Priorat takes on the limelight on the first weekend of May with a multitude of interesting events to promote wine culture. Worthy of note are Falset's Fira del Vi and Tast amb Llops, two events which are becoming popular among international wine lovers. The usual stores and restaurants, those that organize wine tastings month after month, are also featured in our agenda. Don’t forget to come back to this page for updates.

1 May. Several producers from Gipuzkoa and seven vignerons (plus a cooperative) from Rioja Alavesa —Ruiz de Viñaspre, Muro, Loli Casado, Mitarte, Hermanos Frías del Val, Laukote, Ostatu and Solagüen— take part today in Ardo Eguna (Wine Day) in Zarautz with wine tastings paired with pintxos. Time: 11:30 - 15:00 Price: €2 each drink.

2 May. As part of her Winetime tastings, WSET tutor Jeni Wilson from Vinclass hosts a tasting of wines made from Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon. The event will be held at La Pícara in Aranda de Duero (Santa María, 2). Time: 20:30 Price: €20 Bookings on +34 947 559616

3 May. Félix Crespo (Barco del Corneta), and Manuel Cantalapiedra (Isaac Cantalapiedra Viticultor), runners-up in the Vila Viniteca tasting in pairs competition, repeat experience in Majuelos Singulares in Valladolid (San Ignacio, 9), although this time they will be the jury. They have selected seven wines and participants will have to guess country, region of origin, appellation, variety, vintage, maker and brand. There will be a prize for the winner. Time: 20:30 Price: €20 Further information on +34 983 370974

3 May. Restaurant Vivanco in Briones (La Rioja) presents Stars Among Vineyards, in which three chefs will reinterpret some of their most famous dishes by adding wine to their menus. This month is the turn of Maca de Castro, chef and owner of the eponymous restaurant who will bring to Rioja her Mediterranean flavours in a dinner called Huerto y Puerto (Orchard and Port). Time: 21:00 Price: €68 Further information on +34 941 32 23 40

3-5 May. Villages in Priorat have organized a wealth of wine activities this weekend. The first event takes place at the old bodega Cal Porrera (16:30/€18) and is called Organic Soirée, a tasting of organic, natural and biodynamic wines from Priorat and the south of Catalonia. Later on, at 19:00, a tasting of white wines from 40 producers based on DOQ Priorat and DO Montsant will be held at Falset’s Castle (€25), followed by a festival of Cariñena wines from Porrera (€50) and the Nit de les Garnatxes (€35), at Celler de Capçanes. The main events of the weekend is Tast amp Llops (€50) at Plaza de Dalt in Gratallops with 14 local bodegas such as Álvaro Palacios, Clos Figueras, Fredi Torres, Clos Mogador, Clos i Terrasses or Sara i René Viticultors and guest producers like La del Terreno (Bullas), Vinifícate (Cádiz) o Colet (Penedès), among others and Fira del Vi de Falset, with guided tastings, concerts, dinners with producers, musical aperitifs, food trucks and even a kids area. On Sunday, the Mines Museum in Bellmunt del Priorat hosts Tast de les Mines (€20) with a dozen producers from the village pouring their wines.

3-5 May.  As a preview of Falset’s Wine Fair, restaurant El Celler de L’Aspic (Miquel Barceló 31) in Falset (Tarragona) presents a bunch of tastings and dinners with producers such as Ficaria Vins (3 May), L’Infernal (4 May), Celler Cal Plà (5 May) and Meritxell Pallejà. Time: 13:30 and 20:30. Information and bookings on +34 977 831 246

3-5 May. The Feira do Viño do Ribeiro celebrates its 56th edition in Ribadavia with a programme including sports activities, wine & cooking workshops, a tasting in pairs competition hosted by sommelier Guillermo Cruz as well as live music, among other activities. At the stands, visitors can taste wines made by some of the 40 bodegas and colleiteiros such as Casal de Armán, Iria Otero, Pousadoiro, Viña Costeira, Son de Arrieiro, Eloi Lorenzo or Ramón do Casar, among others.

