Sommelier, journalist, and writer Meritxell Falgueras revisits in her book Mujeres del vino the little-known stories of family wineries, internationally trained oenologists, prominent journalists, and female sommeliers who have made the dining room their domain through sensitivity and communication skills. Falgueras will be the protagonist on Friday, June 5, at noon, of the next Culinary Encounter of Wines and Letters, held at the Maestral restaurant with a special menu featuring other great women from Alicante's haute cuisine, such as María José Sanromán and Susu Díaz.
The Vinos y Letras cycle is a collaboration between the Casa Sicilia Chair of Wine Tourism and Wine Culture at the Miguel Hernández University (UMH), the Alicante Tasting School, the Vectalia group, and the Maestral restaurant. Meritxell Falgueras comes from a renowned family with over a century of tradition in the sector and was named best sommelier in Spain in 2011. Her internationally awarded work offers a unique journey through the stories of women winegrowers, oenologists, and entrepreneurs transforming the wine landscape.
Through a fresh and rigorous narrative, Mujeres del vino breaks away from traditional technical clichés in the sector to rediscover the wine ecosystem from a gender perspective. The book's pages not only collect inspiring biographies of pioneers who have challenged barriers but also serve as a practical guide to understanding new tasting languages. The author captures how intuition, sustainability, and female-led business innovation are defining future consumption trends. The bookstore 80 Mundos in Alicante will sell copies of the book for the author to sign at the end of the event.
A special menu has been designed for the occasion, paying homage to these great female figures of Mediterranean gastronomy, paired with wines such as AD GAUDE (White) from Casa Sicilia 1707, Pere Ventura Tresor Rosé (Rosé Cava) from Bodega Pere Ventura, and La Celestina (DO Ribera del Duero) from Bodegas La Celestina. The menu will start with a welcome toast with La Gilda By Susi Díaz, followed by starters like Beetroot Velvet with tomato crisps from La Huerta de María José San Román, and Scallops on cauliflower cream. The main course will be: Acorn-fed Iberian Pork Presa, roasted onion juice, and Chinese eggplant with tahini. For dessert: Lemon Pie Millefeuille.
Interested individuals must make a prior reservation by calling 650 825 949 or via email at eventos@maestral.es.
