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Mikayla Avedisian-Cohen

Wine Director and General Manager at Crenn Dining Group, Alameda, CA

A native New Yorker, Mikayla Cohen is a certified sommelier who found herself drawn to the wine and hospitality profession while studying Psychology at the College of Charleston. After graduating she continued her wine studies in New York City working for Danny Meyer in a number of capacities (including at Union Square Cafe and Gramercy Tavern, and teaching wine classes for the Union Square Hospitality Group). After four years, under the mentorship of master sommeliers and hospitality professionals, she moved to Northern California to get her hands dirty working the wine harvest under the tutelage of a long time California winemaking icon.

She then spent three years on the sommelier team at The French Laundry until taking over the wine program at Dominique Crenn's Petit Crenn. During her three-year tenure Mikayla assumed the dual role of Wine Director and General Manager. Her wine program for the Crenn Dining Group received great recognition across the industry including the esteemed ‘Jury Prize’ from the World of Fine Wine. Mikayla’s passion and curiosity for the art and science of wine continue to propel her in the vibrant wine culture around the world. 

Meet the other judges

Mark Guillaudeu MS

Master Sommelier, 2022 Best USA Sommelier, #6 Best Sommelier of the Americas 2022, #15 Best Sommelier of the World 2023 and Sommelier at Wrigley Mansion, Phoenix

Valerie Cao

Director of Operations and Beverage Director at Le Colonial Chicago