4 May - 2 June. Cava producers celebrate the arrival of spring opening the doors of eight cellars. For four weeks, they will host a range of wine tourism activities for people of all ages. Agustí Torelló Mata, Covides, Giró Ribot, Juvé & Camps, Segura Viudas, Sumarroca, Vilarnau and Vins el Cep organize a spring festival with promenades along the vineyards, tours with electrical bikes or helicopter, tastings, breakfasts and children’s activities.. Prices vary depending on the activity.

4-26 May. “Patios de Bodega” links the celebration of the festivities around the  Patios in Córdoba with the bodegas and lagares of Montilla, that will open their “patios”, decorated for the occasion with winemaking and grape growing decorations and will offer special visits during weekends. Access is free from Monday to Sunday between 10:30 – 13:30. Special "Patios de Bodega" passes on weekends that include a guided tour and a tasting of two wines (€5). Participating bodegas are Bodegas Alvear, Bodegas Cruz Conde, Bodegas Robles and Bodegas Pérez Barquero.

5 May. The Fifth Natural Wine Fair in Madrid takes place today at Complejo La Cigüeña (Ctra. Puente de Arganda a Chinchón km. 2.5) with wine tastings, barbecue, music and fresh air and the presence of 30 bodegas and 120 wines from various regions across Spain. Access via Uunderground (Rivas Vaciamadrid L9) and Minibus throughout the day. Time: 10:00 - 20:00 Price: €10

6 May. Wine store El Buen Gusto Vino in Valladolid (Manuel Silvela, 2) hosts a White Wine Day with a vertical tasting of Ossian Capitel led by sommelier Guillermo Cruz (17:00-18:00). Afterwards, attendants will be able to taste white wines from some leading producers in Spain such as Remelluri Blanco, Mauro Godello, Pazo Señorans Selección de Añada, Belondrade y Lurton, Emilio Moro, Nieva Pie Franco, Viognier Prieto Pariente o Predicador Blanco, among others. Further information on +34 983 377 199

7 May. Pablo Calatayud, founder and co-owner of Celler del Roure, presents today at Umami Gijón (Avda. Rufo Rendueles, 8) a tasting of the wines he makes at his DO Valencia winery with old recovered tinajas from the 17th century. The wines that will be tasted are: Safrá 2017, Les Prunes 2017, Cullerot 2017, Parotet 2017, Les alcusses 2015 and Maduresa 2017 Time: 20:00 Price: €18

8 and 10 May. Bodega Ramón Bilbao hosts in Madrid the anniversary of Mirto, their top wine, with a tasting of two vintages of Mirto (one will be an early vintage), a snack at the end and a courtesy bottle of Ramón Bilbao Edición Limitada. Participants will also be able to take home a second bottle, in this case an engraved bottle of Mirto, signed by Rodolfo Bastida, director of Bodegas Ramón Bilbao. Location: Espacio Príncipe, Príncipe de Vergara 9, 5º dcha. Check link for opening times. Price: €15 and €49

9 May. Jimena Cristo, at Colour Wines, presents at store TomeVinos Barrio Salamanca in Madrid (Ortega y Gasset, 61) a tasting of wines made mostly with five native Spanish varieties: Treixadura, Mencía, Callet, Fogoneu and Tempranillo sourced from various wine regions. The wines are: Antonio Montero Autor 2018 (DO Ribeiro, Treixadura, Torrontés, Loureira, Albariño), Bodegas Frontaura Rosé 2018, Edición Limitada (Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León, Tempranillo, Syrah, Verdejo), Bodegas Dominio de Tares Baltos 2016, (DO Bierzo, Mencía) and Bodega Ánima Negra AN/2 2016 (Vino de la Tierra de Mallorca, Callet, Fogoneu, Cabernet Sauvignon). Time: 20:00 Price: €20 Bookings on +34 602 472 197

9-19 May. The Binissalem appellation hosts Wine Days Mallorca across several towns and the presence of the wineries of the region. There will be tastings, food, winery tours, cultural activities, a nordic walk and music. Additionally on May 9, a Wine Days Party will be held at the Cloister of Sant Francesc where participants will be able to taste wines from the area paired with tapas prepared by local chefs. Time:: 18:30-22:00 Price: €5 and €3 € each tapa. Check prices and times for other activities.

