Pascual Drake: the innovator who democratizes wine with Descorchify in Spain.

Pascual Drake, recently recognized as the 2023 Out of Series Character of the Year in the Enology category, has made a remarkable impact on how wine is perceived and consumed in Spain. His company, Descorchify, has become a reference point for those who wish to enjoy wine without the complications that often accompany this beverage. Drake, who trained as a journalist and had work experiences in the field of economic consulting, entered the wine world almost by chance, but has managed to seize that opportunity to transform the sector. His journey began at Todovino, an online platform aimed at democratizing access to wine. Despite having no prior experience in this field, Drake was surrounded by a team of experts who helped him develop innovative concepts. One of his achievements was the launch of the "Enolobox," a surprise wine box that allowed consumers to experience the thrill of discovering new flavors without knowing in advance what they would receive. This idea, focused on surprise and quality, resonated with an audience seeking a more personal connection with wine. However, the arrival of the pandemic in 2020 marked a drastic change in his life. The Covid-19 crisis, which led many to rethink their priorities, was the catalyst Drake needed to bring Descorchify to life. In a context of isolation and reflection, alongside his partners Luis Gosalbez and María Martínez, he established a wine club that offered not only products but also an educational and accessible experience for everyone. The essence of Descorchify lies in the belief that wine should be enjoyed in company and that one does not need encyclopedic knowledge to fully savor it. Since its launch in March 2022, Descorchify has managed to capture the attention of an enthusiastic audience, reaching over 1,000 regular subscribers in a relatively short time. The proposal is simple: each month, subscribers receive a selection of three wines, accompanied by stories and descriptions that enrich the experience. This "surprise" approach has proven effective, as the accessible prices and quality of the wines have resulted in notable loyalty among club members. One of the pillars of Descorchify is its commitment to independence in wine selection. Pascual Drake has made it clear that they only work with small producers who share their philosophy of authenticity and closeness. This distance from large distributors and brands allows Descorchify to offer a catalog of wines that are often unknown to the general public but are equally worthy of being enjoyed. Drake observes a significant change in the perception of wine among younger generations. Historically, wine consumption was associated with elitism that alienated many. However, the new vision of the beverage, more uninhibited and accessible, is breaking down barriers. The idea that wine does not have to be expensive nor requires deep knowledge is a message that Descorchify is successfully spreading. The founder of Descorchify also criticizes the elitist jargon that has dominated the wine world for decades. His straightforward and unpretentious approach seeks to attract those who feel intimidated by the complexity of wine language. "Wine should be a source of enjoyment, not stress or confusion," emphasizes Drake. With Descorchify, he aims to create a space where wine can be celebrated and shared without the chains of ostentation. The offering of over 4,300 wineries in Spain is a testament to the richness of the country's wine sector. However, the existence of an equal number of "experts" who complicate the consumer experience is a challenge that Pascual Drake and his team are determined to face. Descorchify's mission is clear: to bring wine closer to people, demystifying its consumption and fostering an open and honest dialogue about this beverage. In the end, the story of Pascual Drake and Descorchify is that of a man who has found his place in a world that was initially foreign to him. His ability to innovate and connect with a diverse audience is changing the narrative of wine in Spain. The revolution that has begun with Descorchify seeks not only to transform how wine is consumed but also how it is talked about, allowing each glass to be filled with shared experiences, laughter, and good conversations.