Somm Series: Mary Kennedy of Bardo + Napa Valley Expressions

The wine and food scene in Minneapolis/St. Paul is constantly changing and growing, and we’ve been spoiled by incredible restaurants and talented sommeliers who champion local food sources and small-production, character-driven wines. We invite you to get to know the faces behind the wine lists, and see what excites them most about their jobs and drives their passion for wine and food.

We’d like to present Somm Series classes at France 44, where once a month we feature a guest sommelier from a local restaurant and give them the stage to talk about whatever is making them “tick” at the moment.

We’re thrilled to have Mary Kennedy of Bardo Restaurant as our first guest somm! Mary might be new to Minneapolis, but she’s definitely not new to the wine scene. A recent transplant from Hawaii, Mary moved here in July of 2018. She discovered her passion for wine while working as a server at one of the top restaurants in Hawaii, Lahaina Grill. Inspired by local Master Sommelier Chuck Furuya, her passion for wine continued to evolve and grow. Challenged and inspired by her mentor, she eventually took an Assistant Sommelier position at Merriman’s Kapalua, a world-class, award-winning restaurant. Mary is currently the lead Sommelier at Bardo, where her main focus is guiding guests through Bardo’s extensive selection of Gamay Noir, organic, and Biodynamic wines. Mary’s thirst for knowledge has led her to achieve Court of Master Sommeliers, Level 2; Society of Wine Educators, Certified Specialist of Wine; and Wine and Spirits Education Trust, Level 2.

Join Mary on a trek through the Napa Valley as she explores the nuances of valley vineyards and mountain vineyards through the lens of the King of California: Cabernet Sauvignon.

Participants must be 21 years old.

Tickets are non-refundable. If you cannot attend a class you have registered for, registration is transferable to another France 44 class through Dojour.

All classes are subject to minimum enrollment. If a class is cancelled, we'll notify you 48 hours in advance.

Please notify France 44 with any dietary restrictions or preferences.