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AgendaWine tastings in December 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 1st, 2024 The last agenda of this year brings you the most interesting wine activities held in Spain throughout December. Most of the events involve bubbly but there are a few extra events worth checking. |
RiojaRamón Bilbao hits the sweet spot in celebration of its 100th anniversaryAmaya Cervera | November 11th, 2024 Held over several days in separate presentations for institutional guests, press and distributors, Ramón Bilbao's 100th anniversary showcased the strength of the brand and its determination to become a driving force in the Spanish wine industry. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 28th, 2024 We have compiled some of the most interesting wine activities of the month such as Most Film Festival, Salón Peñín, Sherry Week or independent shows like La Odisea, Castes and Off the Record. |
Recommended winesPriorat comes of age as Scala Dei celebrates its 50th anniversaryAmaya Cervera | October 15th, 2024 Last month, Cellers Scala Dei commemorated its 50th anniversary at the Carthusian monastery of Escaladei with a vertical tasting of five decades of Cartoixa, the first wine bottled under the Priorat seal in the 1974 vintage. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 1st, 2024 In addition to the occasional grape harvest festival, this month's agenda includes vineyard races, lots of bubbles, various shows, a good selection of wine tastings and the luxury of the “Oscars of Wine”. |
Recommended winesNew Spanish wine releases to discover this autumnAmaya Cervera | September 15th, 2024 Producers continue to actively launch new wines, most of them in tune with current market trends. Whites, rosés and premium, limited-production editions are on the rise. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 2nd, 2024 The return from the summer holidays coincides with the grape harvest in many parts of Spain and the traditional grape harvest festivals. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 30th, 2024 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
Wine & FoodSeven wine reads for all tastesAmaya Cervera | July 23rd, 2024 Wine in the 21st century is all about diversity, and wine literature is no exception. From encyclopaedic readings to comic books, there's plenty to choose from. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 1st, 2024 In addition to the now veteran event in Sanlúcar with the summer tastings at Der Guerrita, this month the activities around wine are increasingly recreational with festivals that fuse music and wine and a host of other activities. |
PeopleRafael García: the prominent nurseryman who has become a wine producerAmaya Cervera | June 17th, 2024 Vitis Navarra, a nursery that supplies plant material to many of Spain's leading producers, has embarked on its most ambitious project yet: a Noah's ark of grape varieties and biotypes to enrich its range and produce its own wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 1st, 2024 As the days get longer, the calendar of events picks up momentum with festivals, popular tastings and new shows for wine enthusiasts such as Conectando Gredos or El Gallo Wine Fest. |
Beyond wineVineyard brews: Exploring the world of grape alesLuis Vida | May 21st, 2024 While quality wine focuses on terroir, beer reinvents itself with each new style and technique. In this journey of innovation, craft beers are exploring new frontiers of creativity, with grape ales bringing both universes closer. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 29th, 2024 As the days get longer, wine activities are on the rise, with established festivals such as Ribeiro Wine Fair, Fira del Vi de Falset or Villabuena Wine Fest and Samaniego in Wine in Rioja bringing opportunities to taste very diverse wines. |
ExperiencesDuero Wine Fest shines the spotlight on the industry's key challengesAmaya Cervera | April 20th, 2024 Declining wine consumption, lack of interest among the young and the challenges posed by the climate crisis were the main topics discussed at the third edition of this congress, which brought together some 400 wine professionals in Salamanca last week. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 1st, 2024 Beyond wine tourism, from the second week of the month onwards, wine fairs and shows multiply, as well as wine tastings in wine-friendly establishments such as Tiempos Líquidos in Burgos or Vila Viniteca in Barcelona. |
Recommended winesCelebrating 25 years in Corullón and tasting en primeur with Álvaro PalaciosAmaya Cervera | March 26th, 2024 As well as celebrating a quarter of a century with his nephew Ricardo Pérez in Bierzo, the en primeur tasting of Álvaro Palacios' 2023 wines was also an opportunity to introduce his daughter Lola and to present two new single-vineyard reds. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 27th, 2024 A summary of some of the most relevant activities held in Spain for wine lovers including the Wine Tasting in Pairs competition, Música del Vi or gatherings such as Encuentro Bierzo Fuera de Serie. |
ExperiencesBWW 2024: containers, queues and more wine than ever beforeAmaya Cervera | February 12th, 2024 The fourth edition of BWW, which has consolidated its position as the leading Spanish wine fair, has confirmed the need for more space for both exhibitors and visitors. Its growth makes it more attractive, but also more difficult to manage for the visito |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 30th, 2024 The tastings season is back in full swing with a growing number of parallel events coinciding with the presence of professionals at Barcelona Wine Week fair and the usual venues hosting a variety of wine activities. |
Recommended winesEight reds, a rosé and a ‘clarete’ to try in 2024Amaya Cervera | January 23rd, 2024 Following last week’s compilation of white releases, it is now the turn for reds. Join us on a journey through Rioja, Bierzo, Ribera del Duero and several other regions in Castilla y Léon and Catalonia. |
Recommended winesWhites to taste in 2024 plus a sparkling and a sweet wineAmaya Cervera | January 15th, 2024 This is the first of a two-part series featuring a selection of wines that we think are interesting and that are setting or reinforcing trends in their respective fields. This part includes white wines, a sparkling and a sweet wine. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2024Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 3rd, 2024 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Recommended winesBubbles of joy: a selection of 15 Cavas to enjoy all year roundAmaya Cervera | December 12th, 2023 The two exciting days of presentations, tastings and visits we spent last month at the Cava Meeting have allowed us to compile a selection of our favourite bubbly from a wide range of styles and grape varieties. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 25th, 2023 The last agenda of this year brings you the most interesting wine activities held in Spain throughout December. Most of the events involve bubbly but there are a few more events worth checking. |
Recommended winesThe Garnacha landscapes of NavarraAmaya Cervera | November 14th, 2023 In our second article on Garnacha from Navarra, we look at the main areas where it is grown, the different expressions of the variety and the most interesting wines we have found in each of them. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 1st, 2023 We have compiled some of the most interesting wine activities of the month such as Most Film Festival, Salón Peñín, Sherry Week or small shows like La Odisea, Castes, Off the Record and Corpinnat. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 1st, 2023 Spanish Wine Lover reviews some of the most interesting wine-related events being held in Spain in October. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 1st, 2023 As the holidays come to an end, the grape harvest in Spain has started in earnest after one of the driest summers since records began. Meanwhile, the harvest festivities are back in Rioja, Jerez and beyond. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2023 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
PeopleFresh faces, bold opinions: Young wine producers speak outYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 19th, 2023 Energy, camaraderie, good vibes and the feeling of being part of a special day could, in a few words, sum up the day spent by around 60 young wine producers at the Basque Culinary Centre (BCC) on 14 July. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 3rd, 2023 In addition to the now veteran event in Sanlúcar with the summer tastings at Der Guerrita, this month the activities around wine are increasingly recreational with festivals that fuse music and wine and a host of other activities. |
CollectingThe history of Rioja through 15 wine labelsAmaya Cervera | June 26th, 2023 Wine labels are not only a way of attracting the consumer's attention and explaining what's inside the bottle; they are also an expression of their age. SWL travels to the past with a selection of labels from the book El vino de Rioja en sus etiquetas. |
PeopleThe evolution of Grandes Pagos de EspañaAmaya Cervera | June 20th, 2023 After addressing technical and quality issues, this producers' association, founded in 2000, is now turning its attention to communicating its values effectively and attracting new members as it prepares to venture into wine education. |
AgendaWine tastings and events in June 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 31st, 2023 As the days become longer, the agenda picks up momentum with popular tastings and events such as Innoble in Sanlúcar or A Emoción dos Viños in Pontevedra. |
Recommended winesNew red releases to try in 2023Amaya Cervera | May 22nd, 2023 As promised, we have compiled a list of new red wines that have stood out in our recent tastings. Unlike our previous selection of whites and sweet wines, the retail prices are considerably more varied here. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 29th, 2023 As the days get longer, wine tourism activities are on the rise, with established events and festivals such as Wine Days Mallorca, Vinos de España Una Pasión in Granada and the Villabuena Wine Festival returning. |
