Mara, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant at Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis, is redefining the city’s wine scene with an expanded program led by Sommelier Mary Kennedy and James Beard Award–winning Chef Gavin Kaysen.
Beginning December 2025, the restaurant will debut The Mara Cellar Series, a lineup of intimate collaborative dinners with world-class vineyards. The expansion also includes two new programs launching in 2026 – The Sommelier Wine Wall Sessions and The Sommelier’s Table – designed to make wine exploration both personal and interactive.
“The wine scene in Minneapolis has evolved dramatically over the past few years,” says Chef Gavin Kaysen. “Through these new experiences at Mara, we want to make wine feel more personal, connecting our guests directly to the winemakers and their stories. Each event is an opportunity to gather, learn, and celebrate the beauty of food and wine coming together.”
The Mara Cellar Series: A Celebration of Terroir and Taste
The inaugural Mara Cellar Series event will take place on December 11, 2025, featuring a four-course dinner with Hirsch Vineyards, the pioneering Sonoma Coast winery known for its exceptional Pinot Noir. Guests will be guided through a curated tasting including the Estate Chardonnay, a West Ridge and East Ridge Pinot Noir comparison, and an aged Reserve bottling, paired with dishes crafted by Kaysen’s culinary team to mirror the nuances of each wine.
In February 2026, the series continues with Pressoir, the acclaimed New York-based wine collective known for bringing together sommeliers and producers through immersive experiences. The event, A Journey Through France, will celebrate Burgundy and Champagne – diving deep into the traditions and terroirs of two of the world’s most storied wine regions. Further dinners are planned for April and June 2026.
Elevating Minneapolis’s Wine Identity
Mara’s wine program celebrates both Mediterranean heritage and global excellence. Alongside its Sommelier Selects, which highlight Kennedy’s personal favourites, the restaurant also features monthly large-format pours from Jeroboams – including labels like Drappier Carte d’Or and Champagne Ayala Brut Majeur – served tableside for an immersive, celebratory experience.
Immersive Learning and Social Discovery
In 2026, Mara will introduce two new interactive experiences:
The Sommelier Wine Wall Sessions – Bi-monthly masterclasses held in Marisol, exploring topics from French Wine 101 to deep dives into varietals and regions. Designed for enthusiasts and beginners alike, the sessions offer an intimate, engaging way to understand the world of wine.
The Sommelier’s Table – A bi-monthly dinner series hosted by Kennedy, transforming Marisol into an exclusive setting for seasonal wines, chef-paired dishes, and community connection.
“Mara is the place for wine experiences you can’t find anywhere else,” says Kennedy. “We want to give guests something new to explore each time they visit – whether it’s a masterclass, a large-format pour, or an evening that feels like dining in the south of France.”
Recognized by Wine Spectator and celebrated for its dynamic programming, Mara continues to set the benchmark for wine hospitality in Minneapolis, blending education, discovery, and genuine conviviality under one roof.
