Kimi Kiviranna

A love of food, wine, and travel are the foundation for Kimi Kiviranna’s long tenure in Hospitality. She began her career in the USA, spending 15 years as a chef before moving into service management and wine. Her experience ranges from Michelin Star restaurants in Europe to special event catering in Africa, and restaurant openings in Singapore, Australia, and across the US. She has been instrumental in building restaurant and training programs, retail wine programs and lists, and expanding new venue operations. Her vast experience includes implementing and managing esteemed wine programs in Los Angeles and building cellars for private clients.

Kimi was certified as a sommelier by the Court of Master Sommeliers in 2010. She has earned several more wine accreditations since then and has been working as a sommelier and wine educator on two continents for more than a decade.

Pluck Wine Bar and Restaurant, New Orleans, USA

• Sommelier

 Swirl Wine Bar & Market, New Orleans, USA

• Sommelier, Manager, Educator

The Duchess, Entourage Group, Amsterdam, Netherlands

• Sommelier, Dining Room Supervisor, Staff Trainer

Capo/Rooster, FoodCo West Group, Los Angeles, USA

• Sommelier, Dining Room Supervisor, Staff Trainer

Lincoln Fine Wines, Los Angeles, USA

• Imports buyer, Champagne Specialist, Sales Associate, Wine Club Manager

Water Grill, Los Angeles, USA

• Floor Sommelier, Wine Steward

Restaurant August, New Orleans, USA

• Manager, Assistant Sommelier

R Bar & Royal Street Inn, New Orleans

• General Manager
• Live-in B&B Operator

Certified Sommelier (Court of Masters, 2010)

Master’s Certificates in Burgundy, Provence, and Champagne (Wine Scholar Guild)

CSW Certification  USA (2011)

Level 3 WSET (2015)

CSP Certification (Sake Education Council, Tokyo, Japan, 2013)

CSWS Certified Sherry Wine Specialist (House of Lustau, 2018)