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By Alfredo Espinola
In the heart of Mexico City, amid sparkling glasses, intense aromas, and the passion of experts, the Asociación de Sommeliers Mexicanos (ASM) celebrated International Sommelier Day 2025 (June 3) in style. The iconic Hotel Camino Real was transformed into a meeting place for professionals, winemakers, sommeliers, entrepreneurs, and wine enthusiasts who, more than just commemorating, paid tribute to a profession that combines art, science, and sensitivity.
A day for the senses
From the outset, attendees were immersed in a high-level academic day consisting of four master classes that offered a tour of wine trends, techniques, and territories.
- “Mexican wine today,” presented by Salomón Abedrop and Manuel Negrete, who outlined the current growth and projection of national wine.
- “Cork,” in which Benjamín Hernández explored the innovation and sustainability behind an essential but often underappreciated element.
- “The barrel and the art of creating great wines,” led by Eduardo Murillo, who revealed how wood transforms each drop into a work of art.
- From Spain, the Jumilla PDO, guided by Georgina Estrada and Sandra Fernández, demonstrated how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously in every glass.
Recognizing talent, honoring legacy.
The afternoon brought one of the most emotional moments: the presentation of awards to those who are making a difference in the country's wine industry. Among the winners were:
- Sandra Fernández, Sommelier of the Year.
- Paco Rodríguez, Winemaker of the Year.
- Puerta del Lobo, Mexican Winery of the Year.
- Eli Martínez, Mixologist of the Year.
Tributes were also paid to Luis Cárdenas Barona and sommelier Miguel Ángel Cooley, pillars of training for entire generations of experts, and with deep emotion, a posthumous tribute was paid to Ricardo Vea and Abisai Vargas, visionaries of Mexican wine, especially in Guanajuato.
A new face and new alliances.
The event was the ideal setting to unveil the new institutional logo of the ASM, a symbol of an association that looks to the future with determination and modernity. In addition, a collaboration agreement was signed with the Mexican Wine Council, a key step in consolidating alliances in favor of national wine.
The president of the ASM, Georgina Estrada, the first woman to head the organization, shared her pride and vision:
“We will continue to work passionately for the future of sommeliers in Mexico. This celebration is just the beginning of great opportunities.”
Guanajuato, the next event
As a brilliant finale, it was announced that Guanajuato will host the International Sommelier Day 2026, reaffirming its position as a leader in Mexican wine tourism. The event is held every year on June 3.
Amidst fruity aromas, passionate conversations, and toasts to come, the day made it clear that in Mexico, wine is not only drunk, it is lived.
This magnificent event was a tribute to the dedication, knowledge, and sensitivity that make each sommelier an interpreter of bottled stories.
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