Interview With A Sommelier – Alejandra Maldonado

The World of Wine is beautifully showcased by an army of talented Sommeliers, who help the consumer discover their next favourite bottle, understand the different regions and pair a delicious meal with the right Glass of Bubbly.

In this feature, I speak with a lady from Mexico, who has helped many people to discover the vast world of Wines and Sparkling Wines, her name is Alejandra Maldonado, let’s find out about her life as a Sommelier.

Tell Us About Yourself

“Hi, I’m Alex Maldonado and I’ve been a sommelier in a Mexican haute cuisine restaurant with pre-Hispanic fusions, in the great state of Mexico, Chihuahua.

I was born among conifer groves in the beautiful state of Puebla, in the center of Mexico.

I completed my A class in the middle of the Covid-19 pandemic in November 2021, with a great need to continue learning about the beverage that unites us to this blog.

I spent all of 2022 doing wine tastings with wines from this region (Chihuahua) very closely with local producers, making gastronomic fusions and some comparisons with regional wines and some other Spanish wines. At the end of 2022, I traveled to Spain, specifically D.O. Penedes, to get to know Cava, its production and distribution. Two incredible years in which I learned a lot about this fascinating and exciting beverage. And of course to start walking towards the WSET.”

Do You Remember Your First Experience With Sparkling Wine? When It Was And What Kind Of Wine It Was?

“Honestly, my first approach to wine, in general, was a few months before starting my journey as a sommelier, inexperienced, with little or almost no knowledge I was entering very slowly in this world; even though the Covid-19 gave me the opportunity to join this fascinating world, I think the first real approach was in the academy, because before I had only started tasting some red and white wines from Argentina, Spain, France, Germany, Chile and of course Mexico. The first Sparkling that touched my senses was undoubtedly a Da Luca rosé, from Veneto, Italy. Sparkling was present for the first time in my path.”

What Inspired You To Become a Sommelier?

“I have always been passionate about food and beverages, my path began graduating as a chef and from there I made my own way in the service of 4 and 5 diamond hotels in Riviera Maya, southern Mexico, I became a bartender and consequently over the years I became a sommelier, always with the concern in previous years to know more about this drink that has evolved over time, gastronomy and drinks have always gone hand in hand in my path and that is why I took this huge decision to delve into wine.”

During Your Time As A Sommelier, What’s The Most Surprising & Interesting Thing You’ve Learnt?

“Undoubtedly traveling to Europe and thus being able to learn more and more about different types of wine and their appellations of origin, has been an unparalleled experience, no doubt seeing with my own eyes the country with more hectares of vineyards has been impressive, traveling roads and villages full of vineyards does not compare to absolutely nothing, with the dream of being able to follow this path hand in hand with more countries that produce it, learn from them and expand my knowledge about this grape juice that has changed our lives for many of us.”

What Sparkling Wine Producing Countries or Regions Hold A Special Place In Your Heart?

“Spain! Undoubtedly, having been my first real entry to sparkling wines, changed the look I had on these, an exceptional country, with loving people that I never imagined would treat me so well when I arrived in their country, the friendships that wine has left me and the hospitality of the Spanish people have been incredible.”

Where’s The Most Memorable Place You’ve Enjoyed A Glass of Bubbly?

“At home, in the company of friends and family after becoming a sommelier professionally, I think it has been the most memorable bubbles I have shared, celebrating the knowledge gained and elevating my passion.”

Thank you, Alejandra, for sharing your words, knowledge and experiences with us and we at Glass of Bubbly wish you the very best for the future!

Images belong to Alejandra Maldonado. Glass of Bubbly was granted permission, to use them.