Congratulations to Rafael Delgado, SWS, for passing the Spanish Wine Scholar exam with highest honors!
About Rafael:
I have been a food and beverage professional, sommelier, and wine educator working for hotels and independent restaurants for over 10 years, most recently Sommelier for Jaleo by José Andrés in Disney Springs (currently closed due to COVID-19 closures). Additionally, I teach private wine classes to hospitality professionals interested in improve their sales and knowledge of wine in a restaurant setting.
I have a Sommelier certificate from the United States Sommelier Association, Certified Specialist of Wine, and now I’m proud to have achieved the Spanish Wine Scholar Certification. I was inspired by Chef José Andrés’ endorsement of the certification, as I am inspired by his mission of changing the way America sees food at our home and at restaurants.
As a child I spent a lot of time in Spain, and wine has always been part of daily meals in my family. The wine at that time was mostly table wine, but, even as a child, I was always fascinated by Sherry, Rioja and wine from the Canary Islands. My favorite wines to serve are Txacoli, served as they do in the Basque Region, from a distance, aerating the wine on its way to the glass; Sherry, with a venencia; and Cava ( or any of the Quality Sparkling Wine from Spain), because high quality bubbles from Spain are delicious, make everything better.
Working in restaurants, schedules are always changing, for that reason, I chose the online program led by Rick Fisher, because it provided the unique opportunity for class time by the creator of the course, with the flexibility of being able to study at my own time and pace.
My favorite saying: Wine is the best sauce on the side. It always makes the food taste better and conversations more alive.