CollectingVertical tasting: Faustino I Gran Reserva 1964-2011Amaya Cervera | April 22nd, 2023 It’s always a pleasure to taste old wines. Although it is much more widely available than other Rioja Gran Reserva wines, this tasting of Faustino I was proof of how beautifully and gracefully Rioja wines can age. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 1st, 2023 Wine tourism will be the main leisure activity for many wine enthusiasts in Spain, but from the second week of the month onwards, the number of wine fairs and exhibitions multiplies. |
Recommended winesNew white and sweet releases in 2023Amaya Cervera | March 27th, 2023 We have compiled a list of new releases that have stood out in our tastings over the last few weeks. We are starting with white and sweet wines and we will be looking at reds on a future article. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 28th, 2023 A summary of some of the most relevant activities held in Spain for wine lovers throughout a month including the Wine Tasting in Pairs competition or wine shows like Peñín, Verema and Cuatrogatos. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 1st, 2023 After the post-Christmas slumber, tastings are back in full swing with events such as Off the Record, Women of Wine and the Barcelona Natural Wine Show. |
PeopleJuan Padilla, the man who mastered the art of tinaja makingAmaya Cervera | January 23rd, 2023 He has crafted clay tinajas for Foradori, Azienda Agricola Cos or Frank Cornelissen in Italy as well as for Spanish producers like Rafa Bernabé who wanted to revive past traditions and many others who appreciated his skills. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2023Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 2nd, 2023 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Recommended winesNew year, new bubblyAmaya Cervera | December 27th, 2022 The sparkling wine scene is evolving rapidly in Spain. The number of bottles is generally small, but there is more and more to choose from beyond Cava and the producers who left this DO. |
CollectingSix old wines that won our heart in 2022Amaya Cervera | December 20th, 2022 Seldom have we had the chance to taste as many good old wines as in 2022. As well as attending a historic tasting of Marqués de Riscal and a vertical of Vega Sicilia Único, there were other delightful experiences along the way. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 29th, 2022 The last agenda of this year compiles, as usual, the most interesting wine activities held in Spain throughout December. There are bubbles and other attractive events. |
Wine & FoodMugaritz kills the wine list to launch its own selection of winesAmaya Cervera | November 15th, 2022 The two Michelin-starred restaurant presents over a dozen wines made in partnership with leading Spanish producers that are only available at Mugaritz. The focus of the new Vis à Vis range is exclusivity and -we guess- lowering costs. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 1st, 2022 We have compiled some of the most interesting wine activities of the month, from major wine exhibitions such as Peñín, to smaller shows such as La Odisea in Cocentaina or Castes in Vilagarcía or Sherry Week. |
InterviewCésar Saldaña: “Jerez would benefit if other wine regions did biological ageing”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 25th, 2022 We interview the president and general director of the Regulatory Board of the DO Jerez, who talks in depth about the region’s new terroir-driven white wines and his vision for the future of this historic area. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 3rd, 2022 Spanish Wine Lover reviews some of the most interesting wine-related events being held in Spain in October. |
ExperiencesSpain jumps on the canned wine bandwagonAmaya Cervera | September 28th, 2022 Interest is growing among a variety of Spanish producers to tap into the canned wine market. SWL talks to some of the pioneers and reports on the interest of international merchants to fill cans with Spanish wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 30th, 2022 As the holidays come to an end, the grape harvest in Spain has started in earnest after one of the driest and hottest summers since records began. Meanwhile, the harvest festivities are back after a two-year break due to the pandemic. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2022 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
Recommended winesWines to enjoy in 2022 (and III): bubbles and generosos from southern SpainYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 25th, 2022 This is is the third and last article in our series of wines to try in 2022. We hope that this selection helps you to discover new producers or wines and that you enjoy the stories behind them. |
Recommended winesRed wines -plus a couple of rosés- to enjoy throughout 2022Amaya Cervera | July 12th, 2022 With so many wine fairs, tastings and presentations in the second quarter of 2022, we were unable to write about many interesting wines that we have tried in recent months. This is why we have decided to focus on them this month. |
AgendaWine tastings for July 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 27th, 2022 Summer is here and wine activities tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music, wine and food. Remember to return to this page for updates - Spanish Wine Lover doesn’t go on holiday yet! |
NewsTasting with five Masters of Wine and other spring highlightsAmaya Cervera | June 21st, 2022 2022 is on the way of becoming a record-breaking year. This spring we have experienced scorching temperatures and, as the post-pandemic rules relax, the largest concentration of tastings that we can remember. |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 1st, 2022 The tastings agenda picks up momentum and features virtually the same number of events as in June 2019, both for professionals and amateurs. |
PeopleJuli Soler, the usnung hero of El BulliAmaya Cervera | May 24th, 2022 A new book by Óscar Caballero examines the enthralling personality of Ferran Adrià’s business partner, who passed away in 2015: his one-of-a-kind management style, his love of wine and the way he transformed the rapport between the front of house and |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 2nd, 2022 As the long warmer days get closer, we would like to draw attention to the many wine-related activities in Penedès and the growing number of small-format fairs and festivals. |
InterviewTxomin Rekondo: A lifetime among fine wines in San SebastianYolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 26th, 2022 The veteran restaurateur, who invested in the 1970s to create a legendary cellar when virtually no one else in Spain was doing so, looks back on his life since he was born in the farmhouse that today houses one of the world’s most famous wine restauran |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 29th, 2022 In addition to the fringe activities held during Barcelona Wine Week, which are open to wine lovers, new events are taking place throughout the country bringing the wine tasting scene to life. |
RiojaHaro and Bordeaux rekindle their shared pastAmaya Cervera | March 23rd, 2022 Earlier this week Haro’s Barrio de la Estación hosted the first edition of its new International Wine Encounter with Bordeaux as star guest. We look back at the historical links between the two regions and reveal our favourite wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 1st, 2022 A summary of some of the most relevant activities held in Spain for wine lovers throughout a month featuring some of the regular pre-pandemic fixtures. |
InterviewAlberto Redrado: “The future of Mediterranean wines is yet to be written”Amaya Cervera | February 22nd, 2022 The sommelier and co-owner of two-star Michelin restaurant L’Escaleta in Cocentaina (Alicante) is also the driving force behind La Odisea, an event focused on Mediterranean wine regions that held its third edition late last year. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 31st, 2022 After the post-Christmas slumber, tastings are slowly picking up again and events such as the Salón de Vinos Naturales in Barcelona, which was interrupted during the pandemic, are once again on the agenda. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2022Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 3rd, 2022 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Wine & FoodOur most popular stories in 2021Amaya Cervera | December 27th, 2021 2021 comes to an end and as usual we unveil the most read stories in SWL. Rioja vignerons, a glossary of wine terms in English and the history of vine and grape varieties in Spain stood out. |
ExperiencesBe Ranci!: showcasing the diversity of oxidative winesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 13th, 2021 The Perpignan fair seeks to revive the interest in dry rancio, a style of wine shaped by time, patience and long oxidative periods, generally in the family sphere, and witness to a past in which spicy and nutty aromas were particularly appreciated. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 30th, 2021 The last agenda of this year compiles, as usual, the most interesting wine activities held in Spain throughout December. There are bubbles and other attractive events. |
Recommended winesEl Rapolao: Raúl Pérez builds a grand cru in BierzoAmaya Cervera | November 16th, 2021 El Rapolao is Spain’s first, ambitious attempt to capture the essence of an individual site from the perspective of different producers. Renowned winemaker Raúl Pérez conducted a tasting of seven of them at the second edition of the Duero Wine Fest. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 1st, 2021 We round up some of the most interesting wine events throughout the month, including the Salon Be Ranci in Perpignan or the Salon Peñín in Madrid, which breaks attendance records. |
