Wine is a beverage that can connect people, it can act as a universal language, if presented with hospitality, humility, and inclusion. This is at the heart of Max's professional philosophy. A philosophy developed over years operating award winning wine programs, managing territories for a boutique importer, and teaching wine classes around the country.
I’ve always loved that the hospitality and wine industries are ever-changing and dynamic. Therefore, I always remain the curious student, ready to learn and adapt. It’s an approach that has lead me to become a Master Sommelier, a hard-won certification that I achieved after eight attempts.
I enjoy building and running excellent wine programs, hospitality teams and events. I believe the best way to achieve the highest levels in hospitality and wine is by leading with compassion, where inspiring and mentoring others for success is the building block for great, productive and happy teams.
The past: Max was the wine director at the Relais & Chateaux property, Triple Creek Ranch in the Bitteroot Valley of Montana before he moved to Chapel Hill, NC where he spent 10-years as Wine Director of the Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux Fearrington House Restaurant. During his time at the Fearrington House he helped the property earn the coveted Grand Chef Relais & Chateaux and the Forbes Five Star designations.
In 2018 after over a decade of traveling, tasting, studying and more studying, Max earned the coveted designation of Master Sommelier from the Court of Master Sommeliers. Max is one of only 256 Master Sommeliers in the world.
He is now the Estate director at BOND in Napa Valley. He is a dynamic presenter and hosts dinners and tastings around the country.