Originally from Barcelona, Álvaro moved to London in 2006 after completing his undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering. His wine passion developed over several years, working in restaurants and wine bars in the UK capital. Over the years that followed, Álvaro studied all WSET qualifications, finishing his Diploma in 2014, for which he won the Lustau and Derouet Jameson Scholarships. In 2011, Álvaro completed a master’s degree in engineering management and carried out the final thesis in a wine bottling plant in Veneto, Italy. He has been working for Indigo Wine, Spanish Specialist Importer, since 2014, currently as their Spanish buyer. In 2021, Álvaro completed his Master of Wine studies and was awarded the Madame Bollinger Medal for excellence in tasting and outstanding achievement in the Institute of Masters of Wine practical exams. In addition, Álvaro has launched his own company in Spain in 2022, Massal Selection, a wine importer and distributor as well as an online shop.

Primary area(s) of work: Trade, Strategy

Industry sector(s): Agency/Importer, Business owner, Buying, Consultant, Distribution, Events, Import/Export, Marketing, On trade, Project management, Sales, Wine business strategy, Wine buying

Wine styles: Cava, Dry wines, Fortified wines, Natural, Orange wines, Sherry, Sparkling wine, Still red, Still rosé, Still white, Still wines

Wine region expertise: Argentina, Chile, Galicia, Jerez, Mendoza, Navarra, Penedes, Priorat, Ribera del Duero, Rioja, South America, Spain, UK

Market expertise: Spain, United Kingdom

Specialisms: Branding, Direct to consumer, Distribution, Ecommerce, Events, Financial and commercial structures, Food and wine pairing, HORECA, Identifying and meeting consumer demand, Importation, Independent retail, Marketing wine, New business development, Events, Restaurant wines, Routes to market, Supplier/customer relationships, Supply chain efficiency, Training, Wine labels