Service with Heart: Mara’s Wine Program

Walk into the dining room at Mara, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, and you’ll see walls covered with various works from local artists. But one wall holds a different sort of art piece: the wine wall. This floor-to-ceiling oak wine cabinet is temperature controlled and holds more than 1,800 different bottles from around the world. Situated next to a marble sommelier service station, the wine wall demonstrates Mara’s commitment to crafting and delivering an exemplary wine program to visitors both near and far.

Striking this balance is a delicate task. The wine program must cater to a wide range of guests, including international visitors and local food lovers; experienced epicureans and guests starting their culinary journey; diners with deep pockets and those on a budget. Additionally, Mara’s goal is to establish itself as a next-level wine destination in a Twin Cities area that’s filled with talented chefs, sommeliers and restaurateurs.

To meet this unique blend of guests, Level 2 certified sommelier Mary Kennedy curates a wine list with a little something for everyone. In addition to considering what pairs best with Executive Chef Gavin Kaysen’s Mediterranean cuisine, Kennedy and her team are also cognizant of offering classic lines from classic regions to satisfy guests coming through from around the world. They also carry varietals and producers that guests may be less familiar with, hoping to introduce guests to a possible new favourite. Above all, both the bottle and by-the-glass lists are priced accessibly, ensuring cost isn’t a barrier to enjoying a beautiful glass of wine, whether on its own or with a meal.

Along with the diligently crafted selection, Mara is deeply committed to wine education for both team members and diners as a way to ensure guests find the perfect bottle or glass. Knowing many guests don’t have the time or attention span for too much server description, Kennedy has created a detailed wine menu for guests to explore on their own. The guide features short and informative descriptions along with a key to easily spot popular attributes such as biodynamic, organic or natural. Education extends to the team as well, as Kennedy holds trainings on new bottles and encourages Mara staff to work toward additional wine education. As a result, three Mara servers are currently pursuing introductory certification through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

The right glass or bottle of wine has an immediately joyful impact at a Mara table. But our team knows that a top-tier wine program ripples through the entire dining community. Ultimately, our goal is to create a place that’s approachable, fun, exciting, and welcoming to all — regardless of culinary experience.