Paulina Schemanski
Mabel Gray | Hazel Park, MI
July 2025
Growing up in Huntington Woods, Michigan, Paulina Schemanski fell in love with the idea of hospitality by watching her mother, a formidable home cook and skilled entertainer, host dinner parties with ease. It wasn’t until years later, though, while attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison, that Schemanski got her own start in the industry. After a few years working as a bartender in college, she moved back to Metro Detroit and started working at a local wine bar, where she was first encouraged to explore grape varietals and various wine regions. Building on her newfound passion, Schemanski joined the team at Tallulah Wine Bar & Bistro in 2014. Over the next five years, she learned the importance of attentive hospitality, continued her wine education, and developed a penchant for Champagne while working under Restaurateur Mario Camaj.
After a stint as the general manager of Joebar in Hazel Park, Schemanski connected with Rising Stars alum James Rigato. In 2019, Rigato offered her a sommelier position at his restaurant, Mabel Gray. Since then, Schemanski has grown into a larger role at the restaurant, taking on general manager responsibilities and leading the wine program. With an old world-leaning list that features a varied collection of styles, regions, and producers, she is an advocate for traditional winemaking methods. Champagne, however, is at the center of her work. Schemanski hopes to demonstrate the nuances of the region by expanding her collection at the restaurant, offering blind public tastings and classes, and providing guests and peers with resources online through her Substack newsletter, Mabel Gray Champagne Society.
