About GCE

Today, wine is not just a drink, it embodies culture. Culture conveys knowledge, and knowledge grants influence.

Founded in France in January 2025, Grand Cru & Etiquette (GCE) empowers individuals and organizations to leverage wine, culture, and etiquette as strategic assets. What began as a personal passion for wine, history, and table culture evolved into a clear purpose: to transform cultural and wine expertise into tools for professional influence, refined presence, and meaningful connection.

Behind the project is Maria Kumessa, a Certified Champagne Specialist and French Wine Ambassador, with formal training in sommellerie. With a Master’s degree in Management and years of leadership experience in nonprofit and healthcare organizations, Maria combines executive insight with cultural mastery, creating experiences that are both sophisticated and results-driven.

Since 2019, she has explored oenology and sommellerie with curiosity and discipline. Each certification represents not just expertise, but a commitment to ongoing learning, excellence, and transmission.

GCE partners with professionals, and organizations internationally, offering tailored consulting, immersive workshops, and curated experiences in Paris, remotely, or abroad. Every engagement is carefully designed to enhance influence, strengthen relationships, and leave a lasting impression.

At its core, GCE combines cultural refinement with actionable wine and etiquette expertise, turning every encounter into an opportunity to demonstrate authority, sophistication, and professional excellence.