Recommended winesSpanish wines for Pinot Noir loversÁlvaro Ribalta | October 12th, 2021 There are very few places in Spain where Pinot Noir can thrive, but some regions and grape varieties can provide a style of wines comparable with those made from Burgundy's legendary grape. Álvaro Ribalta MW has a list. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 29th, 2021 Spanish Wine Lover reviews some of the most interesting wine-related events being held in Spain. Many of them are again face-to-face. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 31st, 2021 The return from the summer holidays is marked by the start of the grape harvest in many parts of the country, as well as by the incipient number of on-site wine events. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 31st, 2021 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine, many of them outdoors. |
RoutesConca de Barberà: Monasteries, modernist bodegas and TrepatYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 14th, 2021 This quiet and little-known inland region of Tarragona is home to historic sites such as the imposing monastery of Poblet and a late-ripening variety, Trepat, which is perfect to make sparkling wines and fresh glou-glou reds with soft tannins. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 30th, 2021 Summer is here and wine activities return with onsite festivals focusing on music, wine and food. Remember to return to this page for updates - Spanish Wine Lover doesn’t go on holiday yet! |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 1st, 2021 With the end of the state of alarm, the surge in vaccinations and the warm weather, the tastings scene, both for professionals and amateurs, seems to be brightening up. |
NewsVolume or quality in Rioja? 200 small wineries voice their discontentYolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 30th, 2021 Small and medium-sized producers in Rioja have banged their fists against the table and demand a bigger say and more visibility in the decision-making process of Spain's most internationally renowned wine-growing region. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 1st, 2021 Online tastings are by now a regular activity in our agenda. This month we add some on-site events with limited seating capacity which are gradually being held across the country. |
Recommended winesMore assorted tastings: Murcia, Rioja, Catalonia and olive oil aged in Sherry buttsAmaya Cervera | April 27th, 2021 The second part of our spring tastings features an original potpourri of wines: Monastrell from Murcia, a 1997 Remírez de Ganuza, some Catalan wines that recall episodes of the Spanish Civil War and an extra virgin olive oil aged in sherry butts. |
Recommended winesA motley selection of wines to welcome the springAmaya Cervera | April 20th, 2021 In the past weeks we have taken part in some interesting tastings which deserve to be reported in more detail than just a few words on our social media. We have published our impressions in two pieces arranged in chronological order. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 31st, 2021 In addition to the chance to practice wine tourism in many wine regions across Spain, there are a few tentative announcements of in-person events for this month. |
Wine 101Advanced glossary of wine terms in English and SpanishAnna Harris-Noble | March 16th, 2021 As the first glossary of wine terms written by our contributor Anna Harris-Noble back in 2019 is one of the most popular articles ever on SWL, we thought it was time to publish a second instalment. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 1st, 2021 Our monthly compilation of the handful of wine-related events taking place in Spain this month |
NewsMeet Álvaro Ribalta, the new Spanish Master of WineAmaya Cervera | February 26th, 2021 Born in Barcelona and based in London, where he has developed a career in the wine industry, Álvaro Ribalta is the latest Spanish Master of Wine. His name is now part of a list that, albeit slowly, has grown steadily in recent years. |
Beyond wineSake for wine loversElvira Aldaz | February 16th, 2021 Japan’s signature drink is gradually gaining ground in western countries where it has found enthusiastic ambassadors among Spanish sommeliers. Read on to discover what any wine lover should know about sake. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 1st, 2021 As we do every month, we publish a compilation of the handful of wine-related events taking place in Spain this month. |
RiojaWhat lies in store for traditional vignerons in Rioja?Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 27th, 2021 A big part of Rioja's history is written with the strong hands of the growers who look after their vineyards, but also dared one day to bottle and sell their own wines. We visited a handful of them to discover the challenges they face. |
Wine & FoodWine reads to get you through a freezing start of the yearYolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 13th, 2021 As if Covid was not enough to keep us at home, the low temperatures after Filomena, the great snow storm that swept through most of Spain, invite us to stay indoors with a good book and a glass of wine. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2021Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 31st, 2020 We welcome the new year with a compilation of the few wine activities scheduled for January in Spain. |
Wine & FoodThe lockdown shapes our most popular stories of 2020Amaya Cervera | December 29th, 2020 As we have done in recent years, SWL says good-bye to 2020 unveiling the most popular stories on our website. Google Analytics reveals once again to what extent the lockdown has left a mark on our lives. |
InterviewAgustín Trapero: “The image of Spanish wine abroad is improving, except for Cava”Amaya Cervera | December 14th, 2020 The new beverage director at the Four Seasons hotel in Madrid talks about the wine list he is putting together, the image of Spanish wine in an international context, the profession of sommelier and the hard road to become a Master Sommelier. |
NewsSWL repeats as Best Media Platform at the IWC Merchant Awards SpainAmaya Cervera | December 11th, 2020 In a virtual edition adapted to the circumstances of the pandemic, with fewer awards and a special prize for solidarity, we are delighted to receive once again the award for the Best International Media Platform. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 30th, 2020 The last agenda of this very challenging year includes, as usual, the most interesting wine activities taking place this month. The few that have been published are almost all online. |
Recommended wines#CarpeDiemWine: is it time to uncork special bottles?Amaya Cervera | November 11th, 2020 Thinking of wine lovers who wonder whether they should keep waiting to open some "precious bottles" in these uncertain times, SWL has compiled some joyful experiences with old vintages that we had the chance to taste in recent months. |
Sherry TriangleFrom our archive: a sherrylover’s guide to the region and its winesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 3rd, 2020 Spanish Wine Lover joins International Sherry Week with a selection of articles written over the years about the Sherry Triangle, which produces some of the most treasured but unknown wines we have in Spain. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 1st, 2020 With restrictions due to the pandemic, opportunities to enjoy food and wine are dwindling but there are still a handful of on-site and online events for wine lovers. |
Recommended winesTxakoli: a guide to producers and winesAmaya Cervera | October 20th, 2020 Who is who in the world of txakoli? We have profiled the producers we visited this past summer in the three Basque provinces plus a few others committed to sustainable or organic viticulture whose wines we had the chance to try. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 29th, 2020 With restricted mobility and meetings and limited numbers of participants in many towns and cities, the impact of Covid on on-site wine-related activities is considerable. |
RoutesRías Baixas: A hedonistic route for wine loversYolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 20th, 2020 In addition to the many natural attractions of Pontevedra, this Galician region boasts a rich gastronomy and, in some areas such as Rías Baixas, a wide and diverse choice of bars and restaurants where wine is very well looked after. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 1st, 2020 The return of the summer holidays is marked by the early harvesting dates in most of the country's producing areas as well as by uncertainty about the virus. |
AgendaWine tastings and events in August 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2020 August is normally a quiet month when it comes to wine tastings and events. This year, the Covid-19 has slowed down the activity even more but there are still interesting places to go to. |
ExperiencesWine tourism opportunities in the summer of the pandemicYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 22nd, 2020 Until the outbreak of the virus, wine tourism in Spain was a thriving business, mainly driven by foreign tourism. Now, many wineries have had to reinvent themselves to continue offering their services to visitors. |
AgendaWine tastings agenda in July 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 30th, 2020 July is usually a month of festivals and fun, crowded events outdoors. This year, the Covid-19 has prevented the vast majority of celebrations giving priority to online talks or reducing capacity and increasing security at walk-in tastings. |
Recommended wines15 Spanish wines to mark the end of the lockdownAmaya Cervera | June 16th, 2020 We say good-bye to the lockdown with 15 affordable, easy to drink wines that we think are particularly appealing to enjoy at this time of the year. As always, our choices are meant to cover a wide range of origins and styles. |
