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One of the pillars of North America's longest running wine show, the Vancouver International Wine Festival, is that each winery sends a principal to the show.
This may sound like a small thing, but in reality it's important. It provides tasters, trade and public, the opportunity to meet, hear from, and taste with the folks directly involved with the wine. VIWF calls these principals 'vine stars', and there will be 173 participating wineries descending on Vancouver this month for the festival's 40th birthday. With neighbours Spain and Portugal the 2018 theme regions, we are highlighting 10 Iberian vine stars whom you should seek out, as well as one of their wines recently tasted at GOW. For details on the festival's 51 events, visit the interactive Festival at a Glance.
Gloria Collell, Head Winemaker, Segura Viudas
Gloria Collell was born just outside of Barcelona into a family dedicated to the wine business. After earning her degree in Enology, she quickly went to work with the team at Segura Viudas in a cross-functional role supporting winemaking, international marketing and brand development. Gloria’s passion for wine has led her to continue her studies and is on her way to becoming a Master of Wine. Meet Gloria at Cava: Spain’s Sparkling Gem; Festival Toast.
Joan Cusiné, Proprietor, Parés Baltà / Gratavinum
After obtaining his degree in Economics at Esade University in Barcelona, finishing the military service, and studying winemaking, Joan became 100% involved in Parés Baltà, managing the winery together with his brother Josep, and bringing young and fresh ideas to the company. In 2003, he and his brother started the Gratavinum project in Priorat, and two years later founded Dominio Romano in Ribera del Duero. Meet Joan at Cava: Spain’s Sparkling Gem; Festival Toast; Truth in Terroir; 15th Annual Awards Lunch; Spain’s Blockbusters.
Miguel Gil, Principal & Family Member, Bodegas Ateca / Bodegas Tridente / Bodegas Rosario Vera
Born in Jumilla, Spain, Miguel Gil comes from a family of nine and is a product of the 4th generation of winemakers. In 2002, after a career in aeronautical engineering in Sevilla, he immersed himself in the wine business and pursued his father’s dream of making honest wines. Miguel is responsible for the growth and consolidation of the 11 wineries that comprise GFE. Today, 100 years after its inception, Gil Family Estate wines are enjoyed around the world. Meet Miguel at Bacchanalia Gala Dinner + Auction; Savour Spain; Storied Iberia in 9 Wines; Spain’s Blockbusters.
Fernando Gimenez Alvear, Chief Executive Officer, Bodegas Alvear
After working in aeronautical industry, in 1990 Fernando decided to go back to his origins and join the family winery. Fernando became the CEO of Bodegas Alvear in 1998, when he undertook two main projects: the launching of the Vintage Pedro Ximénez range and the foundation of a new still wine winery in Extremadura, Palacio Quemado. Meet Fernando at Shades of Sherry; Storied Iberia in 9 Wines; Dynamic Spain.
Álvaro Palacios, Winemaker, Álvaro Palacios / Palacios Remondo / Descendientes de J. Palacios
The influence that Álvaro Palacios has had on Spanish winemaking can hardly be measured. Not only has he been an important point of reference for up-and-coming winemakers throughout Spain; he pioneered the two highly important regions of Priorat and Bierzo. Named Decanter’s 2015 Man of the Year and the Institute of Masters of Wine’s 2016 Winemaker of the Year, there is no shortage of accolades for Álvaro Palacios. Meet Álvaro at Rioja Renaissance;Storied Iberia in 9 Wines; 15th Annual Awards Lunch; Álvaro Palacios Wine Star; Decanter World Wine Awards.
Miguel Torres Maczassek, General Manager, Torres
Miguel studied Business and Management at the ESADE University in Barcelona and oenology at the Rovira i Virgili University, in Tarragona. In April 2001 he was appointed General Manager at the Jean Leon winery (part of the Torres Group since 1995). In 2004, he accepted the position of Marketing Director of Miguel Torres S.A., responsible for product development, communication and new launchings. In 2009, Miguel Torres Maczassek was appointed Executive President of Miguel Torres Chile. He is currently General Manager of the Torres Group. Meet Miguel at Storied Iberia in 9 Wines; Torres: History Builds Future; Dynamic Spain; Decanter World Wine Awards.
David Guimaraens, Head Winemaker, Taylor Fladgate
David represents the sixth generation of his family to be involved in the Port business. After completing his schooling in Portugal and England, David gained hands-on experience in Australia, California and Oregon before studying œnology at Roseworthy Agricultural College in South Australia. He returned to Portugal in 1990 to join the Taylor Fladgate and Fonseca winemaking teams. Since 1991 David has played a leading role in the production of the group’s wines and in the development of its wineries and vineyards. Meet David at The Fladgate Partnership; 2015 Vintage Port: Magic!
Miguel Roquette, Owner, Quinto do Crasto
A descendant of one of Portugal’s oldest wine dynasties, dating back to the 1600s, Miguel Roquette oversees export sales for Quinta do Crasto. Prior to this, he got his hands-on local wine experience in various capacities while employed with Sogrape Vinhos de Portugal in their marketing department, as well as Ferreira Port Wine. He also served as Commercial Director of Van Zeller’s & Ca. (part of Quinta do Noval). Aside from being the global “face” for Quinta do Crasto, the family’s winery, Miguel is an avid surfer and nature lover. Meet Miguel at Great Red Grapes; 2015 Vintage Port: Magic!
Rupert Symington, Joint Managing Director, Symington Family Estates
Rupert Symington is a fourth-generation member of the Symington Family. As Joint Managing Director, Rupert has the responsibility of Sales Director for the US, Canada and Australasia, being also responsible for the group’s financial affairs and for overseeing the family’s investments in a leading Douro table winery: Prats & Symington. Meet Rupert at Graham’s Port Dinner; Storied Iberia in 9 Wines; Graham’s Tawny Port; Voyage of Discovery; Dow’s: A Legendary Producer.
Cristiano van Zeller, Proprietor, Quinta Vale D. Maria
One of the Douro Boys, Cristiano van Zeller founded Quinta Vale D. Maria in 1996 and has grown it into a top Douro producer. Prior to that, he was the managing director of Quinta do Noval, the van Zeller family Port company, which was sold to AXA in 1993. He has also worked as Commercial Director for Quinta do Crasto and Quinta do Vallada on the teams pioneering the production of Douro red table wine. Meet Cristiano at 2015 Vintage Port: Magic!; Voyage of Discovery.
