Meet Mariana Campos, Assistant Manager Sommelier at Cave, Conrad Dubai, and discover how her deep-rooted love for hospitality, along with Hilton’s support, influenced her career, passion for wine, and role leading Wine Masterclasses at the Conrad Dubai.
Get to Know Mariana
Mariana’s hospitality journey began in Mexico, where she first developed a passion for mixology after working as a Brand Ambassador for spirits. While in Mexico, she established her own company specializing in cocktail events and even operated a Bartenders School. She followed her passion to Spain, seeking new challenges and growth, before landing in Dubai. Although she started as a mixology bartender, she eventually transitioned to Sommelier at Jean-Georges Dubai. Years later, she returned to Mexico as a Marketing and Event Manager, but when an opportunity opened at the Conrad Dubai, she moved back as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at Bliss 6. Now, she serves as the Assistant Manager Sommelier at Cave, where she exhibits her passion for wine and provides exceptional experiences for our guests. for our guests.
What excites you about the work you do at Hilton?
“Interacting with guests and getting to know them personally brings me immense joy. Building these genuine connections allows me to understand their preferences, anticipate their needs, and create memorable experiences tailored to their tastes. While working at Cave, I also have the privilege of immersing myself in my true passion for wine. From curating a wine selection to guiding guests through their choices, I experience fulfillment from sharing my expertise and enhancing their dining experiences through the exploration of unusual flavors, aromas, and pairings.”How has Hilton supported your overall career growth, your path to becoming Sommelier certified, and as an F&B (Food & Beverage) leader at the Conrad Dubai?
“Hilton has allowed me to prepare and conduct wine training for all our venues. Thanks to Conrad Dubai and Hilton, I have participated in multiple wine tastings and masterclasses. The experiences exposed me to a wide range of wines, allowed me to learn from industry experts, and provided me with insights into new wine trends and developments. As a result, I have been able to continuously elevate my skills as a sommelier and enhance the overall wine experience for our guests.”
How do you personally prepare to run a Wine Masterclass?
“Running a Wine Masterclass involves several important steps to ensure a comprehensive and engaging experience for the participants. Selection of the Wine Region or Topic: I begin by carefully selecting the specific wine region or topic that will be the focus of the Masterclass. Gathering Information: Once the topic is determined, I engage in thorough research to gather all the necessary information. This includes studying the history, geography, climate, grape varieties, etc. Wine Selection: Depending on the format of the Masterclass, I carefully curate a selection of wines that best represent the chosen region or topic. Food and Wine Pairing: If the Masterclass involves food pairing, I select wines that complement the specific dishes being served. In addition to the Wine Masterclasses, Conrad Dubai offers daily Cave Wine Tasting Classes. Led by me, these classes offer a basic and interactive introduction to wine, allowing guests to taste and compare different wines while learning about their characteristics and production methods.”