AgendaVirtual wine tastings agenda in June 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 31st, 2020 A daily compilation of the conversations, tastings, courses and virtual content broadcast on social media or online platforms during this month. |
AgendaVirtual wine chats and events in May 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 1st, 2020 With all the festivals, tastings and onsite events cancelled or postponed due to the state of alarm in Spain, we gather here a bunch of interesting initiatives online. |
AgendaVirtual wine tastings in April 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 31st, 2020 With all the festivals, tastings and onsite events cancelled or postponed due to the state of alarm in Spain, we gather here a bunch of interesting initiatives online. |
Experiences#WeStayAtHome: Spanish wine lovers get through the lockdownYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 17th, 2020 During the time that the virus forces us to be at home, SWL will publish how the wine community is living this isolation and which wines are being served to go with it. |
AgendaVirtual wine tastings in March 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 1st, 2020 With all the festivals, tastings and onsite events cancelled or postponed due to the state of alarm in Spain, there have been a good number of online initiatives that we believe are worth communicating. |
ExperiencesBWW: a new wine fair for all sorts of Spanish producersAmaya Cervera | February 9th, 2020 These are our impressions of the first edition of Barcelona Wine Week (BWW), a fair that seeks to become a true showcase of the diversity of Spanish wine. This piece has been written jointly by Amaya Cervera and Yolanda Ortiz de Arri. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 2nd, 2020 Wine activities are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting events like two natural wine fairs in Barcelona plus a gathering with indy producers in El Puerto de Santa María. |
Recommended wines15 smart buys to enjoy throughout 2020Amaya Cervera | January 21st, 2020 It is that time of the year again when most publications lists their best value wines. We are really lucky to have so many to choose from in Spain. Just check out this combination of classical labels, adventurous styles and new, little known names. |
Wine & FoodMost popular stories in 2019Amaya Cervera | January 1st, 2020 As we do every year, we unveil the most read stories on our website in 2019. Practical topics did particularly well, with our glossary of wine terms in English and Spanish at the top of the list. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2020Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 31st, 2019 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Recommended winesNew releases to try this ChristmasYolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 17th, 2019 What are you planning to drink this Christmas, wine lovers? We recommend allocating part of your budget to try these wines -most of them have been released in 2019; others simply deserve more attention. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 30th, 2019 The final agenda of this year compiles, as usual, the most interesting wine activities held in Spain throughout December. Fewer bubbles than in previous years but many interesting offerings. |
NewsFour MW discuss the world of wine in SpainYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 13th, 2019 Sustainability in the vineyard, foreign markets and the role of DOs were some of the topics dealt with by four Spain-based Masters of Wine who took part in the first Front of House International Congress held in Valladolid last week. |
NewsThrilled with our third IWC Merchant AwardAmaya Cervera | November 5th, 2019 Spanish Wine Lover was named Best Online News Site at the IWC Merchant Awards for the third year in a row in a ceremony held at the Palace Hotel in Madrid last night. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 2nd, 2019 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain this month including our very own Spanish Wine Lover party in Madrid or the Castes fair in Galicia with the presence of independent vignerons. |
Wine & FoodJoin us at our wine party in Lavinia Madrid on November 8thAmaya Cervera | October 23rd, 2019 Last year’s SWL party in Lavinia was so successful that we have decided to host a new edition next month with 30 producers from across Spain generously pouring their wines. Read the full list below. |
Wine & FoodHelp us to improve and win a ticket for our wine party in Lavinia MadridAmaya Cervera | October 9th, 2019 As SWL turns five, we would love to have some feedback from our readers. Please fill in this survey and help us to improve. Respondents will enter a draw to win one of the five tickets we are giving away to join us at the SWL wine party in Lavinia Madrid |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 30th, 2019 Spanish Wine Lover lists the most interesting activities for wine lovers held in Spain this month plus one on the other side of the French border, in Perpignan, which hosts the 4th Salon Be Ranci! and the Second European Meeting of Dry Oxidative Wines. |
ExperiencesA complete guide of WSET courses in SpainYolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 18th, 2019 Learning about wine is gaining popularity in Spain and the courses offered by this British organization are undoubtedly in high demand. We publish here a list of all the approved providers teaching WSET levels 1 to 3 in Spain. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 2nd, 2019 The return after the summer holidays is marked by the early harvest dates across many of Spain’s wine producing areas and the harvest festivals held across the country this month, including Jerez, Ribera del Duero and Rioja Alavesa. |
Wine & FoodHorses and other animals that help wine producersAmaya Cervera | August 25th, 2019 This is the latest of our three-part summer series on the best animal friends of several wine producers from Spain. We met the dogs in previous installments; now is the turn of horses, mules, sheep, falcons... |
Wine & FoodA winemaker’s best friends: six dogs and a catYolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 18th, 2019 This is the second piece of our August series devoted to the favourite pets of Spanish wine producers. It's mostly about dogs with the exception of Fredi Torres's little feline friend. |
Wine & FoodDogs are winemakers’ best friendsAmaya Cervera | August 12th, 2019 This summer, SWL pays tribute to the animals that are present in the lives of some of Spain’s wine producers. In the first of three pieces, we feature some of these four-legged friends. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 31st, 2019 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
Interview“The word Rioja helps to sell, but adding value is up to the individual”Amaya Cervera | July 16th, 2019 Although virtually unknown in Spain, Muriel is a major player in export markets. Javier Murúa, who has had a significant hand in this, talks with SWL about volume, added value, new classifications and the future of Rioja. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 1st, 2019 Summer is here and wine activities tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music, wine and food. Remember to return to this page for updates - Spanish Wine Lover doesn’t go on holiday yet! |
BarcelonaThe fascinating story of Malvasía de SitgesAmaya Cervera | June 26th, 2019 Can a single man save a grape from oblivion? Thanks to Manuel Llopis, a small Malvasia vineyard managed to survive in Sitges until modern-era wine producers became aware of its great potential. |
Recommended winesA green cloak and nine unique bottlesAmaya Cervera | June 9th, 2019 Last Tuesday I had the honour of being named Guardián del Vino (Guardian of Wine) together with several other wine professionals at Fevino wine fair in Ferrol (Galicia) where I also had the chance to taste some wonderful wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 31st, 2019 The irreverent and entertaining Innoble Wine Festival and the tastings at Taberna der Guerrita in Sanlúcar will be two of the most entertaining events of the month. Discover many more in our monthly tasting agenda! |
InterviewPeter Liem: “Sherry is not a wine for everybody and we just have to accept that”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 22nd, 2019 The American wine author and critic talks to Spanish Wine Lover about sherry and how the region has evolved since his first visit in 1998. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 30th, 2019 Priorat turns into the wine tasting capital early this month as it hosts countless acts in aid of wine culture. Worthy of note are Falset’s Fira del Vi and Tast amb Llops, two events with an increasingly international projection. |
Interview“Spain gives me everything I want to drink, all in one place”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 24th, 2019 Since she fell in love with Spain in the early 70s, the British Master of Wine has been a great advocate of the country’s wines. We met her for lunch to talk about the state of Spanish wine and the challenges ahead. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 31st, 2019 The tastings and debates on traditional Andalusian wines that will take place in Madrid and the great tasting with over 700 domestic and international wines at El Alma de los Vinos Únicos in Burgos are the first events in this month's agenda. |
Recommended winesFifteen Spanish wines to welcome springYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 19th, 2019 The end of the winter has been really mild across Spain so we are almost in the mood for summer. Right now, we feel like fresh, easy-to-drink light wines, yet we want them to be good, exciting and original. Are we asking too much? |
