Somm's List

Oscar Adrian Montes Iga; MAS

EDUCATION & CERTIFICATIONS
Agave Spirits Institute. (MAS Dip). Master of Agave Spirits Diplomate
Austin Community College. (AAS). Degree in Food & Beverage
Austin Community College. (AAS). Degree in Hotel & Lodging
Austin Community College. (AAS). Degree in Travel & Tourism
Austin Community College. (AAS). Degree in Meetings & Event Planning
International Wine & Spirits Guild. (SWI). Certified Senior Wine & Spirits Instructor
Council of Whiskey Masters. (CSJ). Certified Spirits Judge
Wine & Spirit Education Trust. (WSET 3). Advanced Spirits Award
International Wine & Spirits Guild. (ESS). Certified Executive Fine Spirits Sommelier
International Wine & Spirits Guild. (ECW). Certified Executive Chef of Wine Arts
Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Scotland. Single Malt Whisky Diploma
Agave Spirits Institute. (ASA). Certified Agave Spirits Advisor
United States Bartenders' Guild. (CSP). Certified Spirits Professional
Society of Wine Educators. (CSS). Certified Specialist of Spirits
Agave Spirits Institute. (CMS). Certified Mezcal Sommelier
International Tea Academy. China. Certified Tea Sommelier
Asia Pacific Wine and Spirit Institute. (ACLS). Certified Luxury Specialist Caviar Sommelier
Stave & Thief Society. (EBS). Certified Executive Bourbon Steward
Agave Spirits Institute. (CMS). Certified Mezcal Specialist
Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Scotland. Scotch Whisky Certificate
Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Scotland. Irish Whiskey Certificate
Edinburgh Whisky Academy. Scotland. Gin Certificate
Bureau National Interprofessionnel du Cognac. Charente. Cognac Training Certificate
Pisco Certificate Programme. Peru. Pisco Specialist Certificate
Consejo Regulador de Jerez. (CSWS). Certified Sherry Wine Specialist
Institute of Brewing and Distilling. London. Spirit Sensory Analysis Certificate
Consejo Regulador del Tequila. Mexico. Distintivo "T" Award
Wine & Spirit Education Trust. (WSET 1). Award in Sake
Society of Wine Educators. (CSW). Certified Specialist of Wine
Society of Wine Educators. (HBSC). Hospitality Beverage Specialist Certificate
American Cider Association. (CCP). Certified Cider Professional
The Texas Wine School. (STW). Certified Specialist of Texas Wine
Hill Country Wine Academy. (TWA). Certified Texas Wine Ambassador
Napa Valley Wine Academy. USA. Certified Georgian Wine Specialist
Cicerone Certification Program. (CBS). Certified Beer Server
Professional Bartending School. Mixology and Liquor Certification
American Hotel & Lodging Educational Institute. (CC). Certified Concierge
Intl Assoc of Professions Career College. Etiquette Consultant Certificate
Culinary Business Academy. Rio Rancho, NM. Personal Chef Diploma
Ashworth University. Norcross, GA. Nutrition, Diet & Health Science Diploma
Ashworth University. Norcross, GA. Gourmet Catering Specialization
Academy of Cheese. United Kingdom. Associate Student Candidate
Cheese State University. Wisconsin. Cheese State Scholar
The Travel Institute. (DS). France Destination Specialist
The Travel Institute. (DS). Mexico Destination Specialist
The Travel Institute. (LS). Adventure Travel Lifestyle Specialist
New York Institute of Photography. NYC. Professional Photography Diploma
International TEFL Teacher Training. (TEFL). Teaching English as a Foreign Language International Certification
Court of Master Sommeliers, Americas. (CS L2). Certified Sommelier
EXPERIENCE
Uncorked Vintage Academia. Texas. Beverage Educator
International Wine & Spirits Guild. USA. Guild Education Team Manager
Agave Spirits Institute. USA. Director of Alumni Relations
The Sommelier Company. USA. Sommelier
Excelsior Hospitality. USA. Food & Beverage
Somm. USA. Sommelier Judge
White Lodging. USA. Hospitalitarian
Kuhlman Cellars. Stonewall, TX. Senior Cellar Manager
Total Wine & More. Sunset Valley, TX. Wine Educator
Malaga Tapas & Bar. Austin, TX. Wine Director
Westcave Cellars Winery. Round Mountain, TX. Executive Sommelier
Driftwood Estate Winery. Driftwood, TX. Chef Sommelier
InterContinental Hotels Group. Austin, TX. Bar Manager / Concierge / Butler
Mandola Estate Winery & Trattoria Lisina. Driftwood, TX. Captain Tour Operator
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
Wine & Spirits Judge and Educator
Agave & Sotol Spirits
Beverage Historian
Sommellerie & Hospitality
Cellar & Tasting Room Management
Viticulture & Œnology
Wine Writer and Photojournalist
Event Development & Execution
Culinarian & Nutrition Specialist
Food & Beverage Academic Advisor
Regional Expertise: Eastern & Western Europe
Regional Expertise: Mexico and Texas
Regional Expertise: Spain and Sherry
Scotch Whisky, Irish Whiskey & Bourbon Stewardship
Fine Spirits & Craft Mixology
Craft Beer, Cider and Sake
Tea & Beverage Specialist
Butler, Concierge & Etiquette Services
Destination & Lifestyle Specialist
Vodka & Caviar
WHAT I'M DRINKING NOW
  • Chave, Hermitage.
VIDEO

