Originally from Mexico City, Santiago initally pursued a career path in Marine Biology before dedicating his life the the world of wine and agave spirits.  Growing up with a deep love for the ocean, he spent countless hours fishing, surfing and scuba diving.  However, a four month late letter of acceptance plus his passion for food and wine led him away from the sea and into the kitchen and vineyards.

Having lived in New York City, Mexico City, Ensenada, England, and New Hampshire, Santiago brings a rich global perspective to his work.  He is a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers, holds a Grand Diploma in Culinary Arts, and a Certificate in Restaurant Management from the International Culinary Center (ICC) in New York.  He also completed an intensive Distillation course at Moonshine University in Louisville, KY.  With over 10 years of experience in wine and agave production, sales, brand development, and education, Santiago has mastered the selection, pairing, and educating consumers and professionals alike in the food and beverage industry.

Santiago is a wine and agave spirits aficionado and adventurer at heart. When he is not exploring tannin, terroir, or nuances of agave spirits, he enjoys skiing, perfecting his golf swing, enjoying classic films, or visiting the zoo or aquarium.

His background in fine dining and his passion for driving customer experience drive his mission: to make the world of wine and agave spirits more exciting, educational, and enjoyable for all.

Salud!

Expertise: Agave Spirits, Wine (Spanish/English)

Experience: 10 years