Wine 101Travel shock. Jonas Tofterup on the effects of travel on wineAmaya Cervera | March 12th, 2019 What happens to wine when it is transported? Does travel shock really exist? Spain-based Jonas Tofterup, the country’s latest Master of Wine, tried to answer the question in his research paper, the last stage to obtain this coveted title. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 1st, 2019 Our monthly compilation of interesting activities for wine lovers includes several fairs across the country plus tastings in the usual locations along with a few new venues. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 31st, 2019 Wine activities are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting events like two natural wine fairs in Barcelona and a gathering with indy producers in El Puerto de Santa María. |
Wine 101Lost in translation: a glossary of wine terms in English and SpanishAnna Harris-Noble | January 22nd, 2019 Mastering another language is not easy, so imagine how difficult it can get when it comes to wine’s technical jargon. Anna Harris-Noble lends a hand to English speakers and warns them about the most common mistakes they make. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2019Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 31st, 2018 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Wine & FoodMost popular stories in 2018Amaya Cervera | December 24th, 2018 For the second year in a row we have poured over our Google Analytics data to find out which were the most popular pieces on our website in 2018. |
Wine gadgetsWhich sparkling wine glasses are best for Christmas?Amaya Cervera | December 19th, 2018 Sommeliers and sparkling wine producers are increasingly favouring still wine glasses when it comes to serving fizz. Is it time to say farewell to part of our Christmas glassware? |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 1st, 2018 Fizz dominates the last tastings of the year in our agenda which includes the most interesting wine events in Spain this month. |
Sherry TriangleMayetería Sanluqueña: artisans working in the vineyardYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 26th, 2018 Under the guidance of winemaker Ramiro Ibáñez, three grape growers from Sanlúcar have embarked on a joint project which seeks to maintain the region’s old vine heritage making their own quality wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 31st, 2018 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout the month including the Young Wine Festival in Barcelona or the Castes fair in Galicia with the presence independent vignerons. |
Wine & FoodExploring the flavour of over 50 Spanish grape varietiesAmaya Cervera | October 24th, 2018 To what extent is the flavour of grapes present in a finished wine? To answer this tricky question, we tasted over 50 indigenous varieties from Spain at Finca El Encín in Alcalá de Henares (Madrid), which houses the largest collection of grape varietie |
NewsBest Online News Site for the second year in a row!Amaya Cervera | October 9th, 2018 SWL wasn't alone in winning a second International Wine Challenge Merchant Award. A distribution company won the price for the third time in a row and a couple of companies were rewarded twice in the same night. This is our review of a superb gala dinner |
ExperiencesThe best pictures from the #LaviniaSWL partyAmaya Cervera | October 6th, 2018 Happy moments are worth sharing. No matter whether you came to our fourth anniversary party held in Lavinia wine store in Madrid yesterday or not, we hope you enjoy our selection of pictures from this fantastic fiesta. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 1st, 2018 As well as the party we host alongside Lavinia on October 5th, Spanish Wine Lover lists the most interesting activities for wine lovers held in Spain throughout October. |
ExperiencesJoin us at our party in Lavinia Madrid!Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 18th, 2018 We love writing about the great diversity of Spanish wine but we hope you agree that the best thing about our favourite drink is to enjoy it in good company —and that's exactly what we plan to do next month! |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 31st, 2018 The return after the summer holidays is marked by the harvest festivals held across large parts of the country this month, including Jerez, Cava country and Rioja Alavesa. |
Wine & FoodSummer readings over a glass of wineAmaya Cervera | August 6th, 2018 In addition to a well-deserved rest, holidays give us lots of spare time. We have found eight good books to spend part of it reading about Spanish wines -if possible, over a glass of wine. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2018 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
InterviewEric Asimov: “Wine education is highly overrated”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 16th, 2018 After 33 years at The New York Times, Eric Asimov still maintains his wine curiosity intact even though he confesses a profound dislike for tasting notes and scores. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 30th, 2018 Summer is here and wine activities tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music, wine and food. Remember to return to this page for updates - Spanish Wine Lover doesn’t go on holiday yet! |
NewsMicrobes, flamenco and an open-minded look at Spanish winesAmaya Cervera | June 26th, 2018 SWL attended the International Masters of Wine symposium held in Logroño earlier this month. These are our highlights after four intensive days of presentations, tastings and convivial meals. |
RiojaClassic bodegas in Rioja reflect upon tradition and innovationYolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 22nd, 2018 After the Haro Station Wine Tasting Experience of the weekend, with over 3,000 wine lovers in attendance, trade members returned to the Rioja town earlier this week for a tasting led by Master of Wine Sarah Jane Evans. |
Recommended winesTwenty unforgettable wines we tasted at VinobleAmaya Cervera | June 12th, 2018 If there’s a wine fair in Spain that wine geeks feel drawn to, it is Vinoble in Jerez de la Frontera (Cádiz). In early June and under the blue Andalusian skies, SWL attended this great stage for sweet, fortified and other special wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 1st, 2018 Masters of Wine get-together, unmissable tastings in Haro and a wine battle are some of the main events for wine enthusiasts throughout this month, but there are plenty more across Spain. Check them out in our monthly agenda! |
Wine & FoodCan Spain save its ancient subterranean wine cellars?Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 15th, 2018 San Asensio in Rioja is one of the many villages across Spain with an underground maze of wine cellars excavated in the rock. This heritage is slowly falling apart but some initiatives are under way to reverse this trend. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 30th, 2018 Priorat turns into the wine tasting capital early this month as it hosts countless acts in aid of wine culture. Worthy of note are Falset’s Fira del Vi and Tast amb Llops, two events with an increasingly international projection. |
NewsAlimentaria 2018 On and Off: Less Merlot and more diversityYolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 23rd, 2018 Spain’s largest wine fair tries to regain its strength with an ambitious tasting programme featuring star guests as the choice and quality of parallel activities improves and expands. |
Recommended winesTen Spanish wines to try in 2018Amaya Cervera | April 9th, 2018 Here is a selection of wines showing the wide diversity of styles we have in Spain. Different regions, grape varieties and styles —all of them are worth trying and have an interesting story behind them. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 1st, 2018 Alimentaria and a bunch parallel activities in Barcelona dominate this month’s agenda but the usual places, those that promote wine culture on an ongoing basis, also host a handful of interesting tastings. |
CollectingThe Rioja library safeguarding the world’s wine knowledgeYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 20th, 2018 With over 75,000 visitors in 2017, the Vivanco Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in northern Spain, but few people are familiar with its Documentation Centre, a true guardian of the world’s wine information. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2018Amy Bingham | February 28th, 2018 Our monthly compilation of interesting activities for wine lovers includes several fairs across the country plus tastings in the usual locations along with a few new venues. |
Recommended winesÚnico 2006 recoups the essence of Vega SiciliaAmaya Cervera | February 12th, 2018 We have been pleasantly surprised by Vega Sicilia Único’s latest vintage in the market. To explain our excitement for this 2006, we examine the house’s recent releases — unusually, they haven’t followed the usual time sequence. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 1st, 2018 Wine activities are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting events like a historic tasting of Vega Sicilia wines in Santander or two natural wine fairs in Barcelona. |
Recommended winesSeven great value reds from southeast SpainAmaya Cervera | January 16th, 2018 With Christmas now behind us, it’s time to come back down to earth and do a reality check. In the world of wine that means affordable choices, so this year we bring a list of wines from southeastern Spain, an excellent source of great value reds. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2018Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 2nd, 2018 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Recommended winesInternational experts choose their top Spanish winesAmaya Cervera | December 19th, 2017 We have asked some leading wine experts from various countries around the world to reveal which Spanish wines have surprised them this year. They had total freedom to choose style, price and region and these are their answers. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 30th, 2017 Fizz dominates the last tastings of the year in our agenda which includes the most interesting wine events in Spain this month. |