  • Texas Wine Journal: A Look Inside

  • Kuhlman Cellars: Wine Life

  • Road Trippin' at Malaga
CLIENTS
RESTAURANTS
DISTRIBUTION
  • AGAVESI
RAVE REVIEWS
The Bourbon Steward Seminar is a great experience for anyone interested in learning more about the great American spirit. The teacher Oscar, was very knowledgeable and enjoyed sharing his passion with the class.
- David Houghton; Bourbon Steward Certification Seminar Student

Not only is Oscar certified in wine, beer, spirits among other beverages, but it's also his ability to make people curious and excited about what he presents, that is beyond expectations. I've been part of a master class in French wine, as well as some whiskey tastings and now the mezcal and mole tasting. These experiences changed for good the way I smell and taste beverages. It has helped me develop a better sense of understanding of processes and materials that I did not know I could achieve. Thanks Oscar for your work and dedication!
- Carlos Armin Cañas Carrillo; Master Class Student

An excellent wine and spirits education and certification center! Oscar is very knowledgeable and organizes wonderful presentations.I have attended many of his tastings with a focus on vintage, grape varietal or region, always with excellent food pairings. Most enjoyable! I most recently attended a mezcal and mole tasting and learned a great deal about both. Highly recommended!
- Peter Julian; Masterpairing Dinner Guest & Master Class Student

Oscar is a beverage professional with many different types of knowledge. From food to wine to spirit and even tea he can highlight details and insights into the various aspects of vineyards, production methods, styles and qualities of wine and spirts. He never forgets the importance of food pairing and generous hospitality when teaching. I highly recommend his academy no matter your level of learning. From novice to advanced he brings something for everyone to learn about and does it in a very accessible way. Look to his guidance for your next certification or class. You will be glad you did!
- Cara Collier; WSET Dip Candidate - Master Class Student

It has been a profound pleasure to attend any wine tastings, participate in any group discussions, and educational lessons with Oscar at Uncorked Vintage Academia. As a young wine enthusiast, just stepping into the world of wine and spirit education can be an intimidating experience! However, learning from Oscar over the last 5 years has been anything but that. Oscar is full of insight and detail; participating in his lectures and seminars has been incredibly rewarding. He makes every attendee feel welcome and illustrates the world of wine and fine spirits like no other! I highly recommend anyone interested in continuing their education in wine and fine spirits participate and sign up for a class! He takes every attendee on an around the world adventure and journey in every glass and dram!
- Misha Murr; Certified Wine & Spirits Sommelier - International Wine & Spirits Guild Alumnus

