Wine, food, and culture are what it’s all about.

Meet Marija Jovanovic, a WSET Advanced Certified Sommelier and Sherry Wine Specialist currently pouring, hosting, and educating wine lovers at V. Sattui Winery in the heart of Napa Valley. A member of the V. Sattui staff family for the past three years, Marija was drawn to the winery’s diverse library of wines and dedication to wine tourism.

Now, you may be wondering what is a WSET (Wine & Spirit Education Trust) Advanced Certified Sommelier? It’s a multi-level graduate program designed for wine enthusiasts to obtain tasting technique, production and distribution knowledge, and extensive wine service skills. A course not for the fainthearted, rigorous testing prepares individuals for their roles as leaders in the industry.

The journey doesn’t stop there. What does it take to make it as a Sommelier? A love for wine, food, and people. Dreaming about food, and more excitingly what to drink with it, is just part of the joy. The next step is relaying that passion to guests with attention to detail, an understanding of the local culture, and gracious hospitality.

Initially from Serbia, Marija set out to pursue a career combining her two passions, wine and traveling, only to find herself in California’s most iconic wine region, Napa Valley. A melting pot of cultures, it shines through in the Valley’s award-winning wines, Michelin Star restaurants, and historic scenery—the perfect setting for a Sommelier.  

A true Sommelier, Marija eats, sleeps, and breathes food and wine. When she’s not attending wine seminars, cooking classes, entertaining friends, or introducing people to the array of critically acclaimed wines in the main tasting room; you can find Marija hosting V. Sattui’s Wine & Food Pairing events. Enjoy two hours of fun, engaging “edutainment” set in our underground barrel aging cellar, that showcase how combined flavors elevate both the wine and food to a whole new level.

Interested in discovering the magic of food and wine pairing? Join us for upcoming events Dec 2nd & 30th!

Get to know Marija

1. Have you always been interested in becoming a Sommelier? Yes, it’s the perfect career to combine wine, food, and traveling.

2. What’s your favorite varietal? Zinfandel.

3. What’s your favorite food and wine pairing? Spicy food paired with a Gewürztraminer or dry Riesling.

4. What is your favorite wine region outside of Napa Valley? Portugal or Spain for their unique culture and wine diversity.

5. Do you plan on continuing your education? I’m currently pursuing a CWE (Certified Wine Educator) diploma.

Do you have any questions? We would be happy to answer them over a glass of wine in our tasting room and/or special events. Open daily 9 am – 5 pm (winter hours).