10 May. Wine store Vinosfera in Vitoria (Rafael Alberti, 24) presents a tasting of Spanish reds from the 2016 vintage that will finish with some Ibérico ham and Idiazabal cheese. Time: 19:00-21:00 Price: €20

11 May. The village of Villabuena, in Rioja Alavesa, presents Villabuena Wine Tour, an initiative that has received the Best Of Wine Tourism award and invites guests to visit some of the wineries in the village. Participants will be able to choose among four different routes in the following bodegas: Luis Cañas, Barronte, Maestresala; Berarte, Araico, Izadi; Frías del Val, Valserrano, Cándido Besa and lastly, Bikain, Molina Pérez, Beltxuri. Each of the routes ends with a tasting of one wine at Hotel Viura. Price: €23

11, 18 y 25 May. As part of its tasting programme with producers, Garage Bar, the bar managed by Vella Terra wine fair, presents the following producers from Penedès at its premises in Barcelona (Calabria, 75): Celler Tiques (111th), Clot de les Soleres (18th) and Celler Finca Parera (25th). Time: 12:30 -13:30 After the tasting there will be an aperitif. The tasting is free but it is necessary to book at info@garagebar.cat or by calling +34 930152799

13 May. The Unión Española de Catadores (Lope de Vega, 27) in Madrid presents a tasting of Gran Reserva wines, a style that is increasingly gaining followers as classic terminology moves onto a secondary stage in Spanish wine legislation. Among the wines on show are 904 de La Rioja Alta, Prado Enea de Bodegas Muga, Jaume de Codorniu as well as bottling from Arzuaga, Protos, Estancia Piedra, Jean Leon, Ochoa or Valserrano Gran Reserva white. Time: 19:00 Price: €35 (Members €20).

13 May. Wines from the appellations Arlanza and Tierra del Vino de Zamora present today the first A to Z Wine Tasting in Valencia. The event, organized by Calduch Comunicación, will take place today at Hotel SH Valencia Palace (Pº de la Alameda, 32). Time: 17:00 to 22:00. Additionally on May 20 there will be a tasting of Rosé Wines at Hotel InterContinental in Madrid (17:00-21:00). Contact the organizers through their website to attend any of these events.

15 May. Sommelier Aratz Mendieta will be at Vila Viniteca in Barcelona (Agullers, 7) to present a  vertical tasting of Allende Blanco, one of the wines made by Miguel Ángel de Gregorio in Rioja. The following wines will be tasted: Allende Blanco 2015, 2014, 2013, 2012, 2010 (standard bottle and magnum) and a few more vintages. Time: 20:30 Price: €45

16 May. Barcelona Wine Experiences hosts a tasting of wines from Portugal in English with six wines from various areas in the country. Location: Bodega Maestrazgo in Barcelona (Sant Pere més Baix, 90). Time: 19:00 Price: €30

16 May. Fernando Mora MW presents at La Alacena de Aragón in Zaragoza (Don Jaime I, 38) a tasting of some of the wines he makes under the brands Frontonio and Arom: Telescópico blanco, Telescópico Garnacha, Telescópico Cariñena, As Ladieras and Las Alas de Frontonio. The tasting will finish with a few local bites. Time: 20:15 Price: €20 Booking only in the store.

17 May. Los Amigos de la Vid y el Vino in Alcobendas have invited wine grower Esteban Celemín to present the wines he makes in Zamora, his region, with a good representation of white wines (A Horquilla, Las Avutardas, Señora Vale, Verdaja le dicen…) and reds (Melquiades, Últimas Huellas…), plus the odd surprise. The event will conclude with a few bites to eat. Time: 19:00 Place: C/ Francisco Largo Caballero, 44 (Agrupación PSOE, Alcobendas) Price: Members €20; non-members €25

18 May. The Rioja village of San Vicente de la Sonsierra hosts an event with guided walks, a tasting of wines in the village’s castle and the presence of eight producers (Carlos Moro, Ramírez de la Piscina, Viña Ane, Teodoro Ruiz Monge, Hacienda López de Haro, Castillo de Mendoza, J. Ramírez and El Vino Pródigo). Participants will be able to chat to the producers and visto the walled village. Time: 12:00 to 15:00 and 18:00 to 20:00. Glass and six tasting tickets: €12 The rest of activities are free.

