"The most important thing is to transmit passion and love for wines to the client."

In our Sommelier Corner section, we have the honour of interviewing David Paredes, sommelier at Mesón las Duelas and one of the 100 best sommeliers in Spain according to the prestigious Top 100 Sommeliers competition. David Paredes, one of the most outstanding sommeliers on the Spanish scene, began his interest in the wine world over 15 years ago, initially as a customer at Mesón Las Duelas in Algeciras, where he is currently head waiter. It was in this very place where, guided by owner Alberto Meléndez, he began a journey that would turn him into a reference in the sector. David stands out for his ability to transmit passion and knowledge to anyone who crosses his path. His philosophy is clear: the most important thing is to convey love for wines to the client, making each experience unique and memorable. What sparked your passion for wine? It was the daily contact with a magnificent wine cellar and a mentor like Alberto who showed me that behind every bottle there is a story, a landscape and a tradition worth knowing and sharing. Debunking a wine myth "I would only have sparkling wines and sherries as an aperitif." This is a myth that must be eliminated. We must demonstrate that both sparkling wines and sherries work from aperitif through to dessert. Tips for wine beginners First of all, let yourself be guided by a sommelier. If there isn't one, nor an app like Winerim, a good way is to examine the wine list, looking for denominations you like or want to try. What makes a good wine Good care of the vineyard, solid training through experience in other wineries and countries. It is important to think about quality, not quantity. Fine work in the cellar, not overdoing the barrel, and giving maximum expression to the terroir. Winerim in daily work Winerim has become an essential tool in our daily management. It allows us to keep our wine list always up to date and offer our clients detailed information about each reference.