Rising Star Sommelier Cynthia Betancourt of Azul Restaurant - Biography

Raised in New Jersey in a traditional Colombian family, Betancourt began her career by studying the culinary arts at The Art Institute in Ft. Lauderdale. She began working at a wine store while attending culinary school and when the owner told her she had a good palate, she took the compliment and ran with it. Betancourt spent several years growing in her field by taking classes, studying, and traveling through various wine regions in Europe and the United States.

This talented sommelier has confidence, drive, and guts, and is overflowing with excitement about the vintners she features on her list at Azul in Miami. She’s a new world wine enthusiast, and each wine comes with an anecdote about the small, innovative producers whose wines she pairs with the restaurant's challenging dishes. Her knowledge and charisma earned her a 2008 StarChefs.com Risign Stars Award.

Betancourt has attained the second level in the Guild of Master Sommeliers, and is continuing her education to achieve Master Sommelier. She is also certified as a Certified Specialist of Wine by the Society of Wine Educators.