Riviera Maya, Mexico (November 2, 2020) - Oenophiles visiting Grand Velas Riviera Maya this fall and beyond can choose from 200 wines from around the world plus a new specialty white blend, Sophie Blanco, designed exclusively for the AAA Five Diamond resort.

Made in the Montegrande Valley in Aguascalientes, Mexico, Sophie Blanco was created at Vinícola Santa Elena by Eduardo Quiroga, Maître Sommelier of Grand Velas Riviera Maya. Named after Quiroga's daughter, Sophie Blanco is a dense and velvety white blend that offers a long finish, flashes of sweetness, and pleasant citrus notes. With a pale yellow hue complemented by a golden shimmer, the wine opens with lactic notes and then transitions to a herbaceous, fruit, and citrus nose. White flowers, lemon, green apple, lychee, and more are called out.

After years of curation by Quiroga, Grand Velas Riviera Maya's diverse wine list is now comprised of 44 complimentary sparkling, white, rose, and red wines. The list includes 10 Mexican labels made in Aguascalientes, San Luis Potosí and Ensenada. Additionally, the resort offers a supplemental list consisting of over 156 labels for an additional charge from top wine destinations around the world. Pricing per bottle starts at $125 USD and goes up to $1,600 USD.

Since becoming Maître Sommelier of Grand Velas Riviera Maya in 2016, Quiroga has grown the resort's now robust wine program through establishing relationships with both domestic and international wineries. Along with creating long-lasting partnerships for the resort, Quiroga has helped multiple Mexican wineries develop their labels based on trends in modern oenology and guests' palate. A few of these wineries include Cava Quintanilla in San Luis Potosi and VIRESA in Baja California as well as Vinícola Santa Elena, with whom he created the Sophie Blanco label.

With over 25 years of experience, Quiroga's long-spanning career in hospitality includes positions at the Hacienda de los Morales and the Hyatt Regency Mexico City, formerly Hotel Nikko. His interest in gastronomy and wine making grew after learning about harvesting food and water from his grandmother and grandfather. Quiroga studied in Italy and has completed several training programs in Mexico and the U.S. on modern oenology. His accomplishments as Maître Sommelier at Grand Velas Riviera Maya include growing the resort's wine program and ancestral Mexican spirits collection as well as creating personalized pairings with mixology techniques.

Resort nightly rates start at $478 USD. Rates are per person based on double occupancy and include luxury suite accommodations, à la carte gourmet meals at a variety of specialty restaurants, premium branded beverages, 24-hour in-suite service, fitness center, taxes, gratuity and more. For reservations or additional information, call 1-888-407-4869, or visit https://rivieramaya.grandvelas.com.  

About Grand Velas Riviera Maya:

The AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Riviera Maya in Mexico is an ultra-luxury all-inclusive. Guests can choose accommodations among oceanfront, ocean view and a Zen-like setting, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula's jungle and mangroves. All 539 suites are more than 1,100 sq. ft., with balconies and some with private plunge pools. Eight restaurants, including five gourmet offerings, present a tour through Mexico, Europe and Asia. Cocina de Autor, at the hands of world-renowned celebrity chefs Bruno Oteiza and Mikel Alonso, holds the AAA Five Diamond Award, the first all-inclusive restaurant in the world to win this prestigious distinction. Included on Forbes Travel Guide's list of The World's Most Luxurious Spas, SE Spa is known for its authentic Mexican treatments, offerings from around the world and signature seven-step Water Journey. Other features include 24-hour Personal Concierge; 24/7 in-suite service; three swimming pools; two fitness centers; water sports; innovative Kids' Clubs and Teens' Club; and Baby Concierge. The resort offers more than 46,660 square feet of indoor meeting space plus outdoor areas for events. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side. Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.