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

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

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

Market expertise: United Kingdom, Spain

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