When Tanya McDonough graduated from the University of New Hampshire with a degree in social work and Spanish, she never thought a career in restaurants and wine was in her future.
She got her start bartending at Michael Schlow’s Radius Restaurant in Boston under Wine Director Scott Fraley and Chef de Cuisine Gabriel Frasca. It was here that Tanya learned how upscale, unpretentious food and wine service was perfected.

She was asked to take over the wine department at Plaza III Steakhouse in Boston, but after admitting she still wasn’t yet qualified, management sent her to Boston University where she studied in its wine program for two years.

Tanya then went on to work as a wine manager at Grill 23 in Boston under Wine Director Alex DeWinter. It was here that she was encouraged to become a Certified Sommelier through the Guild of Sommeliers. This was when Tanya knew that restaurant life had seeped into her veins. She went on to open Post 390 as their assistant general manager and later Wine Director for the Boston Harbor Hotel.

Her passion for wine and service brought Tanya to Nantucket to work as Wine Director at Straight Wharf and Ventuno restaurants. It was here that Tanya was recognized as StarChefs, Coastal New England’s Rising Star sommelier.

In 2017, Tanya and her two partners took over the iconic Nantucket Club Car Restaurant and Piano Bar where she built and curated one of Nantucket’s more interesting wine lists.
Most recently, Tanya was part of the wine team at Nantuckets Cru Restaurant where wine is a major part of the dining culture.