. Today, I hold Level II certification with the Court of Master Sommeliers, Level III with the International Sommelier Guild, and am also a Certified Beer Server through the Cicerone Certification Program.
Chloe : With a Level 2 WSET certification and a background in interior design, Chloe approaches wine the same way she approaches space through feeling, flow, and experience. Wine Cats is less about rules and more about ritual: beautifully curated wine moments designed to bring people together without pretension.
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
WineCats isn’t about excess or trends. It’s about choosing quality of wine, of people, of conversation. Thoughtfully curated, never random. Approachability without dilution
WineCats respects wine culture without gatekeeping it. Knowledgeable but warm. Elevated, not intimidating.
Atmosphere-first, Just like a beautifully designed space, WineCats prioritizes how things feel. Lighting, flow, pacing, music, glassware every detail supports connection.
Ritual over rules. WineCats celebrates wine as a social ritual, not a technical competition. Enjoyment comes before perfection.
Small gatherings. Meaningful conversations. People leave feeling like they were part of something, not just attendees.
Everything WineCats does wine selection, setting, guest list, energy is chosen with purpose.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @winecatsmeow