18 May. Not too far, in Miranda de Ebro, there will be the first edition of Miranda Wine Festival, with the aim of promoting responsible wine consumption and turning this town, located in between Burgos, Rioja and the Basque Country, into a reference point for wine and music events. In addition to free concerts (The Limboos, Dr Risi, The Offbeat Roots, Little Niño and Coro Los Veteranos), there will be tastings (€25 each) at the city's Casino with Juan Carlos Sancha (international Garnachas) and Jesús Madrazo (single varietal reds). Among the bodegas participating in the event are Grupo Artevino (Izadi, Villacreces, Vetus, Orben), Puelles, Tarón and Pretium (DOCa Rioja), Territorio Luthier and Neo (Ribera del Duero) or the Consejo Regulador de Málaga and Sierras de Málaga. Location: Parque Antonio Machado and Calle de la Estación. Time: 12:30 - 23:00 Glass + 3 tastings: €5

18 May. Instead of a standard tasting, Lavinia has organised a day trip to Dominio del Pidio in Ribera del Duero to visit the complex of 16th century underground cellars that the Aragon brothers have recovered and restored in the village of Quintana del Pidio. The trip includes transfers from Madrid and a visit and lunch at the winery with Castilian products and wines from Dominio del Pidio. Time: 09:00-19:00 Price: €145

20 May. The Verema Experience will be held today at the Car Museum in Málaga (Avenida Sor Teresa Prat, 15) with over 40 producers and appellations offering their wines and a tasting of wines by DO Cigales. Time: 12:00-21:00 Price: €5

21 May. The Sommelier Association in Navarra has invited Juan Manuel Hidalgo (Bodegas Emilio Hidalgo) to present the wines that this family producer makes since 1874. The event will end with a dinner paired with wines from Jerez. Time: 20:00 Place: Hotel Don Carlos in Pamplona. To sign up, send an email to actividades@sumilleresdenavarra.com before May 17. Price: €80 (members €50).

22 May. Restaurant Pura Cepa in Murcia (Calle San José, 3) organizes a tasting-dinner with Bodega Hydria, a family producer in the western part of DO Bullas, at an elevation of more than 800 metres. The vineyard is over 40 years of age and is planted to Monastrell and Tempranillo in the valley nestled between Lavia, Puntalico and el Cabezo del Jinete mountain ranges. Time: 21:00 Price: €30 Bookings on +34 968 217 397 

24 May. Wine store Sorbo in Ponferrada (Calle Ancha, 19) hosts a tasting of Bodegas Godelia wines with a chance to try their sparkling Godello, three still wines and their sweet Mencía wine: Brut Reserva Espumoso, Godello 2017, Viernes 2018, Mencía 2015, Libamus Dulce Natural 2012. Time: 21:00 Price: €10 Further information at sorbovino@gmail.com or by calling +34 650765644

27 May. Mostrador de Vila Viniteca in Madrid General Díaz Porlier, 45) presents a tasting of unconventional white wines from Spain: skin contact, amphora-fermented wines, wines under flor and other made with forgotten grape varieties. The wines are: A Pita Cega Blanco 2014, Artífice Listán Blanco Llanito Perera 2016, Ca N'Estruc BI muscat 2017, Còsmic Valentia Samsó Blanc 2017, Eulogio Pomares Albariño Maceración con Pieles 2017, Javi Revert Clausus 2016, Muchada-Léclapart Lumière 2017, Selma de Nin Blanc 2016 and Sicus Malvasia Àmfora 2017. Time: 20:00 Price: €49

