Paola Medina

Paola Medina (Seville, 1978) is reshaping the world of Sherry with a blend of heritage and innovation. As the Technical Director and Oenologist at Bodegas Williams & Humbert, she stands out as a trailblazer in Spain's wine scene.

Born into a family deeply rooted in the Jerez wine tradition, Paola's journey began far from the vineyards. She pursued degrees in Chemistry, Oenology, and Viticulture across Granada, Cádiz, and Madrid, followed by a Master's in Viticulture, Oenology, and Legislation from the Polytechnic University of Madrid. Her professional path started in Ciudad Real, where she served as Technical Director at Bodega 14 Viñas. In 2010, she returned to her family's winery, marking the beginning of her influential role in the Jerez industry .

Paola's approach to winemaking is deeply personal. She believes in crafting wines that reflect the unique character of their vineyards, emphasizing elegance, finesse, and authenticity. Her commitment to quality is evident in her innovative techniques, such as the static biological aging process, which allows wines to mature in a single vintage, preserving their distinctiveness.

Embracing Sustainability

Under her leadership, Bodegas Williams & Humbert has embraced sustainability, transitioning to organic farming practices for their Palomino and Pedro Ximénez grapes and pursuing ISO 14001 certification for environmental management .

Recognized by Decanter as one of the "Ten Next-Generation Spanish Winemakers to Know," Paola is celebrated for her contributions to the Sherry Revolution. Her Fino Tiento 2007, crafted using her innovative methods, received a remarkable 98-point rating from Decanter, highlighting her as a key figure in modernizing Sherry .

Paola Medina is not just a winemaker; she's a visionary shaping the future of Sherry, blending tradition with innovation to create wines that are both timeless and contemporary.