Interview“Galicia is the Spanish Burgundy and has tremendous potential”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 28th, 2017 An interview with Paco Berciano and Maribé Revilla, the wine merchants behind El Alma de los Vinos Únicos and Vinoteca El Lagar in Burgos, who have been selling some iconic wines —both foreign and domestic— over more than 30 years. |
NewsNew campaign to bring wine back to the daily life of SpaniardsAmaya Cervera | November 17th, 2017 The first promotional drive to boost wine consumption in Spain has just been launched. Under the slogan “Pair life with wine”, the goal of this campaign, which is also advertised on TV, is to reintroduce wine into the daily routines of Spaniards. |
Sherry TriangleA complete Sherry guide: our best articles about the regionYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 7th, 2017 Spanish Wine Lover celebrates International Sherry Week with a compilation of archive feature pieces and guides about the wines from the Sherry Triangle, one of Spain’s lesser known liquid jewels. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 31st, 2017 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout the month with particular attention to International Sherry Week, which is being celebrated across the world during the second week of November. |
Recommended winesTen smart buys that reflect Rioja’s amazing diversityAmaya Cervera | October 18th, 2017 Rioja is arguably the most prestigious and mature wine producing region in Spain but its diversity of style never ceases to surprise. We reveal 10 great buys that caught our attention during our last trip to the area. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 1st, 2017 Spanish Wine Lover lists the most interesting activities for wine lovers held in Spain throughout October. |
InterviewSommelier Carlos Echapresto: “Rioja could be a victim of its own success”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 27th, 2017 A candid interview with award-winning sommelier Carlos Echapresto, co-owner with his brother Ignacio of Venta Moncalvillo (1* Michelin) in Rioja and a staunch defender of diversity and old Rioja wines. |
ExperiencesTop places in Spain to learn about wine in EnglishAnna Harris-Noble | September 12th, 2017 From informal and fun to professional WSET qualifications: SWL contributor and wine educator Anna Harris-Noble assembles a useful list of companies hosting tastings in English in some of Spain’s major cities. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 31st, 2017 The return after the summer holidays is marked by the early harvest dates across most of Spain’s wine producing areas and the harvest festivals held across the country this month, including Jerez and Rioja Alavesa. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2017 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
ExperiencesTen summer alternatives to traditional wine tastingsYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 19th, 2017 Spanish Wine Lover brings you ten alternative plans that combine fun wine activities with other experiences that go beyond the usual tour of the winery followed by a wine tasting. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 30th, 2017 Summer is already here and wine events tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music and wine intertwined with other events. |
Recommended winesThe increasing diversity of reds in PrioratAmaya Cervera | June 20th, 2017 After taking part in the latest edition of Espai Priorat, I bring you a wide selection of reds form the area reflecting the great diversity of styles. I also tasted some older bottles that hint at how these wines can develop with time. |
Recommended winesPriorat whites: a tiny but appealing categoryAmaya Cervera | June 6th, 2017 One of the highlights of Espai Priorat’s latest edition, a biannual event to introduce the area to foreign opinion leaders and wine buyers, was the vitality of the region’s white wines. A really small category, it boasts more diversity than initially |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 31st, 2017 Bubbles, unmissable tastings in Sanlúcar and a wine battle are some of the main events for wine enthusiasts throughout this month, but there are plenty more across Spain. Check them out in our monthly calendar! |
Recommended winesSherry Festival in San Sebastián: Our top 10 winesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 16th, 2017 San Sebastián, home to a handful of Michelin-starred restaurants, was the city chosen by Sherry’s Regulatory Council to promote its wines in Spain this year. We have picked a selection of ten wines in a range of styles and prices among the 200 on show |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 1st, 2017 Our monthly agenda with the most interesting tastings in Spain includes the Sherry Festival (San Sebastián), a tasting about Spain’s new winegrowers led by Amaya Cervera (Madrid) and El Alma de los Vinos Únicos (Burgos). |
Beyond wineSpanish craft beers, more than pale blondesJosé Carlos Román | April 19th, 2017 Beer is much more than Spain’s favourite drink to face the heat. As microbreweries start to become more mainstream, sommelier José Carlos Román recommends some of the leading producers and specialist addresses in the country. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 31st, 2017 Feria del Viñerón in Santiago, Vitus Vinifera in Barcelona, Fira del Vi in Falset or Off the Record, which this year moves to Madrid, set the tastings agenda for this month. |
RoutesSan Sebastian: top spots for wine and pintxosYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 21st, 2017 The most beautiful city in the Basque Country is also the pintxo capital of the world. Although finding top bites is not difficult, the same cannot be said of wine, so here is a list of the top addresses in town where wine matters as much as food. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 28th, 2017 Our monthly compilation of interesting activities for wine lovers includes several fairs across the country plus tastings in the usual locations plus a couple of new venues. |
InterviewThe Spanish chef that took the tapas movement to AmericaBill Ward | February 14th, 2017 José Andrés is the leading ambassador of Spanish gastronomy in the US. Our contributor Bill Ward talked to him about the interest of Spanish wine among Americans and its presence in his restaurants’ menus. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 31st, 2017 Wine events are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting tastings specially in El Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz with Cuatro Gatos Wine Fest and a historic tasting of López de Heredia wines in Santander. |
Recommended winesEight red wines under eight eurosAmaya Cervera | January 17th, 2017 After the usual seasonal excesses —we are sure many of you spared no expenses with your favourite wines— it’s time to tighten our belts. Fortunately, Spain offers many fabulous wines to drink smartly without breaking the bank. |
Beyond wineIt comes from Jerez but… it’s not sherry!François Monti | January 10th, 2017 The popularity of vermouth seems to be unstoppable. The introduction of new ingredients like sherry has brought extra dynamism onto the market and is helping to bring new flavours to consumers’ glasses, says our cocktail expert. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2017Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 2nd, 2017 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. |
Recommended winesFive top Riojas to enjoy this Christmas –plus a few affordable alternativesAmaya Cervera | December 20th, 2016 Rioja offers an overwhelming diversity of wines. That’s why it deserves a place of its own on any Spanish wine lover’s Christmas table. We present five stellar Rioja wines, plus some affordable alternatives to make the most of your budget. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 1st, 2016 The last wine tastings agenda of the year includes, as usual, the country’s most interesting events. A large number of them involve bubbly and take place in the first weeks of the month. |
Interview“You don’t need to be a good taster to be a good sommelier”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 29th, 2016 Few sommeliers in Spain manage to inspire so much respect from his peers as Josep Roca, one of the three brothers behind El Celler de Can Roca in Girona. In this interview, he talks about his 30 years in the business and the challenges in his profession. |
Wine & FoodIs Sherry the most versatile wine in the world?Sue Style | November 8th, 2016 To anyone who loves Sherry, it’s a constant source of bewilderment just how misunderstood this magnificent wine can be. Our contributor Sue Style tries to entice novice drinkers to this multi-faceted wine with a wide array of international pairings. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 1st, 2016 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout the month with particular attention to International Sherry Week, which is being celebrated across the world during the second week of November. |
RoutesDrinking smartly around Retiro park in MadridAnna Harris-Noble | October 25th, 2016 It may not be Madrid’s youngest or trendiest neighbourhood, but there are few areas that can challenge the streets around Ibiza metro to the East of the Retiro Park for wine and tapas bars. |
Wine & FoodWine and food pairing: is it an overrated practice?Amaya Cervera | October 14th, 2016 How can we bring wine and food pairing into our daily lives without being too prissy or complicating things too much? These are our thoughts after taking part in the Wine & Culinary conference held in Barcelona last Sunday. |
AgendaWine Tastings in October 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 1st, 2016 Spanish Wine Lover lists the most interesting activities for wine lovers held in Spain throughout October. |
Wine gadgetsDo you need a separate glass for each wine?Anna Harris-Noble | September 23rd, 2016 After attending a tasting led by glass manufacturer Georg Riedel in Madrid, our contributor Anna Harris-Noble decided to repeat the experience to try the same wine in different shaped glasses at home with her husband. |
