How a Casares Restaurant Became a Destination: Michelin Guide & Spanish-Only Wine List

Casares food lovers + Sotogrande locals: this episode is a deep dive into Sarmiento Brasa Andaluza—a MICHELIN Guide-listed destination restaurant near Sotogrande, built on local Andalusian gastronomy, seasonal produce, and the art of cooking over fire (brasa). I sit down with the owner Miguel Hernández Sarmiento to unpack the real story behind building a restaurant in the hills of Casares: from hospitality management abroad (UK/Ireland) to launching in 2018, betting on word-of-mouth marketing, staying true to a focused concept, and creating a serious Spanish-only wine list (with a big spotlight on Andalusian wines). We also get into signature dishes like goat (a key part of Casares culture), seasonal game, sustainability through using the whole animal, and why Sotogrande’s restaurant scene feels “seasonal” compared to places like Marbella. SarmientoTimestamps / highlights00:00 Intro + who Miguel is00:40 From law studies to hospitality03:10 First big break: The Belfry (UK) + management path06:40 Dublin project: building a property “from scratch”07:30 Why come back to Spain (family + long-term life choice)08:30 Working in Sotogrande: revitalizing the marina & restaurants12:10 Why open in Casares + the family property story16:10 What “Sarmiento” means + the concept (brasa, wine, family)18:50 Why bet on Andalusian wines (even when it was “risky”)20:40 Launch challenges: word-of-mouth, not “Instagram ads”22:50 “Zero covers” days + staying true to the plan26:10 The “grillman” philosophy + Basque grill influence30:10 Who cooks: how Miguel’s brother became head of the grill31:00 Signature dishes: goat cuts, sweetbreads, brains, seasonal menu33:00 Game season: venison Wellington + wild rabbit (use everything)34:20 Casares pride + local producers (bread, eggs, butcher)36:20 MICHELIN Guide recommendation + the type of diner it brings 38:30 Building a Spanish-only wine list + modern wine trends41:40 Sotogrande vs Marbella dining: seasonality + residential life46:20 Sustainability: seasonality, whole-animal cooking, less waste50:40 Advice for young people entering hospitalitySarmiento’s identity is built around Andalusian lifestyle and authenticity, cooking on the brasa, and showcasing the best of the mountain + coast supply chain (Casares near the sierra, close enough to access exceptional seafood too). That “between sea and mountains” positioning is a big part of why Casares feels like a different world—perfect for a weekend destination meal for Sotogrande residents.CONNECT WITH CHARLIE!📲 Mobile +34 607 911 661✉️ Email: [email protected]🔗 Website: https://charlesgubbins.com/STAY CONNECTED!📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlieinsotogrande/👤 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/charlieinsotogrande👨‍💻 LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/charliegubbins🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nollsotogrande🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/charliegubbins📱 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@charlesgubbins