Maggie Viklund, CS, BMC
Maggie Viklund, CS, BMC is a Wine Advisor and Founder of Sommerblond, a boutique wine advisory consulting with private clubs and restaurants on a project-by-project basis. With over seven years in the wine industry, she transitioned from a career in fashion and public relations to pursue her lifelong passion for wine, choosing a field where her age and experience added credibility and depth. A graduate of the International Culinary Center and a CMS Certified Sommelier, Maggie recently earned her Master’s Certification in Burgundy wines, positioning herself as a highly specialized expert in one of the world’s most esteemed wine regions.
Growing up in California wine country, Maggie developed an early affinity for wine, which she later transformed into a professional pursuit following her personal journey through reinvention. She has built a career centered on expertise and autonomy, selecting projects that align with her interests in wine advisory, judging, and expert speaking. Maggie regularly serves as a wine judge at national events, including the New Orleans Wine and Food Experience, and has cultivated a reputation for her in-depth knowledge, particularly in Burgundy wines, as well as her ability to provide tailored guidance to restaurants and private clubs.
Beyond her professional work, Maggie is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. She serves as a board member for Save the Children – Long Island Council and previously held the role of president for the Junior League of Long Island. Her notable achievements include sourcing and coordinating wine donations for major galas, demonstrating both her industry expertise and her capacity to leverage her network for meaningful causes. Maggie’s career reflects a deliberate pursuit of passion, purpose, and lifelong learning, creating a path defined by both professional excellence and impactful community engagement.
• Bourgogne Masters
• Certified Sommelier
• Muhlenberg College - B.A.
• Save the Children Island Council
• Junior League of Long Island
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to resilience in navigating life transitions, a commitment to continuous learning—especially in wine—and the ability to blend expertise with relationship-building to create meaningful opportunities. I’ve learned that my experience and perspective are powerful assets, shaping the way I contribute and grow in my field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come less from formal mentorship and more from experience and the relationships I’ve built along the way. My background in PR and events, paired with my transition into the wine industry, has allowed me to learn from a diverse range of professionals and environments, shaping the path of my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would encourage young women entering this industry to embrace change and reinvention at any stage of life, pursue careers that foster growth, curiosity, and flexibility, and remember that expertise develops over time—it doesn’t require a linear path. My own journey has shown me that success often comes from bold pivots and trusting your instincts.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenges in my field are navigating a highly competitive, expertise-driven industry while balancing opportunities with lifestyle and time commitments. At the same time, there are exciting opportunities: growing demand for wine education and curated experiences, expanding into speaking engagements, judging, and global wine events, and leveraging specialized knowledge—like Burgundy wines—to stand out and differentiate my expertise.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both work and life are independence and autonomy, lifelong learning, authenticity in my work and relationships, and giving back through service and philanthropy. I strive to design a career that reflects both passion and purpose. Outside of work, I enjoy playing tennis year-round, exploring new interests like mahjong, traveling with a focus on wine and cultural experiences, and continuing my exploration of French wine regions and language.