Maria and I share many things, including our Puerto Rican heritage and our backgrounds as chemical engineers from the University of Puerto Rico at Mayagüez (though I graduated earlier 😉). One of our shared passions is wine. During our class with her, she showcased her extensive knowledge, covering topics such as serving temperatures, techniques for serving and conserving wine, and perfect pairings. Maria’s explanations were clear and engaging, and she curated an excellent selection of wines, including some lesser-known local varieties. We had a fantastic time. Now, we make it a point to meet with a group of friends at least once a quarter, with Maria always in charge of selecting the wine. The wine has never disappointed, and I always learn something new from Maria, whether it’s a new varietal or a brand to enjoy. Cheers to Maria on her sommelier journey, and I look forward to continuing to support her along the way.

Sandra Durazo