30 May. Enoteca Barolo in Madrid (Príncipe de Vergara, 211) presents a tasting of Rhône whites with some of the most famous names of this French region: the very rare Chateau Rayas 2007 will be accompanied by  the legendary Domaine Jean-Louis Chave Hermitage 2002 and other greats such as Chapoutier De L´Oree Hermitage 2013, Beaucastel 2011 (Châteauneuf du Pape) and Cuilleron Vertige 2014 (Condrieu). Time: 20:30 Price: €85 

30 May. Fintan Kerr, behind the blog Wine Cuentista, presents this month in Barcelona (Carrer San Pere Mes Baix, 92) a European Spring tasting (in English) with six wines: Künstler Hölle Riesling Kabinett 2017, Szepsy Furmint 2015, Schloss Gobelsburg Renner Gruner Veltliner 2016, Occhipinti Rosso Arcaico 2018, Domaine Combier Cuvee L 2017 and Pradio Tinto 2014. Time: 19:00- 21:30 Price: €30 Inscriptions via email: fintankerr@winecuentista.com

30 May. Outlook Wine hosts its tenth anniversary with an event at Hotel Catalonia Barcelona Plaza (Plaza Espanya, 6-8) in Barcelona.  There will be a round table about the professionalization and education in the wine trade with participants such as Sarah Jane Evans MW, Norrel Robertson MW, Fernando Mora MW, Jorge Navascués, Mireia Torres Maczassek, Antonio Palacios, Ferran Centelles, Dr. Josep de Haro, Montse Alonso, Fernando Martínez de Toda, Joseph Hallam and David Molina, founder of Outlook Wine. Those willing to test their knowledge can take part in the Win-Tasting, which consists of a written test and a blind tasting followed by an awards ceremony and a tasting for all participants. Time: 15:30 - 21:30

30 May. Wine specialist Monvinic in Barcelona (Diputació, 249) presents an introduction to the wines of Austria directed by César Cánovas with the following wines: Johannes Zillinger Wien Riesling Velue 2018, Johannes Zillinger Wien Revolution Pet Nat, Sepp Muster Steiermark Sauvignon Blanc 2012, Sepp Muster Steiermark Morillon 2011, Meinklang Neusiedlersee Konkret Weiss 2015, Klaus Preisinger Burgenland Puszta Libre 2018, Judith Beck Burgenland Bläufrankisch 2016, Franz Hirtzberger Wachau Riesling Federspiel Steinterrassen 2014, Leo Alzinger Wachau Grüner Veltliner Federspiel Mühlpoint 2017, Josef Jamek Wachau Grüner Veltliner Smaragd Ried Achleiten 2014, Feiler-Artinger Neusidlersee-Hügelland Beerenauslese 2014 and Ernst Triebauner Neusiedlersee-Hügelland Ruster Ausbruch 2007. Time: 20:00 Price: €65

30 May. Dani Corman, owner of wine store Essencia in San Sebastián (General Echagüe, 2), has invited expert Jordi Melendo to present a tasting of champagnes Deutz, featuring the following brands: Deutz Brut Classic, Deutz Brut Rosé, William Deutz Brut Milléssime 2006, Amour de Deutz Brut Millésime 2007 and another vintage champagne that will be a surprise. There will be a few bites to eat after the tasting. Time: 19:15 Price: €60 Bookings on +34 667982506

31 May. Tasting school Vinaliti in Málaga celebrates the return to its first headquarters (Cortina del Muelle, 7) with a tasting led by Victoria Ordóñez where she will present the wines she makes in Montes de Málaga: Martí-Aguilar, Monticara and Voladeros, among others. Further information on +34 952 218 906

31 May. Restaurant Entrevins in Valencia (Paz, 7) presents a tasting of wines from Galicia with the following selections: Algueira 2015 Serradelo, Algueira 2013 Merenzao, Algueira 2015 Fincas and Guímaro 2017 Finca Pombeiras. Each wine will be paired with a tapa. Time: 21:00 Price: €48

Do you know of any interesting wine events which are not on this list? Are you a restaurateur or retailer organising tastings or wine events for the general public? Send us your calendar before the end of the previous month to yolanda@spanishwinelover.com