Mara at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis Elevates its Wine Experiences with New Sommelier-Led Tastings, Wine Dinners and the Launch of Mara’s Wine Social Circle

Mara, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant led by James Beard Award–winning Chef Gavin Kaysen at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, announces an expanded lineup of immersive wine experiences for 2026. Guided by Sommelier Mary Kennedy, the new programming introduces thoughtfully curated tastings, collaborative wine dinners and the launch of Mara’s Wine Social Circle, a complimentary wine club created to deepen guests’ connection to Mara’s wine cellar.

“The wine scene in Minneapolis has evolved and through these new experiences at Mara and we want to make wine feel approachable and personal. We want to connect our guests to the winemakers and their stories,” says Chef Kaysen. “Each wine moment is an opportunity to gather, learn and celebrate the beauty of wine and food coming together.”

Introducing Mara’s Wine Social Circle

New this year, Mara is launching Mara’s Wine Social Circle, a complimentary wine club designed for guests who want to stay connected to Mara’s evolving wine program. Membership perks include:

• First access to Mara’s wine tastings and dinner events
• A complimentary glass of wine with each dine-in visit

The Wine Social Circle reflects Mara’s belief that wine is best experienced through discovery, conversation, and community. Guests can join here.

A Destination for Wine in Minneapolis

Mara’s wine program balances a deep appreciation for the finest Mediterranean wines while embracing the best from the world of classic wines. Kennedy’s approach focuses on storytelling, terroir and exploration. She features Mary’s Sommelier Selections and Sommelier Highlights on the menu to share her current favourites, introducing guests to new vineyards and styles.

Adding an element of discovery, Mara now features large-format bottles opened on special holidays and available by the glass. These Jeroboams, equivalent to four standard bottles, include Champagnes such as Drappier Carte d’Or and Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur, poured tableside for an experience that’s both celebratory and educational.

The Mara Cellar Series: 2026 Wine Experiences

Throughout 2026, The Mara Cellar Series, brings together celebrated winemakers, renowned vineyards and Mara’s culinary team for a series of immersive tastings and wine dinners designed to explore terroir, tradition and technique.

Tasting: A Journey Through the Mediterranean

Thursday, March 19, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Reflecting the spirit of Mara, this tasting celebrates the diversity of Mediterranean wine culture, from coastal Spain to sun-washed Sicily and Greece. Wines will be poured by Kennedy and the team behind Pressoir and La Paulée, with guests encouraged to linger, taste freely, and experience the wines in a relaxed, social setting.

Dinner: The Fabulous Wines of Drouhin, From Burgundy to Oregon

Thursday, April 16, 2026 | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

Established as one Burgundy’s leading Negociant houses since 1880, The Drouhin family owns some of the most prestigious vineyards along the famous Cote d'Or. Inspired by the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley in Oregon, the family expanded into the United States a in the late 1980s. This special dinner discovers the Drouhin signature through Chardonnay and Pinot from both sides of the Atlantic.

Tasting: A Deep Dive into the Burgundy Wine Region

Thursday, May 14, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

With over two thousand years of winemaking history, Burgundy’s complex soils of rich clay and hard limestone paired with intricate microclimates, have produced some of the world’s most sought-after Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The guided tasting will explore this diverse wine region with a dozen wines from famous appellations such as Puligny-Montrachet and Vosne- Romanée along with delicious discoveries from producers in Saint-Romain and Savigny-lès-Beaune.

Dinner: The Elegant Wines of Presqu’ile Winery

Thursday, June 18, 2026 | 6:30 pm – 10:30 pm

A family-owned winery in California’s Santa Maria Valley, Presqu’ile is dedicated to crafting exceptional, cool-climate Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Syrah inspired by the elegance of Burgundy. Guests will enjoy library vintages released exclusively for this dinner, presented by a winery representative alongside a curated tasting menu.

Tasting: Exploring the Diversity of the Loire Valley

Thursday, July 9, 2026 | 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Guests are invited to follow France’s longest river through one of the country’s most expressive wine regions. Beyond its storied châteaux, the Loire Valley is home to exceptional vineyards producing everything from crisp Muscadet and mineral-driven Sancerre to structured Cabernet Franc from Chinon and elegant Chenin Blanc from Anjou and Savennières.

Wine tastings are priced at USD 85 per person, with wine dinners available at USD 195 per person. Reservations for all experiences may be made via OpenTable here.

“Mara is the place for wine experiences you can’t find anywhere else,” said Kennedy. “We want to give guests something new to explore each time they visit; whether it’s a large-format pour, an immersive tasting, or a dinner that feels like dining in the south of France.”

With a wine list recognized by Wine Spectator and programming that invites engagement, learning, and delight, Mara continues to set the standard for wine hospitality in Minneapolis.

For details and reservations, visit the website and follow @marabygk for upcoming announcements.