Congratulations to Wine Director Lauren Plascencia of One MICHELIN Star Animalón, and the 2024 MICHELIN Guide Mexico Sommelier Award Winner, sponsored by Casa Madero.
For Plascencia, wine wasn't much of a thought, much less a career path. In fact, the award winner didn't even like wine—she was a beer enthusiast. It wasn't until she began working in the service industry where her manager piqued her interest on the world of wine. After that, the young Plascencia enrolled in a wine course at the Culinary Art School in Tijuana, and the rest is history.
Below, the new award winner celebrates her accolade with us by taking a deep dive on her carrer, relationship with wine, and the best meal and wine pairing. Cheers!
How were you introduced to the world of wine?
In my mid- twenties I used to be a beer enthusiast and didn't know much about wine, or even like it. It wasn't until I began working in the service industry and our manager started educating us about wine that my curiosity really took off. I enrolled myself in a wine course in Culinary Art School in Tijuana and was hooked!
How has your relationship with wine changed?
I think my relationship is still the same, its a very good one, but my curiosity only grows with time, curiosity about new regions (for me), new vintages, new wine projects, new winemakers, it never stops and I love it.
What's the biggest misconception about being a sommelier, or wine in general, that you'd like to dispel?
That we can't enjoy a wine without being critical. People assume that you want to do a proper wine tasting every time we drink wine. Sometimes we just want to enjoy our wine and not think.
What’s your criteria for adding a new wine to your list?
I love having a couple classics and big-sellers, not necessarily expensive or big production wines, that are really good and people really enjoy no matter the occasion. Then, depending on the seasonal menu and the dishes we are offering I try to find wines that would pair well with our food.
What are you drinking these days?
I am a white wine lover, and will forever be I think. But lately I've been craving dry but juicy, friendly, young & chillable red wines. Fortunately it is a growing trend in Valle de Guadalupe.
What's your favorite nonalcoholic drink?
Agua fresca de Jamaica (Hibiscus). Its so delicious and refreshing. Great with Mexican food.
What's your ideal meal and pairing?
A subtle green chicken curry with jasmine rice and a good Pinot Gris from Alsace with a bit of residual sugar. Heaven.
Favorite wine-related film, book, magazine, etc?
Wine Spectator is always a go-to and I really enjoyed Drops of God—loved the scene where they teach the girl the proper wine service etiquette.
Hero image: Lauren Plascencia / Animalón
