Cherubina & Friends: Today we talk with María Cuquerella
Cherubina & Friends: Today we speak with María Cuquerella, co-founder of AC Wines
In this episode of Cherubina & Friends, we delve into the world of wine with María Cuquerella, co-founder of AC Wines & Spirits. With her serene elegance and a special sensitivity for craftsmanship, María has brought an old winery in Sanlúcar de Barrameda back to life, rescuing centuries-old brands and traditional methods. Her story is a tribute to heritage, attention to detail, and a passion for things well done.
With a solid professional career, María Cuquerella decided to take a turn in her life to embark on a deeply personal project. Together with her husband, Gerónimo de Angulo—a renowned wine connoisseur—she founded AC Wines with a clear purpose: to revive traditional winemaking practices and reinterpret them in a modern way, with authenticity and sensitivity.
From the design of each label to the way visitors are welcomed through the winery doors, María carefully curates every detail. Her approach to wine is also a way of life: slow, honest, and committed to the history of those who came before. A born entrepreneur, perfectionist, and passionate, María champions the value of craftsmanship as the true path to excellence.
Past, present and wine
How did AC Wines & Spirits come about and what led you to embark on this winemaking project?
"It stems from our passion for the wine of our land, but also from my husband's extensive knowledge of the sector. We were clear from the beginning that we wanted to make something with soul, linked to Sanlúcar and its winemaking roots."
You have a rich winemaking legacy. What does it mean to you to preserve and bring to life a building as rich in tradition as your winery in Sanlúcar?
"It's a dream come true. Recovering a building constructed in 1855, with its albero floors and centuries-old barrels, also means giving Sanlúcar back some of its history and essence."
The beauty of craftsmanship
Your wines are made by hand. Why did you decide to maintain traditional methods such as bottling in barrels or racking in jugs and canoes?
"Because it's the most honest way to work. Returning to old-fashioned winemaking practices was essential for us. We don't use industrial treatments. Our wines go directly from the barrel to the bottle, treated with care, so they can be enjoyed in all their essence."
Manzanilla is one of your most iconic wines. What's so special about it and what makes it unique within the Jerez region?
"Manzanilla is a native wine, with its own designation of origin. It can only be produced in Sanlúcar due to its unique climatic conditions. It's a lively, delicate wine, full of nuances."
What is the story or inspiration behind names like “Minuto,” “La Celada,” or “Corsario”?
"Each of our brands has a history. They are labels that have been restored intact. Minuto was registered in 1891 in honor of the bullfighter Enrique Vargas. La Celada was a very popular Manzanilla from 1910. Corsario, our Oloroso brand, dates back to 1900. All of them are part of the legacy of the Casa Sucesores de Gerónimo de Angulo."
Art as a way of life
At Cherubina, we value artisanal craftsmanship. Do you find parallels between artisanal fashion and winemaking?
"Absolutely. Everything handmade has one thing in common: dedication, care, patience. It doesn't matter how long it takes if the result is perfect."
AC Wines conveys a refined, understated, and elegant aesthetic. What role does design play in your brand?
"It's our showcase. We take care of every label, every botanical, every detail. A product that strives for excellence must also be presented with elegance."
What has it been like to start a business in a historically masculine world like the wine industry?
"It hasn't been easy, but it's possible. Many women have successfully run wineries throughout history. We just need to remember that this is our place, too."
The value of origin
What is the part of your day-to-day life at the winery that you enjoy most?
"Production. Standing among century-old casks, tasting the wines... it's a pleasure. It's where you truly connect with what you do."
You also organize experiences and tours. What do you want to convey through them?
"These are short, tailored tours. The idea is for people to feel part of the winery. We taste directly from the barrels. It's a real, authentic experience, with no secrets."
What role does Sanlúcar play in your brand identity?
"Sanlúcar is the soul of AC Wines. It's one of the great historical regions of wine and the perfect place for organic aging. Without Sanlúcar, our wines would not be possible."
A philosophy with essence
What wine would you recommend for a special meal? Or for a private celebration?
"For a special meal, a good aged Manzanilla. For something more intimate, a very old Amontillado. Every wine has its moment."
What are your challenges and future projects?
"To showcase our wines and take them to the top. But always with authenticity, without losing our essence."
If you had to summarize your philosophy in one sentence, what would it be?
"Craftsmanship and respect for traditions are the path to achieving fortified wines of exceptional quality."
Thank you, Maria
At Cherubina, we toast women like María, who make authenticity their hallmark and beauty in the details their signature. We admire her commitment to tradition, her respect for artisanal processes, and her way of elegantly crafting each project. If you've been inspired by her story, be sure to follow her at @acwines.es.
