Michael A. Cimino has been a certified sommelier with the Sommelier Society of America since 1993.  He was sponsored by Iron Chef winner Peter X. Kelly, from the famed Xaviar’s Restaurant Group, where he worked for ten years.  In February of 2000 the New York Times hailed Mr. Cimino as a “master of accommodating guests and selecting wines.”  

In 2001 Michael branched out on his own and established a restaurant consulting company, Cottage Views, and Cottage Views School of Wine.  As a consultant to several high profile establishments he was awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and Wine Enthusiasts’ Award of Distinction for his contributions to the wine programs at Glenmere Mansion (Relais & Chateaux), and the Park Steakhouse, among others. 

As an author, journalist, and radio personality Michael has worked at several suburban New York radio stations and was a regular contributor to Rock Society magazine (London, UK) and the New York Review of Records.

Michael’s first book, The Waitperson’s Guide To Wine – Practical Information For Service, was compiled from his wine lectures and is used as a training tool in newly opened restaurants and dining establishments.  A newly updated and expanded version, A Beginner’s Guide to Wine, was released October 23, 2019.