Julio Hernandez

Sommelier

Widely regarded as one of the top wine professionals in the United States, Julio has brought a rare level of sophistication, discipline, and precision to every corner of the wine world he has touched.

From the very beginning, Julio knew wine was his calling. He launched his career as a sommelier at the then-fledgling Emeril’s in New Orleans, growing professionally while helping build what would become one of the most celebrated restaurant groups in America. Under Julio’s leadership, Emeril’s earned one of the highest honors in the restaurant industry—the coveted Wine Spectator Grand Award, an accolade held by only seventy-three restaurants worldwide.

Seeking new challenges, Julio moved to Houston in 2001 to become Wine Director for the Pappas Restaurant Group. There, he oversaw wine programs across the entire company—from the bold, high-energy Pappasito’s Cantinas to Pappas Bros. Steakhouse, widely regarded as one of the finest steakhouses in Texas, if not the country. Once again, Julio rose to the occasion, setting out to create the benchmark for steakhouse wine lists. His efforts were rewarded when Pappas Bros. Steakhouse also received the Wine Spectator Grand Award, placing Julio among the elite few wine directors to achieve the remarkable distinction of winning two Grand Awards.

Julio later transitioned from the restaurant world to found D’Amore Wine Distribution. What began with humble roots quickly grew into one of Texas’s leading boutique wine distributors, expanding statewide and earning placement in nearly every great restaurant across Texas.

For Julio, wine is fueled by perpetual change. “Every region, every vintage, even the way wineries refine their vinification—it’s the constant evolution of wine that drives my passion.”

When he’s not immersed in the world of wine, Julio enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with his wife, Sarah.