Alessandra Esteves is a towering figure in the world of wine education, with a wealth of certifications and experiences under her belt. As the co-founder and Director of Wine Education for the Florida Wine Academy, she has played an instrumental role in shaping the way wine knowledge is disseminated in the Sunshine State. We sat down with Alessandra for a brief interview, where she opened up about her career, accomplishments, and the exciting future of wine education.
1. Could you tell us a bit about your journey into the world of wine?
Starting as a corporate lawyer in Brazil and Germany, my journey into the world of wine began with a fascination for the intricacies of viticulture and oenology. As I dove deeper, my passion grew, leading me to acquire several prestigious certifications such as WSET Level 4 (Diploma) in Wines & Spirits, French Wine Scholar, Champagne Master Level by the Wine Scholar Guild, Master of Rioja DOCa certification, and Certified Specialist of Wine (CSW). Most recently, I’ve become a Stage 2 Master of Wine Candidate, trying to acquire the most respected certification in the wine world.
2. As a founder of several wine-related initiatives, can you share some highlights?
Being a wine educator is all about spreading the joy and knowledge of wine, and founding initiatives such as Miami Champagne Week, 305Wines, and VinoSummit has allowed me to do just that. Through these platforms, we’ve created a vibrant wine community in Florida, connecting wine lovers, professionals, and producers in meaningful ways.
3. You’ve served as a judge at several wine competitions. What does that entail?
Serving as a judge in competitions such as the International Wine and Spirit Competition and the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of America Convention & Exposition is an honor. It involves critical analysis of numerous wines, assessing their quality based on appearance, nose, and palate. It’s both challenging and gratifying, especially knowing that these awards can significantly help winemakers and brands in their growth.
4. Can you share some of your plans as a Stage 2 Master of Wine Candidate?
The Master of Wine journey is rigorous and rewarding. As I continue in Stage 2, I aim to deepen my understanding of wine and use this knowledge to further enhance the educational offerings at Florida Wine Academy. The ultimate goal is always to provide the highest quality education to our students.
5. How do you use your multilingual skills in the wine industry?
Being fluent in Portuguese, German, English, Italian, and Spanish, and having a primary proficiency in French, I can communicate with a diverse range of wine professionals and students worldwide. This not only aids in teaching and understanding various wine regions but also helps in fostering a global wine community.
Alessandra’s dedication to wine education is evident in her accomplishments and her leadership at Florida Wine Academy. If you’re ready to embark on your own wine education journey, the Academy, under Alessandra’s guidance, is a fantastic place to start. Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned professional, there is a course waiting for you.
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