I have been in the industry for 25 years. I have taken many wine and spirits courses over the years. This is the only true comprehensive Agave course available. I am currently in Level 3 and have learned an incredible amount of knowledge. I can't wait to take level 4. Daniel and Oscar are complete professionals with the ability to make a relaxed and enjoyable learning experience!! Could not recommend more!
- Shelly Jamie Chavez; Brand Ambassador- Mezcal Amaras; Agave Spirits Institute Alumnus

I recently discovered Uncorked Vintage Academia and Oscar Montes Iga and I am so happy I have. When you first meet Oscar it is obvious he loves to teach and is excited to share his knowledge with others. He is not pretentious. When he teaches he is relaxed and open he makes the subject matter easy to understand without dumbing it down. If you get the opportunity to spend time with Oscar you will not be disappointed.
- Mary Noble; Masterpairing Dinner Guest & Master Class Student

I'm a little late getting this out, but I just want to say that the Vin Tour de France Regional Masterclass earlier this month was superb! With a lovely spread of aged and fermented foods on the offer, we experienced some off- the-chart (and off the beaten path) Old World wines. As promised, this masterclass provided an opportunity to sample some unusual varietals, and Oscar did not dissapoint! Opening the evening with the dramatic sabering of a lovely sparkling Vouvray, we then meandered through the Languedoc to indulge in a few ancient and/or rare white varietals, then on to Beaujolais to imbibe a few gorgeous Gamays. Gamay, probably my favorite grape of all time. Say it's name! GAMAY! Finishing the evening with bigger reds and the piece de resistance, a 1984 Bordeaux that brought to mind my Grandma's attic (dusty leather and oak, so comforting!). This is how to spend a Monday evening! The class was fun, informative, and well suited to oenophiles of all levels. If you have a chance to participate in one of Oscar's tastings, do yourself a favor and grab a seat!
- Melony R Gibson; Master Class Student

I had an exceptional evening with my husband at Flemings on May 31, at the Wine History dinner. In particular, the pairings were innovative, delicious and thought-provoking. I love the level of knowledge our host Oscar shared and the level of thought put into picking the wines and the foods to compliment. The history and wine information shared made for great conversation. We also enjoyed meeting the other people who came. Looking forward to attending more of these. Highly recommend these dinners as a great evening out!
- Kelly Spillane; Masterpairing Dinner Guest

Went to the most recent class on Riesling and it was incredible! Pulling out vintages of classic producers you could only dream to get your hands on. Thank you, Oscar, for helping create such an inclusive and interesting event for oenophiles of all walks!
- Kat Long; Sommelier - Odd Duck

Oscar's knowledge and approach in education is superb. He communicates complex wine concepts in a very approachable way. The Austin Winery location encourages conversation. Together the experience was unmatched. I am impressed in the variety of wines in a single tasting. The value compared to the knowledge gained is well worth it. I look forward to more tastings from Oscar and Uncorked Vintage Academia.
- Kenny Daniels; Certified Sommelier & Writer - The Somm Journal & The Tasting Panel Magazines

Oscar is an instructor that puts in EXCEPTIONAL effort in making sure his students walk away with an excellent education. Speaking from personal experience in the world of fine spirits.
- Steven D. Powell; Certified Bourbon Steward - International Wine & Spirits Guild Alumnus

Thank you for a night I didn’t know I needed. Your expertise in the pairings of food, wine, and spirits has been impeccable. This is the only way I wish to experience any culinary practice. I only hope that others can have an experience such as mine, to have a dopamine rush connected to something so available in every day life, yet so unique and precise to the delicate tastings of the foods and drinks you’ve prepared.
- Jennifer H Leonard; Real Estate Agent - Leonard Homes ATX

Oscar is a great teacher; his experience in spirits, wines, and teas gives him academic diversity reflected in his teachings. In this course, enjoy the theoretical academic matter hand in hand with an in-depth analysis of the different distillates. It is fascinating to delve into the layers of aroma, flavours, and each different distillate structure. I recommend Oscar as a teacher, and I recommend the Fine Spirits course level 1 for professionals or passionate consumers, my vision on these drinks expanded and solidified.
- Daniel Rodriguez; Master Mezcalier - Pazu Mecha Mezcal

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Oscar Adrian Montes Iga; MAS