8 Latinx Experts Changing the Face of Wine
Wine has always been about more than what’s in the glass. It’s about place, people, and culture—and increasingly, it’s about who gets to be seen and heard in the industry. While Latinx individuals have long been essential to wine production in the U.S.—particularly in the fields and cellars—their presence as winemakers and tastemakers has historically been overlooked. That’s changing, thanks to a new wave of talent shaping the future of wine through the lens of heritage, innovation, and community.
To help highlight the pros who are shaking up the industry, we tapped three industry leaders. Daniela Garrido, the Venezuelan-American bilingual wine and travel contributor and founder of Sobremesa Creative, believes representation isn’t just about labels—it’s about the stories and spaces that reflect both American and Latinx cultures. Lydia Richards is a Santa Barbara-based wine professional and co-founder of Hispanics in Wine & Spirits whose work focuses on inclusion and education. And Abe Zarate, a New York-based sommelier and Wine Enthusiast Future 40 tastemaker, is known for championing underrepresented voices in wine.
Here are the Latinx producers they say are changing the face of wine.
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Nancy Ulloa of Ulloa Cellars
Paso Robles, California
Paso Robles winemaker Nancy Ulloa of Ulloa Cellars is a vibrant force in the wine world, blending technical skill with a deep sense of cultural pride. Whether she’s sharing updates set to Karol G or Bad Bunny tracks, her presence is loud, proud, and unmistakably Latinx.
Garrido says that while those social posts might seem small to some, “to me it screams Hispanic pride and joy.” In an industry that often leans toward whitewashing or encourages assimilation into generational American norms, she believes Ulloa is carving out space for authenticity—and joy.
Abe Zarate first met Ulloa at the Sip & Sabor Festival hosted by Hispanics in Wine, and was immediately struck by her personality and presentation. “She had candles, a bubbly personality, and crystal pairings for her wines,” he says. “Tasting through them felt refreshing in every sense. In a world where Latinidad is often spoken about as a monolith, Nancy is a clear example of individuality and belonging.”
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(@__latinag)Gabriela Fernandez and Cinthya Cisneros of La Lucha Wines
Napa, California
La Lucha Wines isn’t just a brand—it’s a cultural statement. Co-founded by Gabriela Fernandez, a media personality and wine marketing pro, and Cinthya Cisneros, a celebrated Napa restaurateur, the sparkling wine label pays homage to generations of Latinx perseverance. “The name itself is so deeply rooted in the Latinx community,” says Garrido. “No matter what generation of Latin American you are, you know what it feels like to be in la lucha, working ten times harder to carve out space and honor our families’ sacrifices.”
Their collaboration began as a friendship built on shared values, says Lydia Richards, but evolved into a mission-driven business. From Cinthya’s journey as a formerly undocumented student now funding scholarships to Gabriela’s work elevating BIPOC voices through events like the Sip & Sabor Festival and her podcast The Big Sip, every aspect of La Lucha reflects intention and community.
“Even the wine’s origin tells a story,” Richards explains. “Their sparkling wines debuted in kegs at La Cheve to reduce glass waste, driving a mimosa program with flavors inspired by Mexico. Later, their official bottle release launched with the Sacramento Kings for Women’s Empowerment Night. It’s culture, advocacy, and community in a glass.”
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Andrea Jaramillo of Más Vino Please
Los Angeles, California
Andrea Jaramillo, the Colombian-American founder of Más Vino Please, is making waves with a wine brand that feels at once fresh, fun, and deeply rooted in community. Garrido describes her wines—Chismosa sparkling rosé, Como La Flor chillable red, and Sol y Mar white—as “playful, recognizable touchpoints for anyone who grew up Latinx.” But for Jaramillo, the wine is just one part of a bigger vision.
“She creates experiences that bring people together around wine, food, and music,” Garrido explains, “and that’s exactly what our culture is all about.” Whether she’s hosting pop-ups, pairing wines with traditional foods, or simply choosing names that nod to Latinx pop culture, Jaramillo is making wine more accessible and fun for a new generation.
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David Salazar of Reclamación Wines
Sonoma, California
Mexican-American vintner David Salazar is the force behind Reclamación Wines, a brand that’s all about reclaiming space—and recognition—for Hispanic contributions to wine. After earning a degree in viticulture and enology from California State University, Fresno, Salazar honed his craft across California and in the vineyards of New Zealand. His return to California marked the beginning of a mission to honor his heritage while challenging industry norms.
“David is creating exceptional wines that spotlight Hispanic voices, confronting the industry’s disparity in representation despite our significant contributions,” says Richards.
She notes that Salazar is also pushing for greater collaboration among smaller, boutique brands like Napa-based Don Chalo, while hosting educational and sip events that bring the community together. “Most recently, he partnered with Rizos Curls and Kids of Immigrants to raise funds for farmworkers and immigrants impacted by ICE raids,” she adds. “Collaborations like these are the future—for small brands to gain visibility in an industry that prioritizes big names.”
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Cecy Castillo of Mi Casa Wine Co.
Santa Barbara, California
For Cecy Castillo, winemaking is both a personal journey and a cultural offering. As the founder of Mi Casa Wine Co., she brings her Mexican-American heritage into every aspect of her winemaking—from the flavors to the messaging to the mission. Castillo is committed to making wine more approachable, while showcasing her community’s rich cultural traditions.
“She’s creating wines that are both delicious and deeply personal,” says Richards. “Rooted in heritage, but made for everyone.” Living in Santa Barbara County—home to one of the highest per capita percentages of women winemakers in the world—Richards has a unique perspective on representation. “Even here, diversity is still limited. That’s why it’s so inspiring to see women like Cecy changing the narrative and building businesses in their own backyards.”
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Gerardo Espinosa of Anaya Vineyards
Lodi, California
As a third-generation farmer, Gerardo Espinosa brings an earthy authenticity to his work at Anaya Vineyards. While deeply rooted in the vineyard, he’s also expanding his impact through collaborations and consulting, always with an eye toward accessibility.
Abe Zarate points to Espinosa’s Los Cuernos canned wine as a perfect example. “It’s now the premier canned wine at some of the largest sports stadiums in California,” he says. “It proves that quality wine doesn’t come in just one package.”
Zarate adds that Espinosa’s commitment to sustainability and understanding his audience’s lifestyle is what makes him stand out. “He uplifts without sacrificing quality or transparency,” he says. “That kind of mindset is exactly what this industry needs more of.”
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Gustavo Sotelo of Orixe Sotelo
Sonoma, California
With deep experience in both the vineyard and cellar, Gustavo Sotelo has earned his stripes at top wineries in Napa, Sonoma, and Spain. But it’s with his own label, Orixe Sotelo, that his passion for origin and identity comes to life. Based in Sonoma, the project—launched with his wife—focuses exclusively on Spanish grape varieties grown in California, marrying heritage with innovation.
“The name itself is a story,” says Richards. “‘Orixe’ is a Galician word meaning origin, and ‘Sotelo’ is his family name. Together, they represent a new beginning rooted in legacy.”
For Richards, Sotelo’s wines are not only technically impressive, but emotionally resonant. “His wines are killer, and I love how he focuses on those lesser-known grape varietals, especially in Napa. It ties back to his Spanish roots and Hispanic culture in a really powerful way.”
More Latinx Wine Coverage
- And here’s why those Spanish-speaking tastings are an act of resistance (and good for the bottom line).
- These top brewers are tapping into Hispanic heritage.
- America’s most influential Latinx wineries are making waves in the industry.
- And these Latinx industry pros are changing the wine game.
- How does the wine industry become more inclusive? Start speaking Spanish.
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