Meet one of our Certified Sommeliers – MJ!

MJ Hecox holds an International MBA / MScII degree in Wine Management from INSEEC University in Bordeaux, France. Additionally, she has earned certifications from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), University of California-Davis International Organisation of Wine and Vine (OIV), and Napa Valley Wine Academy Somm Service. She lives, teaches, and works across the globe.

Favorite Wine Regions and/or Varietals

Picking a favorite wine is nearly like picking a favorite child, as each bottle offers a unique story of the grape varietal, regional history, and winemaker’s inspiration. My favorite wine is the one that fits the moment, the dish, and the company.

Wines you’re enjoying now

This summer, I visited with an organic Champagne producer – a rarity in the region – and will pop these bottles on any occasion, no need for a celebration. I’ve also been exploring amphora wines from the Republic of Georgia (the motherland of wine history). Portugal offers a myriad of expressive yet lesser known grape varietals in the US – recently I’ve enjoyed Alicante. Now that the weather has turned to the fall season, I’m pairing orchard desserts like apple pie with the honeyed notes of Sauternes. And as the winter season approaches, I will likely lean into the big beautiful reds produced in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley.

Wine Travel Experience

I’ve lived, traveled, and studied in the US, Spain, France, Croatia, Malta, England, and Portugal.

Degrees & Certifications

2021 International MBA / MScII, INSEEC University, Bordeaux, France

2022 Somm Wine Service Certification, Napa Valley Wine Academy

2020 OIV International Organisation of Wine and Vine, Wine Marketing Program, University California-Davis

2017 Level II Award in Wine and Spirits, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) 2016 Level I Award in Wine and Spirits, Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)