RiojaHaro’s traditional producers champion blended winesAmaya Cervera | September 19th, 2016 The second Haro Station Wine Experience turned into a passionate defence of the art of blending wines thanks to a master class which revealed the secrets behind some of Rioja’s most iconic wines. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 1st, 2016 August is over and wine activities return to (almost) usual levels. Harvest Fiestas abound across the country this month, including Jerez and Rioja Alavesa. Nearby, the wineries in Haro’s legendary Barrio de la Estación en Haro hold a joint tasting. |
Recommended winesSpanish somms reveal their favourite summer winesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 5th, 2016 We have asked sommeliers based in different locations across Spain to recommend us some of their favorite wines for the summer. Styles and tastes vary, but most of them choose wines away from the beaten track. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2016 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with a bunch of festivals combining music and wine. |
RiojaA group of Rioja Alavesa producers apply for a new DOYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 21st, 2016 As half of Spain packs their suitcases to go on holiday, the Association of Rioja Alavesa Producers dropped the wine story of the summer with the announcement that it has officially requested the new appellation Arabako Mahastiak / Viñedos de Álava. |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 30th, 2016 Summer is here, but wine activities continue non-stop. Check our calendar of events throughout the country in July. |
ExperiencesTop wines and tables in MallorcaSue Style | June 21st, 2016 Until a few years ago, few people holidaying on Mallorca would have considered seeking out local wines, far less visiting wineries to get to know the people who work them. But now that’s all changing. |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 31st, 2016 Some unmissable tastings in Sanlúcar and a wine battle are some of the main events for wine enthusiasts throughout this month, but there are plenty more across Spain. Check them out in our monthly calendar! |
Interview“Spain should pay more attention to its vineyards”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 18th, 2016 The Wine Advocate taster who managed to turn his hobby into a profession talks at length to Spanish Wine Lover about the way his tastes have evolved, the bottles he stores in his cellar and his views about wine in Spain. |
AgendaWine tastings in May 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | May 2nd, 2016 Our monthly agenda with some of the most interesting tastings and wine events held across Spain for the general public. |
BarcelonaAlimentaria 2016: a four-day chronicleAmaya Cervera | May 1st, 2016 Alimentaria attracts huge crowds hence the numerous side wine events. In this edition, the tastings, parties and fiestas outside the Barcelona trade fair has un-doubtedly reached an all-time high. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 1st, 2016 The showroom Música del Vi and the Wine Tasting in Pairs competition at Vila Viniteca in Barcelona are two of the top activities for wine lovers this month. |
Beyond wineBreaking taboos with wine cocktailsFrançois Monti | March 22nd, 2016 Wine has always been mixed, says expert François Monti. Delving into history helps to better understand why the new trends consider it as another ingredient to be used by audacious bartenders. |
AgendaWine tastings in March 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 1st, 2016 Our monthly compilation of interesting activities for wine lovers includes several festivals across the country plus tastings in the usual locations and a couple of new venues. |
RoutesThe best places to drink wine in LogroñoYolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 24th, 2016 The capital of La Rioja boasts an impressive number of places to eat and drink, but we pick the best bars and restaurants to enjoy interesting wines. |
ExperiencesHow can architecture and design help wine?Amaya Cervera | February 16th, 2016 As wine tourism becomes more popular in Spain and the rest of the world, winery architecture and design play an increasingly important role to enhance the experience of making and enjoying wine. |
AgendaWine tastings in February 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 1st, 2016 Wine events are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting tastings specially in Haro with its Wine Carnival and El Puerto de Santa María in Cádiz, where Cuatro Gatos Wine Fest will take place. Come back to this page for further updates. |
Wine gadgetsChoosing the right wine glassAmaya Cervera | January 26th, 2016 Is there such a thing as the perfect wine glass? Probably not, but with an increasingly wide range of models and sizes, any wine lover can find the perfect glass match. It all depends on the budget. |
AgendaWine tastings in January 2016Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 2nd, 2016 We welcome the New Year with our monthly agenda of events for wine lovers in Spain. May 2016 be full of inspiring bottles and wine tastings! |
Recommended winesSpanish talent blends in with the world's winesAmaya Cervera | December 29th, 2015 Last week in Madrid, SWL attended a fun-filled tasting hosted by the Spanish Tasters Association (UEC) and conducted by Pedro Ballesteros MW featuring wines made abroad by Spanish winemakers and/or companies. |
Recommended winesSpain’s best somms reveal their top Christmas winesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 9th, 2015 Sommeliers in Spain are gaining ground thanks to the new wave of young professionals who know and understand the wine scene in the country. Some of the leading lights in the business tell us what they’ll be enjoying over Christmas. |
AgendaWine tastings in December 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 1st, 2015 Our monthly list with the most interesting activities for #winelovers held in Spain is back. Most of them take place in the first weeks of December and revolve around sweet and sparkling wines. |
Sherry TriangleThe essence of Pedro Romero lives in SanlúcarYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 17th, 2015 In the good old days it used to be the second largest bodega in Sanlúcar. A calamitous management concluded in tragedy for the Romero family and put an end to a glorious past which the new owners want to restore under the name Bodegas Alonso. |
AgendaWine tastings in November 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 2nd, 2015 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout the month with particular attention to International Sherry Week, which is being celebrated across the world during the first week of November. |
Wine & FoodSherry 101: An introduction to styles and pairingsYolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 25th, 2015 On the eve of Sherry Week, Spanish Wine Lover joins the celebrations with this introduction to Sherry wines, styles and how to best enjoy them with a meal. |
AgendaWine tastings in October 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 29th, 2015 Spanish Wine Lover lists the most interesting activities for #winelovers held in Spain throughout October. |
RiojaHaro’s Barrio de la Estación opens up to the worldYolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 22nd, 2015 Bringing together the seven wineries that make up Rioja’s most venerable wine district has not been easy, but the joint tasting held last week was a laudable initiative which highlights the area’s strong points in a crucial moment for the region. |
RoutesSantander for wine loversElisa Errea | September 17th, 2015 After writing about Australia and London, our contributor Elisa Errea was eager to write about the best places for wine lovers in her home town. |
Beyond wineOur favourite Wine Lover shots of the summerAmaya Cervera | September 3rd, 2015 As promised, we have selected three great shots that capture the essence of wine happiness from all the photographs sent by our readers throughout the summer. |
AgendaWine tastings in September 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 1st, 2015 August is over and wine activities return to (almost) usual levels. Harvest Fiestas abound across the country this month, including Jerez and Rioja Alavesa. Nearby, the wineries in Haro’s legendary Barrio de la Estación en Haro hold a joint event. |
AgendaWine tastings in August 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 1st, 2015 A summary of some of the most interesting activities for wine lovers in Spain throughout August, with special attention on the tastings calendar at sherry specialist Taberna der Guerrita in Sanlúcar de Barrameda. |
ExperiencesWine tourism with a twistYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 28th, 2015 We’re in the midst of summer and for many, it is time to go on holiday, hit the beach and relax. For those who shy away from the sand or for wine lovers with alternative concerns, some wineries have planned wine activities with a twist. |
ExperiencesThe long hard road to become a Master of WineYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 14th, 2015 They are just two letters of the alphabet, but together they become the key to throw open many wine doors to the 322 people who currently can call themselves Master of Wine (MW). |
Beyond wineSend us your best Wine Lover shots of the summerYolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 7th, 2015 Wine and summer are two words we love. We are pretty sure you readers share this feeling so we would like you to send as your best photos with these two ingredients. You are allowed to make us green with envy! |
AgendaWine tastings in July 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | July 1st, 2015 Summer is already here and wine events tend to be more fun-oriented with festivals focusing on music and wine intertwined with other events. |
