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Members: Dominican Association of Sommeliers

Members of the Dominican Association of Sommeliers They are the foundation and lifeblood that drives our mission. Each one contributes their passion, knowledge, and commitment to elevating the level of sommelier service in our country.

Being a member is not only a recognition of professionalism, but also an open door to training experiences, links with high-level colleagues, participation in exclusive events and the opportunity to proudly represent the Dominican Republic on the international stage.

Leadership and evolution: Presidents of the ADS

From 2003 to 2020–present

Alexis Familia (2003–2007): The founding stage

As founding president, Alexis Familia He faced the most basic challenges of the ADS: low membership, scarce resources, and poor organization. Despite these limitations, he managed to lay the foundations of the institution, organizing the first Educational tastings with winery representatives and creating the official ADS logo, designed by Laura. Her leadership marked the beginning of the Sommelier movement in the country.

Luis Henry Rosado (2007–2012): National and international expansion

During his presidency, Henry Rosado worked hard to consolidate the structure of the association and the vocational training of the Dominican Sommeliers. He was key in the establishment of relations with the Pan-American Sommeliers Alliance (APAS) and, later, with the SO. In 2009, organized the First Sommelier Competition in the Dominican Republic in collaboration with El Catador, opening a stage of competition and professional excellence.

Darío Rosario (2012–2014): Academic drive and legal structure

With Dario Rosario At the helm, the ADS reached new levels of formalization. During his tenure, he secured sponsorships from major wine importers such as The Taster, MGC, Álvarez & Sánchez and Wines SAThese supports allowed, among other things, to organize the First Wine Tour to France (2014)Rosario also managed the RNC of the association, opened bank accounts institutional and established membership protocol.

Riquermis Santana (2014–2020): International consolidation

The leadership of Riquermis Santana marked a period of great international projection. Under his leadership, the Dominican Republic participated for the first time in the Best Sommelier of the Americas Competition (2015) and in the World's Best Sommelier Competition (2016). In 2017, achieved the official integration of the ADS to APAS and SO, and in 2018, organized the First National Sommelier Competition endorsed by both entities. In subsequent years, the ADS continued to participate in continental and world competitions, positioning the country on the global map of sommeliers.

Carlos Espino (2020–present): Resilience and modern projection

The current president, Carlos Espino, took over at a challenging time: the pandemic COVID-19Despite the restrictions, Espino managed to maintain institutional activity, organizing the National Sommelier Competition 2020In the following years, he strengthened the national and international projection of the ADS with events such as the Best Sommelier of Spanish Wines Competition (2022), he National Tasting Competition (2023) and the National Sommelier Competition (2024). His focus has been the excellence, continuing education and strengthening the prestige of the profession.