Maria José Huertas Vega, currently the head of wine at NH Hotels Spain and the head sommelier at La Terraza del Casino—a prestigious two-star Michelin restaurant led by chef Paco Roncero—grew up in Zamora, Spain. She studied agricultural engineering at Universidad Politécnica de Madrid and has dedicated 25 years to the world of wine.
Her earliest memorable wine experience occurred during her development as a sommelier when she tasted Torres’ Grans Muralles from Conca de Barberà in Tarragona, Catalonia. Regarding her everyday wine preferences, she favors elegant, nuanced wines that are lighter in body and tannins, particularly enjoying Pinot Noir for its complexity without overwhelming richness.
Among supermarket selections, Huertas highly recommends manzanilla or fino, and finds thrill in the exploration of aged wines, especially very old whites or rosés from Rioja. She notes guests often underestimate Rioja’s tradition of long-aged wines, expressing surprise when they taste a 40-year-old white that balances complexity with freshness.
Her pet peeves include a lack of respect and bad manners, which she occasionally encounters in her profession, along with tardiness. Reflecting on her most embarrassing moment at work, she recalled an incident where a cork unexpectedly popped, resulting in a humorous yet awkward situation with a guest.
If she had to choose a last meal, Huertas would savor a fine bottle of Pinot Noir accompanied by a rich bowl of pasta paired with aged Albariño. At her restaurant, the highlight pairing is a spherified olive oil amuse-bouche served with manzanilla.
Her quick after-work meal usually comprises a platter of unsmoked ham and cheese, perfectly complemented by a refreshing glass of orange wine to mark the end of her day.
Huertas is particularly excited about the emerging Garnachas from Gredos and the delicate reds from Ribeira Sacra, emphasizing that good wine is still achievable even amid the challenges posed by climate change. She continues to advocate for sherry as a value region due to its consistently excellent quality at reasonable prices, and she cherishes trips back to Zamora, where she enjoys visiting local wineries like Bodegas San Román in Toro.
For more insights into Huertas’ journey and her work in the wine industry, explore the Decanter World Wine Awards to see her role as a judge in 2026.