Alisandro Serna
Key Collaborator
From a young age, Alisandro’s family knew food would shape his life. As a toddler, he reached for pots and pans, ladles, and wooden spoons instead of toys. Growing up as a first-generation Mexican American in the suburbs of Chicago, food became the thread that connected Alisandro to his heritage. Every evening, a home-cooked meal brought the family together to share stories, celebrate traditions, and strengthen their bonds. Birthdays and holidays meant rolling masa for tamales and cutting the centers from his mom’s famous donas. The kitchen became more than a place to cook—it was where Alisandro discovered creativity, hospitality, and a deep pride in his Mexican heritage.
That passion led him to The Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park with dreams of becoming a chef. A required wine course unexpectedly changed the course of his career. Through wine, Alisandro found another way to explore culture, history, and tradition, realizing that food and wine preserve heritage, tell stories, and create meaningful human connection.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in Business Management with a concentration in Wine, Spirits, and Hospitality, Alisandro built his career in some of Chicago’s most celebrated restaurants. At Michelin-starred Boka, he rose to Beverage Director, earned his Certified Sommelier credential, and helped lead the team to a James Beard Foundation Outstanding Service nomination. A harvest with Elevee Winegrowers in Oregon’s Willamette Valley deepened his understanding of winemaking, while opening Michelin-starred Porto introduced him to Portugal—a country whose food, wine, and hospitality left a lasting impression.
Joining Cultivamos felt like a natural next chapter, bringing together his passion for hospitality and Portugal’s food, wine, and culture. Whether guiding a wine tasting, preparing a meal, or traveling in search of new flavors, Alisandro believes every seat at the table is an invitation to connect, learn, and celebrate the stories that bring people together.