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By Alfredo Espinola
Georgina Estrada
For the first time in its history, a woman has assumed the presidency of the Asociación de Sommelier Mexicanos A.C. (ASM). Georgina Estrada, who was sworn in on December 2, will hold the position until 2028. (Click here to read an exclusive el Restaurante interview with Estrada.)
“During this new management, the main goal will be to promote continuous and high-level training for our sommeliers through masterclasses, offering updated programs that position us as leaders in our industry, and we will continue to collaborate with the coordination of the diploma courses for the training of future sommeliers and lovers of wine and all distilled beverages,” Estrada said during her swearing-in ceremony.
Another of the objectives will be to standardize the exams for sommeliers, so that their standards are recognized both in Mexico and abroad, which will allow them to compete and stand out in any professional scenario.
“Also, the exploration of our wine regions and promoters of wine, tequila, mezcal, coffee plantations, among others, will be encouraged, connecting us even more to the roots of our profession,” Estrada emphasized.
In 2025, a national competition will be organized to crown the best sommelier in the country, who will represent Mexico in the world competition in Portugal, organized by the International Sommelier Association (ASI). In 2026, a competition will be organized for young sommeliers, with the aim of encouraging new generations to reach their full potential.
An advisory council will be created, composed of industry leaders, presidents of associations and chambers, who will meet regularly to define strategies and projects that elevate the profession, strategic alliances will be made with other relevant associations in the sector that will open new doors and create opportunities that benefit all parties involved.
“Collaboration will be the core of this new presidency, everything we achieve will be thanks to the joint effort and shared commitment to build a strong, united and constantly evolving association,” Estrada said.
The outgoing president of the ASM, sommelier Miguel Ángel Cooley, congratulated Estrada on her appointment, and predicted success thanks to the dedication and professionalism she has always shown. Estrada recognized the effort of Cooley during his administration, as well as the ASM director, Luis Cárdenas, whose contribution has been a pillar in the professionalization of sommeliers in Mexico.
The installation ceremony of Georgina Estrada
The new board of directors of the Association of Mexican Sommeliers (ASM) will be formed as follows:
ASM Board of Directors 2025 - 2029:
- Georgina Estrada, president.
- José Luis Umaña, vice president.
- Teresa Rodríguez, vice-president of communication.
- Cecilia Murillo and Georgina Salazar, vice-president of public relations.
- Omar Barbosa, vice president of international affairs.
- Guadalupe López and Juan Carlos Ochoa, treasurers.
- Enrique Franco, vice president of technology and systems.
- Camilo Pérez Jacott, general secretary.
Advisory Board:
- Miguel Ángel Cooley, ASM national president 2019 - 2024.
- Luis Cárdenas, general director of the Mexican Academy of Sommeliers.
- Salomón Abedrop, president of the Mexican Wine Council.
- Maribel Quiroga, executive president of the Mexican Wine and Spirits Commission.
- Claudia Ramírez del Palacio, Executive President of CANIRAC.
- Sandra Fernández, Sommelier and Entrepreneur, Director of SFG Estrategias Integrales en Vinos y Destilados.
- Mariana Ramírez, beverage director of Pujol Restaurant.
- Gustavo Ortega, general manager and owner of El Cielo winery.
- Alexandre Langlois, director of Grupo Cal.
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