Pilar Cavero joins jury for Spanish competition
Star Wine List of the Year comes to Spain for the second time in February, with a stellar new jury including sommelier and wine expert Pilar Cavero. After the first celebration in Barcelona, last year, it is time for Madrid to host the 2026 awards.
The awards will be held in Madrid on 16 February 2026. Read more about the competition, here.
Welcome onboard, Pilar Cavero! How does it feel to join Star Wine List’s Spanish jury, your first time judging for us?
“It’s an honour to join such a diverse team of international professionals whom I truly admire. I’m eager to start contributing and to discover what I can offer from the perspective of someone based in Spain.”
Tell us, what is your background in wine and gastronomy, and what do you currently do?
“I studied for the [Master] Sommelier Diploma in Barcelona between 2010 and 2012. Since then, I have worked in several restaurants and specialised wine shops, including El Celler de Can Roca in Girona (three Michelin stars and Best Restaurant in the World in 2013) and Lavinia in Madrid, where I live now. Seven years ago, I joined the tasting panel of Decanter magazine, and I take part annually in the DWWA (Decanter World Wine Awards) tastings in London.
“For the past four years, I have been the wine critic for the Spanish newspaper ABC, where I write a weekly column and compile the annual guide to the best wines of Spain. I am also a member of the wine committee of the Madrid Fusión congress and of the Royal Academy of Gastronomy in Madrid.”
What makes a great wine list, in your opinion?
“For me, a wine list is the best introduction of a venue, which is why I value the work and approach of Star Wine List so highly. It is a perfect vehicle for expressing the identity and philosophy behind a project – a way to convey intention, style and even the audience you are speaking to. I find both extensive lists in restaurants with long tasting menus and shorter, more concise selections in by-the-glass venues equally appropriate. A great wine list is an excellent barometer of trends and preferences, with certain essential sections but also plenty of room for innovation and personal expression.”
What do you look forward to most when it comes to reviewing wine lists from across Spain?
“Spain is a privileged country in terms of viticulture, with a remarkable diversity of styles, appellations and local grape varieties. Today, wine is produced across the entire Spanish landscape, so I hope to see strong local representation on each list, alongside a global and open-minded outlook. We should be proud of the wines made in our country, both from established regions and from those that are still emerging, while remaining connected to the wider world. I can’t wait to get started!”
Read more about Star Wine List of the Year Spain and enter here!
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