Beyond wineSpanish olive oil rivals with wine in its diversityPilar Molestina | June 23rd, 2015 Spanish olive oil this past decade has turned into a foodie’s must. Pilar Molestina looks for clues and picks some favourite brands. |
RiojaThe rebirth of Rioja’s ancient cellarsYolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 9th, 2015 Built in the 16th and 17th centuries, the old Paternina underground cellars in Ollauri house an impressive collection of 250,000 bottles with wines dating back almost a century. Their new owners open the doors of this treasure-trove to Spanish Wine Lover |
AgendaWine tastings in June 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | June 1st, 2015 Bubbles, Rioja and wines from Galicia take centre stage this month, but there are many other wine events held across Spain. We list the most interesting ones in our monthly wine agenda. |
RoutesCatalonia’s Cap de Creus for wine loversMiquel Hudin | May 18th, 2015 Best known for its scenery, beaches and the artists who frequented the area, the recovery of the historic hill-terraced vineyards at Cap de Creus natural park offers a new appeal for wine lovers. |
Beyond wineWaiter, there's Tempranillo in my vermouthFrançois Monti | May 6th, 2015 Vermouth is back here to stay and with so much diversity of styles, we look into the new and almost endless possibilities of wine, its main ingredient. |
AgendaWine tastings and events in May 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 30th, 2015 The good weather means more outdoor fairs and events, but this month we also offer our readers a chance to improve their wine education with a WSET Level 1 course at The Wine Studio in Madrid. |
Interview“Instead of partying at the beach, I visit vineyards”Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 28th, 2015 Guillermo Cruz is 29 years old and knows exactly what he wants. He knows he is one of Spain’s trendiest sommeliers but he aims higher and plans to become the country’s first Master Sommelier. Until that day, he enjoys wine with great gusto. |
ExperiencesOrdering Spanish wine in SpainTommasella Perniciaro | April 10th, 2015 Spain offers a big advantage for wine lovers, compared to the rest of the world: you can taste some high-quality products at reasonable prices, but you’ll need a few tips to make a good choice. |
AgendaWine tastings in April 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | April 1st, 2015 One of the most interesting activities this month for winelovers is El Alma de los Vinos Únicos, with over 100 producers gathering in the northern city of Burgos. Spanish Wine Lover is giving away two tickets. Join us there! |
RoutesA taste of the Basque capitalYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 20th, 2015 It doesn’t have the beaches and Michelin-starred restaurants of San Sebastian or the international notoriety of Bilbao, but Vitoria is worth a detour for food and wine lovers. |
ExperiencesNosing around for victoryYolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 11th, 2015 The Wine Tasting in Pairs Competition organized by retailer Vila Viniteca is a highly awaited event for #winelovers. One of Spanish Wine Lover’s writers took part this year and explains the ins and outs of the contest. |
AgendaWine tastings for March 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | March 2nd, 2015 The vertical tasting of Viñedos del Contino to mark its 40th anniversary takes centre stage this month, but there are a good deal of interesting activities for #winelovers throughout Spain. |
Wine & FoodPairing cheese and Spanish whitesAmaya Cervera | February 20th, 2015 After taking part in a highly stimulating white Rioja wine and cheese tasting, we have asked expert Guillermina Sánchez Cerezo to suggest five perfect pairings Made in Spain. |
BarcelonaMonvínic – A different world of wineMiquel Hudin | February 12th, 2015 Since it opened its doors in 2008, this sleek bar in the centre of Barcelona has managed to attract every wine lover visiting the city with its huge wine selection and singular approach. |
AgendaWine tastings - February 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | February 2nd, 2015 Wine events are starting to pick up a in February, with some interesting tastings taking place in Madrid and Barcelona. Come back to this page for further updates. |
ExperiencesWeddings among barrelsYolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 20th, 2015 It might not be like Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt’s wedding at their Château Miraval in Provence, but getting married in a winery is within everybody’s reach. |
AgendaWine tastings for January 2015Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | January 2nd, 2015 We list the most interesting activities for #winelovers held in Spain throughout the first month of the year. |
GiftsUncorking 10 unusual wine presentsYolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 17th, 2014 Last week we published a list of ten wine-related objects of desire beyond the usual decanters and glasses. Today it’s the turn of 10 hedonistic experiences that will make great gifts ideas for winelovers. |
Wine gadgetsTen objects of desire for wine loversYolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 11th, 2014 To ease the hassle of buying Christmas gifts, we list a bunch of wine-related gadgets and hedonistic experiences in this two-part piece. |
AgendaWine tastings for December 2014Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | December 1st, 2014 We list the most interesting activities for #winelovers held in Spain throughout December. Most of them take place in the first weeks of the month with champagne taking centre stage. |
RoutesTop sherry wineries and tapas in El Puerto and SanlúcarYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 27th, 2014 In this last piece about the Sherry Triangle, we visit the best wineries in the towns of El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda and little great bars to enjoy the area’s local gastronomy and wines. |
RoutesBodegas and tapas welcome visitors to JerezYolanda Ortiz de Arri | November 20th, 2014 Thanks to their aging process, wines made in the cities of Jerez, El Puerto and Sanlúcar are unique in the world. In this two-part series, we review the best wineries, bars and eateries in the Sherry Triangle. This first piece covers the city of Jerez. |
Wine gadgetsCoravin or how to enjoy wine without uncorking the bottleAmaya Cervera | November 6th, 2014 Yesterday Coravin was officially launched in Spain. This gadget has allowed wine geeks to make their dreams come true by allowing to extend the life of their most beloved bottles without worrying about oxidation. |
AgendaWine tastings for November 2014Amaya Cervera | November 1st, 2014 Are you a wine lover who is visiting Spain? If so, you’ve come to the right website! We have compiled some of the most interesting events scheduled for November in Spain. Check the details. |
CollectingAn online site to purchase old Spanish winesAmaya Cervera | October 16th, 2014 A specialized online retailer with a great selection of Riojas and other legendary brands like Vega Sicilia, Vino Vintage Santander is a paradise for fans of old Spanish wines. |
HarvestOne day picking grapes in RiojaYolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 14th, 2014 The smell of must permeates the surroundings of Luis Cañas, where there is a real buzz of activity. Spanish Wine Lover spends a day with its workers in the vineyard and at the winery to experience the hard work behind a bottle of wine. |
CollectingIn search of old Riojas (and III)Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | October 9th, 2014 Despite the widespread lack of interest in old wines, there are a few restaurants in Spain that pride themselves on stocking the classics. In the last of this three-part series, we take a closer look at the leading ones beyond the Basque Country. |
AgendaWine tastings for October 2014 SpainAmaya Cervera | October 1st, 2014 Are you a wine lover visiting Spain? If so, you’ve come to the right website! We have compiled some of the most interesting events, such as the Wine Sessions in San Sebastián and Peñín’s annual tasting in Madrid. Check the details. |
CollectingIn search of old Riojas (II)Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 23rd, 2014 The Basque Country has more old Rioja aficionados than anywhere else in Spain. In the second of this three-part series, we highlight some of the best restaurants in the region to enjoy great classic vintages. |
HarvestGrape picking fun across SpainYolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 17th, 2014 September and October are the best months of the year to visit the vineyards where wine is made. For those who want to be winemakers for one day, these are some of the most interesting opportunities across Spain to take part in the harvest. |
CollectingIn search of old Riojas (I)Yolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 4th, 2014 SWL presents a three-part series to understand the renewed excitement around these wines. This first piece includes experts' thoughts about storage and availability of old Riojas in Spain. The following articles list some of the best restaurants in Spain |
HarvestSend us your picturesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | September 2nd, 2014 Harvests in Spain take many forms and shapes - as many as the variety of landscapes, wineries and vineyards found across the country. Will you get the chance to have a look or even take part in one of them? |
RiojaVivanco, the wine museum you must visitAmaya Cervera | August 22nd, 2014 It clearly exceeds expectations thanks to its size, the variety of pieces on display and its ability to surprise. Located in Briones, it has become a major international tourist destination. |
RoutesCathedrals and other tapas templesYolanda Ortiz de Arri | August 19th, 2014 This route follows the path of three major Gothic cathedrals (Burgos, Toledo and León) and their surrounding areas full of bars and restuarants. Three people who know their cities well recommend their favourite spots to eat and drink. |