Congratulations to Romina Argüelles of Plonk, The MICHELIN Guide Mexico 2025 Sommelier Award winner, presented in partnership with Casa Madero!
Running a vibrant wine bar in Mexico City, Romina serves delicious wine from the heart. The wine program is a combination of terroirs, flavors, and regions. With her expert guidance, she recommends wines for every palate – impressing everyone from classic sippers to adventurous tasters.
We spoke with Romina to learn about her journey and what she's drinking right now.
How were you introduced to the world of wine?
I remember when I was a kid and my family used to get together on Sundays for lunch. My grandfather loved wine and always brought bottles, so sometimes he let me smell his glass and tell me something about that wine. He even gave me my first champagne sip ever. When I was at college, I had wine and beverages classes, and it reminded me of those Sundays and made me more interested in learning about it.
How have your tastes changed over the years?
I have a wider array of possibilities now. For example, before I used to drink more whites, and even though I could try a full-bodied red and understand it, I truly enjoy it now. Also, right now I’m more a “Blanc de Noir” person than before. So, I think your taste can evolve all the years for sure.
What are you drinking these days?
This year I’ve been enjoying Riesling from Slovakia, Monastrell from Jumilla, and Cremant from Jura.
What's your ideal meal and pairing?
My ideal meal would start with a little apero: some oysters and a glass of champagne, preferably a “Blanc de blancs.” And then getting a nice medium-rare steak with a glass of a nice Mencía, with some months of barrel, from Bierzo.
What's the biggest misconception about being a sommelier, or wine in general?
That you drink wine every day all the time, ha-ha. Also, the idea to “save all your wine” because not all wines are created equal, meaning they’re not all meant to be stored for a long period of time. Unless you’re buying a specific wine that’s meant to be aged, don’t be afraid to open that bottle and just enjoy.
All images courtesy of Alejandro Ortega Zetina
