Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, Jelena Prodan discovered her passion for wine and cuisine during early travels across Europe. At 24, she moved to Chicago to begin her culinary career, gaining experience in both front- and back-of-house roles. In 2019, she became Beverage and Service Director at S.K.Y. restaurant, where she curated a global wine list highlighting both classic and emerging regions.

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Prodan has been instrumental in opening all three SMG restaurants, including Apolonia and Valhalla. She’s known for creative pairings like her “All Champagne” and “Anything but Wine” menus. Across the restaurants, she offers over 20 wines by the glass, plus diverse bottle selections, sakes, boutique spirits, and inventive cocktails. Her beverage approach emphasizes small, sustainable, artisanal producers.

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She values industry relationships and is dedicated to continuous learning—for herself and her team. Prodan travels regularly to wine regions and worked the 2023 harvest at DuMol in the West Sonoma Coast. She plans to take on full harvests starting in 2026.

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In 2025, she received the Jean Banchet Award for Sommelier of the Year. By 2030, she aims to become the first Serbian to earn both the Master of Wine and Master Sommelier titles.