Expert Interview: Antonio Mendez
Behind the Sommelier
When did you first become interested in wine?
My first taste was at 13 years old and I've been enjoying wine since then.
What brought you into the wine business?
In the town of Rubios, they wanted to stop growing all the red grape varietals and just grow Albarino. I got into the business so I could keep the growth of red wine in the area.
Do you have a favorite varietal or region?
Rias Baixas. Suson. I'm a red wine lover.
If you don't order wine at a restaurant or bar, which beverage do you choose?
Water
What's your least favorite drink?
Anise
In your opinion, which country, other than the Spain, makes the best wine? Why?
Portugal. The red wines of Douro, Portugal are not to be missed.
What wines should no home be without?
A Rias Biaxas wine-- whichever one you want, you can't go wrong.
What are your three best tips, tricks or techniques for wine lovers?
Drink responsibly. Enjoy wine. Pour wine into a glass, swirl it around and then pour it out. Now pour some more into the original glass. It's like washing your glass with the wine you are about to drink. It is the best way to enjoy all the flavors.
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Expert Profile

Antonio Mendez
Antonio started drinking wine when he was 13 years old. He started working in restaurants when he was 15 and opened his own restaurant, Parador De Bayona in Puerto de Vigo Botafumiero, Spain, when he was 21. He came up with an idea for a winery in 1979 but didn't open it until 2005.













